Suzuki takes wraps off all-new GSX8T and GSX8TT retros

Suzuki has taken the wraps off two all-new neo-retro roadsters – the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT. These new 8T models are built on the same platform as the GSX-8R sportbike, with some obvious visual differences and some not-so-obvious changes under the new suave design.

1. GSX8T’s engine makes 83hp, 78Nm
2. Same electronics, chassis as GSX-8R
3. 8TT gets flyscreen and bellypan as standard

Suzuki GSX8T and GSX8TT: all you need to know

GSX-8T and GSX-8TT very similar to GSX-8R underneath new bodywork

Powering the new GSX-8T and GSX-8TT is the same 776cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor making the same 83hp, 78Nm as it does in the GSX-8R and V-Strom 800de – both of which are sold in India. The 6-speed gearbox is carried over as is the bidirectional quickshifter and the gearing on the 8T models is more or less the same as the 8R.

What’s remarkably different on the 8T models compared to the other 776cc Suzukis is the styling. With their round LED headlights, chisselled, muscular tank and flat ‘bars, the 8T models follow the neo-retro roadster design textbook down to the tee. The 8TT is more cafe racer than roadster with its bellypan and slick little bikini fairing perched atop that handsome LED headlight. The 8TT’s seat also has a more premium finish.  Don’t be fooled by the visual differences however, the 8TT’s riding position is as upright as the 8T.

While Suzuki has done a lot to the 8T duo’s design to differentiate them, underneath that pleasing exterior, you’ll find the same chassis components as the GSX-8R. This includes a tubular steel frame, non-adjustable KYB suspension (except rear preload), Nissin brakes and Dunlop RoadSport 2 tyres in the same sizes as well – 120/70-ZR17 / 180/55-ZR17 (F/R).

The only difference in terms of spec to the 8R on the 8T models is the larger fuel tank capacity here. The Suzuki retros come with a bigger 16.5 litre fuel tank, compared to the 8R’s 14-litre unit. Despite that, the GSX-8T weighs 201kg and the 8TT tips the scales at 203kg, 4 and 2 kilos less than the 8R, respectively. The 8T duo have the same seat height and ground clearance as the 8R, standing at 810mm and 145mm, respectively.

This lower weight number is likely due to the omission of the full fairing seen on the middleweight Suzuki sportbike. All these similarities to the GSX-8R mean that the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT, in all likelihood, will be rather enjoyable on the road just like their faired sibling.

Coming to the weight difference between the two retros themselves, the two additional kilos on the GSX-8TT come from the bellypan and the bikini fairing. One nice thing on the GSX-8T models is that they both come with a lightweight lithium-ion battery as standard.

The suite of electronic rider aids too is shared with the GSX-8R. You get switchable traction control, non-switchable ABS, the aforementioned bidirectional quickshifter and three riding modes – A, B and C. All this is controlled via the same switchgear and TFT dash seen on the sportbike. You also get USB-C chargers on both the 8T models.

The Suzuki GSX-8T comes in three colours – matte black, matte green and a metallic gold, while the GSX-8TT can be had in two dual-tone shades of – black/red (gloss) and green/yellow (matte).

Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT pricing

In the UK, the GSX-8T is priced at GBP 9,599 (approx Rs 11.20 lakh) while the GSX-8TT commands a higher asking price of GBP 9,999 (approx Rs 11.65 lakh). In the same market, the GSX-8R sportbike is priced at GBP 8,999 (Rs 10.49 lakh). Currently, the GSX-8R is priced at Rs 9.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and it remains to be seen if Suzuki brings these handsome neo-retro machines to India.

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