Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Suzuki has pulled the covers off the special-edition motorcycle for the international market. Dubbed the GSX-8S Kevin Schwantz Edition, the bike is a product of the collaboration between Suzuki and former Grand Prix champion Kevin Schwantz. The special edition will be produced in limited numbers to maintain its exclusivity, and only 5 units will be delivered to the customers with a price tag of € 11,490 (about Rs 10.25 lakh, ex-showroom), inclusive of VAT. To ensure the authenticity of the special edition, each model will bear Kevin Schwantz's signature and come with a certificate issued by the company. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Kevin Schwantz's victory at the 1993 500cc Grand Prix World Championship. To celebrate the occasion, Suzuki has introduced the GSX-8S legend edition. During his career, Schwantz won 25 Grand Prix races, 21 lap records, 29 pole positions, 51 podium finishes, and the 1993 World Championship. In 1999, he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, while in 2000, the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation) named him a Grand Prix 'Legend'.
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Suzuki GSX-8S Kevin Schwantz Edition: Design
The GSX-8S Kevin Schwantz Edition is unique because the special edition has been created to honour the Texan rider. The limited-run GSX-8S sports an exclusive livery, drawing inspiration from the 1993 World Championship-winning Suzuki RGV500 that Schwantz rode to victory. The sports the iconic red and white dual-tone paint scheme, with Schwantz’s race number '34' printed on the tank shrouds. The pillion seat has been removed to make room for the seat cover, while the wheels have been painted white.
Suzuki GSX-8S Kevin Schwantz Edition: Engine and Gearbox
With the exception of cosmetic changes, the new Kevin Schwantz Edition remains unaltered. The middleweight naked bike from the Hamamatsu-based marque makes 82bhp and 78Nm of peak torque at 6,800rpm from a 776cc parallel-twin engine. The Suzuki Cross Balancer has been fitted to this liquid-cooled engine, thereby reducing vibrations and contributing to a compact engine design.
Suzuki GSX-8S Kevin Schwantz Edition: Hardware
In terms of hardware, the Suzuki GSX-8S features an exposed trellis subframe and a new steel frame, suspended with the help of a KYB 41mm inverted front fork and a KYB rear mono-shock. The braking hardware consists of 310mm twin discs at the front and a single 240mm disc at the rear, accompanied by dual-channel ABS. The bike rolls on 17-inch tubeless wheels, shod with Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres.
Suzuki GSX-8S Kevin Schwantz Edition: Features, Electronic Aids
On the feature front, the Suzuki GSX-8S Kevin Schwantz Edition gets all-LED lighting and a 5.0-inch TFT screen, along with rider aids such as a bi-directional quick-shifter, traction control, 3 ride modes, low RPM assist (it raises the engine's rpm when starting from a dead stop), and dual-channel ABS. It also gets Suzuki's Easy Start System, enabling the rider to start the bike with just a press of a button.
Suzuki GSX-8S Kevin Schwantz Edition: Rivals
The bike takes on the likes of the Kawasaki Z650, KTM 790 Duke, Yamaha MT-07, Triumph Street Triple, and Honda CB750 Hornet.
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Suzuki GSX-8S: India Launch Details
The bike’s launch in the Indian market is not completely unlikely. If it does come to India, expect the GSX-8S to be launched later this year. The pricing could range between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom).
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