Suzuki GSX-8S

Compared to the old Suzuki GSX-S750, which looks bulky, the new Suzuki GSX-8S has an athletic design with sharp-looking body panels and elements, giving it an aggressive look from every angle. However, the overall design, especially the front profile, is quite polarizing, which might not appeal to everyone. However, this edgy-looking design language makes the Suzuki GSX-8S noticeable on the road.

At the front, the Suzuki GSX-8S has a dual projector headlamps setup, with the projectors sitting within hexagonal housings arranged vertically, one over the other. This entire vertical headlamp setup is flanked by edgy-looking panels on both of sides, with LED turn indicators placed on the upper edges of the cowl. The front fender also looks sharp with hollows within it for additional assistance in aerodynamics.

The fuel tank of the motorcycle also has a beefy and contoured design, with a dual-tone design distinguishing the layers of the tank. To make it look larger, there are pointy side extensions placed on the lower edges of the fuel tank, below which there are vertical radiator covers with vents in them for radiator cooling. The black-coated engine here is exposed in its full glory, and so are the underbody twin exhaust pipes.

The tail section of the Suzuki GSX-8S looks wide yet pointy, with an exposed trellis sub-frame below the rider’s seat and cowls beside the pillion seat rising upwards in a pointy manner. The pillion seat is placed at a tilted angle, which can be uncomfortable for pillion riders over longer journeys. The tail section ends up with a long rear fender, on which the LED tail lamp and LED turn indicators are mounted.

Compared to the Suzuki GSX-S750, the new Suzuki GSX-8S gets a modern 5-inch full-TFT instrument console, which looks new-age and packs in all the necessary information while on the go, while coming with dual display modes different for night and day conditions. However, unlike most of the modern units, it misses out on Bluetooth connectivity. Also on offer are new-generation switches on either side of the handlebar.

Suzuki has also introduced new mechanical components on the GSX-8S, including new setups for the suspension, brakes and tyres. The new Suzuki GSX-8S rides on 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tubeless tyres, while coming with a suspension setup of inverted telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear. With dual 310mm discs at the front and a single 240mm disc at the rear, the Suzuki GSX-8S also comes with Nissin radial-mounted 4-piston brake callipers with dual, floating brake rotors at the front.

Powering the new Suzuki GSX-8S is a whole-new four-stroke, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, 776cc engine, which is larger than the inline-four 750cc engine of the old Suzuki GSX-S750. This new-generation engine is paired with a 6-speed transmission and generates 83.8 PS of maximum power and 79 Nm of maximum torque. For a parallel-twin engine, the refinement levels of this 776cc engine of the Suzuki GSX-8S are highly impressive and are believed to last long, showcasing Suzuki’s commitment to making reliable engines.

The Suzuki GSX-8S might not be a benchmark in the safety equipment aspect, but it gets a decent number of riding aids like dual-channel ABS, Suzuki Drive Mode Selector with three riding modes – Active, Basic and Comfort, bi-directional quick-shifter, low RPM assist and three-level traction control.

The Suzuki GSX-8S is slightly inclined towards comfort rather than outright aggressive ride and handling balance, with a comfort-tuned suspension setup and punch mid-range for making city rides easy and comfortable. However, at the same time, it has a sporty demeanour in its styling and power delivery, which can be thrilling to ride at higher RPMs due to the smooth power delivery.