Twins promise double joy from Suzuki
Suzuki’s exciting new model offensive continues with two all-new middleweight motorbikes due to arrive in dealerships early in spring.
The naked GSX-8S and V-Strom 800DE adventure bike come hot on the heels of the new off-road inspired V-Strom 1050DE and the 125 Address, Avenis and Burgman Street EX scooters.
Both the GSX-8S and V-Strom 800DE use a brand new 776cc, parallel twin engine with 270-degree crank. It’s designed to deliver punchy torque and a flexible character, while four valves per cylinder enable a free-revving nature.
A Suzuki Cross Balancer, an innovative new primary balancer design, reduces unwanted vibration. It also helps ensure the engine’s compact nature which, in turn, aids freedom of chassis design.
For strength and agility, the V-Strom 800DE and GSX-8S use an all-new steel frame. Each has a bespoke subframe, swingarm and suspension components for unique ergonomics and a tailored riding experience.
As standard, each comes with:
- Five-inch, full-colour TFT dash
- Three-mode traction control
- Bi-directional quickshifter
- Three selectable power modes
- Slipper clutch
- Ride-by-wire throttle
The V-Strom 800DE adds an off-road-focused G (gravel) traction control mode. The ABS package also has two modes – for more or less intervention – and the rear ABS can be switched off altogether.
The GSX-8S produces 82.9PS at 8,500rpm and peak torque of 78Nm at 6,800rpm. For the V-Strom 800DE, the new engine has 84.3PS.
Liam McCartney, a member of our sales team, thinks Suzuki’s new middleweight motorbikes will pack a potent punch.
“They are new platform bikes with a new parallel twin engine that brings Suzuki up to speed with other manufacturers.”
“The 270-degree crank makes them nicer to ride with a different firing order that provides more torque and a better sound.
“And, being Suzukis, they will be very robust, ultra-reliable, sensibly priced and ride nicely.”
The new models will sit above the current SV650 and V-Strom 650 in the Suzuki range.
Suzuki GSX-8S
The futuristic GSX-8S features a new short muffler, wide, tapered aluminium handlebars for a sporty riding position and plenty of leverage to pitch the GSX-8S effortlessly into turns with speed and confidence, upside down front forks and a rear shock from KYB.
Stopping power comes from twin 310mm front discs and a 240mm rear disc.
Three colours options are available – pearl cosmic blue and pearl tech white, both with bright, light blue wheels and subframe, and a matt and sparkle black.
Stacked hexagonal LED headlights and LED running lights contribute to a slim, compact and aggressive stance.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
The V-Strom 800DE boasts fully-adjustable suspension with 220mm of travel, wire spoked 21in front and 17in rear wheels, with Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tyres, and 220mm of ground clearance.
Wide, tapered, aluminium handlebars and rubber-covered steel footpegs help riders control the V-Strom 800DE on and off-road. A long wheelbase aids stability.
The extra traction control G mode, for off-road riding, allows more wheelspin but not excessive slip so power continues to be delivered to the rear wheel with minimum interruption. Experienced riders can also disengage the traction control entirely for even more direct control.
The V-Strom’s styling harks back to Suzuki’s DR Big and DR-Z heritage with the beak design and a hero colour scheme reminiscent of past off-road racing exploits.
It also gets vertically-stacked hexagonal LED headlights.
Traditional yellow with dark blue accents and gold rims pays homage to Suzuki’s off-road pedigree. Other colour schemes are matt mechanical grey with moulded yellow accents and black rims, and glass sparkle black with dark blue accents and gold wheels.
Pricing is not yet available but the GSX-8S and V-Strom 800DE are due to be in dealerships in spring.
Find out more at:
orwell.co.uk/suzuki/new-suzuki-motorcycle-range/street/gsx-8s
orwell.co.uk/suzuki/new-suzuki-motorcycle-range/adventure/v-strom-800de