Suzuki GSX-8S

Suzuki has adopted an all-new design language for the new GSX-8S, which makes it look extremely bold and aggressive. Taking inspiration from the extrovert look of the flagship GSX-S1000, the new Suzuki GSX-8S looks edgy and futuristic, though this extreme design language is subjective, and some might not find it too beautiful to look at.

The front profile of the Suzuki GSX-8S is where much of the debate lies, with the motorcycle getting a sharply raked cowl which accommodates twin LED projector setups that are aligned vertically. The side panels of the front cowl flanking the headlamp come integrated with slim daytime LED lights. The absence of a proper windscreen above the headlamp and in front of the instrument console results in a lack of wind protection at higher speeds. The upper edges of the headlamp of the Suzuki GSX-8S come fixed with slim LED turn indicators.

Coming to the side profile of the Suzuki GSX-8S, the motorcycle looks brawny and eye-catching, thanks to the muscular fuel tank. It looks huge and also comes with large-sized tank extensions towards the front that extend towards the sides of the headlamp. Beneath the fuel tank sits the large twin-cylinder engine, which is finished in a theme of all-black, with the motorcycle also getting a stubby underbelly exhaust pipe that makes it look even more aggressive.

While moving towards the rear, the Suzuki GSX-8S showcases its exposed trellis sub-frame beneath the rider’s seat. The pointy and long tail section makes the motorcycle look sharp and minimalist at the back, as the LED tail lamp and LED turn indicators are placed on the long, extended rear fender. The Suzuki GSX-8S also gets a large full-TFT instrument console which has tapered edges on all four corners. Along with essential data like engine speed, vehicle speed, fuel level, odometer, trip meters and gear position indicator, this console also reads out live ride data and selected modes of electronic riding aids on offer in the motorcycle.

Sitting on an all-new tubular trellis frame, the Suzuki GSX-8S gets a modern suspension combination, comprising inverted telescopic forks at the front and an adjustable mono-shock with a rectangular swingarm at the back. The 17-inch alloy wheels of the Suzuki GSX-8S come wrapped with a 120/70 ZR17 tyre at the front and a 180/55 ZR17 tyre at the rear, much like most of the other middleweight sports bikes in the world. A setup of twin disc brakes at the front and a single disc brake at the rear take care of halting duties.

Suzuki debuted an all-new four-stroke, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, 776cc engine with the GSX-8S, which has now become the heart of other global Suzuki motorcycles like the GSX-8R and V-Strom 800. This engine might be less refined and low-revving compared to the inline-four 749cc engine of the old GSX-S750. However, on its own, this parallel-twin engine is still impressively refined and produces 83.5 PS of maximum power and 78 Nm of maximum torque, while being paired with a 6-speed transmission.

Along with a dual-channel ABS, the Suzuki GSX-8S also comes equipped with three riding modes, traction control, ride-by-wire, bi-directional quick-shifter and low RPM assist.

The styling of the Suzuki GSX-8S might not be to everyone’s liking. However, once the subjective design language is kept aside, the Suzuki GSX-8S comes across as a well-engineered motorcycle, which feels great to ride with its refined and powerful engine and well-sorted riding dynamics with comfortable suspension setup and great brakes and tyres on offer.