Auto Expo 2014: Suzuki’s four-model, two-wheeler display

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIL) made quite an impact at the Auto Expo by unveiling four two-wheelers – the V-Strom 1000 ABS, the 250cc Inazuma (which was launched on January 20) and 150cc Gixxer motorcycles along with the 112cc Let’s scooter. 

The sharply designed Gixxer is Suzuki’s flagship model for the Indian market and is powered by an all-new carburettor-fed, four-stroke, 150cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. 

The V Strom 1000 ABS, equipped with a V-twin engine and lightweight aluminium chassis, is said to be a fun-to-ride bike and offers top-notch on/off-road experience to the adventurous open-class rider. It will strengthen SMIL’s presence in the super premium big bike segment in India.

Meanwhile, the 250cc Inazuma (whose launch Autocar Professional had first revealed in mid-December) marks Suzuki’s foray into the premium bike segment.

The Let’s scooter (again a news scoop revealed first on January 21) is powered by a four-stroke, 112.8cc, single-cylinder and air-cooled engine that produces 8.7bhp, with 0.91kgm of torque propelling the rear wheel through a CVT gearbox.  This new scooter, targeted at urban youth, will help SMIL enter the 110cc scooter category as its other existing models – the Suzuki Access and Suzuki Swish scooters – both use the same 125cc engine. Interestingly, Honda Scooter & Motorcycle India (HMSI) has entered the 125cc scooter category with its new Activa 125 which was revealed at the Auto Expo.

Both the Let's and Gixxer come with 'Suzuki Eco Performance' systems, that the company claims help them achieve enhanced fuel economy, without compromising power, and the same technology will be carried over to the models currently on sale, in the near future. 

The Let's will be going on sale March onwards and will be priced at around Rs 43,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Gixxer’s price will be announced in May, the bike going on sale in July 2014. The V-Strom is priced at Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), and will be going on sale immediately. 

According to Atul Gupta, executive vice-president, SMIL, “Suzuki is proud to offer two-wheelers that cater to every price point. Whether it is young college going students or motorcycling aficionados, Suzuki has something to offer every two-wheel rider. By launching four new products, Suzuki endeavours to be a part of every Indian’s life.”

Currently, Suzuki has 600 touch-points in India and is aiming to set up 1,000 touch-points by 2015, concentrating more on north and east India.

Photograph: Kenji Hirozawa, vice-president, Suzuki Motorcycles, and Atul Gupta, executive VP, , Suzuki Motorcycle India, at the unveiling of the four new Suzuki products.