[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Suzuki has unveiled their brand new GSX-8R middleweight sportsbike today at Eicma, in Milan, Italy.

https://youtu.be/-tvDTsdl-Ag?si=I1kJqlR_Fr20Vnul

Immediately highlighting the R element of the new GSX-8R is its full fairing, wind tunnel-tested to increase aerodynamic performance and provide weather protection for the rider. Bold 8R logos adorn the side panels, while fairing-mounted mirrors also aid in reducing drag.

Perched in the middle of the angular face is the recognisably GSX series stacked LED headlight, topped by an LED position light. The rear combination light is also full LED, as are the indicators.

At the heart of the new GSX-8R is the 776cc parallel twin engine – which it shares with the GSX-8S – with its long stroke and 270° crankshaft design providing an abundance of low-down torque, usability, and flexibility, while a free-revving nature comes from a DOHC and four valves per cylinder. Peak torque is 78 Nm, delivered at 6800rpm, with peak power of 82.9PS coming at 8500rpm.

The 270° crankshaft also provides a power delivery, character, and rumble reminiscent of Suzuki’s much-lauded V-twin ranges, while a patented cross balancer design ensures a smoothness, as well as aiding in a compact, lightweight engine design.

A two-into-one exhaust system with dual-stage catalytic converter keeps the 8R conforming to Euro 5 emissions standards, and ends in a short, underslung silencer further enhancing the compact, slimline look.

All of that is housed in a steel frame engineered for direct handling characteristics. Those handling characteristics are further enhanced by low, forged aluminium handlebars that provide positive control and a sporty riding position, placing more of the rider’s weight over the front wheel. Bolted into the rear of the steel frame is a lightweight aluminium subframe and lightweight aluminium swingarm,

Dealing with the increased weight bias towards the front, Showa provides the suspension, with SFF-BP* (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) inverted forks and monoshock in the rear. Mounted radially to the forks are Nissin four-piston calipers, providing stopping power by biting 310mm discs. Tyres are Dunlop Roadsport 2s.

Aiding rideability, usability, and flexibility is a suite of electronic systems that includes a bi-directional quickshifter as standard, three selectable engine power modes, and three selectable traction control settings, plus the ability to disengage the system entirely. There’s also Suzuki’s low RPM assist and easy-start function.

The GSX-8R’s settings are easy to navigate via a single rocker switch on the left-hand handlebar, with the information displayed clearly on a colour 5” TFT screen.

Three colour options will be available when the GSX-8R arrives in dealerships in early February 2024: Metallic Triton Blue, Metallic Matt Sword Silver and Metallic Matt Black

[FireBlade]

Man, these real world optimized versatile sport bikes are becoming the flavour of the day for most manufacturers. Ducati SuperSport, Aprilia RS660, CBR 650R and now this GSX-8R. Competition is really hotting up in this segment. Hope Suzuki bring this bike here as well.

[volkman10]

Launched at a price of Rs 9,25,000.

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by volkman10

Launched at a price of Rs 9,25,000.

Attachment 2663147

Probably a bit overpriced. I wish it was the naked 8s that was launched instead. 8.5-9L was the sweet spot.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by b16h22

Probably a bit overpriced.

Compared to what?

The competition currently available in the market is the Triumph Daytona 660 which is priced at 9.72 lakhs and the Kawasaki ZX4 RR which is priced at 9.10 lakhs.

The Suzuki looks quite competitively priced against these bikes, considering a bi-directional quickshifter is available as standard as well.

Compared to its own ADV sibling too - it is priced 1.05 lakhs cheaper ex-showroom!

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Compared to what?

The competition currently available in the market is the Triumph Daytona 660 which is priced at 9.72 lakhs and the Kawasaki ZX4 RR which is priced at 9.10 lakhs.

The Suzuki looks quite competitively priced against these bikes, considering a bi-directional quickshifter is available as standard as well.

Compared to its own ADV sibling too - it is priced 1.05 lakhs cheaper ex-showroom!

Yes, certainly. But he 8R and 8S are more priced towards the 650-700s abroad. Both Daytona and 8R are in similar market space, but both of them are similarly overpriced in India due to fairing tax. The price differential between the Ninja 650 and 8R is around a £1000 in UK for example, which is fair. But here it is more than £2000. Given our love for the triples and i4s over twins (yes it is a 270 degree), it should've been under 9L ideally to have a chance in our market against the multi-cylinder competitors. I really like the 8S/8R twin and want them to succeed so don't get me wrong. Now, if Honda brings the 650R and prices it under 10L, it'll have a hard time against the Daytona and the Honda. 8R is widely reviewed as a solid sports bike but a little bit unexciting in stock form. Which is typical for a modern Suzuki.

[TheEcoBeast]

Originally Posted by b16h22

If Honda brings the 650R and prices it under 10L, it'll have a hard time against the Daytona and the Honda. 8R is widely reviewed as a solid sports bike but a little bit unexciting in stock form. Which is typical for a modern Suzuki.

Honda is known for its exorbitant pricing and we all know that! I’d never, even in my wildest dreams, think that the CBR 650R would make it here with a price tag under 10L. First of all, it’s highly unlikely that Honda would launch it here. Honda and Yamaha are least bothered about Indian market.

And The GSX 8R pricing apprears to be more than fair for what it offers. The international auto journos fell head over heals for this bike and if I am not wrong many of them declared it as the winner among the Daytona 660, CBR 650R and the R7, in terms of handling, comfort, tractability and practicality.

https://youtu.be/LwItJVL1kc0?feature=shared

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by TheEcoBeast

Honda is known for its exorbitant pricing and we all know that! I’d never, even in my wildest dreams, think that the CBR 650R would make it here with a price tag under 10L. First of all, it’s highly unlikely that Honda would launch it here. Honda and Yamaha are least bothered about Indian market.

And The GSX 8R pricing apprears to be more than fair for what it offers. The international auto journos fell head over heals for this bike and if I am not wrong many of them declared it as the winner among the Daytona 660, CBR 650R and the R7, in terms of handling, comfort, tractability and practicality.

Mate, I'm more than aware of the capabilities of the 800 platform and what it offers. Yoshimura/Revzilla 8R recently entered AMA supertwins class and already won a few races over the competition consisting of R7s, RS660s and the likes. And the 8s naked punched way above it's weight in the Bikeworld middleweight drag series with superior torque.

But Indians have a tendency to overlook objectiveness when it comes to faired sports bikes and go with something that offers more emotional pull in terms of noise or looks. To compensate for that, you need a better pricing strategy. Suzuki is already a very quiet player in the Indian big bike game if you take the sales of Busa away. Their bikes are often very good but lack the flair to stand out and end up being low sellers in India. I really my skepticism towards the pricing is proven wrong. I love all the new middle weight 270 degree platforms.

[loki]

Inescapable fact that the industry is trending towards parallel twins - relatively cheaper to make compared to 3 / 4 cylinders. Most of the western journos have rated the Suzuki 800 platform bikes near the top of their class. Wondering how the 8R will fare in India though.

Most buyers entering the segment (Eg: Middleweight sport-ish bike) would want some i4 or i3 music. Which is why a lot of folks end up buying the Z900 even though they might have wanted a faired touring-worthy bike in the first place. We've had the Ninja 650 selling here for quite some time but that had a proper value prop (2L cheaper than CBR650F or R). So can the 270 crank parallel twin 8R compete with its relatively better sounding competition (direct = Daytona 660, CBR650R indirect= Z900, Street Triple R) while being priced near par? Will buyers recognise the parallel twin virtues - better midrange which matters on the street etc. Not so sure.

[anshumandun]

No camouflaged bikes, no spy shots, no Indian conditions testing. Just a surprise launch!! The last time something similar happened was when Yamaha surprised everyone with the launch of Aerox. Makes me wonder if the companies actually need so much real-world testing or is it more of a marketing build-up before the actual launch.

This is a good alternative to the Daytone 660 which is not getting many positive reviews all over the world.

[V0rtex]

Although many Indians prefer i3 and i4 configurations, it's important to recognize that the global trend is shifting towards twins. For joy rides and daily commutes, twin cylinders are a better option in my opinion as they produce ample power within the rev range that most riders use. Additionally, with a 270-degree crank, the exhaust note will be much more appealing compared to the flat sound typical of 180-degree twins, like those found in the Ninja 300/400/650.

[Boringrider]

For all the complaining which enthusiasts love to do, I feel this is a very good launch. The middleweight segment seems to be making a comeback and manufacturers who take this direction forward should be applauded. Regarding the pricing, this is a reality now and inflation has caught up with our beloved machines after all. I grew up in the days where I would dream of owning litre class bikes some day because they were in the 10-15L range. That segment has gone up and so has the middleweights. I'm not in the market for any of these machines now and won't be anytime soon but I still appreciate it as an enthusiast. We are in dire need of variety and options and still some people have the gall to complain. For those people, you'll always have your regular picks so why bother.

Moreover, Versys 1000 and Ninja 1100 have also made a comeback and knowing Kawasaki, they will launch it in India definitely. Tired of seeing negativity online about everything everywhere. Nothing seems to be good enough.

[DDV437]

A launch completely out of the blue, but much appreciated. Kawasaki is probably the only Japanese company which takes India seriously. It's good to see Suzuki taking up the mantle as well. Maybe it'll improve Suzuki's appeal, something which the Katana failed to do.

Suzuki's service network is still very patchy however, with even major regions like NCR having just 1 big bike dealer. Even their bread-and-butter bikes like the Gixxer have issues with parts availability. I think that will figure a lot into purchase decisions.

[setuniket]

Going by the atorcious price of the launches these days in the CBU/CKD segment, 9.25 L for GSX unfortunately sounds reasonable.

[Flyingdutchman]

Originally Posted by volkman10

Launched at a price of Rs 9,25,000.

Excellent pricing. Suzuki is working on thin margins with this one.For reference, Prices in UK are in the range of £9000 which is higher than even Daytona 660 and CBR 650R but GSX 8R undercuts prices of both of these bikes in India. Even if we take direct conversion rate, it's pretty close to that figure. I am guessing Suzuki is importing initial batches directly from Japan as CBU and Taxes for CBU in India are plain atrocious. One prime example of this is Aprilia RS 660. It costs £9500 in UK whereas in India, it's priced at ₹17.74 Lakh (outrageous!!) All things considered, this pricing is more than fair.

Gone are the day (not long ago) when one could own 100+ ponies under 10 lakh(Ninja 1000 days),. I digress, but It's a fact that prices of motorcycles especially in middleweight category have gone up exponentially high in last 5 years.

As far as competition is concerned, there are only 2 contenders. One would be CBR 650R and another would be Daytona 660. Yamaha R7 is not yet confirmed and one cannot include RS 660 in the list for obvious reasons. ZX4RR has very niche use case unlike do it all of other 4. Wishing the best to Suzuki.