Is Suzuki Working on a Retro GSX-8S?

The Suzuki GSX-8S arrived in showrooms in 2023, but if rumours are to be believed then a retro-style model could soon be on its way.

The GSX-8S landed as the Japanese brand’s new naked middleweight motorcycle, before its fully-faired sibling, the GSX-8R, arrived just a few months later, both featuring the 776cc parallel-twin engine.

But now word from Japan is that a retro GSX-8S could be on the way. If these rumours are correct, it would not be a total surprise, given that Suzuki has a history of taking successful models and creating some sort of spinoff from it.

It is thought that a retro GSX-8S will enter production as a rival to the likes of Yamaha’s XSR700 and the Kawasaki Z650RS.

The XSR700 and Z650RS feature very similar traits aesthetically, so any retro GSX-8S would likely follow suit in adopting a more relaxed riding position compared to the current naked street bike.

Suzuki lacks a retro-specific model in its line-up although the SV650’s old age and small tweaks over the years make it the most retro-looking in the company’s range, and an almost living fossil in the market.

But compared to the SV650, the new GSX-8S is a lot more modern, so a retro cousin would give it the freshness it deserves.

A spinoff from the GSX-8S should probably be considered likely, just look at the GSX-S1000 which later evolved with siblings including the S1000GT, S1000GT+ and Katana models.

While a retro GSX-8 model seems all but certain to join Suzuki’s if Japanese rumours are to be believed, a question mark over its appearance does remain. It could adopt the ‘70s-inspired look of the competitors mentioned above, which would mean a round headlight, long seat and upright positioning.

Or Suzuki could go with a left-field approach and use the Katana’s appearance as motivation, which could give it a sharper look at the front and rectangular light.

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