Is a Retro Suzuki GSX-8S on the Way? Here’s What We Know

The Suzuki GSX-8S hit showrooms in 2023, shaking up the middleweight naked segment with its 776cc parallel-twin engine, delivering 83bhp at 8,500rpm and 57.5 lb-ft of torque at 6,800rpm. With a wet weight of 202kg, it’s light, flickable, and built for real-world riding. The bike comes stacked with modern tech, including a 5-inch TFT display, ride-by-wire throttle, bi-directional quickshifter, and three selectable ride modes. Showa suspension, a trellis frame, and a 19-litre fuel tank make it a serious contender for riders who want both fun and practicality.

And then came the fully-faired GSX-8R, giving the platform a sportier edge while keeping the same twin-cylinder heart. But Suzuki isn’t stopping there. If the Japanese rumor mill is anything to go by, a retro-styled GSX-8S could be next.

A Retro GSX-8S? It Makes Perfect Sense

If history tells us anything, Suzuki loves a spinoff. The GSX-S1000 has already spawned the S1000GT, GT+, and Katana, so why wouldn’t Suzuki do the same with its latest middleweight? A GSX-8S Retro could be Suzuki’s answer to the Yamaha XSR700 and Kawasaki Z650RS, both of which have proven that there’s a big market for modern bikes with a classic twist.

Currently, Suzuki’s lineup lacks a true retro model. The SV650 might look a little old-school with its trellis frame and round headlight, but it’s more of an aging workhorse than a dedicated throwback machine. A retro GSX-8S could bring Suzuki back into the neo-retro game, giving riders a stylish alternative that still benefits from modern performance and reliability.

What Would a Retro GSX-8S Look Like?

If Suzuki is serious about this, they have a couple of design directions they could take:

1. A ‘70s-style throwback – Think round LED headlight, a sculpted fuel tank, a long, flat seat, and gold-spoked wheels. It would go head-to-head with the XSR700 and Z650RS, offering a more relaxed riding position and a nod to classic Suzuki designs.
   
   

2. A Katana-inspired neo-retro – If Suzuki wanted to take a different approach, they could lean on the styling of the Katana, giving it a more aggressive, squared-off front end with a rectangular headlight and a beefier stance. A baby Katana? Now that would be interesting.
   
   

3. GS1000 / Bandit 1200 vibes – Suzuki could throw it all the way back to the GS1000 era, with a boxier tank, retro paintwork, and a semi-modern twin-shock rear setup to really hammer home the old-school feel. A mix of Bandit and Katana elements could create something truly unique.
   
   

Regardless of the styling, a retro GSX-8S would likely keep all the modern goodies—ride modes, TFT dash, quickshifter—but package them in something that looks like it just rolled out of the past.

Why This Could Be a Game-Changer for Suzuki

The middleweight retro segment is booming. Yamaha, Kawasaki, and even Triumph have all nailed the formula of modern performance with a nostalgic twist. Suzuki has been slow to join the party, but the GSX-8S platform is already solid, meaning they’d have a strong foundation to build from.

• Power-wise, the GSX-8S outguns the XSR700 (73.4bhp) and Z650RS (67bhp), meaning a retro version would likely be the most powerful in its class.

• The 776cc parallel twin has a 270-degree crank, giving it a V-twin-like rumble that would suit a retro bike beautifully.

• The chassis is built for comfort and handling, meaning an upright retro version would still be a joy to ride.

• Price-wise, Suzuki could undercut the competition, just like they did with the GSX-8S (£8,199 compared to the £8,910 XSR700 and £8,249 Z650RS).

All the ingredients are there. It’s just a question of when, not if Suzuki pulls the trigger on a retro GSX-8 model.

What’s Next?

While nothing is official yet, Japanese sources suggest that a retro GSX-8S could arrive as early as 2025. Whether Suzuki will play it safe with a classic look or go bold with a Katana-style revamp remains to be seen.

Either way, a GSX-8 Retro would be a welcome addition to the Suzuki lineup, giving riders another option beyond the usual naked and faired variants.

What do you think?