The long-rumored, mid-displacement Suzuki parallel-twin engine made its debut earlier today at EICMA in two new models, including the naked GSX-8S seen here and a new V-Strom (look for an MD article on this new Adventure bike). The new engine looks impressive on paper with a 270 degree crank mimicking the power pulses of a v-twin, and a sophisticated, patented double balancer-shaft design that Suzuki claims creates an extremely smooth, low vibration engine.

The new GSX-8S also gets a bright 5″ TFT display, selectable rider modes and a quick shifter, among other features. U.S. availability is expected next Spring. European speculation on pricing would put this model in the $8,500 U.S. range.

We noticed some pretty extreme lean angles in the photos of the new bike, so ground clearance appears generous. Here is the press release from Suzuki on this new model, followed by a video from English publication MCN:

Brea, CA (November 8, 2022) – The 2023 GSX-8S is brand-new, engineered from the ground up to deliver streetfighter performance for a new generation that’s sure to turn heads and Make a Statement.  Powerful, agile, and ready to go, the 8S offers a strong appeal to a broad range of riders, regardless of their age or riding experience.

The GSX-8S joins the Suzuki line featuring trendsetting naked sportbike styling combined with real-world performance, user-friendly electronic rider aids, confident handling, and optimized comfort. 

During the development of the new GSX-8S, Suzuki followed a strategic process aimed at creating superior performance and value by focusing on rider needs. Suzuki engineers aimed for the ideal combination of engine and suspension performance, ergonomics, and features. To reach this ideal combination in one bike, multiple optimization tests were conducted, with consumer feedback given to achieve an ideal balance. The new GSX-8S was refined through a strategic and constructive process, resulting in what we believe is the ideal middleweight street bike.

The new GSX-8S features Suzuki’s brand-new parallel-twin 776cc DOHC engine mounted in a new frame design. Marking a new innovative path for future Suzuki products, the GSX-8S is a brand-new naked middleweight streetfighter with a robust engine, an agile chassis, a suite of electronic rider aids, plus stunning looks, and a smart price that’s in line with the demands of a new generation of riders. Every aspect of the motorcycle is geared to deliver a satisfying experience to riders who desire more power than a 650-class motorcycle may deliver, and who desire a satisfying ride that is exciting and dependable.

Wrapped in Suzuki’s new generation styling for the GSX line, the GSX-8S features an aggressive, mass-forward look that is slim, compact, well-balanced, and ready for action.

Key Features

• The fully new GSX-8S is a thoroughly modern street fighter design that sets a trend for an exciting new generation of Suzuki motorcycles ready to carry the brand into the future. 
• All-new compact 776cc parallel-twin engine uses a 270-degree firing order for strong torque production and is equipped with Suzuki’s exclusive Cross Balancer system for smooth operation. 
• The Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) smooths shifting and engine braking, while shifting has never been easier with the Bi-directional Quick Shift system. 
• High-quality KYB suspension delivers controlled handling while ABS-equipped** NISSIN radial-mounted 4-piston brake calipers with dual, floating brake rotors provide controlled stopping power.
• The GSX-8S uses the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) with a three-mode Suzuki Drive Mode Selector and the four-mode Advanced Traction Control System* plus Suzuki’s popular Easy Start & Low RPM Assist systems. 
• Select from Suzuki’s Pearl Cosmic Blue, Pearl Tech White, or Metallic Matte Black No. 2 / Glass Sparkle Black paint scheme – each featuring unique logos and graphics that help identify the sport’s newest performance motorcycle.

GSX-8S New Parallel-Twin Engine:

• The 270-degree crankshaft configuration provides a comparable, but more powerful experience as provided by the 90-degree V-twin engine used in the SV650 models.
• The spaced nature of the engine’s power pulses enhances traction and contributes to ample power output at extremely low speeds, making the GSX-8S easy to maneuver in slow traffic or through tight corners. 
• Suzuki Cross Balancer technology, used for the first time on a production motorcycle, helps create a compact, lightweight design that delivers smooth operation. 
• The pistons were developed using FEM (Infinite Element Method) analysis to maximize strength and minimize weight.
• The 83mm cylinder bores inside the aluminum die-cast cylinders are plated using Suzuki’s SCEM process. Originally developed for racing and proven on the track, the SCEM cylinder promotes better heat dissipation, reduces friction, and provides a consistent wear-resistant seal to the pistons’ rings.
• Dual, linked 42mm electronic throttle bodies use a newly configured Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) to provide an authentic response and feel to the rider’s throttle operation.
• The GSX-S8 has two ten-hole, long-nose, 49 PSI (343kpa) high-pressure-feed fuel injectors that maximize fuel atomization for better combustion efficiency and lower fuel consumption.
• The 6.0L air cleaner box shape and intake pipe lengths were created using computer-aided design to help maximize peak power output plus strong torque production at low engine speed. Positioned under the seat, the air box size and shape contribute to the GSX-S8’s slim chassis.
• The GSX-8S has a new, distinctive short muffler design that produces an exciting and unique exhaust note. Most of the exhaust system is located under the chassis in an optimal, centralized location that benefits handling.
• The stainless-steel 2-into-1 exhaust system uses a high-flow, dual-stage catalytic converter inside the mid-pipe that helps satisfy worldwide emissions standards.
• From the mid-pipe, the exhaust flows into an under-chassis chamber that has a short new muffler design with an upswept end cap that slightly protrudes from the right side of the chassis.
• The digital ignition fires iridium-type spark plugs that increase spark strength and combustion efficiency, contributing to higher power, more linear throttle response, easier engine start-up, and a more stable idle. These quality components also last longer than conventional spark plugs.
• A large-capacity radiator effectively cools the parallel twin’s power output. A thermostatically controlled cooling fan helps stabilize coolant temperatures when riding at low speed and constant stops.
• The unique cooling system inlet control thermostat valve helps maintain consistent engine temperature and smooths the idle speed during warm-up. This helps stabilize combustion and contributes to reduced exhaust emissions. 
• Additional heat is removed from the engine via the use of a lightweight and compact liquid-cooled oil cooler (like those used on certain GSX-R models).

SUZUKI Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) Features:

• A Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) supports the rider in matching performance to the riding and road conditions, or the rider’s preferred riding style.
• There are three standard mode settings in the Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS) for the GSX-8S. The settings for each mode were custom-tuned and thoroughly evaluated to maximize the GSX-8S’s capabilities as a top-performing streetfighter, with the flexibility to adapt well to changing weather, road, and riding conditions, and to make the overall riding experience exciting and enjoyable in these conditions.
• Suzuki’s ride-by-wire electronic throttle control system offers throttle action that responds faithfully to the rider’s every input.
• Suzuki’s legendary Bi-directional Quick Shift System (with ON/OFF settings) provides quicker, smoother, more assured shifting, without operating the clutch while in motion.
• The ABS system contributes to more stable braking by helping prevent the wheels from locking up, even under hard braking. The system is programmed to monitor wheel speed and match stopping power to the available traction. The ABS control unit features a compact, lightweight design that contributes to making the bike nimbler.
• The Suzuki Easy Start System starts the engine with one quick press of the starter button.
• Suzuki’s Low RPM Assist function helps maintain engine idle speed for smoother and easier starts.

GSX-8S Chassis:

• A rugged new steel frame developed for the GSX-8S contributes to comfort, straight-line stability, and nimble handling.
• The new exposed seat rails are engineered to support the rider well, and also to contribute to the GSX-8S’ slim appearance and stripped-down look of functional beauty. 
• KYB inverted front forks with a 130mm stroke deliver a plush, controllable ride and feature stable damping characteristics that make them suitable for both sports riding and long-distance rides.
• The dedicated link-type mono-shock KYB rear suspension is set up to contribute to straight-line stability and agility, even when carrying a passenger. The mechanical preload adjuster is particularly useful when heading out to ride tandem.
• Radial mount front brake calipers mated with 310mm outer diameter floating-mount dual discs provide sure stopping power and controllable braking performance. The rear brake has a 240mm outer diameter disc and uses a single-piston pin-slide caliper.
• The cast-aluminum wheels feature a unique new lightweight design that looks great and contributes to nimble handling and sporty performance.
• The GSX-8S is shod with a new generation of Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tires (120/70ZR17 at the front; 180/55ZR17 at the rear) designed to perform optimally and provide consistent grip in a variety of street riding conditions. 
• The GSX-8S uses a uniquely shaped, lightweight aluminum swingarm offering enhanced torsional rigidity to better support the increased suspension travel and contribute to straight-line riding stability.
• The fuel tank features a 14L (3.69 gals) capacity that helps deliver the right balance between riding range and slim, compact looks that heighten the appeal of the GSX-8S’ sporty styling.
• The tapered aluminum handlebars provide a sporty yet comfortable upright riding position and feature a wide enough grip to contribute to positive control when steering the GSX-8S.
• The rider’s seat is built for comfortable sport riding. Delivering solid support for the rider toward its rear edge, the seat is shaped to offer freedom of movement and is covered in durable materials that offers a positive grip.

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