Suzuki’s new GSX-8TT and GSX-8T enter the middleweight retro-inspired market with strong styling, solid performance, and a contentious price tag. The GSX-8TT, dressed in Yoshimura Wes Cooley-inspired retro bodywork, feels more mechanical and engaging than its siblings, with stable handling, supple suspension, and a comfortable riding position that outshines even the GSX-8S. The GSX-8T strips away the fairing for a cleaner, 70s-styled naked look, with a ribbed seat and bar-end mirrors giving it unique charm. Both share the 80–82 hp parallel-twin engine, praised for its torquey midrange and ease of use.
While fun, stylish, and comfortable, the TT and T sit at £9,500–£9,999—well above the GSX-8S and GSX-8R, despite near-identical underpinnings. At this price, they compete against more powerful and better-equipped rivals like the Honda Hornet and Yamaha XSR900, raising questions about value. Ultimately, the GSX-8TT stands out for its retro appeal and refined ride, but whether riders will pay Suzuki’s new premium for style over substance remains uncertain.
