Suzuki’s 8T and 8TT modern retros have won a prestigious Red Dot Design Award.
The two new retro-inspired machines – based on the same platform as the award-winning GSX-8S and GSX-8R – take design cues from iconic models from Suzuki’s back catalogue.
The 8T draws inspiration from the Suzuki T500, down to the headlight, tank, and seat style, while the 8TT is more than a subtle nod the 1979 GS1000S. Stylish ‘bar end mirrors add another element of retro flair.
Though the designs are routed in the past, the underpinnings are thoroughly modern; there are selectable traction control settings and power modes, a colour TFT screen, and a bi-directional quickshifter as standard.
The 8T comes with an OTR price of £8,599, the 8TTis available for £8,999.
Suzuki Motor Corporation’s Takashi Ise, commented, “We are honoured that the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT have received the prestigious Red Dot Award. Both models are neo-retro street bikes that appeal both the unique and attractive elements of Suzuki’s past iconic models, and modern performance. Designed to suit a wide range of riding situations, from everyday use to touring, they offer enjoyment to customers across diverse lifestyles. Suzuki upholds the corporate slogan of ‘By Your Side’ and will continue to make efforts to create products that satisfy our customers in both performance and design.”
Red Dot Design Award is an internationally recognised and prestigious design award that was established in 1955 and has been continuously presented to this day. It evaluates products based on nine comprehensive criteria including innovation, functionality, ergonomics, durability, ecological compatibility, and emotional content. The award was granted in recognition of the high evaluation of the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT for their precise transfer of classic visual features into a clearly structured, modern aesthetic.
Suzuki’s new SV-7GX will be available from just £6,999 OTR when it arrives in dealerships this summer.
Revealed at Eicma in November, the 7GX – a new middleweight crossover in Suzuki’s range – gives the brand’s proven and well-loved middleweight V-twin engine a new lease of life. Updated to meet the latest Euro5+ emissions standards, it still delivers the same punch and characterful power delivery that has cemented its place as one of the greatest engines ever built. In the 7GX it gets a new magneto, transmission gears, a ride-by-wire throttle, and new exhaust.
That new ride-by-wire throttle enables the standard fitment bi-directional quickshifter, three traction control modes, and three power modes, with all information displayed via a colour TFT screen with smartphone connectivity.
Taking design cues from the range-topping GSX-S1000GX+, the 7GX comes in four colour schemes, with a simple, crisp white version available with an OTR price of £6,999.
The metallic blue, greige, and black versions, adorned with extra decals and matching wheel colours, will come with an OTR price of £7,399.
Suzuki GB’s head of motorcycles, Jonathan Martin, commented, “We’re really pleased to be able to bring the 7GX to market at such a competitive price point and with a great spec sheet to match, which really reaffirms our commitment to value. We have obviously made a number of recent revisions to our pricing – including taking nearly £3,000 off the OTR price of the GSX-S1000GX+ – and I think this confirms to customers that those changes are not short-term, offer-led changes, but represent a genuine long-term shift.”