Following on from the positively received GSX-8S and DL800 range in the past year, Suzuki has announced the hot-looking GSX-8R which ads a hot-looking sports bike into the lineup and will be heading our way in early 2024.
Based on the GSX-8S released earlier this year, the new GSX-8R adds a fairing and revised ergonomics into the package and will go head-to-head with the likes of Yamaha’s YZF-R7. The 8R’s fairing looks like a Suzuki sports bike should, with the bike taking on a far more balanced aesthetic compared to its naked sibling.
At its heart is the same 270-degree 776cc parallel-twin as found in the GSX-8S putting down 81hp at 8500rpm and 78Nm of torque at 6800rpm. Placing a foot firmly into the sporty sector, the 8R comes out of the box with a bi-directional quickshifter and Suzuki's S.I.R.S suite of electronics to improve control and fun factor.
With the more sporty aesthetic comes a more sporty chassis, with Suzuki swapping out the KYB shock and fork of the GSX-8S for Showa SFF-BP fork and link-type monoshock on the 8R.
It's fair to say Suzuki's sport bike offerings have been lacking locally in recent years, so the GSX-8R should help give new life not just to the brand's local lineup but to the sub-1000cc sport bike segment as a whole.
Suzuki NZ currently expects the GSX-8R to arrive locally in March 2024, with pricing starting at a cool $16,100.