At the recent Hobby Show at NASREC, the first edition of this new family event, Suzuki took the opportunity to showcase four new models to the South African media and public.
On display were two cosmetically-updated versions of the already-successful GSX-8, parallel-twin-engined range, in the form of the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT, plus two new DR-Z models, the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM.
The two GSX-8 models bring a lovely retro touch to the range, with alternative colour choices, and some neat styling touches. The GSX-8T is the fully naked roadster model, while the GSX-8TT adds a headlight cowling, incorporating a small clear screen. Both models have bar-end mirrors. Price is R179,950 for the GSX-8T and R189,900 for the GSX-8TT.
For modern urban riding conditions, the two DR-Z models will surely find an appreciative audience. The DR-Z4S a dual sport model – what older riders might have called a trail bike in days past – a road-legal off-road bike, in effect.
Powered by a liquid-cooled, 398cc, single, the DR-Z4S is equipped with 21”/18” spoked wheels, and comes as standard with dual-purpose tyres. It retails for R159,950. The DR-Z4SM is, as the name tells us, the super motard version, featuring 17” spoked wheels front and back, equipped with road tyres. Price is the same as the DR-Z4S.
Both models have full LED lighting, an LCD dashboard and come in at a reasonable +/- 150kg weight. ABS is present, as is traction control, which also features a ‘gravel mode’, allowing for a limited amount of rear wheel slip.
All four models will be in Suzuki showrooms countrywide and, having seen them in the flesh, we can’t encourage you enough to go and take a look at them for yourself; the pictures really don’t do them justice.
