Suzuki Motorcycle Corporation will showcase seven ‘reference exhibits’ and 12 existing, 'production models' at the upcoming Osaka and Tokyo Motorcycle Shows, in an official announcement made today.
The reference exhibits to be put on display at the upcoming 32nd Osaka Motorcycle Show scheduled from March 19-21 and the 43rd Toyko Motorcycle Show from March 25-27 in Japan. The exhibits will also include the latest generation of their popular mid-size twin-cylinder, 645cc SV650 ABS model (a direct rival to Yamaha’s MT-07, Kawasaki’s 650cc street-cum-touring bikes globally), the concept GSX-R1000, GSX-RR (MotoGP model), RM-Z450WS (all-Japan motocross championship model) among other bikes.
It is known that the bike maker had first unveiled the SV650 and concept GSX-R1000 models (world premier) at Milan Show held in Italy in November 2015. While the SV650 will be Suzuki’s new overseas model, the concept GSX-R1000 will see its Japan premier later this month.
The production models to be put on display will mainly include Suzuki’s large displacement sport models, most of which are currently sold in India as CBUs. These would include GSX-S1000 ABS, GSX-S1000F ABS, Hayabusa, V-Strom 1000 ABS and V-Strom 650XT ABS among other models.
It is to be noted that the company currently sells all its global big bike models in India via importing the completely built units (CBU route). According to Suzuki Motorcycle India’s website, it superbike portfolio, which consists of nine models – equal to the number of all small scooter and commuter motorcycle models on sale, includes the twin-cylinder, 805cc Intruder M800 as the model with smallest engine displacement.
The company, which currently does not sell any model in the mid-size category in India, may have specific plans to foray in the near future. Suzuki has a bunch of mid-size 600cc, 645cc, 750cc models across categories in its global portfolio, which could become potential models for the Indian market.
Amit Panday (Autocar Professional)
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
