Designed around the new engine and made from steel tube sections, the frame is engineered to provide excellent straight-line stability, contribute to agile handling, and perform well in the city as-well-as at highway speeds. The new exposed subframe is designed to support the rider, and contribute to the GSX-8S’ slim appearance and stripped-down look.

Featuring a wheelbase that is longer than on a typical naked streetfighter, this contributes to straight-line stability, while the overall chassis geometry provides agile handling and cornering performance. A priority of the geometry is to provide a comfortable riding position that effectively distributes weight to the front and rear. The new engine benefits the geometry with its compact front-rear dimensions, allowing the positioning of the rider’s hip to point well-forward. This in turn enables the rider to shift their weight toward the front and more easily control the GSX-8S when negotiating tight corners.

Radially-mounted front brake calipers biting 310mm discs provide strong stopping power and predictable braking performance. The rear brake uses a 240mm disc and a single-piston pin-slide caliper.

The aluminium wheels feature a unique, lightweight design that adds style and contribute to the handling and sporty performance. They are fitted with a new generation of Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tyres designed to perform optimally and provide consistent grip. The custom-engineered internal construction features a carcass and belt layer tuned to achieve the right level of rigidity to match the weight and performance characteristics of the GSX-8S, and to deliver the right combination of agile handling and stability. Dunlop’s proven tread pattern introduces a new silica compound that enhances positive grip in wet conditions and features durable wear resistance.

The tapered aluminium handlebars are designed to provide a sporty-yet-comfortable upright riding position, and feature a wide enough grip to contribute to positive control.

The vertically-stacked pair of hexagonal LED headlights are designed to emulate the GSX-S1000 and use a bright mono-focus LED light source that provides the rider with a clear view of the road ahead. The vertical orientation of the thin, compact headlight assembly creates a sharp look with unique character that makes the front end look light and ready for action. Compact LED position lights flank the headlights as they trace forward and down along the front cowl. The angled design of these narrow slits add to the unique face.