GSX-8R

Designed as to pair perfectly with the parallel twin engine platform and made from steel tube sections with optimised rigidity, the frame is engineered to contribute to agile handling, to provide excellent straight-line stability, and to perform equally in urban environments or on more sporty rides on twistier roads. The headlight assembly is mounted directly to the frame, reducing the amount of weight carried by the handlebars to make the GSX-8R even more controllable and provide a more neutral feel to the steering. In addition, the exposed seat rails are engineered to support the rider, and also to contribute to the GSX-8R’s slim appearance and sporty, functional appeal.

Featuring a long wheelbase to enhance straight line stability, with other chassis design elements ensuring agile handling and cornering ability, and a slim, compact design. A key priority was to provide a sporty riding position that effectively distributes weight to the front and rear, providing a plugged-in riding experience, while also offering comfort. New separate aluminium handlebars help achieve this by providing a forward-leaning riding position. In addition, the parallel twin engine benefits the geometry because its compact front-rear dimensions allow it to position the rider’s hip point further forward. This, in turn, enables the rider to shift their weight forward and more easily control the GSX-8R when negotiating tight corners.

Radially-mounted front brake calipers biting 310mm floating discs provide strong stopping power and predictable braking performance. The rear brake uses a 240mm disc and a single-piston pin-slide caliper.

Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork - Big Piston) inverted front forks allows for the elimination of the cartridge on one side and makes it possible to increase the size of the piston. The structure not only reduces weight, but also features stable damping characteristics. The link-type mono-shock at the rear, with preload adjuster, is set up to contribute to straight-line stability and a smooth, controllable ride.

Cast aluminium wheels contribute to agile handling and visually enhance the sporty poise of the GSX-8R. Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tyres - 120/70ZR17 at the front, 180/55ZR17 at the rear - are designed to perform optimally in all conditions and provide sure grip. The internal construction features a carcass and belt layer tuned to achieve the right level of rigidity to match the weight and performance characteristics of the GSX-8R, and to deliver the right combination of agility and stability. Dunlop’s proven tread pattern employs a silica compound that enhances positive grip in wet conditions and features durable wear resistance. These wheels and tyres work in harmony with the front and rear suspension settings to provide positive feedback, agile handling and neutral steering, and a plush ride.

The GSX-8R uses a highly attractive aluminium swingarm with a unique shape that is engineered to perform with the right amount of vertical, lateral, and torsional rigidity providing sure handling stability and greater ride comfort.

The GSX-8R uses forged aluminium, separate handlebars. The use of aluminium not only minimises weight, but the pressure applied in the forging process also contributes to creating highly rigid components. The lower, more forward placement of the handlebars provides a sportier riding position, placing more of the rider’s weight over the front wheel.

The rider’s seat is designed for sporty riding. Delivering support for the rider toward its rear edge, the seat is shaped to offer freedom of movement and is covered in a material that provides positive grip. Featuring a slim design, the smoothly rounded edges of the seat also make it easier for the rider to plant their feet on the ground when stopped.

The windscreen and cowl for the GSX-8R was developed through extensive wind tunnel testing to aid aerodynamic performance and help reduce fatigue on long rides by cutting wind noise and preventing buffeting. The cowl-mounted mirrors are designed and tested to enhance aerodynamic performance and wind protection. With a sharp design they compliment sporty styling.

The GSX-8R uses a 5-inch colour TFT display. Clearly legible high-quality information displays keep you fully aware of all the bike’s systems and settings, and supply vital real-time operating status information. The tachometer also serves as a programmable engine rpm indicator. It blinks when the engine speed reaches the preset rpm entered by the rider. It can be set in 250rpm increments within a range from 4,000rpm to 9,750rpm with a function that lets you display large pop-up alerts and reminder. Manual or automatic switching settings for the day (white) and night (black) display modes let you maximise visibility at any hour and in any riding situation.

The styling for the new GSX-8R is based on the three core phrases: new era, visual structure, and icon. New era reflects a further evolution of the futuristic design language introduced on the GSX-8S. The goal was to create a thoroughly modern interpretation of sportbike styling compelling enough to set a trend for an exciting new generation of motorcycles ready to carry the Suzuki brand into the future. Visual structure reflects the ideology of exposing the bike’s functional parts and painting them to put a spotlight on the visceral appeal of the structural elements, and highlight the mechanical appeal of functional beauty. Highlights include details such as the separate handlebars, the painted seat rails, aluminium wheels, the short muffler design and the slim rear mudguard. Icon symbolises the respect Suzuki’s designers paid to the iconic GSX-R series design and over the 35-year-plus heritage of the GSX-R range, even while working to create a thoroughly modern interpretation. One example of the tribute to GSX-R styling is the front fairing design. Though related to the GSX-R series in terms of DNA, the GSX-8R presents a fresh new face that symbolises the future of Suzuki sportbike design. All combined, the styling creates an appealing, new, mass-forward, aggressive look that is slim, compact, well-balanced, and ready for action. 

The vertically stacked pair of hexagonal LED headlights use a bright mono-focus light source that provides the rider with a clear view of the road ahead. In terms of design, the vertical orientation of the thin, compact headlight assembly topped by an LED position light creates a sharp look with unique character that makes the front end look light and ready for action.

The LED rear combination light and LED licence plate light are mounted on the slim rear mudguard and make for a sporty design that results in the GSX-8R looking short, slim, and light at the rear.