Suzuki along with its Chinese partner Haojue is developing an entry-level, 160cc adventure motorcycle that appears to be the basis of the new V-Strom 160. At least that's what can be inferred by the design of the motorcycle, after looking at the patent images that were leaked recently.
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Designed by Suzuki's Chinese partner, Haojue
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Design hints towards a Suzuki V-Strom 160 in development
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162cc, single cylinder engine makes 15hp and 14Nm
Suzuki V-Strom 160 design details
The motorcycle in the images seems to have borrowed design cues from Suzuki's V-Strom 1050 that in turn is inspired by the legendary Suzuki DR Big motorcycle.
The prominent beak at the front looks like the big Suzuki V-Strom, while the vertically stacked headlamp is most likely going to be an all-LED unit. We expect the indicators and tail light to be LEDs too.
Above the headlamp, there is a large windscreen, which should be adjustable, given the application of the motorcycle. Other notable design elements include a high mounted handlebar with integrated handguards. Also, expect a full digital instrument cluster, going by today's standard.
When viewed from the side, you'll notice the beefy tank with neatly integrated extensions. The stepped single-piece seat is wide and spacious, while the ergonomics should be upright enough for long highway stints.
Moving to the rear, the sleek tail section with a large grab handle has an integrated luggage rack. Speaking of luggage, there are slots visible below the rear seats to attach panniers.
The bike rides on multi-spoke alloy wheels, indicating its road biased setup, however, it is difficult to point out the exact wheel sizes at this point. Also notice the wheel-spoke mounted disc, a la the Honda CB 300R. The bike is expected to feature single-channel ABS.
As far as suspension is concerned, expect a basic telescopic fork and rear monoshock setup, the latter being adjustable for preload.
Suzuki V-Strom 160 engine details
It looks like the powertrain is borrowed from the Haojue DR160S that is sold in China, apparent when you compare the engine architecture. And just to be clear, this motorcycle has nothing to do with the Gixxer 150 sold in India.
The Haojue 162cc fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine makes around 15hp at 8,000rpm and 14Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. These figures are expected to remain the same in the 160cc V-Strom as well. That said, it will be interesting to see the kind of gearing that'll be employed.
Will the Suzuki V-Strom 160 be sold in India?
If this motorcycle makes it to production, Suzuki may sell the V-Strom 160 in China and position it above the Haojue model. It may also introduce V-Strom 160 in a few markets outside China. However, the chances of the motorcycle making it to India are bleak.
That being said, it'll be interesting to see if Suzuki India explores the option of using this baby V-Strom platform to develop a 250cc ADV for India. The idea of using the existing Suzuki Gixxer 250 engine (that makes 26.5hp at 9,300rpm and 22.2Nm of torque at 7,300rpm) would be ideal to keep costs in check.
At present the 200cc-250cc segment is witnessing a lot of action, with the impressive BS6 Hero Xpulse 200 and the soon to be launched KTM 250 Adventure. Suzuki, for sure, would like to have a slice of this pie.
Let us know in the comments if Suzuki should launch a quarter-litre adventure motorcycle in India.
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
