It’s been a long time coming, but it feels like Suzuki is finally ready to move on. The SV650, a bike that’s held its ground for over two decades, is undeniably past its prime. It’s still a fun, affordable machine with a loyal fanbase, but in today’s world of ride modes, TFTs, and ride-by-wire tech, it’s starting to feel more analog than classic.
For a while, it kept its spot simply because nothing else in Suzuki’s lineup really took its place. The GSX-8S, while technically more advanced in every way, never quite clicked with the same audience. Its sharp, robotic styling and aggressive lines were a big leap from the approachable, friendly demeanor of the SV. Suzuki probably knew this, which is likely why the SV stuck around longer than expected.
But now, the story might be different, as Suzuki has just pulled the covers off the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT—two bikes that look like they were built by people who truly understood what made the SV650 special.
They're based on the same 776cc DOHC parallel twin platform used in the GSX-8S and V-Strom 800DE, complete with a 270-degree crank for that familiar V-twin-like thump. Power sits at 81 horsepower and 77 Nm (around 57 pound-feet), comfortably outpacing the SV, and delivered through a six-speed gearbox with a slipper/assist clutch and a standard up/down quickshifter.
Like their siblings, they come with Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System, letting you toggle ride modes and traction control settings depending on your mood or the conditions.
But where the GSX-8S looked like it was auditioning for a cyberpunk movie, the 8T and 8TT feel grounded, familiar, and refreshingly retro. They’re no-nonsense bikes with round LED headlights, bar-end mirrors, a 4.3-gallon tank with knee cutouts, and a tuck-and-roll seat that wouldn’t look out of place in a backlot cafe racer meet.
The GSX-8TT adds a bit more flair with a handlebar-mounted fairing inspired by the GS1000S Wes Cooley Replica—a quiet nod to Suzuki’s history without being kitschy or overdesigned. And if you want something in between, there’s even an optional mini-fairing available for the 8T. Modern touches like a 5-inch TFT display, USB-C charging port, and a new lightweight lithium battery are all present, but they don’t scream for attention—they’re just there to make life easier.
The chassis is shared with the 8S, with a KYB inverted fork up front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. Cast aluminum wheels wear Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 rubber, and the brakes use dual 310mm discs with ABS, though without cornering sensitivity.
What makes the 8T and TT truly stand out, though, is how well they tap into a proven recipe. Retro always sells—and not just because it looks good. Bikes like the XSR900, CB650R, and Z900RS have shown that when you pair timeless styling with modern hardware, you get something that’s not only desirable but actually practical. The 8T takes that idea and runs with it. It doesn’t try to be a nostalgia bomb or a museum piece. It just feels like a proper motorcycle, balanced, characterful, and ready to be ridden.
And speaking of selling, the new GSX-8T and 8TT are priced at £9,599 and £9,999 in the UK, respectively. This translates to about $13,000 USD and $13,650 USD, respectively. Quite a jump from the GSX-8S' sub-10K USD price tag. That said, Suzuki hasn't announced US pricing, so fingers crossed that we get this bike at a lower price than our neighbors across the pond.
So is this the bike that finally lets the SV650 rest? It sure looks that way. The SV was never about the spec sheet—it was about the experience. And now, the GSX-8T and TT carry that spirit forward, but with the reliability, refinement, and performance we expect today. They don’t replace the SV by copying it. They evolve it, bringing its best qualities into a new generation.
And as a big fan of the SV650, the launch of the GSX-8T and TT makes it easier for me to come to terms with the SV’s retirement. So yeah, this new retro-themed middleweight naked really feels like a worthy successor. But what do you think? Is this a legit homage to Suzuki’s roots? Or is it a retro offering for the sake of tapping into the hype train that is nostalgia?
Gallery: 2025 Suzuki GSX-8T and 8TT
Source: Suzuki
