2024 will see the UK race debut of the Suzuki GSX-8R, fielded by Powerslide Motorcycles in the new National Sportbike Championship.
The new series comes in as a BSB support category, primarily aimed at younger riders and middleweight machinery, meaning the 776cc twin-cylinder GSX-8R will be going up against the likes of the three-cylinder Triumph Daytona 660, as well as other twins including the Kawasaki Ninja 650, Yamaha R7, and Aprilia RS 660.
Powerslide Motorcycles, an established Suzuki dealer, will also make the race kit it will use for this season available on a customer basis, meaning there could also be more GSX-8Rs on the Sportbike grid this year should a team or rider choose to run it.
Taylor Moreton will race the Suzuki GSX-8R for Powerslide this year, having been out of action in the BSB paddock since he raced the Junior Superstock class (which Sportbike has effectively replaced) in 2021.
On signing for Poweslide, Moreton said: “I can’t wait to get going again on two wheels. After having a tough year in my first Junior Superstock year, I decided to take a break and did a wildcard in the Cup in 2021. I have known both Brad and Dale for some time now and they have always supported me, so to be able to ride for them is pretty special and the new GSX-8R I think will suit my riding style.
“This is a new championship for everyone, and whilst we have a lot of work to do in terms of development with it being a brand new bike, I am not turning up to make up the numbers. I want to be getting the Powerslide Racing GSX-8R as close to the podium as possible in my first season back, and I know that we are more than capable.”
Powerslide Motorcycles team owner Brad Clarke added: “I am very excited to be returning to the paddock for this all new class along with this great little bike. The package as standard has received excellent reviews as a road bike and with support from Paul at Moto 406 and Del at Sublime and our partners at K-Tech, we believe that this package is going to surprise a lot of people.
“Suzuki is renowned for their chassis and ability to turn very easy and this is no different. Alongside a rider of not just Taylor’s ability, but also size I think once we have our feet on the ground that this bike can be a great all round package. Powerslide will also be the main supporting dealer for all riders on this bike and also any Suzuki in the paddock.”
The Suzuki GSX-8R has also been homologated to race in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup in 2024, which is effectively a more established US-equivalent of the new BSB Sportbike series.
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