“Retro spirit, next-generation performance.”
That is how Suzuki introduces the new GSX-8TT—but retro-inspired motorcycles have become increasingly common. The challenge is creating more than an average modern motorcycle wearing an old-fashioned costume.
For this edition of The Bike Report, Leandi and I tested the 2026 Suzuki GSX-8TT on South African roads to determine whether Suzuki has genuinely captured the spirit of its past—or simply created another middleweight with retro marketing.
Watch the complete review:
What Is the Suzuki GSX-8TT?
The GSX-8TT is Suzuki’s retro-inspired middleweight street bike. It combines styling influenced by Suzuki motorcycles and road racers from previous decades with the company’s modern 776 cc parallel-twin platform.
It sits alongside the GSX-8T but adds a retro headlight cowl, lower engine cowl, model-specific seat and contrasting wheel and bodywork details. Suzuki says the “TT” combines the GSX-8T identity with the idea of something timeless.
Suzuki offers the GSX-8TT in Pearl Mat Shadow Green and Glass Sparkle Black. The green motorcycle we tested attracted attention wherever we stopped. Its red wheel accents and carefully integrated bodywork create a strong identity without relying on exaggerated nostalgia.
Suzuki’s 776 cc Parallel Twin
At the centre of the GSX-8TT is Suzuki’s 776 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine. Variations of this platform are also used by the GSX-8S, GSX-8R and V-Strom 800 family.
The engine uses a 270-degree crankshaft for a more characterful firing order, while Suzuki’s Cross Balancer helps reduce unwanted vibration. It produces approximately 61 kW—or roughly 83 hp—and 78 Nm of torque. Power is delivered through a six-speed gearbox with a bi-directional quickshifter as standard.
What makes the engine impressive is its usable performance across the rev range. It pulls cleanly from lower engine speeds, builds strongly through the middle and continues delivering power towards the top end. You do not need to chase extremely high rpm before the motorcycle responds.
That makes it easy to use in traffic while still providing enough performance to make weekend riding exciting.
The Quickshifter Feels Like a Cheat Code
The bi-directional quickshifter is one of the GSX-8TT’s strongest features. It allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts once the motorcycle is moving and keeps the engine driving forward during harder acceleration.
We informally compared the Suzuki with a BMW R nineT Scrambler, which has a larger 1,170 cc boxer engine and considerably more torque. Despite the BMW’s displacement advantage, the Suzuki proved extremely competitive from a standing start.
The GSX-8TT’s lower weight, responsive engine and quickshifter allowed it to accelerate with surprising urgency, showing how effective the complete package is.
Riding Modes and Electronics
Suzuki’s Drive Mode Selector provides three throttle-response settings: A, B and C. They do not alter maximum power; they change how directly it responds to the throttle.
- Mode A provides the sharpest response and gives the GSX-8TT its most energetic personality.
- Mode B smooths the response for everyday riding and congested roads.
- Mode C delivers power most gently and is useful in wet or slippery conditions.
Traction control offers three intervention levels and can also be switched off. The electronics package includes ride-by-wire throttle, Suzuki Easy Start and Low RPM Assist.
The clear five-inch TFT display shows the essential riding and trip information without unnecessary complexity.
Comfortable Suspension and Confident Handling
The GSX-8TT uses a steel frame, aluminium swingarm, 41 mm KYB inverted fork and link-type KYB rear shock. Suspension travel is approximately 130 mm at both ends.
The suspension impressed us on normal South African roads. It absorbs damaged surfaces without feeling excessively soft, yet remains controlled when the pace increases.
The seat and suspension work particularly well together. After several hours on the motorcycle, Tiaan did not experience meaningful discomfort.
The Suzuki also enjoys being ridden through corners. Its steering feels natural, and the bike tips into a turn without requiring excessive effort. Once leaned over, it remains stable and gives the rider confidence to maintain the chosen line.
Although its appearance is inspired by older motorcycles, its handling is completely modern.
Brakes, Wheels and Weight
The front braking system uses twin 310 mm discs with four-piston Nissin calipers. A single 240 mm disc with a single-piston caliper is fitted at the rear. ABS is standard and cannot be switched off.
The brakes provide strong, predictable stopping power and useful feedback through the lever. We experienced no meaningful fade during the road review.
The GSX-8TT rides on 17-inch cast-aluminium wheels with a 120/70ZR17 front tyre and 180/55ZR17 rear tyre. Both are tubeless.
Suzuki claims a kerb weight of 203 kg. That is not unusually light for a middleweight, but the bike carries its weight well. Compared with the BMW R nineT Scrambler, the Suzuki is approximately 20 kg lighter, and that difference is noticeable in traffic and through corners.
Excellent in Traffic
The GSX-8TT feels particularly well suited to city riding. Its narrow profile makes gaps easy to judge, while the upright position gives the rider a clear view of surrounding traffic.
The engine responds cleanly at lower speeds, and Low RPM Assist helps make pulling away smoother. The combination of agility, usable torque and compact dimensions makes filtering relatively easy where it is safe and legally permitted.
Rider and Pillion Comfort
The GSX-8TT has an 810 mm seat height. The distance to the handlebars is comfortable, creating an upright riding position with a moderate knee bend.
Average-height riders should find it comfortable for commuting, breakfast runs and longer weekend rides. Very tall riders may eventually find the legroom slightly restricted, but it does not feel unusually cramped for the class.
Leandi joined Tiaan for a neighbourhood ride to test the pillion accommodation. At 173 cm tall, she found it easy to climb aboard, and the pillion seat was comfortable during shorter trips.
The limitation is passenger support. There is no backrest or large external grab handle, so a pillion must hold onto the rider during stronger acceleration. Leandi did not see this as a major disadvantage—the layout simply encourages the passenger to sit closer.
For city rides and breakfast runs, the GSX-8TT can carry a passenger comfortably. For a journey from Pretoria to Cape Town, we would prefer more passenger space, luggage capacity and physical support.
Build Quality and Practicality
The GSX-8TT feels like a premium motorcycle. The paintwork, body panels, switches and visible components are well finished, while the wiring around the cockpit has been routed neatly.
The headlight cowl and lower engine cowl look integrated rather than like accessories added after the motorcycle was designed. Nothing we regularly touched felt cheap or poorly positioned.
The fuel tank holds 16.5 litres, while Suzuki claims consumption of approximately 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres under WMTC conditions. That creates a theoretical range approaching 390 km, although real-world results will depend on speed, traffic and how enthusiastically Mode A is used.
South African Pricing
At the time of our review, the GSX-8TT was priced at approximately R189,000 in South Africa. The standard GSX-8T was about R10,000 less at approximately R179,000. Buyers should confirm current pricing with an authorised Suzuki dealer.
The TT premium buys the headlight cowl, under cowl, model-specific styling and more distinctive visual package.
From a purely functional perspective, the GSX-8T offers a similar riding experience for less money. However, a retro motorcycle is not purchased through logic alone. Appearance, personality and the feeling created when walking towards it matter. We would pay the difference for the TT.
What We Loved—and What Could Improve
Three qualities stood out: the styling, the engine’s broad power delivery and the balance between comfort and handling.
Our criticisms were minor. Factory heated grips would improve cold winter commuting, even if offered only as an accessory. The indicator cancellation could also operate more quickly.
Neither issue would prevent us from buying the motorcycle, and the absence of serious deal-breakers shows how complete the package feels.
Who Is the GSX-8TT For?
The Suzuki should appeal to daily commuters, weekend breakfast-run riders, retro enthusiasts and riders moving up from smaller motorcycles. It may also suit experienced riders who want character and performance without excessive power or weight.
Long-distance two-up riders may want more wind protection and passenger support, while sport-focused buyers may prefer the GSX-8R.
Final Thoughts
Suzuki has created more than an average motorcycle with old-school styling.
The GSX-8TT combines a convincing retro-inspired design with one of the company’s strongest modern engine platforms. Its 776 cc parallel twin provides usable power throughout the rev range, while the bi-directional quickshifter makes enthusiastic acceleration especially entertaining.
The chassis is agile, the brakes are confidence-inspiring and the suspension finds an excellent compromise between comfort and control. Its manageable weight, narrow profile and upright riding position also make it genuinely useful as everyday transport.
At approximately R10,000 more than the GSX-8T at the time of testing, the TT asks buyers to pay extra for its visual identity. We would pay the difference.
Suzuki did not merely get the retro styling right. It got the spirit right as well.
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