2024 Suzuki GSX-8R: the 8S gets a sportier (parallel) twin

Suzuki have announced a new GSX-8R sportsbike for 2024, which builds on the existing GSX-8S roadster as a well-rounded, comfortable alternative to the traditional mid-size supersport recipe.

• We’ve ridden it: Read our full Suzuki GSX-8R review – tested on road and track

Softer, more practical middleweight sportsbikes are hot property at the moment, with rivals including the Honda CBR650R, Yamaha R7, and Aprilia RS660 already flooding the market. Spy shots have also been seen of what appears to be a three-cylinder Triumph Daytona 660 in the works, powered by the motor in the existing Trident naked, and Tiger Sport 660.

The 205kg 8R will be the fourth model in two years to be powered by the firm’s liquid cooled DOHC 776cc parallel twin engine, complete with 270-degree firing order. It joins the V-Strom 800 RE and DE adventure models, plus the aforementioned 8S – sharing almost every component barring the suspension, bar position, and bodywork. 

As with the naked, the R produces a claimed 82bhp at 8500rpm, with the motor housed in a familiar tubular steel chassis. As before, it also gets three riding modes (A, B, C), a colour TFT dash, and four-piston radial front brake set-up, complete with 310mm discs. There have been no changes to the gearing and an up/down quickshifter comes as standard as before.

“At 4000rpm this engine generates 85% of the peak torque and at 5500rpm, 98% of the peak torque,” Engine Design Manager, Suzuki’s Shintaro Yagi told MCN when asked why no changes were made from the 8S. 

“Peak torque then generates at 6800rpm and up to 8800rpm, so it has a very wide rpm range of peak torque. We wanted to use that torque for the circuit riding, too.”

Where the pair differ more noticeably is in the styling, with a new front and lower fairing design said to be inspired by the focussed GSX-R series. These incorporate new mirrors and help shroud a set of upright forged aluminium clip-on handlebars. These replace the 8S’ comfortable one piece flat set-up and claim to improve the sportiness of the riding position. 

Although we’re yet to ride the bike, first inspections would suggest that it is still likely to be a very comfortable everyday motorcycle. Both the Aprilia and Yamaha should feel more focussed, with this sitting closer to the comfortably upright four-cylinder Honda CBR650R. 

Oddly, despite its sporting intentions, the pegs remain in the same position as on the 8S, which can suffer from ground clearance issues when pushed on track, or on the road. Seat height also remains at 810mm, meaning it should be manageable for shorter/newer riders too. 

The other key change for the 8R is in the suspension, which goes from KYB to Showa units. Up front there are upside down big piston forks, with a preload adjustable shock at the rear. These forks are said to offer 30% greater damping force that the S model.

When asked whether this bike would mark a resurgence in sporting Suzuki models, a spokesperson from Japan said: “We cannot discuss the future development program, but however we will continue developing in order to meet the demands of the customers.” Here’s hoping!

We interview the Suzuki bosses

Why was it not made any sportier?

We have developed the new bike to be comfortable from winding roads during weekend riding, as well as circuit riding. So, it is not a super sporty riding position, but it is a sporty riding position, with the handlebars moved. 

It achieves a balance between comfort and long rides, as well as sporty riding on winding roads. It’s a kind of mix between the sporty and the winding roads. 

Plans to make more sporty bikes?

So, we cannot discuss the future development program, but however we will continue developing in order to meet the demands of the customers. 

Did you ever think about altering the engine to make it sportier? Answered by Engine Design Manager, Shintaro Yagi

At 4000rpm this engine generates 85% of the peak torque and at 5500rpm, 98% of the peak torque. Peak torque then generates at 6800rpm and up to 8800rpm, so it has a very wide rpm range of peak torque. 

We wanted to use that torque for the circuit riding, too. 

Spokesperson: When we started our product planning we [planned to] make the 8S and 8R. So, from the beginning we tried to reach that engine power for the 8S too. 

NB: No changes to the gearing, no sprocket changes…

Showa suspension set-up. Answered by Yuta Endo, Assistant Design Manager 

It has a totally new setting and changing it from Kayaba to Showa, there are damping force differences. 

It may look similar, but the inside is totally different. 

For the 8S we targeted city riding, so we needed more comfortable front forks. For the 8R we also targeted circuit riding. The outer tube is changed from 53 to 56. 

For the front fork springs, the 8S adapts progressive type, but for the 8R it’s more linear. 

NB: Also the damping force is 30% stronger than the 8S. 

NB: A number of privateer teams are already developing bikes for the British Sportsbike Cup.

Why was it designed in the way it is? Endo answers again…

The design was inspired by the GSX-R series. Some cues from the GSX-R1000, plus some previous models too.