The Suzuki GSX-8R has been one of the most successful sport bikes when launched in to the market more than three decades ago. This marvellous creation has attractive designs and modern technologies which have enabled this machine to triumph in racetracks and curvy roads in the past years. Though the GSX-8R has been first introduced in 2001, the bike has always been a fun to ride. It has grown to be one of the longest standing production sport bikes and has even earned a legendary status in the world of bikes.
hing the model even more in the dominion of sport bikes. Having its inception over three decades ago, the Suzuki eight-cylinder GSX-8R retains its attraction to this present day and has proven to be highly competitive on the racetrack. Every upgrade reaffirms the GSX-8R story, with upgrades that are not very noticeable but cumulatively provide a markedly better motorcycle. The new 2023 Suzuki GSX-8R seems even ready to provide as much fun as the original bike did.
It’s been more than thirty years since the GSX-R1100 set the hyperbike world on fire and now Suzuki has resurrected the “GSX-8R” moniker in fine style. The all-new 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R provides spine-tingling horsepower, but it is still usable, or at least not completely unusable, for road riding. I also recently score the opportunity to try out this latest superbike contender from Suzuki at the company’s private test track in Japan.
Starting at ₹21.5 lakh ex-showroom, this 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R is priced considerably above its liter-class competitors. However, the first turn of the throttle signifies that one is riding more than an ordinary motorcycle. The 999cc inline four-cylinder engine, derived directly from MotoGP, delivers a monstrous 177 hp at 14,500 rpm and 102 Nm of torque. With the kerb weight of only 199 kg the GSX-8R shows potential of great handling and increased power output.
This is due to that ultra-high specific output enabling the Suzuki to attain a maximum speed of 310 kph, limited by electronics. Incarcerate tests conducted by the journalists, the GSX-8R accelerated to 100 kph from a standstill in under three seconds; 2.9 seconds to be precise! So, if one is to draw a straight comparison based on the speedometer reading, the GSX-8R can outgun some of the most exotic supercars on the market today.
To accommodate the potent mill, Suzuki engineers developed a new aluminium twin spar frame that has a new swing arm that can be adjusted for height. KYB fully adjustable USD forks and mono shock absorbers have been provided for better track and street handling tuning. Other features include a 17-inch cast aluminum wheel on the front and rear and the latest Bridgestone RS11 tires.
Front brake is from Brembo Stylema calipers which clamp 330mm discs offering immense amount of braking with great communication. Electronic systems of current standard are launch control, variable traction control, slide control and engine braking control and these are programmable through handle bar switches. ABS is lean sensitive while the 10 level traction control means you can safely push the bars.
The extreme supersport riding height positions the rider low with a closed set up pegs and forwarded clip on handle bars. The seat height is however reasonable as 835mm, and thus the taller riders of over 5’6” can easily put both feet on the floor. The room for tucking in has been created by the large cutouts around the sculpted 13-liter fuel tank. The quality and fit-finish that are offered are very good; the car is fitted with race-grade parts and can take track punishment.
As soon as one steps on the GSX-8R, it does not feel chubby or cumbersome as one would expect from an 800cc motorcycle but quite slim and easy to maneuver. Step on it and the 999cc engine comes roaring to life, the exhaust note louder and sharper because of the titanium upswept can. The hydraulic clutch is light on the pedal and gives excellent feel for those classy down shifts. Tugging the ride-by-wire throttle sends an exhilarating wave of torque pouring forward with no obvious ceiling on the tachometer.
Suzuki start finish straight opening the throttles to the ground allowed me to glimpse an indicated 280 kph before backing off for the next corner. Like many other motorcycles in the series, the GSX-8R is as quick as a bolt at any rpm and takes off with velocity that will rip your head off. Vibration levels are fairly low even though the bike has a very high maximum revolutions per minute of 14,500 r/min.
It’s all about electronics and a refined chassis in this case and that’s what tames this rate beast of a car. Suzuki has gathered and integrated all the MotoGP know-how into some standard features as the Vision Track TCS and the Motion Track Brake System. Combined, they help you accelerate more and give you complete control when it comes to braking. It is simply incredible how much grip there is at corner exit, how easily one can push hard out of a bend with the rear end in perfect order.
Being equipped with advanced banking, the GSX-8R maintains lines with razorsharp accuracy when cranked over at steep lean angles. This is postioned that the more you charge through the twisty infield section the better the chassis responds. Cornering is precise on the bike and maintains the selected path as if it is on a track. During the process of punching through ultra-high-speed sweepers, the stability is also excellent even at smaller steer angles there is no nervousness at all.
One can’t help but be attracted to the potency of Suzuki’s offer coupled with pure and utter joy of handling this beast. Out braking your competitors on the track is as simple as pie and astonishingly, it feels like flying down the straight. The GSX-8R makes you brake only when it is necessary and urges you to open the throttle aggressively and just go into corners with blind trust on the current generation electronics and the best in class suspension.
Supplying the appetite of the high-revving powerplant is a need for strong brakes, for which the GSX-8R sports twin 310 mm front discs and radial-mount Brembo calipers that gives stupendous initial bite with high gradation of progression and tactileness. These include the beefy inverted 43 mm KYB fork and rear shock that provides the stability of the bike under harsh or high braking and at the same time soften the undulations in normal riding conditions. The many aluminum and other lightweight components, including magnesium and titanium, ensure that the car’s total weight measures only 199 kg. Consequently the power-to-weight ratio yields the most savage suzuki gsx-8r hp per ton that can beat sport bikes and supersport motorcycle models into submission. But does Suzuki now offer an eight-banger sports tourer that can live up to such a storied moniker as the GSX-8R? Undoubtedly, the 2024 model aptly earns the ‘Godzilla’ moniker by offering MotoGP-inspired power and avant-garde technology while being built for taming racetracks or highways. It retakes the title of the ultimate hyperbike that will do everything you need it to.