There’s all the time a contact of apprehension when a producer reaches again into the archives to revive a reputation, a mannequin or just a mode of constructing a motorbike. However that’s precisely what Suzuki has achieved with its new GSX-8T and GSX-8TT fashions – a pair of modern-classic twists on the well-received GSX-8S.
They’re additionally an homage to the model’s T500 two-stroke twin of the ’70s. That machine was nicknamed the Titan, so the identify for these bikes, TT – which means ‘Timeless Titans’ – feels greater than slightly applicable.
A Retro Revival, Suzuki Fashion
The GSX-8T (left) and GSX-8TT (proper)
The Suzuki GSX-8T and 8TT are the form of bikes you may not count on from Hamamatsu, fashionable bare machines with greater than a refined nod to the model’s heritage. The person chargeable for the styling is Arthur Vidal, a designer with a transparent ardour for respiration life into previous names. In keeping with Suzuki, that is one thing “by no means earlier than seen” within the lineup, a “timeless revival” aiming to mix fashionable dynamics with retro aesthetics.
A 1971 Suzuki T500 – nicknamed ‘The Titan’
In a world more and more obsessive about retro bikes, Suzuki has saved issues grounded. No fake carburettors right here or bolt-on cooling fins. What you get as an alternative is a tasteful spin on the already succesful GSX-8S platform, with intelligent touches and a big nod to the T500 – with out straying into cosplay territory. The brand new retro tank, bodywork and headlight usually are not there to cover the 8T and 8TT’s fashionable engine, however to brighten it slightly.
The 8T is priced at £9,599, whereas the TT model will set you again £9,999. That’s a good bounce from the GSX-8S’s £7,499 sticker worth, and raises an necessary query: is a restyle and a smattering of recent elements price £2.5K?
Time to play spot the Distinction
The GSX-8T (left) and GSX-8TT (proper)
Styling-wise, the modifications are quite a few however refined. A stainless muffler cowl offers the exhaust a bit extra visible presence, whereas the aluminium stem nut and bar-end mirrors (the latter of that are a primary for Suzuki) add a premium contact.
The engine and 8-ball branding of the bike
There’s a hanging 8-ball motif throughout the bikes, linking them again to the Titan legacy, alongside an all-new Suzuki emblem on the tank, which is classier and extra refined. The engine instances at the moment are blacked out, reinforcing that traditional look, whereas the headlight has been repositioned barely additional again, bringing weight nearer to the steering head for improved dealing with.
On the 8T particularly, you get a ‘tuck and roll’ seat with new foam and extra floor space than the 8S. It is each extra visually interesting and, as we discovered, an actual bonus on longer rides.
The GSX-8TT – driving
In the meantime, the TT beneficial properties the oh-so-retro headlight cowl, which has a intelligent little vent tucked in above the brand new LED headlight. It’s a small however efficient tweak, designed to channel air beneath the display screen, lowering turbulence and head-buffeting at motorway speeds. It really works, and we’ll come again to that later. The 8TT additionally beneficial properties a neat trying stomach pan, which I count on you should purchase for the 8T as an possibility.
The stomach pan which is restricted to the GSX-8TT
The battery can also be a brand new lithium-ion unit, shaving round 2kg off the kerb weight and enhancing longevity. The brand new tank holds 16.5 litres (2.5 litres greater than the 8S), boosting the claimed vary to a good 244 miles. Whereas the brand new tank, when brimmed, will increase the kerb weight over the 8S, the lithium-ion battery sheds it, which means the three bikes are available only a few kilograms aside.
The engine is unchanged from the 8S, which isn’t a foul factor. It’s a 798cc parallel twin pushing out 80bhp and 57lb ft of torque. Moist weight is 201kg for the 8T and 203kg for the TT. The remainder of the bike’s electronics, gearbox, brakes, and suspension are all carried over from the 8S, however once more, that’s no unhealthy factor, as we’ll clarify shortly.
If You’ve Ridden the GSX-8S…
The headlight cowl of the GSX-8TT
For those who’ve already thrown a leg over the GSX-8S, this a part of the evaluation gained’t come as a shock. Beneath the brand new threads, the 8T and 8TT are mechanically similar. Experience them back-to-back and also you would possibly simply detect a shift within the weight bias or a contact of aero stability, however we’re speaking about negligible variations right here. It’s the identical dealing with, identical efficiency, and identical day-to-day usability you’ll discover within the base mannequin.
However, and that is key, that’s not a foul factor. As a result of the GSX-8S is already a improbable bike.
For those who haven’t ridden the GSX-8S, let’s dive into what makes this platform so good within the first place.
The Engine
The GSX-8T – driving
Suzuki’s 798cc parallel twin is an absolute peach. In comparison with its closest rival (Yamaha’s CP2), it feels extra grunty and severe. Mid-range shove could be very sturdy, to the purpose the place you possibly can depart it in second or third all day with out ever feeling short-changed.
The GSX-8T – driving
Energy supply is easy and linear, and whereas it doesn’t rev as sky-high as an inline-four, it pulls strongly, all the best way to 9,500rpm earlier than calling it quits. There’s a little bit of vibration by means of the pegs at excessive RPMs, however nothing that spoils the experience an excessive amount of.
The GSX-8TT – driving
Throttle response and fuelling are wonderful. The engine energy modes make a significant distinction (significantly helpful in poor climate) and the slipper clutch provides a welcome layer of security and enjoyable. It’ll allow you to get cheeky with downshifts if that’s your factor, kicking the again wheel out on command, however it feels pure and predictable.
The 798cc parallel twin-cylinder engine
The gearbox can also be a spotlight. Slick, exact, and constructive, with no false neutrals throughout our take a look at. The quickshifter works effectively more often than not, feeling solely barely clunky at low speeds or whenever you’re being ham-fisted. One bonus with the quickshifter on the bikes is the flexibility to shift up and down on a trailing throttle. It’s not daily you do it, however its helpful once in a while.
The Chassis
The GSX-8T – driving
Suspension is by KYB, and whereas it’s not absolutely adjustable, it will get the job achieved. Is it as plush or does it provide that premium really feel you get from the adjustable Showa equipment discovered on the V-Strom? No. Did I discover it out on the highway in the present day? Sure, however solely when the going bought actually tough.
The 8T and 8TT are happiest on quick, easy sweepers. The chassis is steady and composed, inspiring confidence with out ever feeling twitchy or unsettled. You may push on with out worry, and it rewards a dedicated rider.
The GSX-8TT – driving
As talked about, bumpy B-roads can expose the constraints of the suspension, however that’s to be anticipated given the {hardware} getting used. Unsurprisingly, Suzuki made zero point out of the suspension through the presentation, and it took me to boost my hand and query the engineers to get any data. If this have been extra premium equipment, Suzuki would have made a a lot greater deal about it.
Brakes
The Nissin brake calipers which can be fitted to the bikes
Nissin four-piston calipers do the stopping duties, they usually’re greater than as much as the duty. Braking energy is strong, progressive and conjures up belief, particularly with simply over 200kg of motorcycle to haul up.
The ABS isn’t IMU-controlled, and whereas that may elevate eyebrows within the spec-sheet-reading crowd, we didn’t discover it to be an issue on the highway. The system solely intervened when completely essential and remained unobtrusive all through the day.
Consolation & Ergonomics
The seat of the GSX-8T
Right here’s the place the 8T and 8TT achieve a slight edge over the 8S.
That ‘tuck and roll’ seat on the 8T appears to be like nice and provides a bit extra plushness than the usual perch. Even the 8TT’s seat, whereas not fairly as luxurious, looks like an enchancment over the 8S.
Ergonomically, the bikes are all however similar. Identical upright driving place, identical pure bar and peg placement. What the 8TT does achieve, nonetheless, is that neat little headlight cowl with an aero-vent mounted within the higher edge. It’s a surprisingly efficient little bit of design, smoothing out the airflow and noticeably lowering helmet buffeting at greater speeds.
The Verdict – Fashion Over Substance?
The GSX-8T (left) and GSX-8TT (proper)
Right here’s the crux of it: from a dealing with and efficiency standpoint, there’s little or no to separate the GSX-8T, 8TT, and the 8S. So in case you’re purely in regards to the experience, the bottom mannequin makes a robust case for itself at £7,499.
The GSX-8TT – driving
But when, like many riders, you care about the best way your bike appears to be like as a lot as the best way it rides, then there’s so much to love right here. Personally, I’ve by no means warmed to the alien-esque face of the GSX-8S. The brand new headlight and revised styling of the 8T and 8TT ring a bell with me. They’re each good-looking bikes, particularly the TT, which plucks the nostalgia strings simply that little bit tougher.
Unsurprisingly, if I had to decide on one, it will be the 8TT. I’m a sucker for retro-styled machines, and the nod to the unique T500 hits the mark. It jogs my memory of the form of bikes I noticed as a child, and there’s one thing sincere and charming about that.
The Kicker
2023 Suzuki GSX-8S.jpg
Now, right here’s the place issues get sophisticated. Has Suzuki achieved sufficient to distinguish these bikes from the bottom mannequin? That is the query that has been circling my head all day and since I bought off the 2 new bikes.
Sure, the styling is improved. Sure, the seat and small aero tweaks make for a barely nicer experience. However mechanically, they’re similar. There’s no change to the suspension, driving place, or exhaust. For £2,500 greater than the 8S, I’d have preferred to see one thing, something, to distinguish them on a dynamic degree. Adjustable suspension, maybe, or one thing so simple as revised geometry, or a side-mounted muffler to provide the bikes that traditional 70s and 80s look.
The GSX-8TT – driving
That’s the place the worth proposition will get a bit murky. For some riders, the styling alone can be sufficient, and that’s nice, I’m certain you’ll get pleasure from your new bike. For others, it would really feel like a missed alternative. The GSX-8T and GSX-8TT are sensible, succesful, well-built bikes that construct on an already wonderful platform. They give the impression of being nice, experience brilliantly, and function a welcome return to type for Suzuki’s design division.
However in case you’re contemplating one, be sincere with your self. Are you shopping for it for the best way it rides? Or the best way it appears to be like? As a result of on the highway, all three GSX-8s are successfully the identical. However with regards to character and appeal, the 8T and 8TT do deliver slightly extra to the desk. Whether or not that’s price the additional money? Properly, that’s a choice you’ll must make.
You could find out extra in regards to the two new fashions over on the official web site.
GSX-8T and GSX-8TT specs and comparability to Yamaha MT-07
|
Spec |
Suzuki GSX-8T |
Suzuki GSX-8S |
Yamaha MT-07 |
|
Engine |
798cc parallel twin |
798cc parallel twin |
689cc parallel twin |
|
Energy |
80 bhp @ 8,500rpm |
80 bhp @ 8,500rpm |
72.4 bhp @ 8,750rpm |
|
Torque |
57 lb·ft @ 6,800rpm |
57 lb·ft @ 6,800rpm |
49.4 lb·ft @ 6,500rpm |
|
Gearbox |
6-speed |
6-speed, |
6-speed |
|
Clutch |
Slipper clutch |
Slipper clutch |
Help & slipper clutch |
|
Weight (kerb) |
201 kg / 203 kg TT |
202 kg |
184 kg |
|
Gas Tank |
16.5 litres |
14 litres |
14 litres |
|
Claimed Vary |
~244 miles |
~207 miles |
~220 miles |
|
Seat Top |
815mm 8T 810mm 8TT |
810 mm |
805 mm |
|
Brakes (Entrance) |
2 x 310mm discs, Nissin 4-pot |
Identical |
2 x 298mm discs, 2-pot |
|
Suspension (Entrance) |
KYB 43mm USD forks (non-adj.) |
Identical |
41mm forks (adj) |
|
Suspension (Rear) |
KYB monoshock (adj. preload) |
Identical |
Hyperlink-type monoshock (adj. preload) |
|
Electronics |
3 energy modes, TCS, QS |
Identical |
TCS and energy modes QS non-compulsory |
|
Lighting |
LED with cowl + aero vent |
Stacked LED |
LED |
|
Sprint |
TFT |
TFT |
TFT |
|
Battery |
Li-ion (light-weight) |
lead-acid |
lead-acid |
|
Worth (UK) |
£9,599 |
£7,499 |
£7,704 |
