Suzuki has really been rolling out some great new models this year. A week or two ago, we featured the DRZ 400 on Dirt And Trail Online – and now it’s the turn of the gorgeous Suzuki GSX-8T.
Guys. You know that feeling when you just gel with a bike? That emotion when you know that something fits and is perfect for you?
Well that’s exactly how our lot felt about the new 8T.
I’m going to quote our 20 year old tester just for those of you who might believe that this bike is made for old fogeys: “Sheer Riding Joy!”
That’s from a youngster who generally gets to ride every bike that arrives at our offices. The GSX-8T has, in fact, knocked a few really great bikes off our top list of bikes that we’d own.
We can’t tell you exactly why that is, but we can tell you that Suzuki has really built something quite special.
It starts with the styling. Just look at it, simple, understated retro. How cool does the seat look, that moulds to the tank that fits the little flyscreen and old styled round headlamp. Check out the bar-end mirrors, the stitching, and that “8” badge on the radiator shroud that looks like an 8-ball. Throw in the attention to detail and the way that everything is mated to the latest and greatest technology from the giant that is Suzuki and it’s a brilliant package. Most of the mechanical elements are shared with the GSX-8S – frame, suspension, engine and brakes are all carried over. There’s now a lithium-ion battery and a larger petrol tank.
Go on, swing your leg over.
Nice and low isn’t she, so feet to the floor is comfortable. Hit the ignition button, one touch start. Cool huh?
Give her a little rev – the stock pipe is not all that quiet, now – slide her into first, let’s go for a ride…
Comfortable hey? Easygoing isn’t it?
That seat and tank is perfectly crafted, the pegs are in the correct position and the handlebars are not harsh on your wrists. You aren’t craning your neck to look ahead and the up to date TFT display is easy to read.
Ah, here’s an open road.
You are in sports mode right?
Cool, now open the throttle and rush through the quickshifter.
How cool does that feel? Faultless gearing, quick shifting all the way past the road legal limit. Here’s a corner, now lean a bit, let’s kick down one and oooopen her up, so planted, so stable and surprisingly quick for this 800 parallel twin. Keep an eye on that truck, dab the brakes just a bit, look past, all clear?
Indicate, open up and overtake effortlessly. Cool power delivery huh?
You’ve reached your destination. Pull up front and centre. Dismount. Go and find that cuppa coffee and sit back to watch the admiring glances thrown in your bikes direction.
It’s just like that…
The engine feels torquey and delivers power in such a linear manner with no vibration through the grips, seat, or pegs. The gearbox is butter smooth, with a light pull to the clutch lever and effortless action through the quickshifter. Handling and braking is predictable and easy.
The seating position and ride quality is just excellent, composed, precise…
That’s what this bike is all about. No crazy horsepower, no gimmicks and gizmo’s just a smooth refined and most importantly fun ride.
it’s a brilliant bike for commuting, cruising around town and that breakfast run on Sunday.
So user friendly, fun to ride.
Did we mention that she looks like a million bucks?
This one came from Bikeshop Boksburg.
At your Suzuki dealer.
Specs:
Engine size 776cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 8v, parallel-twin
Frame type Steel perimeter
Fuel capacity 16.5 litres
Seat height 810mm
Bike weight 203kg
Front suspension 41mm, KYB non-adjustable forks
Rear suspension Monoshock, preload adjustment
Front brake 2 x 310mm discs with Nissin four-piston radial caliper
Rear brake 240mm single disc with single-piston caliper
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17
R179 950.00
