2024 Suzuki GSX-8R – First Look
Faired sportbike joins Suzuki's middleweight platform
As we expected, Suzuki announced a new GSX-8R based on the naked GSX-8S, introducing a new faired sportbike to its middleweight platform
The GSX-8R’s fairing is both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. The overall shape of its front face is reminiscent of Suzuki’s GSX-R family, but with the stacked LED headlights of the V-Strom 800, with the position LED atop the headlights instead of having a pair of slits to either side as on the 8S.
Suzuki says the fairing was wind tunnel tested to reduce drag and provide high-speed stability. Combined with the windscreen, the GSX-8R should provide more wind protection than its naked sibling. Behind the fairing, Suzuki replaced the 8S’ high handlebar with separate forged aluminum handlebars bolted to the steering clamp for a more aggressive riding posture.
With the added weight of the fairing and sportier ergonomics, the GSX-8R has a more forward-biased weight distribution than the naked 8S. To compensate, Suzuki opted for a Showa SFF-BP inverted fork in place of the 8S’ KYB component. While they were at it, Suzuki also replaced the KYB rear shock with a preload-adjustable Showa monoshock.
The brakes remain the same dual radial-mount four-piston Nissin calipers for the front wheel and lone single-piston caliper for the rear.
The GSX-8R is powered by the same 776cc Parallel-Twin as the GSX-8S, claiming a peak output of 81.8 hp at 8,500 rpm and 57.5 lb-ft. at 6,800 rpm. It shares the same 270° crankshaft as the GSX-8S and V-Strom 800s, giving it an engine character similar to a V-Twin.
Electronic features include ABS, traction control, selectable ride modes, low rpm idle assist, and a bi-directional quick shifter.
The 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R will be produced in four colors, Metallic Triton Blue, Pearl Ignite Yellow, Metallic Mat Sword Silver, and Metallic Mat Black No. 2. For the U.S., pricing begins at $9,439, with only the blue, yellow, and silver colors available.
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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..I like this bike a lot but already have a 18' Ninja 650 which I love! But being away from 4 cyl's for yrs, I 'm probably going to add the 24' CBR 650r to my stable in the spring. But really like the sounds of a 270 deg crank from a parallel twin though !
I have the GSX 8S and will definitely test the 8R. Looks brilliant and I like the format, similar to my previous CBR500R, which I loved.
Suzuki could have charged bit more, added adjustable suspension.