EICMA: 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S
New 776cc parallel-twin powers 2023 Suzuki naked bikeSuzuki has entered the competitive middleweight parallel-twin game, with two new offerings unveiled at this year’s EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. While Suzuki's new middleweight adventure model, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, is sure to grab plenty of attention, the other is the 776cc Suzuki GSX-8S naked bike, which is set to take on the likes of Yamaha’s popular MT range as well as Honda’s newly released 750cc Hornet.
Competitively priced at $12,699 (plus on-road costs), the Suzuki GSX-8S’s engine uses a 270-degree crank and is said to be good for 82hp (61kW) at 8500rpm and 78Nm at 6800rpm, fed by a 14-litre fuel tank. And while it lacks the radar-assisted technology of the latest Yamaha MT-09, there’s still plenty of electronic rider aids on offer given its sub-$13k price tag.
As well as switchable ride modes, there’s a two-way quickshifter as standard fitment, ABS and switchable three-stage traction control (though neither are lean-angle sensitive), as well as Suzuki’s so-called Easy Start System and Low-rpm Assist, the latter raising the revs as you take off to reduce the likelihood of stalling. And all accessed via a full-colour five-inch TFT dash.
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In terms of running gear, there’s a non-adjustable KYB fork at the front and a KYB monoshock at the rear (preload adjustment only), while a set of Nissin radial-mount calipers make up the front braking package.
The cast wheels are shod with 120/70-17 and 180/55-17-sized tyres which, combined with styling reminiscent of its 1000cc stablemate, give the new middleweight machine convincing big-bike looks. Suzuki Australia has confirmed locally available units will be shod with Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 rubber.
There’s a large catalogue of accessories available, including luggage, heated grips and engine protection, but any Australian customer who pre-orders a Suzuki GSX-8S ahead of the model’s August 2023 arrival will receive a single-seat cowl and ‘meter visor’, to partially shield the instruments from glare, free of charge.
The new bike will be available in three colours: Pearl Cosmic Blue, Pearl Tech White and Metallic Matt Black/Glass Sparkle Black.
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