Earlier this year, we rode the new Suzuki GSX-8S in France, Suzuki’s answer to the twin-cylinder middleweight craze that’s been sweeping the industry for the past few years.
That nakedbike was a rather nice attempt for first-timers Suzuki, but those wanting a bit more sporting prowess might have been left disappointed. That’s about to change with the news that 2024 will see the second streetbike machine to use the 776cc twin-cylinder platform in the $9,439 MSRP GSX-8R.
As the R at the end of the name suggests, this is the sporty one the track riders have been after. It uses the same parallel-twin as the GSX-S and V-Strom 800DE, coming in for a claimed 91hp and 57 lb-ft of torque, as well as the same tubular steel chassis as the 8S.
Ride-by-wire, an up-and-down quickshifter for the six-speed gearbox, three engine modes, and traction control complete the electronics picture.
More from the 8S includes the four-piston/310mm front brakes and single-piston/240mm rear brake, the swingarm, and the wheels, but the suspension is different with the 8S’s KYB units replaced with Showa’s Separate Function Front-Big Piston (SFF-BP) inverted fork and a new monoshock in their place.
The bodywork represents probably the biggest change with a full fairing, stacked LED headlights, separate forged aluminum handlebars, and a redesigned gas tank shape. The dash is the same as the 8S, as is the 3.7-gallon tank capacity.
Expect the 8R to go up against the Honda CBR650R, Yamaha YZF-R7 and Aprilia’s RS 660. Who knows, you might even see them in MotoAmerica Twins Cup racing soon if the rules allow it. Expect these to arrive on dealer floors in early 2024.
2024 Suzuki GSX-8R Specs and Price
| MSRP: | Starting at $9439 |
| Engine: | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder, DOHC |
| Displacement: | 776cc |
| Bore x stroke: | 84 x 70 mm |
| Fuel injection: | Electronic fuel injection system, Ride-by-Wire throttle |
| Compression ratio: | 12.8:1 |
| Exhaust: | 2-2-1 |
| Transmission: | 6-speed |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate |
| Chassis: | Tubular steel |
| Front suspension: | Showa SFF-BP fork, unadjustable |
| Rear suspension: | Showa monoshock, unadjustable |
| Front brake: | Nissin, radially mounted four-piston calipers, ABS |
| Rear brake: | Nissin, single-piston caliper, ABS |
| Front tire: | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
| Rear tire: | 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) |
| Wheelbase: | 57.7 in. |
| Seat height: | 31.9 in. |
| Fuel capacity: | 3.7 gal. |
| Weight (curb): | 452 lb |
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