GSX-8S
Concept
The product concept “Infinite Potential. Limitless Fun.” intends to convey a sense that the GSX-8S offers riders of all ages and skill levels endless possibilities to enjoy the fun of every outing, whether that ride is a simple commute to work or school, a shopping trip, or an exciting day out to enjoy touring or a sporty run through some winding roads. It also suggests how its new engine and chassis layout blend harmoniously to deliver power, handling, and comfort that faithfully follow the will of the rider and offer a quirk-free riding experience that puts the rider in full control.
The GSX-8S features a thoroughly modern design that sings of functional beauty and is backed by the exciting yet forgiving performance desired by a wide range of riders. The GSX-8S is ready to set the trend for an exciting new generation of street motorcycles ready to carry the Suzuki brand into the future.
Infinite Performance Potential
An Engine for a New Era of Satisfying Street Performance
Creating the naked street fighter for a new era began with aiming to design a slim powerplant and leverage the compact front-rear dimensions of Suzuki’s new parallel twin engine to help achieve the most effective chassis geometry for performance gains. Moreover, the new engine had to be torquey and powerful, but also easy to control, with smooth throttle response and an inviting nature that provides a satisfying riding experience, whether enjoying a solo run or carrying a passenger. These objectives gave birth to Suzuki’s new parallel twin 776cm3 DOHC, 4-valve-per-cylinder engine, which features a fine balance of smooth, controllable power from low rpm combined with the pleasant feeling of free-revving performance through to the high end. Its 270-degree crankshaft design delivers a smooth ride, plenty of torque, positive traction, and a pleasing rumble and engine note similar to that of a V-twin engine. It also introduces the Suzuki Cross Balancer, an innovative new primary balancer design that contributes to smooth operation and helps enhance the GSX-8S’s nimble handling.
Suzuki Cross Balancer
All modern parallel twin engines with a 270-degree crank layout employ a primary balancer to suppress vibration. Suzuki has created a new biaxial primary balancer, that is the first on a production motorcycle, to position its two balancers at 90° to the crankshaft.
*1 This patented*2 mechanism excels at realizing a smoother ride, while its design makes it possible to create a lighter powerplant that is
more compact from front to rear.
*1 According to Suzuki’s in-house research.
*2 Patent granted for biaxial primary balancer that positions its two
balancers at 90° to the crankshaft.
Distinctive Short Muffler Design
The GSX-8S features a short new muffler design that, barely peeking out as it rises from the right side of the engine, contributes greatly
to the mass-forward image of this new street fighter. It is part of a new 2-into-1 exhaust system engineered to produce a pleasing note befitting the new parallel twin engine. Better yet, the two-stage catalytic converter inside the collector helps limit emissions to a
level that satisfies Euro 5 standards, while at the same time maximizing power output and overall performance.
Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S)
The advanced electronic systems of the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) featured on the GSX-8S assist and help you optimize performance characteristics to match your changing riding needs and preferences. By making the GSX-8S feel more controllable, predictable, and less tiring to operate, these systems help you ride with greater peace of mind, whether touring for long distances, carrying a passenger, or heading out for a sporty solo run.
Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS)
Mode A (Active)
Delivers the sharpest throttle response as you open thethrottle. Torque characteristics are finely tuned todeliver exciting acceleration as the throttle is opened.
Mode B (Basic)
Features softer throttle response and a more linearpower delivery curve as you open the throttle. Settings are tuned to help make the bike more controllable anda good fit for everyday riding.
Mode C (Comfort)
Offers yet softer throttle response and more gentle torque characteristics. This mode is useful when riding on wet or slippery surfaces.
Freely choose among three different power output characteristic modes to best match varying riding conditions or your preferences. While all three ultimately deliver maximum engine output, finer control over the level of throttle response and torque characteristics as you open the throttle to accelerate empowers you to ride with greater
confidence and pleasure.
Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS)
Designed to help prevent the rear wheel from slipping, this
system reduces stress and fatigue while instilling greater
confidence in controlling your ride. You can select from 3
modes to control how quickly the system takes effect and
how proactive it is in limiting wheel spin, or you can opt to
run with it turned off.
Note: The traction control system is not a substitute for the rider’s throttle control. It cannot prevent loss of traction due to excessive speed when the rider enters a turn and/or applies the brakes. Neither can it prevent the front wheel from losing grip.
Bi-directional Quick Shift System
This standard-equipment feature lets you shift up or down without operating the clutch lever while in motion. When activated, the system delivers clean upshifts with smooth acceleration. Downshifts
are also quick and easy, thanks in part to automatic blipping and engine braking working together harmoniously. The gear shift linkage system load rate is optimized to provide a solid, satisfying click with each shift that assures you the gearbox has responded immediately
to your action.
Ride-by-wire Electronic Throttle System
This cable-free system leverages the onboard ECM to finely control the relationship between throttle action and engine output characteristics. As a result, linear feedback to throttle grip action makes the GSX-8S feel controllable and helps promote more confident riding.
Suzuki Easy Start System
One quick press of a button lets you start the engine. As a function used on every outing, Easy Start makes your riding experience all the more pleasurable and convenient.
Low RPM Assist
By ensuring smoother and easier starts, this function helps you control the bike more easily in stop-and-go traffic. It uses TI-ISC (Throttle-body Integrated Idle Speed Control) to help maintain engine idle speed as you release the clutch lever to launch from a standing start, or ride at low speeds.
Proudly Flaunting the Future of Pure Functional Beauty
The tight, clean lines of its face and tail sections are contrasted by the muscular mass in its center. Every detail, right down to the distinctive short new muffler design, presents the futuristic appeal of slim, compact styling that instantly conveys performance potential in its mass-forward aggressive stance. This is highlighted by fully exposing and proudly flaunting the engine, frame, and other functional parts to bring a whole new feeling to the unique character of the GSX-8S, establishing it as the naked street fighter for a new era.
The Potential of Clear Vision
From the advanced functional and aesthetic design of the LED lighting both front and rear, to the
informational wealth and unique presentation offered by the instrument panel’s color LCD screen,
The GSX-8S is clearly destined to lead the way to your future riding pleasure.
LED Headlights and Position Lights
The vertically stacked pair of hexagonal LED headlights not only provide you with a clear view of the road ahead, but their compact design creates a sharp look with unique character that makes the front end look light and ready for action. The headlight assembly is flanked by compact LED position lights designed as narrow angled slits that trace forward and down along the front cowl to accent the unique “mask” of the front face.
LED Rear Combination Light
The LED rear combination light with integrated LED license plate light features a new design introduced for the first time on a Suzuki motorcycle. Mounted on the slim rear fender, this new light contributes to a sporty new design that makes the GSX-8S look even shorter and slimmer in the rear.
Full LCD Instrument Panel
Day Mode
Night Mode
The GSX-8S adopts a custom 5-inch color TFT LCD multifunction instrument panel. Clearly legible high-quality information displays keep you fully aware of all the bike’s systems and settings, and supply vital real-time operating status information. The tachometer does double duty as a programmable rpm indicator light that blinks when the
engine reaches a preset speed, and the LCD now adds a function that lets you display large pop-up alerts and warnings. Manual or automatic switching settings for the day (white) and night (black) display modes let you maximize visibility at any hour and in any riding situation.
Intuitive Handlebar Switches
The ergonomic switch layout maximizes operating ease and efficiency so you can access all controls while focusing on the road ahead. Select modes and make settings and adjustments for each S.I.R.S. control system by simply operating the MODE and UP/DOWN switches on the left handlebar.
A Chassis Engineered for True Riding Pleasure
All you need do is look at the GSX-8S to see how the chassis was carefully engineered to be slim, compact, lightweight, highly agile, and ideally suited to supporting its high-performance parallel twin engine. Every aspect reflects a strong focus on great handling and control, even when riding with the optional soft side cases attached, and on minimizing fatigue whether you are riding solo or carrying a passenger. The core structure of the chassis layout starts with a strong and highly rigid frame designed for the GSX-8S. Its exposed seat rails provide solid support, while also contributing to a slim appearance and stripped-down look of functional beauty. The lightweight aluminum swingarm, designed exclusively for the GSX-8S, is optimized to perform ideally on the street. The chassis geometry was meticulously planned to provide both straight-line stability and nimble handling, along with a comfortable riding position that effectively distributes weight to the front and rear. The compact front-rear dimensions of Suzuki’s new parallel twin engine further benefits the chassis geometry by realizing a forward-positioned hip point that enables you to shift your weight toward the front and more easily control the GSX-8S when negotiating tight corners.
Optimized Front and Rear Suspension
KYB inverted front forks with a 130mm stroke deliver a plush, controllable ride and feature stable damping characteristics that makes them suitable for both sports riding and long-distance runs. The dedicated link-type mono-shock KYB rear suspension is set up to contribute to straight-line stability and agility, even when carrying a passenger. The mechanical preload adjuster is particularly useful when heading out to ride tandem. And settings are optimized to help realize nimble handling and predictable steering into corners.
High-performance Wheels and Tires
Cast-aluminum wheels with a unique new lightweight design contribute to the sharp styling of the GSX-8S and to its nimble handling. The wheels are shod with a new generation of Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tires that benefit from an internal construction custom-engineered to match the characteristics of the GSX-8S and built to perform optimally. Their proven tread pattern introduces a new silica compound that enhances grip in wet conditions and durable wear resistance. Both the wheels and tires work in harmony with the optimized suspension settings to help maximize grip, stability, and agility, and to deliver a comfortable ride.
Specifications
Engine
Type
Displacement
Bore x Stroke
Compression Ratio
Fuel system
Starter System
4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
776 cm3
84.0 mm x 70.0 mm
12.8 : 1
Fuel Injection
Electric
Transmission
Lubrication system
Transmission
Forced feed circulation, Wet sump
6 Speed Constant Mesh
Chassis
Suspension Front
Suspension Rear
Rake/trail
Brake Front
Brake Rear
Tire Size Front
Tire Size Rear
Ignition system
Fuel Tank Capacity
Oil capacity
Fuel consumption
CO2 emissions
Inverted Telescopic, Coil Spring, Oil Damped
Link type, coil spring, oil damped
25° / 104 mm
Disc, twin
Disc Brake
120/70ZR17M/C (58W) tubeless
180/55ZR17M/C (73W) tubeless
Electric ignition (transistorized)
14.0 L
3.9 L
23.8 km/L (4.2 L/100km)
99 g/km
Dimensions
Overall length
Overall width
Overall height
Wheelbase
Seat Height
Ground Clearance
Curb mass
2,115 mm
775 mm
1,105 mm
1,465 mm
810 mm
145 mm
202 kg
