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It's entirely possible to like retro (maybe we should say "classic," instead?) style but still want modern functionality and conveniences.
Hey, I understand. I'm old enough that I was there "back in the day." I understand not wanting a motorcycle that resembles an insect from a sci-fi movie but that doesn't mean you don't appreciate anti-lock brakes when a car pulls in front of you on a rainy day. When you round the bend and see the speed trap, there's something reassuring about a TFT dash showing you a clear 55 mph instead of a tiny, distant needle on a dial suggesting that you're traveling somewhere in the roughly 60 mph range. Maybe you want your headlight to be round, but you appreciate an LED that casts a bright, white path ahead instead of a feeble yellowish glow that barely penetrates the gloom.
Suzuki is providing that combination of modern conveniences and classic styling in its new 2026 GSX-8T and GSX-8TT models. Suzuki calls it "retro spirit, next-generation performance."
The two new models build on the same base as the GSX-8S naked bike and GSX-8R sport bike. That means they have the same counterbalanced 776 cc parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank, same KYB non-adjustable (except for rear preload) suspension, and Nissin brakes. The new T models also carry over the electronics, including ABS, three ride modes giving different power delivery, and traction control that can be set to three different levels or turned off. The T models keep the bi-directional quickshifter found on the S and R.
That package provides enough all-around competence that a GSX-8S placed fourth on the 2023 Daily Rider leader board. The new T and TT bring an entirely new style to the lineup, meaning they'll certainly appeal to different customer tastes than the S and R. It's that style, not the hardware, that's the real story with the T and TT.
The paint treatment on the T models is intended to emphasize the classically styled fuel tank, which also adds capacity beyond its modern S and R siblings. The LED headlight, which Suzuki calls "mono-round," for its flat bottom, combines classic and modern. The bar-end mirrors are a first for a Suzuki production model.
A few changes differentiate the TT from the T. Most noticeable are the stripes on the tank, which Suzuki says draws on designs from the company's roadracing bikes of the 1970s and 1980s. The TT models get colored wheels to match those stripes instead of the black wheels on the T models. The TT also adds the small headlight cowl that hearkens back to those early Superbikes, and an undercowl below the engine. The T and TT also get slightly different seats and come in different colors: Candy Burnt Gold and Metallic Matte Black for the T and Glass Sparkle Black and Pearl Matte Shadow Green for the TT.
Beyond the appearance items, another first for Suzuki is that the T and TT also come with an HY battEliiy P-series lithium-ion battery that Suzuki says is safer and more reliable than typical lithium-ion batteries, operates in a wider temperature range, and should last 10 years. These batteries have been used in racing applications such as the Dakar Rally.
Surrounded by all this retro styling, the GSX-8T rider will look down and see a decidedly non-retro five-inch TFT display that offers nearly 20 different readouts. The tachometer can be set to flash at preset speeds, functioning like a shift light. There's a USB type-C charging socket on the side. Maybe those riders back in the 1970s and 1980s didn't need a charging socket, but it's nice to have today.
As Suzuki puts it, "Rather than simply imitating past models, the design integrates Suzuki's distinctive spirit, beauty, and sense of fun using modern styling and techniques." And while there's a whiff of PR-speak in that sentence, first impressions suggest it is essentially true. To my mind, at least, a good modern retro pays tribute to the past rather than copying it. I also recognize not everyone agrees with me. Some people still want their analog dials with needles whipping around all over the place. I certainly heard a lot of complaints along those lines when I went to the press launch of the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and others were grousing about the digital display that didn't bother me at all. Whether it's your preference or not, Suzuki has gone the route of retro clothes on a more modern package.
In my review of the Honda CB750 Hornet recently, I mentioned that one of my complaints with motorcycle manufacturers is when they announce a new model and give us all the specs except the price. Suzuki did that last year when it revealed the updated DR-Z4S but waited months to tell us the price and they've done it again. No word yet on what a GSX-8T or GSX-8TT will cost you. At least this time we won't have to wait as long. Suzuki says the 8T and 8TT will be in dealerships this summer. Presumably, they'll have price tags on them.
| 2026 Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT | |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | TBA |
| Engine | 776 cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, parallel twin |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed, chain |
| Claimed horsepower | 82 @ 8,500 rpm |
| Claimed torque | 57.5 foot-pounds @ 6,500 rpm |
| Frame | Steel-tube double backbone |
| Front suspension | KYB 41 mm fork; 5.1 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | KYB shock, adjustable for spring preload; 5.1 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Nissin four-piston calipers, 310 mm discs with ABS |
| Rear brake | Nissin single-piston caliper, 240 mm disc with ABS |
| Rake, trail | 25 degrees, 4.1 inches |
| Wheelbase | 57.7 inches |
| Seat height | 32.0 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 4.3 gallons |
| Tires | Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2-X; 120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear |
| Claimed weight | 443 pounds (8T); 445 pounds (8TT) |
| Available | Summer 2025 |
| Warranty | 12 months, unlimited miles |
| More info |
GSX-8T: suzukicycles.com GSX-8TT: suzukicycles.com |
