How Yamaha Is Under Serious Attack From Suzuki

A few days back, we told you Suzuki’s type-approval filing that mentioned new GSX-8T and GSX-8TT models. We thought the T meant touring, but now, the Gixxer maker has surprised us all with something entirely different. The GSX-8T and GSX-8TT have debuted as the brand’s newest retro bikes, serving as the perfect SV650 replacements. More importantly, they launch a massive attack on the uber-popular Yamaha XSR900. Let’s dive in.

The New Suzuki GSX-8T Has A Likable Neo-Retro Design

While The GSX-8TT Takes Things Up A Notch

We have no shortage of neo-retro naked bikes on the market today. Yet somehow, Suzuki has made its GSX-8T look different from everything else. You get a squareish round LED headlight, flanked by golden forks and a sports bike-like fender. This is topped with a distinct fuel tank (4.35 gallons), sculpted to mimic the bikes from the 1970s and 1980s. Suzuki says the inspiration came from the 1968 T500 here.

Similar changes adorn the rear. You get a tuck-and-roll rider saddle, followed by a chunky tuck-and-roll pillion seat. Beefy panels below the pillion seat complete the look, and all the lights (turn signals and tail lamp) sit on the rear fender rather than the tail for a clean look. Last but not least is the likable attention to detail. You get bar-end mirrors, distinct radiator shrouds near the forks, and an aluminum cover for the puny exhaust.

As good as this looks, the GSX-8TT steals the show between the two. While you get everything the T gets, the double T adds an uber-retro square headlight cowl, a tinted windscreen, and contrast wheels. The inspiration for this is said to come from the iconic GS1000S. The only miss here seems to be the clip-on bars, since that would’ve made this a proper cafe racer.

Design aside, there are plenty of features here to make these two thoroughly modern. You get:

Suzuki’s 776cc Parallel-Twin Engine Powers The GSX-8T And GSX-8TT

Under the skin, the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT are very similar to the GSX-8S. Power comes from Suzuki’s 776cc, parallel-twin engine, good for 82 horsepower and 57 pound-feet. All of it is sent to the wheel via a six-speed transmission. The engine sits inside a tubular steel chassis, suspended on adjustable KYB USD forks and a KYB monoshock. Like these bits, the braking also comes from the GSX-8S.

But there are some interesting things to note. For instance, even with a bigger fuel tank than the 8S, the GSX-8T weighs 443 pounds–two less than the streetfighter. So, on an empty tank, the 8T should be the lightest middleweight Suzuki today. Another change is the 32-inch saddle height, 0.1 higher than the 8S.

Suzuki Has Yet To Launch The GSX-8T And GSX-8TT In The US

If you like what you see, it looks like Suzuki Cycles will make you wait for the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT. Neither bike has been listed here yet, so you can expect them to be part of the MY26 lineup. Whenever here, the 8T will primarily lock horns with the Yamaha XSR700. It’s worth noting the new GSX costs a whopping ~$2,700 (converted from GBP) more than the XSR in the UK. We hope that’s not the case in America.

2026 Suzuki GSX-8T And GSX-8TT Specifications