Suzuki appears poised to expand its mid-weight lineup with two all-new sport-touring motorcycles: the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT. This development follows fresh certification filings with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), pointing toward imminent additions to the GSX family.
GSX-8T and GSX-8TT: Built for the Road
According to the CARB documents, both the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT are classified for on-road use and will share the proven 776cc parallel-twin engine currently powering the GSX-8S naked bike, GSX-8R sportbike, and V-Strom 800 adventure series. That means riders can expect familiar performance figures—81.8 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 57.5 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm.
The GSX-8T: A Faired Sport-Touring Machine
The GSX-8T is likely to be Suzuki’s answer to riders seeking a more affordable, mid-weight touring option. Think of it as a downsized version of the GSX-S1000GT, but still road-biased and long-distance capable. Utilizing existing chassis and electronics, Suzuki could launch the GSX-8T with minimal R&D overhead, making it a potentially budget-friendly touring machine.
GSX-8TT: A Higher-Spec ‘Plus’ Model?
The “TT” suffix introduces some speculation. Although Suzuki hasn’t revealed official specs, the GSX-8TT could follow the pattern set by models like the GSX-S1000GT+ and V-Strom GX+. Expect premium features like side panniers, an extended windscreen, or comfort upgrades. However, given the price bracket, don’t count on advanced systems such as adaptive cruise control or semi-active suspension.
While no official reveal date has been announced, the timing of the CARB certifications strongly suggests that Suzuki may debut the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT at EICMA this November.
