2024 Suzuki GSX-8R First Look [Fast Facts and 39 Photos]

November 7, 2023

Following the success of the GSX-8S upright naked sport bike, the 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R is the sportiest take yet for the 776cc parallel twin introduced last year. However, the 8R is a close sibling to the 8S, sharing the same frame and engine.

The full fairing is the can’t-miss visual change, giving the GSX-8R an undeniable supersport countenance. Along with the wind-tunnel-tested fairing comes sportier ergonomics, courtesy of a lower handlebar position—the seat and footpegs are not repositioned.

For a sportier ride, the 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R has upgraded Showa suspension. The fork is the SFF-BP model (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston), which has a large damping cartridge in one leg and the spring in the other. However, like the 8S, the suspension’s only adjustment is for the shock’s spring preload. Wheel travel at both ends is 5.1 inches, unchanged from the 8S’s KYB units.

The 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R matches up against the Yamaha YZF-R7, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R, and Ninja ZX-4RR as track-friendly sportbikes with MSRPs under $10k. At $9439, the 8R has a list price $240 higher than the R7, $60 less than the new Ninja ZX-4R, and $460 under the ZX-4RR.

While the changes are far from overwhelming, different suspension and ergonomics can significantly impact the handling of a motorcycle. So, we look forward to testing the 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R and discovering what it’s all about. In the meantime, we’ll argue over which of the three colors we like most—Pearl Ignite Yellow, Metallic Triton Blue, or Metallic Matte Sword Silver.

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R Specs

ENGINE

Type: Parallel twin

Displacement: 776cc

Bore x stroke: 84 x 70mm

Compression ratio: 12.8:1

Valvetrain: DOHC; 4vpc

Fueling: EFI w/ two 42mm throttle bodies

Cooling: Liquid and oil

Transmission: 6-speed w/ quickshifter

Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ assist and slipper functions

Final drive: O-ring chain