Suzuki Puts Round Headlights On a GSX-8S And Builds the Modern-Retro GSX-8T and the GSX-8TT

Suzuki has launched the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT modern-retro bikes based on its current 800cc platform, powered by the 776cc parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank.

Being retro never fades, at least as far as motorcycles are concerned. I think it helps us connect better with the originality of motorcycle design, or the universality of it. Think about it - a round headlamp instantly changes the look and feel of a motorcycle, there’s an instant sense of old-school and timelessness in it.

And this trend is on a rise, as Suzuki has recently launched two new motorcycles powered by the new parallel-twin 776cc engine. Called the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT, both motorcycles are built on the modern-retro theme with round headlights, some nostalgic stripe work, and new bodywork on the familiar GSX-8 platform.

2025 Suzuki GSX-8T gets a round headlight, new bodywork, and gold-finished KYB front upside-down forks.

Inspired by the Suzuki’s own motorcycles from the 1960s and the 70s, the 8T and 8TT look the part in the company’s current 800cc lineup. The GSX-8T is a more minimalistic motorcycle between the two with a naked round headlamp, new fuel tank, and the rest of the body panels. The GSX-8TT gets the same round headlight but it’s housed inside a tiny, streamlined fairing that reminds us of the past bikes. Suzuki says that the 8TT gets its styling inspiration from the Yoshimura GS1000 AMA Superbike.

Both motorcycles are based on the current GSX-8 platform which means a steel twin-spar main frame along with the steel sub-frame. The swing-arm is aluminium and the suspension duties are handled by a pair of KYB upside-down forks at the front and a link-type KYB shock absorber at the back. The difference here is that on the 8T, the forks are finished in gold while they’re black on the 8TT.

2025 Suzuki GSX-8TT, compared to the GSX-8T, gets tiny fairing around the same round headlight, a belly cover, and striped graphics that look cool.

Braking is done by a pair of 310mm front discs with radially-mounted Nissin calipers and a single 240mm disc at the back. ABS and switchable three-level traction control are there for safety (TC can also be switched off completely). Suzuki also offers three riding modes through its Suzuki Drive Mode Selector - Mode A (Active), Mode B (Basic), and Mode C (Comfort).

Further, the new GSX-8T and the GSX-8TT get the latest 270-degree cranked 776cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve engine for energetic and characterful performance and feel. It makes 82.9 PS of power and 78 NM of torque. The 8T weighs 201 kg while the 8TT weighs 203 kg with 16.5 litres fuel tank each.

Modern-retros are interesting, they look old-school and modern at the same time

Japanese manufacturers regularly explore the retro theme in their motorcycles. Honda has been doing it for quite some time with the CB125R, CB300R, CB650R, and the previous CB1000R (recently replaced by the new CB1000 Hornet). Yamaha also has the whole XSR lineup with the modern-retro theme. Kawasaki too has its long-standing Z900RS and the Z650RS. It is only natural for Suzuki to explore this bygone design language.

Modern-retro motorcycles look nostalgic and modern at the same time. They are practical and often look extremely cool.

The GSX-8T and the GSX-8TT are a result of that. The motorcycles are thoroughly modern from the engine to the chassis, ride by wire, riding modes, all-LED lighting, ABS and TC, but with a nod to decades old styling. Personally, I like the GSX-8TT more because of its tiny fairing and the stripes.