- Retro styling that transforms the GSX-8 platform, giving Suzuki’s excellent middleweight twin real visual appeal and character.
- Strong midrange performance and a sublime chassis, perfectly matched to New Zealand’s rough, twisty roads.
- More than just a styling exercise, with touring-friendly touches like a larger fuel tank, fairing and USB outlet.
Words: Paul Pics: Two Creative Photography
The Suzuki GSX-8TT combines retro-inspired styling with Suzuki’s excellent 776cc parallel twin, delivering a middleweight motorcycle that prioritises real-world performance, comfort and character.
I was a big fan of Suzuki’s new parallel-twin middleweight range when it landed last year. The GSX-8S and 8R might not have arrived dripping in electronics or chasing class-leading power figures, but they absolutely nailed the fundamentals — especially the chassis. After a day circulating Manfeild Raceway at the NZ launch of the GSX-8R, a bunch of us left genuinely impressed with how well the bike worked as a complete package.
Now Suzuki has added a retro-styled twist to the platform with two new models, the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT. Mechanically, they’re much the same bike as the S and R — but visually, they’re a very different proposition. And while styling alone usually isn’t enough to justify a significant price jump, the GSX-8TT might just be the exception.
Retro done properly
We picked up the GSX-8TT from Boyd’s Motorcycles in Hamilton, choosing the TT simply because — let’s be honest — it’s the better-looking of the two. And in the metal, it really does look the business.
The small bikini fairing is a clear nod to Suzuki’s air-cooled GS models of the ’70s and ’80s, while the short screen offers just enough wind protection to be genuinely useful. Suzuki has moved the headlight closer to the bars, a change they say helps lighten the steering feel, and the addition of a belly pan, new seat and bar-end mirrors finishes the look nicely.
And yes, we should address the elephant in the room: price. With the GSX-8S currently sitting at $13,999 + ORC during SuzukiFest, the GSX-8TT’s $17,999 + ORC sticker is a big jump for what is, fundamentally, a styling exercise. But once you spend some time with the TT, it starts to make sense — especially when you factor in how much the look and feel changes the whole riding experience.
Same bones, familiar strengths
Underneath the retro bodywork is the same 776cc parallel twin producing 82hp and a healthy slug of midrange torque, fed through a slick up/down quickshifter that works exceptionally well. Suspension is unchanged too, with KYB USD forks up front and a preload-adjustable shock at the rear. Adjustment is minimal, but the base settings are well judged for real-world riding.
Electronics are deliberately simple: three throttle maps, traction control with three levels plus off, and non-lean-sensitive ABS. There’s no IMU and no smartphone connectivity, and while the TFT dash is clear and easy to read, it’s not especially flash by modern standards.
That said, Suzuki gets a big tick for usability. You can adjust ride modes and traction control on the move, and switching TC off for a bit of harmless fun is refreshingly straightforward — something many newer bikes make far harder than it needs to be.
The TT also gains a larger 16.5-litre fuel tank, making it far more viable as a light touring option, and a new lightweight lithium battery. There’s even a USB outlet tucked into the fairing, which made fitting a Quad Lock wireless charger a no-brainer — effectively solving the dash’s lack of built-in connectivity in one hit.
More heart, more character
I’ll be honest: neither the GSX-8S nor the 8R ever really got my pulse racing just sitting in the shed. The TT does. Especially in the green colourway we tested, with gold wheels and matching accents, it’s a bike people stop to look at — and talk about. That’s not something you can say about many Suzukis.
Jump on board and everything feels familiar — same switchgear, same dash — but once you’re moving, the TT feels like a different bike. Despite the changes being largely cosmetic, the steering feels sharper and more eager, and the whole bike dives into corners with a confidence you wouldn’t expect from a retro-styled middleweight.
Crucially, Suzuki resisted the temptation to go full café racer. The bars are comfortable, the pegs aren’t stupidly high, and the TT retains the versatility that makes the GSX-8 platform so appealing. You get all the usability of the standard bike, wrapped in styling that actually makes you want to ride it.
Real-world riding, done right
On our local test routes, the GSX-8TT just gets on with the job. The suspension might lack adjustability, but it works — soaking up rough Kiwi backroads while remaining composed when you pick up the pace. Stick a pillion on the back and it still holds its own, something Kerry was quick to point out over the intercom on a run to Cambridge.
This is where the GSX-8TT really shines. On New Zealand roads, where outright speed matters less than balance, feel and midrange punch, the parallel twin makes perfect sense. The chassis is classic Suzuki — quick steering, stable and predictable — and it never feels flustered, even when the road surface turns nasty.
The Dunlop tyres suit the bike well for road riding, offering plenty of grip and feedback, and it doesn’t take much encouragement to get the TT right over onto the pegs.
Missed opportunities
The one omission that really stands out is cruise control. With electronic throttles now common, and enforcement on NZ highways tighter than ever, it feels like a missed opportunity — especially given how capable the TT is as a longer-distance machine. With the added wind protection, comfortable seat and larger tank, it’s crying out for it.
Verdict: style that actually matters
Suzuki’s 776cc parallel twin remains one of the best engines in the middleweight class — flexible, torquey and smooth thanks to its balancer shaft. Combined with a sublime chassis and genuinely usable ergonomics, it makes the GSX-8TT a bike that suits a wide range of riders, from those stepping up to experienced riders stepping down.
Yes, the price puts it into territory occupied by bikes with more power or fancier electronics, including some impressive new Chinese offerings. But few of them look this good — and even fewer make you want to just jump on and go for a ride.
And that’s the thing about the GSX-8TT. It’s not just a styled version of an existing bike. It’s a motorcycle that makes you feel something. And when you test bikes for a living, that doesn’t happen very often.
Suzuki GSX-8TT Gallery
Suzuki GSX-8TT FAQ
What is the Suzuki GSX-8TT?
The GSX-8TT is a retro-styled version of Suzuki’s GSX-8 platform, sharing the same 776cc parallel twin and chassis but adding a bikini fairing, larger fuel tank and classic styling cues.
Is the Suzuki GSX-8TT different to the GSX-8S and 8R?
Mechanically it’s largely the same bike, but the TT adds retro bodywork, a larger 16.5-litre tank, bar-end mirrors, a lithium battery and revised steering geometry.
How powerful is the Suzuki GSX-8TT?
It produces 82hp and strong midrange torque, making it well suited to real-world road riding rather than chasing headline performance figures.
Does the GSX-8TT have cruise control?
No. Despite having electronic throttle control, cruise control is not fitted, which feels like a missed opportunity given the bike’s touring potential.
Is the Suzuki GSX-8TT good for New Zealand roads?
Yes. Its flexible engine, compliant suspension and stable chassis make it particularly well suited to NZ’s rough, twisty backroads.
Suzuki GSX-8TT Specifications
Price: $17,999 + ORC
Engine Type 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, parallel twin, DOHC
Engine Displacement (CC) 776
Bore x Stroke 84.0 mm x 70.0 mm
Transmission 6-speed
Fuel System Fuel Injection
Starter System Electric
Overall Length (mm) 2155
Overall Width (mm) 775
Overall Height (mm) 1105
Wheelbase (mm) 1465
Ground Clearance (mm) 145
Seat Height (mm) 810
Curb Mass (kg) 203
Suspension – Front Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil-damped
Suspension – Rear Link type, coil spring, oil-damped
Brakes – Front Disc, twin
Brakes – Rear Disc
Tyre – Front 120/70ZR17M/C 58W, tubeless
Tyre – Rear 180/55ZR17M/C 73W tubeless
Fuel Tank Capacity (L) 16.5
Contact www.suzuki.co.nz
