Suzuki’s GSX-8R is the brand’s new entry into the supersport segment and has been homologated for the MotoAmerica Twins Cup. Derived from the GSX-8S chassis and engine, the 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R offers everyday flexibility and trackday performance. Having one engine platform that can be shared across a range of models is a strategy Yamaha has been successful with for years in the Ténéré 700, MT-07, and YZF-R7. Suzuki aims to storm the middleweight market by employing this same strategy with the GSX-8R, GSX-8S, and V-Strom 800DE..embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }The 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R utilizes a 776cc parallel twin with a 270-degree crank attached to a six-speed transmission featuring a bidirectional quickshifter. A basic electronics suite provides three power modes (A, B, C) and four levels of traction control (1, 2, 3) including the option to turn it off. The 8R’s chassis is nearly identical to the 8S. Both models feature a steel backbone-style frame and a steel bolt-on subframe. Braking components, geometry, and wheel sizes remain unchanged from the GSX-8S. Where the bikes differ is in the suspension department. Suzuki fitted the GSX-8R with a nonadjustable Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork-Big Piston) fork and a preload-adjustable Showa shock. The GSX-8S utilizes KYB componentry.

Before rolling onto our in-house Dynojet 250i dynamometer, the GSX-8R weighed 453 pounds on our automotive scales. On the Cycle World dyno, the 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R produced 72.75 hp at 8,120 rpm and 51.73 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,630 rpm. For reference, the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S produced 74 hp and 52.3 lb.-ft. of torque and the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE produced 72.2 hp and 50.2 lb.-ft. of torque. Comparing the dyno charts against one another, all three models have nearly identical power curves. And this is why we have seen a surge of parallel twins from nearly every manufacturer. They are versatile. Throw it in an adventure bike, naked bike, or sportbike, and it just works. The 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R provides a rich amount of low and midrange torque that is equally exciting when commuting to work or chasing lap times.