Suzuki have pulled the covers off their new sportsbike the GSX-8R at EICMA, marking the third model line to be produced off their new 800 twin-cylinder, which is also seen in the GSX-8S and of course the V-Strom 800.
So what’s on offer? Let’s take a quick look. The DOHC 776 cc parallel-twin goes without saying, with 270-degree firing order for character, electronic throttle-bodies, two-into-one exhaust for Euro5 and Suzuki’s clutch assist system.
Power is 61 kW and torque 78 Nm for reference there, with a quite impressive 4.2 L per 1000 km consumption figure.
Naturally with RbW we’re seeing a rider aid contingent too, including riding modes, traction control with three settings, a bi-direction quickshifter, and Suzuki easy start. Which is kind of basic by modern standards, but all you really need alongside the ABS, which we’ll get to when we reach the brake loadout.
There’s also a five-inch TFT, stacked LED headlight with LED position light, as part of the full LED lighting package, for tail and signals.
We’re seeing a price of $15k ride-away, or near enough as damnit here in Australia, from $9439 in the US, and at the moment it’s looking like around the £9,000 pound mark in the UK, although that’s not confirmed.
Showa meanwhile provide the suspension, Separate Function Fork – Big Piston, and a link type shock, with Suzuki promising smooth, controllable, agile and stable rides. Adjustability just seems to be preload at the rear which is very basic, even for a quite value driven mid-capacity sport. Of course Showa BPF are a pretty decent system, but the R7 for instance has fully adjustable forks, and adds rebound at the shock, and will be in the same price range.
Dual four-pot calipers on the front end are also mated to 310 mm rotors, for what should be generous stopping power. ABS is of course standard too, and the rear runs a 240 mm rotor with single-piston pin-slide caliper. Nissin provide the calipers.
The fuel tank meanwhile holds 14 L which while n..
