Suzuki Unveils GSX-8T & GSX-8TT | Retro-Inspired Twins Break Cover 

DATE: 04/07/2025

Suzuki Unveils Twin Retro-Inspired GSX-8 Models for 2025
GSX-8T & GSX-8TT break cover with classic style and modern performance

Back in early 2025, TOMSTC was already speculating about a retro version of Suzuki’s GSX-8 platform after spotting some subtle teaser clues and design trends. If you missed it, you can catch up on that article here: Is a Retro Suzuki GSX-8S on the Way?

Turns out, we were right on the money.

Suzuki has officially pulled the wraps off not one, but two retro-inspired machines: the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT. Both are based on the 800cc platform we’ve seen in the V-Strom 800 and GSX-8S, but this time they’re dressed to impress — with styling that channels Suzuki’s golden era, and tech that keeps things sharp and rideable in 2025.

Suzuki GSX-8T & GSX-8TT | Retro Looks, Real-World Fun

Suzuki’s diving head-first into its retro archives with two fresh takes on the middleweight formula: the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT. Built on the tried-and-tested 776cc parallel twin platform, these two machines take clear inspiration from Suzuki’s glory days — but don’t think for a second they’re just style over substance.

The 8T leans into that classic 60s/70s naked bike vibe, echoing the lines of the old T500. Simple, clean, and unapologetically cool. The 8TT, meanwhile, wraps that same base in a faired, racer-inspired silhouette, channelling the energy of the legendary Yoshimura-tuned GS1000S. One’s pure café charm, the other’s got a whiff of pit lane paddock to it. Either way, both scream heritage meets modern twist.

That Engine – Small but Mighty

Under the retro bodywork is Suzuki’s lively little 776cc parallel twin — the same engine we’ve seen in the GSX-8S and V-Strom 800. But don’t let the “middleweight” tag fool you. This thing’s got proper attitude.

With its 270° crank, it delivers the burble and punch of a V-twin, while keeping the smoothness and balance that comes with a parallel twin layout. On paper, it puts out 80bhp at 8,500rpm and 57lb·ft at 6,800rpm — more than enough for fast road riding, daily commuting, and everything in between.

I rode the GSX-8S earlier last  year at the RUROC Suzuki day  and was genuinely blown away by the engine. It’s one of those motors that feels bigger than the numbers suggest. It’s got strong midrange, revs out nicely up top, and has that rare mix of smoothness and soul. Whether you're short-shifting and cruising or wringing it out on a back road, it just works — and it sounds good doing it.

Suzuki’s cross-balancer helps keep the vibes down, and the stubby exhaust tucks in nicely while sending that raspy soundtrack straight up to the rider. Clean lines, a great noise, and real-world performance — what more do you want from a modern retro?

Underneath the Skin

Both bikes share the same twin-spar steel frame with a bolt-on subframe and aluminium swingarm. Suspension comes courtesy of KYB – gold forks on the 8T, black on the 8TT, with a matching rear shock out back. Braking is solid too: twin 310mm discs up front with radially-mounted Nissin calipers, and a single 240mm disc at the rear. It's not cutting-edge superbike kit, but it’s well-specced for the class and feels proper.

Tech That’s Actually Useful

This isn’t a stripped-back retro that makes you suffer — Suzuki’s loaded both bikes with modern goodies where it counts:

• 3-stage traction control (plus off)
  
  

• A/B/C power modes
  
  

• Bi-directional quickshifter (standard!)
  
  

• Suzuki’s Easy Start + Low RPM Assist
  
  

• USB-C fast charging port
  
  

• And a full-colour TFT dash showing everything from gear position to TC settings
  
  

It’s all the stuff that makes riding easier, without overwhelming you with menus and modes.

Design: The Details That Make the Difference

The GSX-8T gets a sculpted tank (16.5L), new seat unit, and those stylish bar-end mirrors. Its round LED headlight has a flattened bottom edge, nodding to vintage roadsters but with modern LED tech baked in. Meanwhile, the 8TT borrows the same light, but shrouds it in a bikini fairing that screams 70s race bike. There’s a tiny screen too — mostly for the looks, but hey, it might fend off a bit of wind.

The radiator shrouds add more flavour: brushed silver on the 8T, blacked-out on the 8TT. Both wear the new circular GSX8 badge, which probably explains Suzuki’s 8-ball teaser we all saw floating around socials.

Paint jobs? Suzuki didn’t hold back:

• 8T: Candy Burnt Gold, Metallic Matt Steel Green, or Metallic Matt Black (with gold forks and black wheels)
  
  

• 8TT: Glass Sparkle Black (red wheels, red/gold stripes) or Pearl Matt Shadow Green (gold wheels, gold/bronze stripes).
  Plus, the 8TT gets a belly pan — because a bike like this deserves one.
  
  

Price & Availability

Here’s the kicker: the GSX-8T comes in at £9,599, and the GSX-8TT at £9,999. That’s pretty competitive considering the spec, the tech, and the unique style on offer.

Suzuki’s also offering their standard 3-year warranty, which you can bump to seven years if you keep it serviced at an authorised dealer. Not bad peace of mind for something that already looks like it’s built to last.

Final Thoughts from TOMSTC

I love that Suzuki isn’t just chasing the neo-retro trend — they’re owning it. These aren’t just style bikes with Instagram appeal; they’re usable, well-specced machines that nod to the past without getting stuck there.

If you’re after a middleweight with real character, a bit of old-school charm, and modern rideability — the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT deserve a spot on your shortlist. Especially if you’ve been waiting for a bike that stands out in a sea of plastic-wrapped clones.

Check them out at your local dealer or head to Suzuki’s official site for the full lowdown. Let me know which one you’d pick — and stay tuned, because you know I’ll be swinging a leg over these two soon for a proper ride and review.