MILAN (ITALPRESS) – Less than a month to go before the start of the GSX-8R CUP, the one-make trophy with which Suzuki Italy returns to the world of motorcycle racing. It is a highly anticipated event for two-wheel enthusiasts, as evidenced by the keen interest in the trophy. After the official announcement last November at EICMA, registration opened on December 10 and sold out in just a month. A total of 32 riders signed up, ranging in age from 17 to 54.
Today at a press conference in Milan, attended among others by Suzuki Italia president Massimo Nalli, the milestones were outlined: Misano on April 6, Magione on May 4, Mugello on June 1, Modena on July 6 and finally Varano on September 28. For Paolo Ilariuzzi, Moto and Marine division director Suzuki Italia, “the formula and the secret of this competition is to give the best performing bike possible to the riders.” A trophy that comes at the end of a very positive year for the Suzuki brand in the Italian market. In 2024, In 2024, the motorcycle and scooter market in Italy grew by an average of 10.8 percent. But Suzuki did better, registering +25.8% with a peak of 46.8% in the sports segment.
“The market in itself is growing in double digits, a sign that the world of two-wheelers is experiencing a very positive moment thanks also to the user’s newfound pleasure of riding on two-wheeled mobility,” Ilariuzzi commented. “Suzuki is doing better than the previous year thanks also to the range that is very appropriate for the Italian market, to very transversal motorcycles that allow for fun riding off-road or on city circuits.
And it is precisely the GSX-8R, after which the trophy is named, that reflects this typical Suzuki sports character with a compact design and sharp lines. Designed for the track, it is based on a 776 cc twin-cylinder front-end engine that develops 83 hp and a maximum torque of 78 Nm. The technical package ensures a perfect balance between power and handling, with a chassis that provides agility, precision and stability. The ultimate, in practice, for those who wish to try their hand at racing with a bike that is not too demanding but capable of rewarding the rider’s commitment and talent. The GSX-8R’s equipment includes, among other things, an adjustable front fork and a braking system composed at the front of two 310 mm discs with Nissin four-piston radial-mount calipers. Suzuki has chosen to field a bike on the track with very limited modifications compared to what anyone can buy at the dealership.
Beyond the Cruciata fairing and Spider Racing raised footpegs and half-handlebars, in the GSX-8R CUP kit only the Akrapovic full exhaust with carbon silencer and the Frentubo metal braided brake hose kit go a long way toward improving track performance, along with Diablo Supercorsa V3 Sc1 tires. With an entry fee of 12,700 (or 4,500 for those who own a GSX-8R and only need the kit), the trophy puts a prize pool of more than 35,000 . Each race includes cash prizes, and for the top three finishers, a set of tires. The winner will be offered the opportunity to participate as a Wild Card in the first round of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup 2026 championship in Daytona, while the second and third place finishers in the final standings will receive a Suzuki Address 125 scooter and a 25 percent discount on the 2026 Trophy membership, respectively.
photo: xh7/Italpress
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