Suzuki GSX-8R Teased, India Launch Soon

Suzuki India has teased the GSX-8R on its social media channels, thus confirming its imminent launch in the coming weeks. The middleweight, fully-faired supersport motorcycle was already showcased alongside the V-Strom 800 DE at the inaugural Bharat Mobility Expo earlier this year. It is likely to be more affordable than the ADV, which currently retails at ₹10.30 lakh (ex-showroom). It will go up against the newly launched Triumph Daytona 660.

The Suzuki GSX-8R will be powered by the same 776 cc parallel-twin mill that produces 83 bhp and 78 Nm in V-Strom 800 DE. Suzuki has retained the same tune in global GSX-8R models, so we can expect it in the India-spec iteration, too. This mill has a 270-degree crankshaft, which helps produce that typical grumble we are all so fond of from V-twin engines. 

Like the adventure bike, the GSX-8R is also built around Suzuki's all-new tubular steel frame chassis but with a bolted-on aluminium subframe. However, both bikes' core essence remains the same: light, agile, and compact. 

As a supersport, the Suzuki GSX-8R's ergonomics are committed to a forward riding stance. It will also benefit from premium suspension, like a SFF-BP USD fork and Showa-sourced preload adjustable monoshock. The windshield has been designed with touring intentions; thereby, there are three levels of adjustability available. To make matters more convenient, the Suzuki GSX-8R gets a relatively-large-for-a-sportbike 14-litre fuel tank. 

On the features front, the Suzuki GSX-8R will get the same 5-inch TFT that we have seen in the V-Strom 800 DE, along with LED headlights and taillights. Standard features like dual-channel ABS, traction control, and a bidirectional quick-shifter are already there. Additionally, a Suzuki Drive Mode Selector with three distinct throttle responses alter the torque delivery accordingly in each mode. Suzuki's RPM assist is another prominent feature that helps keep the bike running in low-speed conditions without stalling it. `

We hope that Suzuki finds as many buyers for the bike as the ADV. The V-Strom 800DE has sold handsomely for a bike of its capacity, giving Indian buyers the same likeable feeling like its predecessor – the V-Strom 650XT – but with a bit more oomph and attitude.