Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1541234
P104 COMPARISON I SUZUKI GSX-8TT vs. HUSQVARNA SVARTPILEN 801 app, while the Suzuki has no built-in provision for maps, so you'll need to either mount your phone on the one-piece handle- bar or run a dedicated GPS unit to figure out where you're going. In comparing the Svart- pilen 801 and the TT, both are capable, modern road bikes—but they serve differ - ent rider needs. The Svartpilen 801 leans more into perfor- mance with its 799cc engine, a sharper, more front-end-biased chassis setup, a greater range of electronic adjustment in ride modes, cornering ABS, smart - phone connectivity, and lighter curb weight. The Husqvarna is built for the rider who wants punchy throttle response from the faster-revving twin, agile handling, and tech to match. Meanwhile, the GSX-8TT offers a more balanced (read: Japanese) approach. Its 776cc twin, 41 mm KYB fork, and sim - pler (but still modern) electron- ics deliver a more usable bike from day to day, but is it the most exciting? If you value the most tech, sharper design lines, and a sportier feel, the Svartpilen 801 is your pick. If you favor a more versatile, approachable road bike with retro-inspired styling and modern niceties thrown in, the GSX-8TT holds strong appeal. Both bikes deliver good value for money, but if I'm putting my money down, fun is the main factor for me, so I'm going (much to my surprise) for the Svartpilen, even with its funny-looking tires. CN 2026 SUZUKI GSX-8TT ($11,149) ENGINE Parallel-twin COOLING SYSTEM Liquid VALVETRAIN DOHC, 8-valve DISPLACEMENT 776cc BORE X STROKE 84 x 70mm FUELING Electronic fuel-injection system, 42mm throttle body COMPRESSION RATIO 12.8:1 EXHAUST 2-1 TRANSMISSION 6-speed CLUTCH Wet, multi-plate, slip and assist ELECTRONICS Three riding modes, ABS, traction control CHASSIS Tubular steel FRONT SUSPENSION Inverted forks, not adjustable REAR SUSPENSION Showa monoshock, adjustable preload adjustable FRONT BRAKE Twin 320mm discs, Nissin 4-piston radial monobloc calipers REAR BRAKE Single 240mm disc, Nissin single-piston caliper FRONT TIRE 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) REAR TIRE 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) RAKE 25° TRAIL 4.1 in. WHEELBASE 57.7 in. SEAT HEIGHT 31.9 in. FUEL CAPACITY 4.3 gal. WEIGHT (CLAIMED, CURB) 445 lbs. 2025 HUSQVARNA SVARTPILEN 801 ($10,499) ENGINE Parallel-twin COOLING SYSTEM Liquid VALVETRAIN DOHC, 8-valve DISPLACEMENT 779cc BORE X STROKE 88 x 65.7mm FUELING Electronic fuel-injection system, 46mm throttle body COMPRESSION RATIO 13.5:1 EXHAUST 2-1 TRANSMISSION 6-speed CLUTCH Wet, multi-plate, slip and assist CHASSIS Tubular steel FRONT SUSPENSION WP Apex 43mm USD fork, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION WP Apex monoshock, preload and rebound adjustable FRONT BRAKE Twin 300mm discs, ByBre 4-piston radial monobloc calipers REAR BRAKE Single 240mm disc, twin-piston caliper FRONT TIRE 120/70ZR17 REAR TIRE 180/55ZR17 RAKE 24.1° TRAIL 3.9 in. WHEELBASE 58 in. SEAT HEIGHT 31.7 in. FUEL CAPACITY 3.7 gal. WEIGHT (CLAIMED, CURB) 421 lbs.