Suzuki’s Gorgeous Yet Affordable New Roadster Blends Throwback Magic and Modern Thrills

“The sportcycle that ‘couldn’t be made’ … but was. By Suzuki.”

So says some wonderful copy from a 1968 Suzuki sales catalog promoting the brand’s T500 motorcycle, which — thanks largely to the world’s first production 500cc 2-stroke engine — was groundbreaking for its time.

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Of course, as is the case with everything from hiking shoes to hi-fi, the cutting-edge motos of the past can become delightfully retro in the present.

Offering late ’60s vibes with modern performance, convenience and safety is Suzuki’s newest street bike, the GSX-8T (and its faired brother, the GSX-8TT).

For both its aesthetics and its features, it deserves a closer look.

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Just as Suzuki began hyping the T500 by boasting about its engine, let’s start with that part of this compelling new roadster, which is slightly more advanced. 

The GSX-8T boasts the brand’s latest-generation 776cc 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel twin making 80hp at 8,500rpm and 57lb-ft of torque at 6,800rpm — lively numbers powering a relatively compact 443-pound bike with a 32-inch seat height.

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Keeping the ride responsive and nimble 5.1 inches of travel (both front and rear), courtesy of a KYB inverted fork and KYB link-type mono-shock rear suspension, plus 5.7 inches of ground clearance.

Of course, the more significant departure from the bikes of yesteryear can be seen in the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS), which would have been unheard of 50-plus years ago.

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Among other highlights, it offers multiple ride modes, traction control, ride-by-wire electronic throttle and — particularly in step with the times — the Bi-directional Quick Shift System, which allows the rider to shift up and down without operating the clutch or throttle. 

Meanwhile, the GSX-8T’s instrument panel offers a full-color 5-inch TFT screen with day and night modes and a USB-C power socket.

Timeless style

Alongside its many modern qualities, the GSX-8T bears a number of aesthetic nods to its predecessors. 

Perhaps most notable are a flat-bottom mono-round headlight (with high- and low-beam LED light emitters) and a “tuck-and-roll” style seat (with high-density foam for enhanced comfort and a shape optimized for mounting, dismounting and easily reaching the ground).

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While the fuel tank is designed specifically for this bike and ergonomic contoured, the Candy Burnt Gold edition very clearly recalls the 1968 catalog. (An equally striking but more contemporary Metallic Matte Black variant is also available.)

One other throwback touch is the 3-D model badge which the brand itself says is “inspired by the look of a pocket-billiards 8-ball.”

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I’d be remiss not to mention that even with all these classic notes, Suzuki managed to squeeze in a first here too: the GSX-8T is the first Suzuki bike to feature bar-end mirrors.

I dare say they only help this bike live up to the closing hype from the ’68 catalog: “It looks what it is … boss.”

Availability and pricing

Timing and pricing for the US rollout of the Suzuki GSX-8T have not yet been announced.

However, it will be hitting UK dealerships in the next few weeks starting at £9,599, or roughly $13,100. The US version will likely be priced in that ballpark.

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Suzuki GSX-8T

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