The Suzuki GSX-8R (2024/2025) represents a calculated departure from convention in the middleweight sports bike segment—positioning itself as the thinking rider’s choice for intelligent performance over raw horsepower dominance. Launched in India at Rs 9.25 lakh (October 2024, ex-showroom), this fully-faired parallel-twin supersport delivers sophisticated engineering in an accessible package.
The GSX-8R’s heart is a 776cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank generating 81.8 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 78 Nm of torque at 6,800 rpm. While power figures may seem modest, the characterful mid-range delivery and distinctive exhaust note deliver genuine engagement. The six-speed gearbox with bi-directional quickshifter ensures responsive gear changes. The chassis combines a tubular steel frame paired with Showa USD forks and a rear monoshock, complemented by aggressive Nissin four-piston radial-mount calipers gripping 310mm dual front discs. Standard features include dual-channel ABS, three ride modes, traction control, three levels of rider assistance, and a ride-by-wire throttle system. At 205kg kerb weight with a 14-litre fuel tank delivering approximately 25 kmpl efficiency, the GSX-8R proves that torquey engines, approachable power delivery, and sophisticated handling can coexist affordably.
Complete Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price (India) | Rs 9,25,000 (ex-showroom, 2025 OBD-2B compliant) |
| Price (USA) | $9,439 (2024 MSRP) |
| Engine Type | 776cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, DOHC, 4-valve, 4-stroke |
| Bore x Stroke | 84.0mm x 70.0mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.8:1 |
| Max Power | 81.8 bhp (82.9 PS) @ 8,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 78 Nm (57.6 lb-ft) @ 6,800 rpm |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection, 42mm throttle body, ride-by-wire |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual gearbox, constant mesh |
| Quickshifter | Bi-directional (up/down), standard equipment |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate with assist and slipper function |
| Starting | Electric start |
| Frame | Tubular steel, compact design with integrated fairing mounts |
| Front Suspension | Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, non-adjustable, 120mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Showa monoshock, adjustable preload only, 150mm travel |
| Front Brakes | Dual 310mm discs, Nissin 4-piston radial-mount calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Single 240mm disc, Nissin single-piston caliper |
| ABS System | Dual-channel ABS (switchable), standard equipment |
| Traction Control | 3-level switchable, engine braking control |
| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 Dunlop Roadsport 2 (radial, tubeless) |
| Rear Tyre | 180/55 ZR17 Dunlop Roadsport 2 (radial, tubeless) |
| Wheels | 17-inch cast aluminum alloy |
| Wheelbase | 1,465mm (57.7 inches) |
| Rake & Trail | 25° rake (typical for middleweight sports bikes) |
| Overall Length | 2,155mm (84.8 inches) |
| Overall Width | 770mm (30.3 inches) |
| Overall Height | 1,135mm (44.7 inches) |
| Ground Clearance | 145mm (5.7 inches) |
| Seat Height | 810mm (31.9 inches) |
| Kerb Weight (wet) | 205kg (452 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 litres (3.7 gallons) |
| Fuel Efficiency (ARAI claimed) | 25 kmpl; Real-world: 23-26 kmpl |
| Top Speed | Approximately 200 kmph (limited) |
| Riding Modes | 3 selectable modes with different traction control characteristics |
| Instrument Cluster | LCD digital display with gear position indicator, fuel level indicator |
| Features | Assist and slipper clutch, easy start system, low RPM assist, ride-by-wire throttle |
| Lighting | All-LED (dual-pod LED headlights with DRL, LED tail lights, LED indicators) |
| Design Language | Aggressive supersport styling, twin-pod LED headlights, sharp bodywork, upswept tail |
| Colors Available | Metallic Triton Blue, Metallic Matte Sword Silver, Metallic Matte Black No.2 |
| Emission Norms | Euro 5 / BS6 Phase 2 (2025 model: OBD-2B compliant) |
| Warranty | Standard Suzuki coverage (specific terms vary by market) |
About Suzuki Motor
Engineering Practicality, Spirited Character
Suzuki Motor Corporation, founded in 1909, is a Japanese manufacturer with a storied history in motorcycles spanning decades. The company has earned reputation for engineering sophistication, reliable powerplants, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.
The GSX-8R represents Suzuki’s latest statement in the middleweight sports segment: that torque and character matter more than raw horsepower. By deploying a 270-degree crank parallel-twin engine, Suzuki deliberately chose lower peak power but superior mid-range delivery and character over four-cylinder conformity. This philosophy reflects engineering maturity: understanding what riders actually want.
The GSX-8R shares its engine with the GSX-8S and V-Strom 800 adventure bikes, proving the platform’s versatility and Suzuki’s commitment to engineering excellence across categories. At Rs 9.25 lakh in India, the GSX-8R demonstrates that sophisticated engineering needn’t command premium pricing.
What Experts Are Saying
Key Highlights
- Characterful 270-Degree Twin: 776cc parallel-twin with instant mid-range torque delivery, distinctive exhaust note
- Sophisticated Mid-Range Philosophy: 81.8 bhp may be modest, but 78 Nm of torque provides genuine engagement
- Aggressive Supersport Styling: Twin-pod LED headlights, sharp bodywork, upswept tail, fully-faired design
- Reliable Chassis Engineering: Tubular steel frame with Showa USD forks and monoshock, proven component selection
- Premium Braking System: Nissin 4-piston radial-mount calipers with 310mm dual front discs, dual-channel ABS
- Standard Quickshifter: Bi-directional shifts with seamless execution across all riding speeds
- Intelligent Electronics Suite: Three riding modes, 3-level traction control, ride-by-wire throttle, easy start system
- Exceptional Value Proposition: Rs 9.25 lakh for Suzuki’s engineering excellence and refined character
The Suzuki GSX-8R (2024/2025) is a motorcycle for riders who understand that character and engagement matter more than raw power numbers. With its torquey 270-degree crank parallel-twin engine, sophisticated electronics suite, and aggressive supersport styling, the GSX-8R proves that intelligent engineering can coexist with affordable pricing.
This is not a bike trying to be something it’s not. At 81.8 bhp, it doesn’t pretend to be a heavyweight. Instead, it celebrates its identity: a characterful middleweight that delivers instant mid-range torque, responsive handling, and genuine personality. The standard quickshifter, dual-channel ABS, and three-level traction control provide modern safety and control without excess complexity.
For riders stepping into fully-faired sports bikes, seeking alternatives to dominant four-cylinder convention, or appreciating Suzuki’s engineering philosophy, the GSX-8R at Rs 9.25 lakh represents compelling value. This is a machine that respects both the road and your wallet—proving that sophisticated motorcycling needn’t demand premium pricing or intimidating power outputs.
