BREAKING: Suzuki GSX-8R Supersport Launched In India

Quick Highlights

• Suzuki GSX-8R middleweight supersport launched in India

• Priced at Rs 9,25,000

• Powered by a 776cc parallel-twin engine

Suzuki GSX-8R has been launched in India at Rs 9,25,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The middleweight supersport gets the same parallel-twin engine as the V-Strom 800 DE – I know – bummer that the GSX-R doesn’t have an inline-four howler. But it is what it is, especially with the shifting global trend in superbike demand.

What Does it Get

Suzuki GSX-8R Engine

The 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R is powered by a 776cc parallel-twin engine that makes a humble 82.9PS and 78Nm, and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. It also gets a slipper clutch and bi-directional quickshifter for seamless up and down shifts. 

Suzuki GSX-8R Chassis, Suspension, & Brakes

The engine is cradled in a tubular steel frame that suspends its 17-inch wheels via a Showa Big Piston fork and a linked monoshock with preload adjustability. The GSX-8R has an aluminium swingarm. It has a twin disc setup up front, and a single disc at the rear with dual-channel ABS. 

The supersport has a 14-litre fuel tank, 205kg kerb weight, and 145mm ground clearance. The latter could make it a bit difficult to ride on broken roads and over taller speed breakers.

Suzuki GSX-8R Features

Suzuki has given the GSX-8R a decent set of features: three riding modes, four-level traction control, ride-by-wire, and a low-rpm assist that helps ride the bike at very slow speeds without modulating the clutch. 

Suzuki GSX-8R Rivals

While there are no direct rivals for the GSX-8R, the recently launched Triumph Daytona 660 is priced similarly (Rs 9,72,450, ex-showroom). 

ZigSays

It's understandably disappointing that the legendary litre-class GSX-R is no more. However, the global demand for utterly powerful litre-class bikes has been slowly diminishing to a point where it has become economically unfeasible for manufacturers to develop and produce new models. This, along with the ever-tightening global emissions norms have forced many manufacturers to make saddening decisions. Moving forward, the upcoming shift in MotoGP regulations to use 800cc engines for the premier class championship could be a precursor to the return of the glory days for the 800cc engines. Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with the engine capacity, but since motorcycles are so much about the feel and the physical experience, an 800 lacks in delivering what a litre-class inline-four does to the rider in terms of the spiritual experience. But times are changing and we should be glad that at least aspirational bikes are still ICE-powered!