Suzuki launched its much-awaited brand-new 800cc Big Bikes. These are the the V-STROM 800DE and the street sport bike – GSX-8S. The V-STROM 800DE and the GSX-8S were developed as fresh 800cc class models with lightweight and maneuverable features for a wide range of riders. Both models offer optimized balance of ridability required both in daily commuting and in touring powered by Suzuki’s new parallel twin DOHC engine. The unveiling was held in the evening of June 22 at the Grand Ballroom of Timberland Highlands Resort followed by a test ride the following morning.
Birth of a New Engine
The newly developed 776cm3 parallel twin engine suppresses vibration for smooth operation and a compact, lightweight engine design by adopting the Suzuki Cross Balancer. Suzuki has created a new biaxial primary balancer that is the first on a production motorcycle, to position its two balancers at 90° to the crankshaft. It is a mechanism that is patented to Suzuki.
The V-STROM 800 DE: Adventure is its Purpose
The new V-STROM 800DE was born to bring a sense of adventure and riding pleasure into your every day, on every outing. Be it a just a simple ride around the town or a long relaxing trip, the all-round capabilities of the V-STROM 800DE are engineered to faithfully respond to your command and deliver a satisfying riding experience wherever you decide to go.
The V-STROM 800DE was developed to serve the customer’s adventure spirit expected to deliver best performance in all fields from touring to daily commuting. The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S) electronic control system for various riding conditions is adopted with the G (gravel) mode in the traction control system, and cancellable ABS for the rear brake, so riders can control riding over gravel roads according to their preferences. Adjustable front and rear suspensions, large diameter 21-inch front wheels and semi-block pattern tires on the front and rear are also applied.
Every aspect of the chassis is designed to promote great handling and control in a wide range of real-world riding conditions, and to place priority on comfort and minimizing fatigue on long rides, even when carrying a passenger and loaded with gear. The chassis geometry features a long wheelbase, long rake, tall ground clearance and a wide handlebar grip to provide maximum stability and controllability when riding on unpaved surfaces, and to offer a riding position that effectively distributes weight to the front and rear.
While carrying on the tradition of the V-STROM series, the lines of the body work are made sharper with bold accent color parts at the tip of the front cowling and below the fuel tank.
The V-STROM 800 DE is available in three colors – Champion Yellow, Glass Matte Metallic Gray and Glass Sparkle Black at an SRP of P699,000 and is an addition to the V-STROM Master of Adventure lineage – V-STROM 1050 DE, V-STROM 650 XT and V-STROM 250 SX.
GSX-8S: Infinite Potential. Limitless Fun
The GSX-8S was developed to offer riders of all ages and skill levels limitless possibilities in enjoying all sorts of riding. Functional beauty meets futuristic styling and performance potential of an optimized new engine and chassis layout. Controllable, agile, and ready to go, the GSX-8S delivers power, handling, and comfort that respond faithfully to your every action and put you in full control. The Suzuki GSX-8S is engineered from the ground up to shine as a fresh realization of naked street fighter performance.
The tight, clean lines of its face and tail sections are contrasted by the muscular mass in its center. Every detail, right down to the distinctive short new muffler design, presents the futuristic appeal of slim, compact styling that instantly conveys performance potential in its mass-forward aggressive stance. This is highlighted by fully exposing and proudly flaunting the engine, frame, and other functional parts to bring a whole new feeling to the unique character of the GSX-8S, establishing it as the naked street fighter for a new era.
From the advanced functional and aesthetic design of the LED lighting both front and rear, to the informational wealth and unique presentation offered by the instrument panel’s color LCD screen, the GSX-8S is clearly destined to lead the way to your future riding pleasure.
The advanced electronic systems of the S.I.R.S. featured on the GSX-8S assist and help you optimize performance characteristics to match your changing riding needs and preferences. By making the GSX-8S feel more controllable, predictable, and less tiring to operate, these systems help you ride with greater peace of mind.
The chassis was carefully engineered to be slim, compact, lightweight, highly agile, and ideally suited to support its high-performance parallel twin engine. The core structure of the chassis layout starts with a strong and highly rigid frame designed for the GSX-8S. Its exposed seat rails provide solid support with lightweight aluminum swing arm, designed exclusively for the GSX-8S optimized to perform on the street with low seat height suitable for most riders.
The GSX-8S is available in three colors – Pearl Cosmic Blue, Pearl Tech White and Metallic Matte Black and at an SRP of P585,000. The GSX-8S is an addition to Suzuki’s street sport motorcycles – GSX-S750 and GSX-S1000.
Excitement for the New Era
Suzuki has been launching new motorcycle models in the Philippines to fit the needs of the Filipinos. Everyone is thrilled about this development as it is a win to the whole riding community.
Present during at this 2-day occasion were Suzuki Philippines’ Managing Director Norminio Mojica, Motorcycles Sales and Marketing Manager Jun Bulot, Assistant to the General Manager Daigo Morikawa, Marketing Manager Nenuka Guba, National Sales Manager Erick Fernandez and Big Bikes Supervisor Mary Ann Garcia with Big Bikes dealers, club members, media friends and vloggers.
