Today, Suzuki launched two new semi-retro motorcycles called the New Suzuki GSX-8T and the GSX-8TT, both of which look really quite cool, in my opinion. And so in this post, we’ll go through everything that you need to know about them.
Engine and Performance
Now, both bikes are built upon the same 800 parallel twin platform, as a lot of Suzuki’s recent bikes, like the GSX-8S Naked, the GSX-8R sports bike, and of course, the V-Strom 800 adventure bike lineup.
As such, you get the same 776cc parallel twin, which makes about 82 horsepower peak at 8,500 rpm and 78 newton meters of peak torque at 6,800.
For me, it’s a really pleasant engine to ride. It’s not gonna, you know, blow your mind in terms of performance, but it’s really smooth in terms of the vibes.
It’s got a nice smooth delivery in terms of the throttle, and also you’ve got a fairly pleasing note at the exhaust with that 270-degree crank. Really, with retro bikes, I think a lot of people want a decent amount of low-end pull, and that’s exactly what you get from this twin.
Fuel Tank and Mileage
It’s nice and strong in the sort of low revs, but also pulls quite well through the mid-range, and so there’s no real need to rev the nuts off it. A bike like this should be a good all-rounder, and so this versatile twin should suit it down to the ground.
And really, the only minor difference between this and something like the GSX-8S Naked is the tank. They’ve changed the shape for the visual redesign, which we’ll get onto in a bit more detail later. But a positive side effect is that instead of the 14 liters of the 8S, you now get 16 and a half liters.
If you compare the rest of the spec sheet for this bike with the GSX-8S, you do in fact get very similar dimensions, if not identical. And so I think it’s fair to assume that it uses pretty much the exact same chassis.
That means there’s a steel frame and steel subframe, an aluminum swingarm, and all of this is suspended on KYB suspension with an upside-down fork up front and a mono shock at the rear.
GSX-8T Braking System
As with the GSX-8S, the fork will be non-adjustable, while there’s just preload adjustability on the shock to compensate for carrying a passenger or not.
In terms of the braking, well, there’s a pair of four-piston radially-mounted Nissin calipers up front, and they’re on fairly big 310-mil discs.
Wheels are cast aluminum, 17 inches both front and rear. And from the looks of the pics, I think you’re getting the same Dunlop SportsSmart tires as the 8S.
And in total, the whole lot comes in at 201 kilograms kerb for the T version, whereas the half-fed TT, as you’d expect with the extra hardware to it, comes in at 203 kilograms.
New GSX-8T Smart Features
Perhaps some traditional analog clocks would be more fitting for bikes that take some of their inspiration from the ’60s and ’70s, like the T500 and the GS1000 that they specifically call out in the press release.
But I guess for the sake of manufacturing efficiency, and also to bring in some of the more modern conveniences, they’ve stuck with the same color TFT dash as the rest of the bikes on this platform.
Through this, you can choose between three power modes. So there’s A, B, and C with varying levels of response from the throttle.
Then you’ve got three levels of traction control, as well as the ability to fully shut it off. And you do have a few other nice well-thought-out features, like a standard-fit quick shifter, a USB-C charging socket, and also their easy start and low RPM assist features.
One thing you don’t get with this TFT dash is any connectivity features. There’s no navigation, there’s no calls, there’s no media playback. But to be honest, sometimes the built-in stuff can be a bit buggy.
Seat and Design
Now, onto the ergonomics on this bike. And while Suzuki claimed that the bike has wide-tapered bars for a comfortable riding position, I think it’s probably almost the exact same riding position as the GSX-8S. It’s a versatile riding position and one that I think is all-day comfortable.
There is a little bit of a functional twist though, like the tuck and roll style seat on the GSX-8T, which does sit five millimeters taller overall at 815 mil. But they also said they’ve made it lower now at the front.
Whereas the 8TT being a bit more sporty is flatter, which gives it a profile that they say is more reminiscent of a race bike seat. That one comes in a little lower at 810 mil.
Pillion space isn’t the worst I’d say for this category of bike. The big appeal of these two will of course be the styling with some nice details that give them a bit more of a heritage-inspired appearance than the modern GSX-8S. The 8T takes more of its looks from the naked bikes in Suzuki’s history like the T500.
It’s not a deep retro like a Bonneville or an Interceptor 650, but more so a body kit on a modern naked bike like Yamaha’s XSR700 versus the MT-07.
The TT has the half-fairing which takes some of its shape from bikes like the GS1000. It’s matched with the belly pan down low.
There are some more sporty finishes with the graphics on the tank and the fairing. This one comes in black with red wheels or a deep British racing style green with gold wheels.
Price details
As is more often than not the case with retros, you’re gonna have to pay a little more versus the sort of modern naked equivalent just for the extra finish and detail. The GSX-8T is priced at 9,599 pounds and the GSX-8TT at 9,999 pounds.
They’ve got it listed on their website at the moment with an 800 pounds dealer contribution. So it realistically comes in about seven and a half. You’re looking at two to two and a half grand more for either of these two bikes.
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Conclusion
Bikes apparently will be in dealers within weeks and you get their three-year warranty as standard along with their extended seven-year warranty if you do follow the service plan. I don’t think it’s going to be the most authentic retro riding experience, but if you want something with modern handling and performance and slightly more heritage-inspired looks, these might hit the mark.