You know that the motorcycling world has gone retro crazy when manufacturers are taking completely modern models and giving them a retro makeover.
Suzuki’s GSX-8S has been a brilliant success for the manufacturer, not only replacing but completely updating the venerable SV650 that had so many fans around the world since 1999. The SV650 was the best of bikes; small, light, easy to handle, with punchy performance from the V-Twin engine, plenty of entertainment value and completely bullet-proof. The GSX-8S might have ditched the V-Twin engine in favour of a parallel twin and housed it in a completely new chassis, but the recipe remains the same, as does the entertainment value.
What the GSX-8S wasn’t, however, was retro in any manner of speaking. That hasn’t stopped Suzuki from delving into its past for inspiration for two new models based on the 8S, the GSX-8T and the GSX-8TT.
Taking the GSX-8TT first, Suzuki has drawn inspiration from the much-missed T500 Titan model, produced between 1968 and 1975. That bike was a two-stroke parallel twin-engined roadster, the over-engineering of which went a long way to cementing Suzuki’s reputation for bullet-proof reliability.
The GSX-8TT doesn’t simply recreate the past, it reinterprets it using modern design language combined with a ‘retro’ aesthetic appeal, while utilising contemporary technology to enhance the riding experience. True, this might be dismissed as a styling exercise, but when the basis is one of the finest naked sports bikes in its class, then surely adding surface glitter can only be a positive.
The main features of the re-styling are the distinctive headlight cowl surrounding the round headlight and the prominent under cowl, or chin spoiler, and a pair of unique paint jobs; Pearl Matte Shadow Green and Glass Sparkle Black, both enjoying dynamic striping on the tank and headlight cowl, matching the wheel colour – red on the black model and sand green on the Pearl Matte.
Other details are handlebar-end mirrors and a tuck-and-roll style seat, stainless steel silencer cover and black-finished side covers.
The GSX-8T is sort of the same, deleting the headlamp cowl and chin spoiler, while still retaining a pleasing retro style, largely thanks to the Candy Burnt Gold paint option on the tank. It is also available in Metallic Matte Black.
Under the skin, it’s GSX-8S business as usual, the 776cc parallel twin engine pushing out 83 horsepower and 57.5 lb-ft of torque. On the electronics side, there is a bi-directional quick-shifter, ABS and traction control.
Both the 8T and 8TT are slated as 2026 models, but speak to your local Suzuki dealer for more information on when we can expect to see these beauties in South Africa.
