Suzuki GSX-8TT Review – Nicely done retro fr...

Suzuki GSX-8TT Evaluate

Suzuki has been constructing on the momentum of its new parallel-twin platform for a few years now. After the bare GSX-8S, the journey V-Strom 800DE, and the sporty GSX-8R, the model has now reached again into its personal heritage to ship one thing totally different.

The GSX-8TT is as a lot about character as it’s about functionality, drawing clear strains again to machines just like the GS1000S that terrorised superbike grids over 40 years in the past whereas carrying ahead the mechanical DNA it shares with the GSX-8R/8S/DE. That hyperlink is greater than superficial; the TT borrows closely from the R’s {hardware}, however it channels it in a really retro means.

You solely have to check out the TT to see the place Suzuki is aiming it. The little bikini fairing with the signature spherical headlight, tiny little stomach pan, the funky ’70s-style tank stripes and the gold wheels (on my take a look at bike at the very least) are all ripped straight from the glory days of superbike racing. Nonetheless, in Australia, we don’t get the inexperienced and gold, however solely the Glass Sparkle Black model with crimson pink wheels and a pink tank stripe.

The trip place is much like the GSX-8S, with the single-piece handlebar providing you with a reasonably relaxed stance, though the seat is (fortunately) a little bit bit wider. The seat itself comes with some funky stitching to present it a extra premium really feel, and the reshaped gasoline tank is wider with a helpful 2.2 litres extra room for the go juice.

Thumb the starter and the 776 cc parallel twin fires up with the identical muted thrum because it does within the GSX-8S, a 270-degree crank giving it a personality not not like a V-twin.

The sound is, sadly, a little bit boring, which is a disgrace given its efficiency spectrum. An aftermarket muffler is a should to present the dual a little bit noise. Regardless of the slight auditory disappointment, Suzuki has carried out effectively with this engine, which makes simply over 81 horsepower and about 78 Nm of torque. That proves sufficient to maintain skilled riders entertained whereas nonetheless being approachable for these shifting up from smaller machines.

It’s a peppy little factor. Regardless of a slight flat spot under 3000 rpm, the dual delivers punchy acceleration via the primary two-thirds of the rev vary, however its top-end efficiency is considerably missing regardless of its willingness to succeed in greater speeds.

The engine is extra about mid-range/mid-revs efficiency, offering sufficient thrills however not sufficient to blow the doorways off one thing like a Yamaha MT-09, for instance. That stability of efficiency is strictly what makes it work so effectively in its retro fashion. The TT is vigorous with out being frantic, and easy with out being sterile.

That being mentioned, the TT will gladly get jiggy with it when the corners become visible. The TT shares nearly all of its {hardware} with the 8S, together with the metal body, swingarm, and suspension package deal. Though the KYB forks are non-adjustable, they’re well-damped and managed, if a little bit on the tender facet.

The TT suggestions into corners willingly, holds a line with out fuss, and offers simply sufficient suggestions via the entrance to maintain you assured. The rear shock is preload-adjustable (the identical as on the 8S) and is usually snug and composed. Up the tempo considerably and also you’ll be cranking up the preload, and right here, a little bit rebound damping wouldn’t go astray, both.

You’ve obtained to be easy on the TT. It’s not a motorbike that likes a wrestling match. As an alternative, it feels easy-going but sure-footed, and that makes for a satisfying companion on twisty roads in addition to if you’re threading via metropolis streets.

The 17-inch wheels put on acquainted 120 and 180 part tyres, which offer loads of grip and don’t make the bike really feel heavy in transitions.

Braking efficiency is nice, not nice. Twin 310 mm discs up entrance with radial-mount Nissin calipers have a good chunk and really feel on the lever, and though these aren’t track-spec Brembos, they’re greater than sufficient for many of the form of using the TT and you’re going to get into.

ABS is customary, and Suzuki’s rider aids suite carries over right here as effectively, with traction management and selectable trip modes accessible via the identical TFT show because the 8S and 8R.

Suzuki has continued its slimming down of electronics with the identical three-level plus Off traction management and three-level (A to C) throttle responses through the Suzuki Drive Mode Choose system, the identical as used on lots of its bikes, together with the GSX-S1000. There’s no six-axis IMU with the TT, so no cornering ABS and TC, however you do get an up and down quickshifter that’s easy as silk in its motion.

In comparison with one thing just like the 8R, the place you’re in additional of a racer trip place (albeit a comparatively relaxed one given the raised clip-on handlebars), on the TT you’re extra open to the weather, with rather less wind safety however clearly with a contact extra fashion.

At freeway speeds, the small fairing takes many of the wind blast out however doesn’t get rid of it solely, which is one thing to keep in mind if you’re out for longer rides.

However for the kind of using most patrons will do, weekend rides, commutes, brief journeys into the twisties, the TT’s trip place and ergonomics really feel relaxed and sustainable.

The bigger gasoline tank additionally provides vary, a sensible profit that reinforces the concept this bike is supposed for each day use, not simply occasional arduous rides.

Suzuki is a little bit late to the retro social gathering given bikes like Yamaha’s XSR700 or Honda’s CB650R have been round for some time now. However there’s methodology to the insanity, as Suzuki had a number of years to get the twin-cylinder platform good and provides the TT some funky garments in consequence.

There are compromises, after all. The dearth of suspension adjustability will delay riders who wish to fine-tune their setup. Though the retro-inspired fairing seems to be good, it doesn’t present a lot in the way in which of aerodynamic benefit (we’ve come a good distance for the reason that early Eighties, the place this bike attracts its inspiration from).

Riders who do lengthy motorway stretches will discover the wind blast tiring in contrast with the 8R’s extra streamlined fairing, and the TT carries a small weight penalty over the bare GSX-8S, due to its further bodywork and bigger gasoline tank. Nonetheless, in follow, it’s not one thing you actually really feel.

Suzuki might have taken the straightforward route and easily dressed up the 8R in retro clothes, however it hasn’t. It has created a machine that stands by itself whereas nonetheless being clearly related to its sibling. That connection to the GSX-8R is essential: it means patrons know they’re getting a confirmed engine and chassis, a package deal that has already been examined and refined. Nevertheless it additionally means they’ve a alternative between the marginally sharper focus of the R and the broader, extra characterful attraction of the TT.

The GSX-8TT seamlessly bridges the outdated and new eras, however in a means, Suzuki has nearly carried out too good a job within the TT’s creation. Every little thing is okay: the trip place, the engine efficiency, suspension motion, even the restricted electronics. Nevertheless it’s lacking that sure pizzazz {that a} bike just like the three-cylinder XSR delivers in spades. Perhaps I ought to hit up Yoshimura and see if they’ve a treatment for that little drawback.

For riders who need a bike that may commute through the week, take them out of town at weekends, and nonetheless flip heads when it’s parked exterior a café, the GSX-8TT is tough to fault. It gained’t outgun supersports on the monitor or swallow countless freeway miles with the convenience of a full-faired machine, however that’s not its mission.

The nice factor is the TT doesn’t really feel like a components bin particular. Suzuki has created a motorbike that feels prefer it belongs in at present’s lineup whereas paying a pleasant tribute to its previous, one I’m positive even Eighties Suzuki Superbike stalwart Robbie Phillis would approve of.

Suzuki GSX-8T/GSX-8TT Specs
TT in brackets

2026 Suzuki GSX-8TT Photographs