GSX-8R
POSTED: 07/11/2023
Advancing a new era of sportsbikes
The new GSX-8R advances a new era of sportsbikes, bringing real world performance and appeal to a new generation of sportsbike riders. Easy to ride, agile, and comfortable, it’ll satisfy riders enjoying spirited rides on their favourite country roads or those wanting to show their sporting credentials when in town, and appeal to a range of ages and experience levels.
It becomes the latest new model from Suzuki to utilise the new 776cc, parallel twin cylinder engine with its 270° crankshaft configuration, with common features shared with the new-for-2023 GSX-8S, including a steel frame designed to contribute straight-line stability and agile handling and separate aluminium subframe, cast aluminium wheels, and dual, radially mounted front calipers.
However, key component changes - such as lower handlebars and a full fairing, plus suspension from Showa - give the GSX-8R a sportier poise, while the chassis and flexible, free-revving engine characteristics mean riders can tap into its full potential for maximum enjoyment.
Its sporting prowess is further emphasised by GSX-R-inspired bodywork that gives it an aggressive, purposeful look.
The new standard of sport
Designed using the product concept of the new standard of sport, the GSX-8R was created to combine practical, usable, real world performance with rider-friendly controllability and ease of use. It has the ability to excite riders of greater experience and skill levels, while newer riders can step up to a larger machine with confidence. This is achieved thanks to its parallel twin engine layout and power delivery characteristics, its supporting electronics package, and chassis design.
The GSX-8R uses a thoroughly modern design expression that celebrates functional beauty backed by exciting, yet forgiving, performance. The sharp lines of its advanced styling are about to set the trend for an exciting new generation of Suzuki sportsbikes.
With features including separate forged aluminium handlebars, uniquely shaped aluminium swingarm, inverted Showa front forks, dual front disc brakes with four-piston, radial-mounted calipers, LED lighting and colour TFT instrument panel, and an advanced electronic control system that includes Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, Suzuki Traction Control System, a bi-directional quickshifter and a ride-by-wire electronic throttle, the GSX- 8R is a sportsbike set to lead the way toward an exciting new era.
Engineered for a new era of sportsbike performance
A new engine for a new era of sportsbikes, the new GSX-8R uses Suzuki’s new parallel twin engine, which delivers torque in abundance across the rev range, provides an exciting character and feeling thanks to its 270-degree crankshaft design, and enables a slim chassis design thanks to its compact layout.
The parallel twin design expands the possibilities for overall design flexibility and helps realise the most effective chassis geometry for performance gains, including the optimum riding position. Suzuki also aimed to deliver dynamic performance, with a new engine focussed primarily on delivering plenty of torque to allow the GSX-8R to punch out of corners and for flexibility suited to a range of riders, all controlled by a smooth throttle response. As a result the new 776cc, DOHC, parallel twin engine with four valves per cylinder features a long-stroke configuration that delivers a fine balance of smooth, controllable power from low rpm and the pleasant feeling of free-revving performance through to the top end.
The engine’s 270-degree crankshaft design delivers a smooth ride with plenty of torque, positive traction, and a pleasing sound. It also features the Suzuki Cross Balancer, an innovative new primary balancer design that contributes to smooth operation and helps achieve a compact and lightweight package that enhances the GSX-8R’s agile handling. The GSX-8R also adopts a short silencer design that barely rises up and out from the engine’s right side, enhancing the compact look.
Ride-by-wire electronic throttle system
An electronic throttle control system uses the ECM to control the action of the throttle valves and more finely control the relationship between throttle action and engine output characteristics.
Throttle grip action is set to provide faithful response and linear control. This makes the throttle action feel more natural. The system is simpler and more compact than conventional mechanical systems and eliminates cables that would otherwise add clutter to the right side of the handlebars.
Bi-directional quickshifter
The bi-directional quickshifter allows riders to shift up without closing the throttle or downshift without blipping it, and eradicates the need to operate the clutch lever, also. The system automatically interrupts power delivery when accelerating and maintaining steady speed just long enough to unload the transmission gear dogs, thereby producing a smoother ride and uninterrupted acceleration when the rider shifts up. When decelerating the system automatically opens the throttle valves just enough to increase rpm and match engine speed to the next-lower gear ratio without manually blipping the throttle or using the clutch.
Suzuki Easy Start System
The Suzuki Easy Start System lets the rider start the motorcycle with one quick press of the starter button with no need to pull in the clutch lever when the transmission is in neutral.
Low RPM Assist
Suzuki’s Low RPM Assist function monitors engine rpm, gear position, throttle position, and clutch switch data as the rider releases the clutch lever to pull away from a standing start, or when riding at low speeds. It is programmed to help prevent engine speed from dropping excessively as the rider launches the bike to ensure smoother starts. It also promotes more confident riding by helping counteract drops in engine speed when riding in stop-and-go traffic, or when doing U-turns.
Anti Lock Braking System (ABS)
The antilock braking system (ABS) provides stable braking performance by helping prevent the wheels from locking up, even under hard braking. The system is programmed to monitor wheel speed and match stopping power to the available traction. The ABS control unit features a compact, lightweight design.
Cast aluminium wheels and Dunlop tyres
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.
Front and rear suspension
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.
Fuel tank
The 14 litre fuel tank is designed to deliver the right balance between riding range and slim, compact looks that add to the sporty styling of the GSX-8R.
Seat designed for sports riding
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.
5-inch colour TFT multi-information display
The GSX-8R's 5-inch, colour TFT multi-function instrument panel features a clearly legible display of a variety of information, while also providing a high quality finish and pleasing view from the rider’s perspective.
£8,899
£8,899
£8,899
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