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Emission certifications hint at Suzuki’s entrance into the middleweight Sport-Touring segment

A middleweight sport-touring contender might be closer than we think.

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California Air Resources Board (CARB) certifies engines for Suzuki’s two new 800cc bikes, hinting at an upcoming bike.

With Suzuki’s wide range of motorcycles in its line-up, there surely would be something for everyone. From the 113cc, carburetor-ran Suzuki Smash to the coveted Suzuki Hayabusa, everyday commuters and speed junkies alike would find something that would suit their taste just by looking at Suzuki’s line-up. But some riders are after the sweet spot. For them, the 1050cc V-Strom might be too rugged, while the GSX-S1000 GX could be a bit too powerful for those seeking a more relaxed ride. 

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Enter the Suzuki GSX-8 line. The GSX-8S and the GSX-8R seem to hit the “goldilocks zone,” with a more manageable 776cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel-twin engine; it won’t slack on long straights and steep climbs. The only downside? They only prioritize the rider, often leaving their passenger to bear the brunt of the wind (and the back pain) that comes with it. 

This gap in comfort and versatility could finally be addressed if Suzuki’s next move is what it seems to be

Currently, Suzuki’s 800cc lineup includes a street-focused GSX-8S, an off-road-focused V-Strom 800DE, and a sporty GSX-8R. But none of these offer a road-biased, long-distance option, something that the segment is clearly missing.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has released emission certifications for two new models based on the GSX-8R and GSX-8S platform, hinting at Suzuki’s entrance into the mid-weight sport-touring segment. While there are no specifications yet, we can look to the existing models for a clue. Suzuki has all of its 800cc bikes based on a 776cc liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel-twin engine delivering 83 hp and 78 Nm of torque, figures that could carry over to the new models

According to reports, the standard trim may be named the GSX-8T, while the GSX-8TT would go to the premium variant. However, some sources speculate that Suzuki might follow a naming pattern similar to the GSX-S1000 GT and GX models, especially since the new models carry the same “TRQ” and “RQB” internal designations. If that’s the case, the naming and design cues may align closely with Suzuki’s existing grand tourers.

If released in the Philippines, the touring-focused GSX-8 could stand against the Yamaha Tracer 7, Triumph Tiger Sport 660, and the Kawasaki Versys 650. We’ll keep you posted if more news regarding that becomes available. 

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