2023 Suzuki GSX-8S | First Look Review

2023 Suzuki GSX-8S in Pearl Cosmic Blue
2023 Suzuki GSX-8S in Pearl Cosmic Blue

At the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, Suzuki unveiled an all-new 776cc DOHC parallel-Twin engine that will power two new models – the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE (and Adventure variant) and the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S.

Related Story: 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE | First Look Review

2023 Suzuki GSX-8S
2023 Suzuki GSX-8S in Pearl Tech White

Suzuki says the 2023 GSX-8S is a “brand-new naked middleweight streetfighter with a robust engine, an agile chassis, a suite of electronic rider aids, plus stunning looks.”

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The compact 776cc parallel-twin engine is mounted in a new rugged steel frame design, uses a 270-degree firing order for strong torque production, and is equipped with Suzuki’s exclusive Cross Balancer system to minimize vibration. The bike also features the ride-by-wire electronic throttle control system, Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS), and the Bi-directional Quick Shift system.

2023 Suzuki GSX-8S

The 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S also comes with Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) with a three-mode Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, the four-mode Advanced Traction Control System, ABS, and Suzuki’s Easy Start and Low RPM Assist systems.

Related Story: 2022 Motorcycle of the Year (Hint: It’s a Suzuki)

New exposed seat rails are engineered to support the rider and, when combined with the 3.69-gal fuel tank with a narrow rear section that flows into the seat, contribute to the GSX-8S’ slim appearance and stripped-down look.

2023 Suzuki GSX-8S

Suspension is provided by a KYB inverted fork with a 130mm stroke with stable damping characteristics in the front that make the bike suitable for both sports riding and long-distance rides and dedicated link-type mono-shock KYB suspension with mechanical preload adjuster in the rear.

2023 Suzuki GSX-8S

Stopping power comes from Nissin radial-mount 4-piston front brake calipers mated with 310mm outer diameter floating-mount dual discs. The rear brake has a 240mm outer diameter disc and uses a single-piston pin-slide caliper.

The cast-aluminum wheels feature a new lightweight design and are shod with a new generation of Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tires (120/70ZR17 in the front; 180/55ZR17 in the rear), and Suzuki says the tapered aluminum handlebars provide a “sporty yet comfortable upright riding position and feature a wide enough grip to contribute to positive control when steering.” And at a height of 31.9 inches, the seat has been designed for solid support for the rider toward its rear edge.

2023 Suzuki GSX-8S

See all of Rider’s Suzuki coverage here.

The bike has a 5-inch color TFT LCD multi-function instrument panel, vertically stacked LED headlights in hexagonal housings topped by an LED position light, and LED turnsignals and taillight.

2023 Suzuki GSX-8S

All combined, the GSX-8S comes in at a curb weight of 445 lb and offers styling that Suzuki says creates “an appealing new mass-forward, aggressive look that is slim, compact, well-balanced, and ready for action.”

2023 Suzuki GSX-8S

The 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S comes in three colorways, each featuring unique logos and graphics that help identify the sport’s newest performance motorcycle and that first appeared on the 2022 GSX-S1000.

Related Story: 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 | Road Test Review

Buyers can select from Suzuki’s Pearl Cosmic Blue, Pearl Tech White, or Metallic Matte Black No. 2 / Glass Sparkle Black paint scheme. The 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S is expected to hit dealers in June with an MSRP of $8,849.

2023 Suzuki GSX-8S
2023 Suzuki GSX-8S in Metallic Matte Black No. 2 Glass Sparkle Black

For more information or to find a Suzuki dealer near you, visit SuzukiCycles.com.

13 COMMENTS

  1. Disappointed that Suzuki has gone for showroom bling with unnecessarily large front discs and rear tyre, which increases unsprung weight and slows down the handling. I’ll be buying the Honda CB750 hornet.

  2. With seat rails designed to support the rider, and handlebars that contribute to positive control – seems they’ve really sweated the details!!! Hilarious. If the tres are round, consider me sold!

  3. Looks like a good alternative to the Hornet. More torque is going to make for a more enjoyable machine. Looking forward to taking a test ride.

  4. Some strange comments here. I guess that’s life on the internet in 2022.
    Looks like a practical, fun bike, regardless of the brakes, tire size and tread pattern.

  5. I’ll wait til it hits the street and get a few unbiased owner reports before I consider this Suzuki or the Hornet. It’s still to early to compare, but my guess is you’ll be happy with either bike. It comes down to aesthetics and brand loyalty.

  6. New Honda CB750 Hornet vs its primary competitor— Suzuki GSX-8S

    The Honda CB750 Hornet is a better bike than the Suzuki GSX-8S — Better looking front-end, more powerful (+ 9 hp), better handling, much lighter (26 lbs. less), less expensive ($1,000), better for shorter riders (.6″ lower seat), larger fuel tank (+ .3 gallons), basic color options, SOHC as opposed to DOHC (see why below), and better reliability (Suzuki is very reliable, but Honda is at top of Big Four).

    Benefits of SOHC instead of DOHC (per Honda):

    “a single overhead cam, which Honda says gives several advantages over a twin cam: the cylinder head can be lighter and more compact, there’s space for the valves and intake to be more upright and with fewer parts spinning around creating inertia, the handling is improved, too.”

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