Suzuki has launched two new models at the EICMA show in Milan, with the GSX-8S and V-Strom 800 DE joining the roster from Hamamatsu.
Launched together, the GSX-8S and V-Strom 800 DE both use the same 776cc DOHC parallel twin-cylinder engine, which features a 270-degree crank. Additionally, both bikes use the same, new, steel frame, although the subframe, suspension components and swingarm are different between the two models.
More similarities between the GSX-8S and V-Strom 800 DE are found with a shared five-inch TFT colour display.
Suzuki GSX-8S
The GSX-8S is Suzuki’s latest entry to the middleweight naked segment, with the aforementioned all-new 776cc DOHC parallel twin engine powering the motorcycle.
The engine makes use of Suzuki Cross Balancer, which reduces vibration, and is designed to offer strong power low-down in the rev range, but also features four valves per cylinder which Suzuki says allows “a free-revving nature.”
In its GSX-8S specification, the new engine produces 81.7 horsepower at 8,500rpm and 78Nm of torque at 6,800rpm, which is operated via a ride by wire throttle, and controlled by a three-level traction control system (which can also be turned off), and three selectable engine modes. The selected electronic settings are viewable on the aforementioned TFT display.
Additionally, Suzuki fits the GSX-8S with a two-way quickshifter.
The aforementioned steel frame chassis of the GSX-8S is partnered with suspension from KYB at both the front and rear. Further, its swingarm is designed to lighten the bike’s feel and improve agility.
When it comes to braking, 310mm dual discs at the front and a 240mm rear disc should suffice.
The colour options for the GSX-8S are: "Pearl Cosmic Blue", "Pearl Tech White", and "Matt and Sparkle Black".
The pricing for the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S has the new bike coming in at £7,999 in the UK, where it will arrive in the spring of 2023.
Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE
Now we move on to the V-Strom 800 DE, which is the latest adventure offering from Suzuki, with its off-road focus made obvious by the 21-inch front wheel which, like the 17-inch rear, is wrapped in Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour rubber.
Additionally, the suspension, from Showa, allows 220mm of travel, which measures up well with a 220mm ground clearance, while control is enhanced thanks to narrower seat rails which allow greater leg grip. Similar ergonomic attention has been paid to the bars, which are wide and tapered, and the footpegs, which are steel but covered with rubber.
There are also additional electronic settings compared to the GSX-8S for off-road riding. Essentially, the electronics are taken from the V-Strom 1050 DE, which means three on-road traction control modes, as well as a “G” mode for off-road terrain, allowing more spin, but not excessive slip.
There are also two ABS settings, and the option to turn off the rear ABS for off-road riding.
As with the GSX-8S, the V-Strom 800 DE features a two-way quickshifter, and an electronic starter as well as a low-rpm assist.
Suzuki says: “All of the advanced rider aids are managed via a simple rocker switch on the left handlebar, and displayed - alongside speed, odometer, rev counter, and more - on a five-inch, full-colour TFT dash.”
The yellow and dark blue colour seen in the images is the standard colour for the V-Strom 800 DE, but it will also be available in "Matt Mechanical Grey" and "Glass Black Sparkle".
This article was originally published when the Suzuki GSX-8S and V-Strom 800 DE were first announced on 8 November 2022 under the headline "Suzuki launches new 2023 GSX-8S and V-Strom 800 DE". The article has now been updated on 12 December 2022 with pricing information for the GSX-8S.
