Suzuki GSX-8S: a new street fighter introduced at EICMA 2022 [PHOTO]

Suzuki introduces the model at EICMA GSX-8S, a new medium-sized sports model.

The motorcycle

From an aesthetic point of view, the overlapping LED headlight unit and the clear lines of the bodywork stand out which, together with the propulsive heart, visually link the GSX-8S with the new versatile V-strom 800DE also presented on the occasion, despite being two different bikes.
The street fighter features superstructures that underline its sporting nature, ranging from the pointed fairing, to the shapes of the tank and lateral conveyors, up to the tail and the short tailpipe. The panels allow a look at the mechanical and chassis part, this one with a steel tube trellis. Three liveries with dominant colors are foreseen for the specimen Sydney Blue, White Oslo e Black Dubai. The assortment of original accessories is varied.

The more generous chassis dimensions in comparison with the category are to the advantage of habitability and behavior on the road, also taking into account a balance between weight distribution and set-up.
The suspension part is made up of a KYB upside-down fork and a KYB monoshock operated via a progressive linkage with an aluminum swingarm. The braking system includes four-piston radial-mount front calipers, associated with a pair of floating discs 310 millimeters.
There are also some alloy wheels 17 inches which fit 120/70 and 180/55 tyres.
As on the new Suzuki V-Strom 800DE also on the GSX-8S, the engine is managed in an integrated manner with all the on-board electronics from Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS), recalling:

– the “Scegliiltiro” system – Suzuki Drive Mode Selector – with three driving modes;
– the “Aprisereno” system – Suzuki Traction Control System adjustable on three levels and deactivated, the ride-by-wire accelerator;
– the “Cambiarapido” system – Bi-directional Quick Shift System;
– the Suzuki Easy Start System and “Partifacile” – Low RPM Assist devices.

Motor

The heart is one 776cc parallel twin with DOHC twin camshaft distribution with four valves per cylinder. There is a relatively long stroke, 70 mm, for progressive delivery and a full-bodied shot from low revs.
The technicians were also interested in containing vibrations with a patented Suzuki Cross Balancer system, the action of two rocker arms positioned at 90° with respect to the crankshaft, each capable of preventing the vibrations generated by a single cylinder.
Another interesting aspect is the 270° crank mechanism, a scheme that, keeping the burst sequence in mind, reportedly allows for a torque curve conducive to a loud sound.
The engine is associated with a six-speed gearbox, with a different ratio compared to the V-Strom 800DE with an assisted clutch and anti-hopping system.
In compliance with the Euro 5 regulation, the power of the new Suzuki GSX-8S reaches its peak 83 horses (61 kW) at 8.500 rpm, the torque peak reaches a figure of 78 Nm at 6.800 rpm.

Photo: Suzuki