Suzuki launches new retro models: GSX-8T and GSX-8TT
Suzuki has launched two brand-new models on its award-winning 800cc platform, with the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT combining retro spirit with next generation performance. The 8T takes styling cues from classic bikes of the 1960s and 1970s, such as the iconic Suzuki T500, while the 8TT builds on that platform further but with inspiration coming from the faired race bikes of the period, such as the legendary Yoshimura GS1000 AMA superbike.
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Both models use Suzuki’s 776cc parallel twin engine with its 270° crankshaft design, which gives it unrivalled drive and lowdown power, while double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder enable a free-revving nature.
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The engine is housed in a twin-spar steel frame with a separate lightweight subframe. An electronics suite comprises traction control, power modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, and colour TFT screen.
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Both the 8T and 8TT get a new fuel tank, seat, seat unit, and handlebars complete with bar-end mirrors.
- The 8T adopts a new round headlight with full LED lighting, blending modern technology with classic styling. The 8TT adds a headlight cowling that shares more than a passing resemblance to vintage road race machinery from the 70s and 80s.
Design
The 8T and 8TT’s design brief was to produce two machines that embody the retro spirit of Suzuki’s heritage and iconic models of past decades. Drawn by designers in Italy and further sculpted in Japan, both models use a new 16.5-litre fuel tank, which connects each side to new radiator shrouds – brushed silver on the 8T and black on the 8TT – adorned with the circular GSX8 logo.
The 8T evokes the charm of classic bikes, and a new circular headlight design with a flat bottom section is further reminiscent of motorcycles of the 70s and 80s, though it is full-LED with a bright, horizontal LED strip across the middle.
Inspired by classic road race machines, the 8TT retains the same headlight unit as its 8T stablemate but wraps it in a cowling that bears a striking resemblance to the GS1000S of the late 1970s. It is fitted with a screen that further completes the look, as well as providing the functional benefit of added weather protection.
New circular bar-end mirrors ensure a sleek and low profile. Their design was refined to ensure visual harmony with the overall silhouette, and special attention was paid to detail, including hand-polishing the parting lines and gate marks of the aluminium die-cast stays. The mirrors offer excellent rearward visibility by minimising interference from the rider’s body.
Underneath the 776cc parallel twin engine, the 8TT also adopts a lower cowling, further enhancing its racier aesthetic.
A new seat, inspired by the tuck-and-roll seats of the 1960s and 70s slots onto the top of the subframe of the 8T. It features high-density foam cushioning for enhanced comfort and a premium riding experience. Additionally, the shape of the seat front improves ease of mounting and dismounting and provides excellent foot reach.
On the 8TT the seat still ensures a comfortable ride but is finished with a flatter top more reminiscent of race bike seats.
With a matt finish to its black seat unit, brushed radiator shrouds, gold forks, and black wheels, the GSX-8T will be available with a Candy Burnt Gold, Metallic Matt Steel Green, or Metallic Matt Black fuel tank.
The 8TT adds more pops of colour and retro racing flair thanks to striped decals on its tank and cowling, with matching wheels. A Glass Sparkle Black variant is offset by red wheels and red and gold decals, while a Pearl Matt Shadow Green version is completed with gold wheels and gold and bronze stripes.
Engine
While retro spirit comes from the styling of the 8T and 8TT, next generation performance is delivered by Suzuki’s award-winning 776cc parallel twin engine; widely praised for its drive from the bottom end and through its midrange, making it a useable, flexible, and fun powerplant. This character and punchy performance is enhanced by a 270° crankshaft design, helping fire the 8T and 8TT from corner to corner. Peak torque is 78Nm at 6800rpm, and peak power comes in at 82.9PS at 8500rpm.
A cross balancer reduces vibrations and aids in the motor’s compact design, and a short exhaust muffler keeps the bike’s side profile clean and compact while still providing an exciting exhaust note.
Chassis
Both models use the same steel frame and subframe, and aluminium swingarm. They are suspended by upside down KYB forks – gold on the 8T and black on the 8TT – and a KYB rear shock. Wide, tapered aluminium handlebars provide an engaging and comfortable riding position, offering plenty of leverage for steering input. Stopping power comes via twin 310mm discs up front with radially-mounted Nissin calipers, and a 240mm disc at the rear.
Pricing and availability
The GSX-8T and GSX-8TT will come with an OTR price of £9,599 and £9,999 respectively and will be arriving in dealerships in the coming weeks. Both come with Suzuki’s standard three-year warranty plus up to seven-years extended warranty, activated by regular servicing at an authorised Suzuki dealership.
2025 Tour de France: Kawasaki Versys 1100 “along for the ride”
Centre piece of world cycling and recognised as one of the most viewed sports events globally, the Tour de France is an enthralling spectacle that relies on a huge and efficient infrastructure.
An intrinsic component of what keeps the wheels spinning are the myriad of team and organiser support vehicles, among them this year a fleet of Kawasaki Versys 1100 machines as Official Motorcycles of the 2025 event and for the following two years.
Thanks to their generous luggage capacity, smooth engine response at all speeds and any road, all day comfort, the Versys 1100 support machines add to the efficiency of the race by ensuring road closures are maintained, the crowds are kept safe and that the whole travelling entourage of competitors, team support vehicles and attendant media pack are able to negotiate each stage unhindered.
With twenty one stages and 3338kms for competitors to cover in racing conditions, the Tour de France offers a mixture or road surfaces, vast elevation changes from mountains to sea level plains plus countless twists and turns creating the ultimate test for the cyclists – and equally demanding of the support personnel and machinery.
The Versys 1100 excels in its role thanks to its fuel efficiency, any-speed engine flexibility and all road surface agility; plus an ergonomic riding position and luggage capacity that ensure rider and passenger can enjoy their ride and the scenery in ultimate comfort. Kawasaki wishes all 2025 Tour de France competitors good fortune and the reassurance that the Versys 1100 will be “along for the ride”.
Pricing announced for new Suzuki DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM
Suzuki GB has announced pricing for the new DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM models, which were revealed at Eicma last year. Both the dual-purpose trail bike, the DR-Z4S, and its supermoto stablemate, the DR-Z4SM, will come with an OTR price of £7,999.
Both bikes use a new 398cc single-cylinder engine and a new twin-spar steel frame with a separate, bolt-on aluminium subframe and aluminium swingarm. The DR-Z4S sports 21” and 18” spoked wheels and long-travel suspension from KYB, with 280mm of fork travel, 296mm of rear wheel travel, and 300mm of ground clearance. The SM is equipped with 17” wheels and has 260mm of front suspension travel and 277mm rear wheel travel.
An electronics package comprises three power modes and two standard traction control modes, a tailored off-road traction control setting, plus the ability to disengage the system entirely. There’s also the ability to disengage the ABS at the rear or at both ends on the 4S, for more control off-road, and at the rear of the 4SM.
Both models channel RM-Z-inspired styling, with the DR-Z4S available in Suzuki’s trademark off-road yellow as well as dark grey, while the 4SM comes in white and a new blue/grey livery, dubbed Sky Grey.
When the bikes arrive in dealerships at the end of the summer buyers will benefit from Suzuki’s standard three-year warranty and can enjoy the extended seven-year service activated warranty if they have their DR-Z serviced at an authorised Suzuki dealership.
Suzuki GB’s head of motorcycles, Jonathan Martin, said, “These may be spiritual successors to the DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM, and they take everything that made those bikes so popular – such as their robustness and reliability – but they build on that foundation and reputation with a brand-new chassis and a new version of our 400cc single cylinder engine.
“Delivering superior levels of performance in their respective categories was our aim; for instance, ensuring the DR-Z4S is equipped with a suspension package that can take on the roughest of trails and will perform for an experienced rider off-road, while also remaining friendly for a newer rider. Engine capacity remains the same as the previous DR-Z models, but cumulative torque is improved, which in turn gives a linear throttle response and predictable power delivery, important for negotiating tougher trails or picking up the throttle out of corners on the track.
“We’re looking forward to seeing them in dealerships and are sure buyers or those taking a test ride will feel the high quality, impressive performance, but also our commitment to providing value.”
Both models come with Suzuki’s standard three-year manufacturer warranty and are eligible for Suzuki’s extended seven-year warranty through regular servicing at an authorised Suzuki dealership.
DR-Z4S set for ABR Festival debut
Suzuki’s hotly-anticipated DR-Z4S will make its show debut at the 2025 ABR Festival later this month, where it will be displayed for the first time ahead of its arrival late this summer.
With a brand-new version of Suzuki’s 398cc single-cylinder engine at its heart, the DR-Z is wrapped in an all-new chassis and comes equipped with selectable engine maps, traction control modes – including an off-road-focussed gravel mode – and switchable ABS.
It will be displayed alongside its supermoto stablemate, the DR-Z4SM, and Suzuki’s V-Strom range, which includes the widely-lauded V-Strom 800DE and RE, and the adventure flagship V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050RE.
Representing the firm’s off-road heritage will be the iconic DR800S, while those looking for more traditional touring adventure can poke around the GSX-S1000GX – with an electronics package topped by Showa electronic suspension – and the GSX-S1000GT.
The award-winning GSX-8R and GSX-8S will also feature.
For those keen to explore further on and off-road test rides are available on the entire V-Strom stable. Show-goers can also take the GX, GT, 8S, and 8R out on the road.
Courtesy of Suzuki Insurance those taking a demo ride that then go on to buy can get up to £200 towards their insurance*. Suzuki staff on the stand during the course of the event will provide more details.
Suzuki’s multi-championship-winning supercross team, SR75 Suzuki, will be displaying one of its RM-Z450 race bikes, plus its V-Strom 800DE project build, which adds a supercross twist to the already-off-road ready V-Strom.
The ABR Festival takes place at Ragley Hall, Alcester B49 5NJ, on 27-29 June.
Terms and Conditions
*Offer valid when you purchase a Suzuki motorcycle within 6 months of completing a Suzuki test ride at the ABR Festival (31st December), taking place June 27–29, 2025.
• “Customer” is defined as the name of the registered keeper of the model year 2025 Suzuki two-wheel motorcycle.
• “Suzuki Insurance Policy” is defined as the Adrian Flux Insurance policy eligible for premium saving when used in conjunction with the up to £200 e-voucher.
• “Voucher” is an e-voucher issued by Suzuki GB PLC and has a value towards a Suzuki Insurance Policy of up to a maximum of £200.
• The Suzuki Insurance policy must be in the name of the Customer.
• The Customer must email Suzuki Insurance at dealers@suzukibikeinsurance.co.uk to activate the voucher. Contact by any other means will void the voucher.
• Only model year 2025 Suzuki motorcycles purchased by the customer following a test ride at Adventure Bike Rider festival 2025 between 26th June 2025 and 29th June 2025 are eligible to receive an e-voucher for this promotion.
• The Suzuki Insurance e-voucher must be used between 26th June 2025 and 31st December 2025. Outside of these dates, the voucher is void.
• Before accepting the e-voucher towards the policy, Suzuki Insurance may need to validate the e-voucher by contacting Suzuki GB PLC.
• No cash alternative is available for the voucher.
• This e-voucher is nontransferable.
• The e-voucher can only be used once against one Suzuki Insurance policy via Adrian Flux Insurance.
• The e-voucher can be used against any live Suzuki Insurance policy in the name of the Customer.
• For customers who aren’t currently insured with Suzuki Insurance, the voucher can only be used against Suzuki Insurance quotations obtained during 26th June 2025 and 31st December 2025 and via 0344 728 0499.
• Insurance is subject to meeting Suzuki Insurance underwriting criteria.
• If the Suzuki Insurance premium (of the Customer) is less than £200, the value of the voucher will equal the lesser value and there is no refund for any outstanding voucher value.
• If the Suzuki Insurance premium (of the Customer) is more than £200, the Customer will be liable for any outstanding premium.
• If the e-voucher is used against a mid-term change to an existing Suzuki Insurance policy, for instance a change of vehicle, the voucher will contribute up to £200 towards the additional premium. If the additional amount payable is under £200 then no refund of the remaining amount on the voucher shall be given. Any amount above £200 will be payable by the Customer.
• The Suzuki Insurance Policy is premium and policy arrangement fee only and excludes the cost of additional benefits like, for example breakdown, helmet and leather etc.
• The promotion is for UK residents only.
• If the Suzuki Insurance policy utilises an instalment plan, the Voucher will be used as a deposit only with the customer liable for any finance charges applicable for paying the premium by instalments.
• Suzuki Insurance reserve the right to end this promotion at their discretion
• Suzuki GB PLC. is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Adrian Flux Insurance.
Suzuki Insurance is a trading name of Adrian Flux Insurance Services Group who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under firm reference number 307071.
AJN Steelstock Kawasaki unveils one-off livery for Snetterton
As the Bennetts British Superbike Championship roars back into action, the AJN Steelstock Kawasaki race team has unveiled a unique yellow livery scheme for this weekend, in recognition of the iconic Kawasaki Z1.
With Snetterton being AJN Steelstock’s ‘home’ round, the team has created a unique one-off livery to celebrate. The iconic Kawasaki green has been replaced with a vibrant yellow, a nod to the Candy Yellow Z1 that ignited a life-long love of motorcycles and motorcycle racing for AJN Steelstock’s Joint Managing Director, Alan Boyden.
Both Christian Iddon’s and Max Cook’s Ninja ZX-10RRs will be adorned in the new colourways, while both riders will have matching leathers and the team garage will also have a new look for the weekend.
In addition to the special livery, Alan will also be bringing along some of his own stunning collection of Kawasakis to display outside the team’s hospitality unit, including an original 1973 Z1, a 1974 Z1A, a 1975 Z1B, a 1976 Z900-A4, a 1979 six-cylinder Z1300, a 1984 Eddie Lawson Replica, a Z900RS and even a Ninja H2 Carbon!
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“What can I say? This design is absolutely stunning! The AJN Steelstock Kawasaki ZX-10RR’s always stand out on track, but this has taken it to another level. I can’t wait to see the bikes in action this weekend and look forward to customers having the chance to see Alan’s display of both modern and heritage Kawasakis trackside.”
Alan Boyden, AJN Steelstock’s Joint Managing Director:
“The Kawasaki Z1 is a classic and a true motorcycling icon. Launched in 1972, it set the bar for high-performance motorcycling and kick-started the concept of the Superbike.”
“What better way to celebrate the Z1’s iconic status than a special livery for the current ZX-10RR Superbikes and watching them compete for top honours at our home round at Snetterton. We can’t wait to see Max and Christian out on the track.”
Colour updates for Suzuki’s Burgman 400
Suzuki has released a trio of colour updates for the Burgman 400, the original maxi-scooter.
An effortlessly classy pearl matt shadow green is enhanced by gold wheels and black trim. The same gold wheels also standout on an otherwise-understated all-black version. The third paint scheme added to the Burgman 400 lineup is a metallic reflective blue, also equipped with the gold wheels.
First launched in 1998 and in production ever since, the current Burgman 400 is equipped with a punchy single-cylinder engine capable of returning over 70mpg.
Convenience comes from 42-litres of under-seat storage and a combined 6.3-litres of storage space with two additional compartments at the front. A traction control system keeps things in check on slippery or wet surfaces.
The Burgman 400 comes with an OTR price of £7,199.
Le Mans demonstration of Kawasaki HySE hydrogen motorcycle
The 60th running of the famousLe Mans 24 hour Endurance motorcycle race on the weekend of 19 and 20 April notonly witnessed a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR on the podium – and leading the racefor several hours – but also a demonstration of Kawasaki cutting edge hydrogenvehicle technology.
At the invitation of the race organisers ASO (who also oversee the world famous Tour de France cycle race), Kawasaki sent their research prototype HySE motorcycle to Le Mans along with test rider, Matthias Hoeppner.
As one of the motorcycle manufacturer members of HySE (the Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology Association), Kawasaki has developed a machine based on its Ninja supercharged motorcycle platform powered exclusively by hydrogen stored in special tanks at either side of the rear of the machine. With virtually no emissions to speak of (including some harmless water vapour), the HySE machine is a physical sign that the “future fuel” hydrogen can be applied to two wheeled vehicles as well as four.
Witnessed by the huge Le Mans crowd plus Gilles Huttepain, Vice president of ASO and Mathieu Kassovitz, the official starter of the 2025 race, test pilot, Matthias Hoeppner, left the pit lane just 15 minutes before the race itself began and completed a demonstration lap of the 4.13Km track in damp conditions.
For ASO this invitation forms part of a longer H24 strategy focussing on an eventual 24 hour endurance race for electric and hydrogen powered cars. Equally significant for Kawasaki – who now have a retail range that includes gasoline, electric and even hybrid motorcycles – Kawasaki Motors France created a display in the public area of the race track that encouraged visitors across the four days of the event to see a product display and ask staff questions about current and new technologies.
With other hydrogen focused displays including a kids “railroad” and a hydrogen powered generator, the green focus of the event matched perfectly with the HySE group mission to explore the obvious environmental benefits of hydrogen vehicles.
Speaking about his demonstration lap, Matthias Hoeppner said:
“Our research into hydrogen power illustrates well the Kawasaki principles of not only embracing new technologies but also applying practical applications to them. Being one of the test riders I am well used to the HySE machine by now but it still gives me a thrill each time I ride it knowing it is powered exclusively by hydrogen. The demonstration lap was shown live on worldwide television and the huge crowd really appreciated the chance to see an actual working example of hydrogen motive power applied to a motorcycle.”
New colours available on Hayabusa and Katana
Suzuki has unveiled a trio of new colour options for its famed Hayabusa, and two new versions of its retro Katana
Available in dealerships now, the legendary hyperbike comes in a new Metallic Matt Steel Green with black trim and a fresh silver option with standout blue details. For those seeking a more understated look, a revised black paint scheme is complemented with silver trim.
The third generation of Hayabusa provides more cumulative torque than any generation previously, with its silky smooth 1340cc, inline four-cylinder engine providing relentless torque from the bottom of its rev range.
Lean angle-sensitive electronics comprise selectable power and traction control modes, varying levels of anti-wheelie and engine braking settings, plus cruise and launch control and a bi-directional quickshifter.
All rider information is displayed via a neat colour TFT screen, nestled between two large, sweeping dials paying homage to the original, genre-defining machine from 1999.
For 2025 the Katana comes in a revised version of its iconic silver paint scheme, with a contrasting dark blue seat unit, offset with gold wheels. It is joined by a new Pearl Vigor Blue with bronze wheels.
Both models are available on Suzuki’s current 0% finance offer.
For more information on Suzuki’s 2025 model range, click here.
Terms and Conditions
PCP Finance offer applies to the purchase of a new GSX-S1000, Hayabusa, Hayabusa 25th Anniversary, Katana, GSX-S1000GT, GSX-S1000GT+, GSX-S1000GX or GSX-S1000GX+ only from a participating Suzuki Dealership. The motorcycle must be purchased and registered between 01/04/2025 and 30/06/2025 to qualify for the offer. £500 minimum deposit required. Credit is subject to status and is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Suzuki Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is only available through Suzuki Finance, a trading style of Suzuki Financial Services Limited, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH. This Representative Example is based on an annual mileage of 4,000. Finance figures are correct at time of print – March 2025 but may be subject to change. With Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) you have the option after you have paid all of the regular monthly repayments to: (1) Return the vehicle and not pay the Optional Final Repayment. In this example if the vehicle has exceeded 12,333 miles, a charge of 7.2p (including VAT at 20%) will apply per excess mile. If the vehicle is in good condition (fair wear and tear accepted) and has not exceeded 12,333 miles you will have nothing further to pay. (2) Pay the Optional Final Repayment to own the vehicle or (3) Part exchange the vehicle subject to settlement of your existing finance agreement; new finance agreements are subject to status.
£1,000 Dealer Contribution applies to the purchase of a new 2025 GSX-S1000 only from a participating Suzuki Dealership. The purchase and registration of the motorcycle must take place between 01/04/2025 and 30/06/2025. This offer includes a £1,000 saving off the OTR price. Offer is valid in the UK only and may be extended or withdrawn at any time. There is no cash offer, credit or other alternative offered. Promoter: Suzuki GB Plc, Steinbeck Crescent, Snelshall West, Milton Keynes, MK4 4AE.
Specifications, appearance, colours (including body colour), equipment, materials and other aspects of the “SUZUKI” products shown on this advert differ by market and are subject to change by Suzuki at any time without notice. Image shown may include optional accessories.
Bournemouth Kawasaki and James Hillier Reunite for Isle of Man TT!
After a last-minute change of plans, Kawasaki UK is delighted to announce that James Hillier will once again be lining up in green for the two Isle of Man TT Supersport races. Partnering once more with Bournemouth Kawasaki, a team he has had lots of success with throughout his career, he’ll be riding the Ninja ZX-6R he took to fourth and sixth last year.
Despite planning to sit 2025 out, the Bournemouth Kawasaki team will be making a surprise return to the Isle of Man TT next month, running James Hillier in both Supersport races. Campaigning on the proven Ninja ZX-6R, James and the team will be looking to build on their results last year and are setting their sights firmly on a podium finish.
The Bournemouth Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R will be backed by Kawasaki Insurance, which offers specialist and bespoke insurance policies to all riders of any Kawasaki machinery in the UK.
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“It was a shame to see what happened to James earlier this month; however, it has presented us with a great opportunity to have another go at getting on that Supersport podium at the Isle of Man TT. James and the team have a huge amount of experience with the bike and attacking the event in general, so we are confident it will be a great two weeks. I would like to thank Kawasaki Insurance for getting on board at this late stage and helping put the team in a position to go full throttle into the two races at the end of this month.”
Pete Extance, Team Owner, Bournemouth Kawasaki:
“2025 started with the idea of having a year out of the TT, but when that changed, we were only too happy to speak with James and put a deal together for him to ride the Bournemouth Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. It didn’t take long for us to agree on a deal with James to return, and we set to work preparing the bike for the TT starting in the last week of May. We firmly believe James and the team have podium potential, and hopefully, that second TT career win that James richly deserves.”
James Hillier:
“After a difficult few days, it was great to secure a ride back with Pete and Bournemouth Kawasaki, especially as it was back with my Kawasaki ZX-6R from last year. We both know what we need to do, and I am sure we will hit the ‘25 TT running. Massive thanks to the team and everyone who has helped get this sorted at such short notice.”
Suzuki launches GSX-8R Kiiro Limited Edition
Suzuki has launched a GSX-8R Kiiro limited edition, with just 60 available from UK dealerships. With an OTR price of £9,599, the Kiiro edition GSX-8R comes with bright yellow bodywork with black logos, grey wheels and grey aluminium subframe, and a smattering of extras from the Suzuki accessories catalogue.
In addition to the yellow bodywork – from which the Kiiro edition derives its name – the limited GSX-8Rs will come with a single seat cowl, smoked screen, Gilles billet aluminium brake and clutch levers, a tank pad, and a two-tone seat adorned with a GSX logo.
The award-winning GSX-8R has received widespread recognition for its punchy, torque-laden 776cc motor, following its launch last year. It’s housed in a chassis that features a steel mainframe and separate aluminium subframe, with suspension front and rear from Showa.
An electronics package includes a bi-directional quickshifter as standard and selectable power and traction control modes, with all information displayed via a colour TFT screen.