A couple of years ago, Suzuki took a giant leap of faith and whipped up a new 776cc, parallel-twin platform. It birthed three machines–the GSX-8R, GSX-8S, and V-Strom 800–all of which have garnered decent popularity in the middleweight segment. Now, it appears there’s a fourth middleweight Suzuki coming our way based on the same engine platform. The news comes via official filings by the brand to the California Air Resources Board.
Suzuki Is Working On A New GSX-8T Model For Its 2026 Lineup
The official filings reveal a new ‘GSX-8T’. It is mentioned as part of Suzuki’s 2026 lineup, sitting alongside the GSX-8R, GSX-8S, and V-Strom 800. Considering all other segments are covered and the ‘T’ in its name, the upcoming motorcycle seems like a touring model. It could be something based on the popular GSX-S1000GT, offering a proper sport-touring experience.
Why not something like the GSX-S1000GX? Well, the company already has a middleweight road-biased crossover-type bike: the V-Strom 800. Other than the name, the filings confirm the GSX-8T will have the same engine as its siblings. That too, in the same tune. So you can expect 81 horsepower and 57 pound-feet, all sent to the wheel via a six-speed transmission.
The former comes in at 8,500 RPM and the latter at 6,800 RPM, ensuring there’s plenty of mid-range oomph. The big thing would be the weight, though. The GSX-8R already tips the scale at 452 pounds wet, and the addition of touring bits on the ‘T’ could take this figure close to 500 pounds.
Suzuki 776cc Engine Specifications
|
Layout |
Parallel-twin |
|
Power |
81 HP @ 8,500 RPM |
|
Torque |
57 LB-FT @ 6,800 RPM |
|
Transmission |
Six-speed |
Suzuki Could Debut The GSX-8T At The 2025 EICMA
With the filings in full swing, we believe Suzuki will unveil the GSX-8T at the 2025 EICMA. It makes sense because the EICMA was the venue of choice for the debut of the entire middleweight lineup over the years. These months should also give Suzuki enough time to figure out the R&D side of things. There shouldn’t be much, since the company is well-versed in part-sharing, as mentioned above.
Once here, the GSX-8T will sit in a niche segment of its own. But it will have rivals, such as:
- Yamaha Tracer 7
- BMW F 900 XR
- Triumph Tiger Sport 660
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