From an interview with Koichiro Hirao, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India, and Devashish Handa, Vice President, Suzuki Motorcycle India, we’ve learnt that there will be no BS6-compliant Suzuki big bikes for a few months after the April 1, 2020 deadline.
This doesn’t come as a surprise since Suzuki has revealed in the past that big bikes aren’t a priority in our market, compared to its smaller capacity scooters and motorcycles. The Japanese manufacturer did have the updated V-Strom 650 XT on display at this year's Auto Expo, but, surprisingly, even its launch has been put on hold.
Furthermore, Hirao also revealed that its current sales volumes in India does not warrant any serious localisation for big bikes, and that, in the foreseeable future, it will be restricted to minor parts. Handa said there were no immediate plans to increase big bike sales this fiscal year, with the company's priority continuing to be its domestic bike line-up that includes of the Gixxer, Gixxer SF and their 250cc siblings, the Intruder, and the scooter line-up consisting of the Access 125 and the recently updated Burgman Street.
Rishaad Mody
Azaman Chothia
