With Australia in the middle of a renaissance when it comes to retro-style motorcycles, we jumped on board Suzuki’s GSX-8T for a longer stint, having initially tested it alongside the GSX-8TT earlier in the year.
Built on the same bones as the capable and versatile GSX-8S and GSX-8R, the 8T faces some pretty stiff competition from the Yamaha XSR700 and 900, Kawasaki’s Z900RS and Royal Enfield’s array of 650 options, including the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650.
All in their own right are quality offerings, with the Suzuki GSX-8T more than holding its own. Ironically, it’s stiffest rival is likely the stunning GSX-8TT. Visually, it’s a very attractive bit of kit that draws inspiration from the brand’s two-stroke T500.
It’s undoubtedly a more mature and refined offering than the 8S and 8R variants, with quality finishes, a classier colour pallete and nice touches like bar end mirrors and 8-ball emblem. Pretty bits aside, it certainly hits the performance brief.
In traffic, the GSX-8T feels light and nimble, with a very manageable seat height of 815mm and a wet weight of 201kg. It feels at home in the urban jungle ducking, bobbing and weaving in and out of peak hour traffic.
It’s easy to park too, even for more vertically challenged riders. Out on the back roads, you’ll find it equally competent. At the heart of the GSX-8T lies a 776cc DOHC 4-valve per cylinder engine that utilises a 270-degree crankshaft to ensure power delivery is smooth and linear.
A dream through the low to mid-range, the parallel twin produces a very respectable 61kW and 78Nm. The GSX-8T is engaging, with more than enough real-world power to have a proper good time on it.
Suzuki’s parallel twin has to be one of the strongest mid weight engines on the market currently and is matched to a six-speed gearbox, with a bi-directional quick shifter as standard kit. There are no auto-cancelling indicators though.
The 5.0-inch full colour TFT dash is intuitive to use and easily navigated via the left-hand switch block. It works a treat when adjusting settings on the fly, as well as providing access to three riding modes – A (Active), B (Basic) and C (Comfort).
Each works in conjunction with the ride-by-wire throttle system to vary how you deliver power to the bitumen. Three selectable levels of traction control can be accessed at the push of a button, resulting in a minimum of fuss and thought.
That allows you to keep your concentration on the road ahead. The 2026 GSX-8T adopts Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S) as well. It includes a nifty feature called low RPM assist, which helps the rider get away with zippier starts from standing still situations.
It effectively makes the bike harder to stall for those who are less experienced. Handling, particularly on back roads, gets a tick from us, with sweeping bends providing a real highlight of the GSX-8T’s capabilities.
The Suzuki feels planted and offers plenty of rider confidence. The Dunlop Roadsport 2 rubber does a good job, while the rear shock stood up to our tests competently, as we threw as much as we could at it.
Like the GSX-8S, changing directions on the Suzuki GSX-8T is impressive, with the bike being easily manageable and not a real handful through tighter corners. The front suspension features a non-adjustable 43mm KYB inverted fork.
It combines with the steel frame to provide rigidity as well as sporty geometry. It’s an all-round tasty, versatile and capable package. The braking package is carried over from the GSX-8S and both new models feature a Nissin brake setup with ABS that works well.
310mm twin discs with four piston radial calipers find a home up front, while at the rear, a single 240mm disc with single piston caliper gets the business done. It’s not a mind shatteringly brilliant package but does work.
What Suzuki have created in the GSX-8T is a versatile, stylish and capable package that encapsulates a lot of retro charm. It’s capable of matching bigger bikes on the road, and feels like a more than capable commuter.
The only item that lets it down is the price. While the GSX-8S and 8R appear to offer exceptional value at $14,190 and $14,990 ride away respectively, the $17,990 ticket price on the GSX-8T simply doesn’t make sense.
We were legitimately sad to hand back the keys on this one, as the GSX-8T easily integrated into our everyday lives. Price aside, it’s the kind of bike you’d want in your collection. You can find out more on the Suzuki Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
Our test bike was provided by Suzuki Motorcycles Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this motorcycle. Images courtesy of Cubstars Photography.
