2024 Suzuki GSX-8S

The fully new GSX-8S is a thoroughly modern street fighter design that sets a trend for an exciting new generation of Suzuki motorcycles ready to carry the brand into the future.

New, compact 776cc parallel twin engine uses a 270-degree firing order for strong torque production and is equipped with Suzuki’s exclusive Cross Balancer system for smooth operation.

The Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) smooths shifting and engine braking, while shifting has never been easier with the Bi-directional Quick Shift system.

High-quality KYB suspension delivers controlled handling while ABS-equipped** NISSIN radial-mounted 4-piston brake calipers with dual brake rotors provide controlled stopping power.

The GSX-8S uses the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) with a three-mode Suzuki Drive Mode Selector and the four-mode Advanced Traction Control System* plus the popular Easy Start & Low RPM Assist systems.

Select from Suzuki’s Pearl Cosmic Blue, Pearl Tech White, or Metallic Matte Black No. 2 / Glass Sparkle Black paint scheme – each featuring unique logos that help identify the sport’s newest sportbike.

balance of smooth controllable torque-rich power from low RPM and freely revs up to its peak power output.

The 270-degree crankshaft configuration provides a similar, but more powerful experience as provided by the 90-degree V-twin engine used in the SV650 models.

The spaced nature of the engine’s power pulses enhances traction and contributes to strong power output at extremely low speeds, making the GSX-8S easy to maneuver in slow traffic or through tight corners.

Suzuki Cross Balancer technology, patented by Suzuki and used for the first time on a production motorcycle, helps create a compact, lightweight design that delivers smooth operation.

The pistons were developed using FEM (Infinite Element Method) analysis to maximize strength and minimize weight.

The 84mm cylinder bores inside the aluminum die-cast cylinders are plated using Suzuki’s SCEM process. Originally developed for racing and proven on the track, the SCEM cylinder promotes better heat dissipation, reduces friction, and provides a consistent wear resistant seal to the pistons’ rings.

Dual, linked 42mm electronic throttle bodies use a newly configured Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) to provide an authentic response and feel to the rider’s throttle operation.

The GSX-8S has two 10-hole, long-nose, 49 PSI (343kpa) high-pressure-feed fuel injectors that maximize fuel atomization for better combustion efficiency and lower fuel consumption.

The 6.0L air cleaner box shape and intake pipe lengths were created using computer-aided design to help maximize peak power output plus strong torque production at low engine speed. Positioned under the seat, the air box size and shape contribute to the GSX-8S’s slim chassis.

The GSX-8S has a new, distinctive short muffler design that produces an exciting and unique exhaust note. Most of the exhaust system is located under the chassis in an optimal, centralized location that benefits handling.

• The stainless-steel 2-into-1 exhaust system uses a high flow, dual-stage catalytic converter inside the mid-pipe that helps satisfy worldwide emissions standards.
• From the mid-pipe, the exhaust flows into an under-chassis chamber that has a short new muffler design with an upswept end cap that slightly protrudes from the right side of the chassis.

The digital ignition fires iridium-type spark plugs that increase spark strength and combustion efficiency, contributing to higher power, more linear throttle response, easier engine start-up, and a more stable idle. These quality components also last longer than conventional spark plugs.

A large capacity radiator effectively cools the parallel twin’s power output. A thermostatically controlled cooling fan helps stabilize coolant temperatures at low speed and stops.

The unique cooling system inlet control thermostat valve helps maintain consistent engine temperature and smooths the idle speed during warm-up. This helps stabilize combustion and contributes to reduced exhaust emissions.

Additional heat is removed from the engine via the use of a lightweight and compact liquid-cooled oil cooler (like those used on certain GSX-R models).

The six-speed transmission features gear ratios that deliver exciting acceleration, whether shifting normally or when using the standard-equipment Bi-directional Quick Shift system to shift without clutch operation.

The GSX-8S’s precise shift linkage helps the rider easily and quickly select the ideal gear for the riding conditions.

• A sensor on the shift rod sends shifter movement data to the ECM, so the Bi-directional Quick Shift system precisely responds to the rider’s actions.

The transmission’s output is managed by the Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS). This system works like a slipper clutch by allowing a small amount of clutch slip for smoother downshifts. It also works as an assist clutch, increasing plate pressure under acceleration, but always keeps the clutch lever pull light and precise.

• This large-diameter, wet, multi-plate clutch uses a precise cable-activated release, providing the rider with a light pull that also has superb friction-point feel.

The advanced electronic systems of the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) lets GSX-8S riders optimize performance characteristics to best suit their riding style, level of experience, and the riding conditions. This makes the GSX-8S more controllable, more predictable, and more enjoyable on a spirited ride, on a longer trip, or commuting, and it always adds up to a more exciting, confident, and fun riding experience.

The 2023 GSX-8S’s S.I.R.S. suite includes the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), the Suzuki Traction Control System* (STCS) and the Bi-directional Quick Shift System (QS) that supports the rider in a variety of conditions.

• The S.I.R.S. suite of rider aids also includes the Ride-by-Wire Electronic Throttle System, the Suzuki Easy Start, and Low RPM Assist systems for accurate and convenient motorcycle operation.

Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS)

• S-DMS provides the rider a choice of three different engine power output modes. Working in concert with the Traction Control System*, S-DMS permits peak power in each mode while changing the nature of the power delivery.
• These three modes (A, B, and C) provide the rider a quick and easy way to alter the GSX-8S’s power delivery characteristic to match his or her riding style, or adjust to changing weather, road surface, and other conditions.
  • Mode A (Active) is for active, sporty use that delivers the sharpest throttle response as the rider opens the throttle. Mode A’s torque characteristics are finely tuned to deliver exciting acceleration when hitting the throttle hard, such as when participating in track day events or enjoying a sporty run on clean, winding roads in good weather.
  • Mode B (Basic) is for general, all-around riding, as it features softer throttle response and a more linear power delivery curve as the rider opens the throttle. Settings are tuned to fit a wide range of riding styles and conditions, and to help make the bike more controllable in everyday riding situations.
  • Mode C (Comfort) offers a softer throttle response and more gentle torque characteristics, with power increasing in a directly linear fashion as the throttle is opened. This mode is useful when riding on wet or slippery surfaces, or when the rider desires a relaxing, comfortable ride.
• Using the mode and select switches on the left handlebar, the rider can change S-DMS modes while riding. The mode settings are clearly displayed on the TFT instrument panel.

Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS)*

• The four-mode STCS on the 2023 GSX-8S lets the rider control the throttle with more confidence by limiting rear wheel spin in a variety of riding conditions.
• STCS continuously monitors front and rear wheel speeds, throttle opening, engine speed, and transmission gear. It quickly reduces engine output when it detects wheel spin by adjusting ignition timing and air delivery.
• The rider can select one of four modes (1, 2, 3, and OFF). The three active modes differ in terms of rear wheel spin sensitivity.
  • Mode 1 is the lowest sensitivity – it allows a certain degree of rear wheel spin and is best suited for good road conditions.
  • Mode 2 is a moderate sensitivity level – the system engages traction control sooner than Mode 1 and is for average road conditions.
  • Mode 3 is the highest sensitivity level – the system engages traction control sooner than the other modes to virtually eliminate wheel spin, and is well-suited for poor or slippery road conditions, like wet and cold surfaces.
  • OFF disengages all traction control features – the rider has sole control of the engine’s throttle and any resulting rear wheel spin.
• The STCS modes are displayed on the TFT instrument panel and can be changed on-the-fly, using the left handlebar switch. When the system is trimming power to prevent wheel spin, the TC icon on the instrument panel will illuminate and flash.

Ride-by-Wire Electronic Throttle System

• The electronic throttle system uses the capability of the GSX-8S’s 32-bit, dual-processor ECM, and CAN-bus wire harness to convert throttle grip movement and sensor input into to practically instantaneous and precise throttle plate movement in the two 42mm throttle bodies.
• This system also tunes throttle body action to best match each of the S-DMS modes. The result is a controllable, linear power delivery that responds faithfully to the rider’s intentions, whether commuting or enjoying a sporty ride on a winding road.

Bi-directional Quick Shift System (QS)

• This QS system allows the GSX-8S rider to shift up or down quickly and easily, without operating the clutch or throttle.
• To ensure smoother upshifts, QS automatically interrupts power delivery just long enough to produce smooth, almost uninterrupted acceleration. When decelerating, the system automatically opens the throttle valves just enough to increase RPM and match engine speed to the next-lower gear. The result is that this hands-free, automatic function combines seamlessly with engine braking to create a highly satisfying experience when downshifting.
  • The bi-directional QS works seamlessly in concert with S-DMS to bring riders even greater riding enjoyment.
  • Performance of the GSX-8S’s SACS-style, assist-and-slipper clutch ensures even smoother up- and down-shifts when using QS or manual clutch operation.
• An icon on the TFT instrument panel (between the speedometer and gear position display) indicates QS status. The QS system can be easily switched on or off using the left handlebar switch.
• The shift sensor on the shift rod sends shifter movement data to the ECM, so the Bi-directional Quick Shift system precisely responds to the rider’s actions.

The Suzuki Easy Start System

• Easy Start allows the rider to easily start the engine with a single, momentary press of the starter button. In any weather condition or with any engine temperature, there is no need to hold down the starter button until the engine fires. Easy Start is managed by the ECM so that the starter motor automatically stops once the engine has started.

The Low RPM Assist System

• The Low RPM Assist system seamlessly increases engine speed to smooth the power delivery when launching from a standing start or riding at low speeds, which helps ensure better control and operation in stop-and-go traffic. The system also minimizes the possibility of the rider stalling the motorcycle during take-off.

S.I.R.S. Supporting Technologies

• Controller Area Network (CAN bus)
  • Key to the operation of the S.I.R.S., the GSX-8S uses an interconnected information network instead of a conventional wiring harness.
  • Because it requires fewer wires, this CAN bus wiring lets the vehicle be lighter and simpler and provides a way for the advanced components – such as the quick shifter – to have faster data transmission with the ECM.
  • The CAN bus also provides a single connection point for diagnosing any errors that may occur throughout the entire network.
• Engine Control Module (ECM)
  • The 32-bit, dual-core ECM has a fast processor and new programming to efficiently operate the fuel-injection system, Ride-by-Wire throttle bodies, ignition, and other electrical features on the GSX-8S.