Suzuki recently requested the registration of a new acronym to name one of its models for the next year.
The new Suzuki GSX-8R will be ready for 2024 or, at least, that is the intention of the Japanese brand after registering the acronym in the Swiss homologation office. In any case, it is something that we have long anticipated, considering that nowadays most leading brands have developed a sports model directly derived from their naked frame.
Yamaha has the YZF-R7 in its ranks, while Aprilia does the same with the RS660. There are also rumors of a sporty version of the current Hornet 750, and in the Far East there is no end to the development of such models to compete with the leading bikes in the category.
As we learned from the Bennetts group, Suzuki has submitted UN-ECE homologation documents so that the model can be approved in continental Europe and the United Kingdom. These documents refer to a new commercial designation, GSX800 (8R), as well as a second designation for a limited variant of the current A2, GSX800U (8R).
Source:https://soymotero.net
In these documents that we had access to, it is confirmed that both versions would be equipped with the power unit currently used by the GSX-8S. The 776 cc water-cooled engine with 6 speeds. The final dimensions are 84.0 mm x 70.0 mm, while the compression ratio is 12.8:1. In total, it can deliver 83 hp at 8,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 78 Nm at 6,800 rpm.
However, confirming the theory of a completely new motorcycle, the future GSX-8R certifies some of its numbers with different data from the naked version. For example, the maximum speed is 215 km/h, compared to the 210 km/h of the GSX-8S. The same happens with the A2 variant; while the sporty model has a maximum speed of 174 km/h, its naked sister has a maximum speed of 170 km/h.
This variation is mainly due to the inclusion of fairing, with the total length of the GSX-8S and the dimensions of the wheelbase remaining unchanged. What changes is the width, now 770 mm, and the height, 30 mm higher than the naked version. Similarly, the final weight rises to 205 kg, three kg more than the GSX-8S.
Furthermore, no major changes are expected in the future Suzuki GSX-8R. Brakes, suspension, or main frame elements would be shared with the roadster variant. It remains to be seen if the lighting equipment that currently characterizes Suzuki’s naked bikes will be maintained, with dual headlights. It is also unknown if it will come with a full fairing or just a front fairing.
All these doubts will be clarified in the coming weeks and it is very likely that as we approach the next EICMA 2023, we will have access to new information on this subject.
