Suzuki Releases New Retro-inspired 2026 GSX-8T/8TT
Suzuki introduced the all-new GSX-8S in 2023, and our Tom Roderick found it a hoot to ride. Following that came the GSX-8R, which is a capable and affordable race bike.
That’s all well and good, but these are both very modern motorcycles. What if you enjoy a more classic ride but still want to enjoy Suzuki 776cc twin powering the GSX-8 platform?
The new 2026 Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT might just do the trick. This retro-inspired duo aims to bring a breath of something old to the new platform.
Although built around the same engine and frame as the GSX-8S/8R, the 8T bikes add classic touches through styling and deliberate design choices drawn from Suzuki’s past models. The motorcycles aren’t carbon copies of the bikes of yesteryear, instead aiming to provide a vintage look alongside a thoroughly modern riding experience.
The 2026 Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT are 99% the same bike. The only difference between them are the mini headlight cowl and under cowl, together with a marginally lower seat sporting a special design, that the 8TT adds.
Let’s take a closer look at the specs of these two retro rides.
Engine
As mentioned above, the engine is the same as that found on the GSX-8S and 8R models. It’s a 776cc, 270-degree DOHC parallel-twin with liquid cooling. It also features the (much advertised at the time of its release) Suzuki Cross Balancer, which the company claims improves ride stability and helps keep the engine’s weight down.
The powerplant puts out 81.8 ponies at 8,500 rpm and delivers maximum torque of 87.5 lb-ft at 6,800 rpm. In other words, the performance is identical to that of the 8S and 8R. Expect a very rider-friendly experience with plenty of mid-range performance and comfortable cornering.
The engine is connected to a six-speed gearbox, which features a quickshifter.
The 8T and 8TT do differ from their parent (or sibling, however you want to look at it) models with their exhaust system. They feature a short muffler cover, tucked mostly under the chassis, that features a brushed stainless steel heat shield.
Suzuki promises it “looks as good as it sounds.” We haven’t gotten our hands on a test bike yet, so we can’t confirm the sound quality.
Chassis
Although the 8T/8TT share the tubular steel frame with the 8S and 8R, this element of the bike has seen some more significant alterations. The rider triangle has been updated to provide a more relaxed riding position than the race and street-oriented 8R and 8S. The seat (more on that later), allows you to move your hips back and forth as maneuvering needs demand.
The motorcycles feature an inverted KYB fork with 5.1 travel inches. For rear suspension, the bikes sport a KYB monoshock with preload adjustment.
Braking duties up front are handled with a radially-mounted four-piston Nissan calipers that grip 310mm dual discs. In the rear, we have a single-piston caliper and a 240mm disc.
Out of the factory, the bikes are shod with Dunlop Roadsport 2 tires on 17-inch cast aluminum wheels.
The fuel tanks sport a distinctive, rounded shape with sharply cut knee indentations that draws inspiration from the Suzuki T500. On the technical side of things, the tank hold 4.3 gallons of go-go juice.
One of the few differences between that 8T and 8TT is in the seat. The 8T features a 32-inch-high tuck-and-roll type seat. On the 8TT, the seat is a whopping 0.1 inches lower and receives a sportier cover to go with the added fairing.
The 8T weighs in at
Electronics
Despite being retro-influenced, the 8T/8TT feature a full modern electronics suite to keep the riding experience up to today’s standards. For controlling the various rider aids, you get a five-inch color display with anti-glare coating.
Handling the entire electronics outfits is the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) which ties multiple rider aids into one control system. The suite includes three ride modes (A for most power, B for general riding, and C for wet or adverse conditions), traction control (with three modes plus an OFF state), ABS, a bidirectional quickshifter, an easy start system, and a low rpm assister.
The motorcycles also feature a standard USB-C fast charging socket to power your phone or navigator.
Style
The design and color choices on the 8T and 8TT draw from classic bikes from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. The subdued, blackened components with splashes of color create a cool, eye-catching look, with the vintage appearance enforced by the round headlight. Both bikes feature stylish bar-end mirrors.
As mentioned, the 8TT features an added headlight cowl and under cowl, inspired by the road racing bikes of Suzuki’s past. The quarter fairing enhances airflow around the rider, making sporty riding more comfortable.
The 8T comes in a Candy Burnt Gold or Metallic Mat Black colorway, both featuring golden fork struts. Meanwhile, the 8TT is available in Glass Sparkle Black with red accents and Pearl Mat Shadow Green with gold accents.
The 2026 Suzuki GSX-8T is available now for $10,649 and the 8TT for $11,149.