The GSX-8T and 8TT are true “Modern Retro” styling and performance
This past week we received a press release from Suzuki, debuting a pair of motorcycles that just arrested our attention. The new GSX-8T and 8TT look absolutely stunning, and we are jonesing for a ride on them both. We’ve long loved their SV650, with several of us having owned one or more ourselves over the years. But a true “Modern Retro” naked sport has been lacking in Suzuki’s lineup, something in the vein of Kawasaki’s Z900RS and Z650RS, Yamaha’s XSR700 and XSR900 models, and Honda’s CB1000R and CB650R bikes. We love naked sport bikes, particularly those with some retro styling cues, and these new Suzukis look like they’ll tick the boxes for many of us.
The Suzuki GSX-8T in Candy Burnt Gold and Metallic Matte Black. Photos by Suzuki.
From the old-school round headlights and bar-end mirrors, the tuck/roll seat stitching of the 8T, to the sweet 1980s style square headlight cowling and under-cowl below the pipe headers on the 8TT, not to mention the gorgeous paint jobs, both bikes drip 1970s-early 80s inspiration. These bikes are long overdue from Suzuki, and we’re sure they’ll be popular with North American buyers if the price point is right (no price yet as of the time of this writing).
Suzuki GSX-8TT, in Pearl Matte Shadow Green and Glass Sparkle Black. Photos by Suzuki.
Running the newest mill in Suzuki’s lineup, a 776cc parallel twin DOHC with a 270-deg crank, the 8T and 8TT both sport Suzuki’s “Cross Balancer” tech, the first primary balancer of its kind to make its way into a production motorcycle. Rolling on an industry standard 6-cog gearbox, the bikes both feature Suzuki’s Clutch Assist System (SCAS), basically a quickshifter and slipper clutch combo, which is on/off switchable. Like even most modern retros today, they both come standard with traction control, ABS, three ride modes and an “Off”, Suzuki’s patented Easy Start System and Low RPM Assist for smooth and easy starts in all conditions. Seat height will be 31.9 in. on the 8TT, 32 in. on the 8T.
The 8T on the street. Will that helmet be available? Photo by Suzuki.
There’s lots of pleasing bits throughout, in our research- KYB inverted front forks and link-type rear monoshock, Nissin ABS-fitted brakes, steel frame, cast aluminum rims, swingarm and handlebars, a simple 5-inch TFT LCD display (not quite old-school, but nice), and vintage-shaped tank that holds a good 4.3 gals of fuel. We love the look of that 2-into-1 underpipe as well, which should have a decent growl, given the 270 crank, even stock. Oh, and Suzuki will drop a compact and lightweight Eliiy Power P-Series lithium-ion battery in these models, their first in the US of A to have them. Overall weight is said to tip the scales at 445 lbs, ride-ready with a full tank of gas. What’s not to love so far?
Curve carving with the 8TT. Yes please. Photo by Suzuki.
Suzuki is listing both bikes as 2026 models, and there is no MSRP set as of this writing. We are hoping to sample both as soon as they come stateside, hopefully late summer-early fall. For now, we’ll have to settle for photos, video, snippets, and specs/features descriptions, while we drool on our keyboards. We wait with barely patient expectation.
For more on the Suzuki 8T and 8TT, check out this link yourself-
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