Kicking off EICMA the right way, Suzuki has unveiled not one but two all-new motorcycles for 2023 - the V-Strom 800DE and the GSX-8S. These models form Suzuki’s new 800cc lineup slot right between the 650cc and 1000cc offerings, instead of replacing the popular SV650 and V-Strom 650. Both 650s will continue to be on sale for now.
The Suzuki GSX-8S Is A Direct Rival To The Yamaha MT-07
To start off, the GSX-8S is Suzuki’s middleweight naked targeted at the Yamaha MT-07 and Honda CB750 Hornet. It boasts a radical design with beefy tank shrouds and loud colors which, dare we say, look a tad Chinese. Not bad-looking, though, just not something all folks will dig. But what you will dig is everything else. The engine, for instance. It's an all-new 776cc, parallel-twin setup which belts out 82 horsepower and 57.53 pound-feet. Housed in a new steel chassis (with a trellis subframe), the engine has a unique cross balancer and 270-degree crank for smooth delivery and a likable exhaust note, respectively. Meanwhile, the chassis is sprung on chunky KYB upside-down forks and monoshock alongside 17-inch alloys clamped by 310mm discs/240mm disc (F/R).
Things only get better once you swing a leg over the 810mm seat as you’re greeted by a 5-inch TFT instrument cluster. It lets you toggle through the ride modes, three-mode traction control, and a bi-directional quickshifter. All-LED lighting is also standard on the mid-capacity GSX-S.
The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Is The One-Stop-Shop For All Your Off-road Needs
The next unveil (and probably the bigger one) is the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. It looks like a serious off-roader in its DR-Z-inspired design and has the credentials to back it up. The centerpiece of the new DE is the same 776cc, parallel-twin engine as the GSX-8S, albeit in a different tune to pump out 83 horsepower. The engine is housed in a steel frame sprung on fully adjustable Showa suspension at both ends, offering 220mm travel at each end. The 21/17-inch spoke wheels (F/R) add to the motorcycle’s off-road abilities, and so do the prominent crash protections - a bash plate, knuckle guards, side guards and toothed footpegs with removable rubber inserts.
As for electronics, the V-Strom 800DE has everything the GSX-8S does, but takes things up a notch with an additional Gravel ride mode. Even the ABS has three settings, including the option to disengage the rear ABS for sliding around. And regardless of the terrain, you’ll also appreciate the three-step adjustable windscreen.
2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE And GSX-8S Availability
Both the V-Strom 800DE and GSX-8S will be available in Europe and UK early next year. There’s no news on the American launch yet, but we expect them to set foot here in the first half of 2023. In the meantime, both motorcycles are available in three colors each, which you can check out at Suzuki.co.uk.