EICMA 2023: Suzuki GSX-8R, GSX-S1000GX Unveiled

Suzuki has showcased two new motorcycles at EICMA 2023 – the GSX-8R sports tourer and the GSX-S1000GX adventure sports tourer. Both bikes are based on existing platforms, the GSX-8R shares its platform with the GSX-8S and V-Strom 800, and the GSX-S1000GX shares its underpinnings with the GSX-1000GT. Here’s what’s unique about each bike: 

Suzuki GSX-8R

The Japanese manufacturer’s new middle class sports tourer is powered by a 776cc, parallel-twin engine producing 81.7 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 78Nm at 6,800 rpm, the same output as the GSX-8S naked motorcycle. The engine is mounted in a steel frame which is bolted-on to an aluminium subframe. 

What is different between the two middle class motorcycles is their suspension, riding posture and the full fairing. The GSX-8R gets new Showa suspension units that Suzuki claims provides more support and increased damping over the GSX-8S. 

The GSX-8R has a layered, full-fairing that also incorporates a windscreen and yet it still retains the stacked headlamp set-up of its naked counterpart. It also gets a set of forged aluminium clip-on handlebars that give it a sportier, forward-set riding position. 

The middle class motorcycle also gets a 5-inch TFT display with controls on the left handlebar. The GSX-8R will be available in three colour options – Metallic Triton Blue, Metallic Matt Sword Silver and Metallic Matt Black. 

It remains to be seen if Suzuki will launch the GSX-8R in India. The V-Strom 800 was spotted a few months ago on test and we think the ADV would arrive shortly and then the rest of its stablemates. Globally, the GSX-8R will rival the Yamaha R7, Honda CBR650R and Aprilia RS660. 

Suzuki GSX-S1000GX

The other motorcycle that Suzuki showcased at EICMA was the litre-class adventure sports tourer, the GSX-S1000GX. It uses the same 999 cc, four-cylinder engine as the GSX-S1000GT, producing 150 bhp at 11,000 rpm and 106 Nm at 9,250 rpm. The engine is housed in a twin-spar aluminium frame mated to an aluminium swingarm and subframe.

Suzuki says the GSX-S1000GX is its first model to adopt Suzuki Advanced Electronics Suspension (SAES) with up to 150 mm front and rear suspension travel. The SAES has four selectable modes – hard, medium, soft and a user-customisable mode. It also gets Suzuki Road Adaptive System (SRAS) which the brand says detects road surfaces and helps smoothen out the ride with the help of Suzuki Floating Ride Control (SFRC).

It also gets Suzuki Roll Torque Control which, based on the data from IMU and wheel speed sensors, calculates the bike’s lean angle and speed to optimise power output and acceleration. The GX also gets ride-by-wire throttle, a bi-directional quickshifter and cruise control. Additionally, it gets a 6.5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity, a USB socket for charging, LED lighting and a capability to add 36-litre panniers. The GX is available in three colours – Metallic Triton Blue, Glass Sparkle Black and Pearl Matt Shadow Green. 

Like the GSX-8R, it remains to be seen if the GSX-S1000GX will come to India. If it does, it will rival the BMW S 1000 XR and Kawasaki Versys 1000.