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    Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter Prototype Spied – Bajaj Chetak Rival

    Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter
    Suzuki Burgman electric scooter will lock horns with the Bajaj Chetak, Ather 450 and TVS iQube and offer comparable levels of performance

    Suzuki Motorcycle India had previously expressed its interest in participating in the electric scooter segment when the time is right, and it looks like things have finally started falling into place. A pair of Suzuki Burgman test mules were spotted testing in public road recently, and they seem to be lacking the exhaust canister.
    Suzuki Burgman electric scooter
    The Burgman with its imposing size, edgy styling and premium appeal makes for an interesting product for electrification. While the spy shots are not very clear, the black bulky element near the rear wheel hub is likely carrying the electric driving unit.
    Closer observation also reveals a shock abosorber on the right side (the IC engine variant employs a single-sided shock abosorber on the left side) to manage the extra bulk.
    Technical specifications are scarce as of now but expect Suzuki to equip its first electric scooter for India with a motor offering around 80 kmph of top speed and a lithium-ion battery pack good for a range of around 70-90 km. The Japanese brand is likely to push more a very high localization level for the electric powertrain to take advantage of the government subsidy and arrive at a competitive price point.
    Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter vs Petrol scooter
    Launch timeline
    The Suzuki Burgman electric test mules appear to be early prototypes to test the new components. We don’t expect the final product to be ready for the market launch before 2022. The styling is likely to be retained but there could be a few design touches to highlight the upcoming EV’s green credentials.
    The Suzuki Burgman’s fully digital instrument console would be offering additional functions typical of an electric scooter. Going by the industry trend, it is reasonable to expect the EV to offer a range of connected features including a comprehensive smartphone app.

    Rivals
    The Suzuki Burgman electric scooter will be locking horns with other premium electric offerings in the country like the Bajaj Chetak, Ather 450 (and its successor), TVS iQube, and so on. It remains to be seen if Suzuki will make its upcoming product available across the country right from day one or resort to a phased launch campaign, starting with tier-I cities.
    The last few months after the lockdown has given the electric scooter market a new impetus as more and more people are embracing private mode of transport. These are exciting times for the nascent electric vehicle industry.
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    2021 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT Debuts – India Launch Likely In 2021

    2021 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT
    2021 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT mid-segment ADV has been in Australia ahead of India launch next year

    Suzuki Motorcycles has launched its mid-segment Adventure motorcycle V-Strom 650 XT in Australia in its latest avatar. Barring a few minor cosmetics and the emission update, nothing major has been changed in the new V-Strom 650 XT. Visually the bike remains identical to its predecessor except for new colour options.
    The adventure tourer now gets three new colour schemes to choose from. These include a full-black paint with a red beak, white colour with gold rims on wheels and silver paint with blue rims and highlights. Visually the bike remains the same as its outgoing model.

    BS6 Powertrain Details
    A major update has been rendered to its powertrain as it complies with the latest Euro-5 emission norms. This makes its path clear for an India launch as Euro-5 norms are equivalent to BS6 standards in India.
    It still draws its power from a 645cc, liquid-cooled, V-Twin motor that produces an output of 70 bhp at 8,800 rpm and 62Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. These figures are almost identical to its predecessor.

    This unit is paired to a six-speed gearbox. The latest iteration of the ADV is also equipped with Suzuki’s Low RPM to assist system that essentially minimises engine stalling by automatically tuning the idle speed at low revs.
    Hardware
    Dynamics of the ADV also remain identical to the outgoing model. It rolls on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheels wrapped in tubeless Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A40 tires. Suspension duties are carried out by 43mm telescopic forks at front and link-type preload adjustable monoshock at rear.

    Anchoring duties are relied on twin 320mm discs at front with twin-piston calipers and a single 260mm disc at rear with a single-piston caliper. It weighs an identical 216 kg in its latest iteration.
    Design & Features
    It features an eye-grabbing styling that features a stepped-up seat, a sloping fuel tank with extensions, a raised transparent windscreen and an upswept windscreen. In terms of equipment, it receives a semi-digital instrument console, a smartphone charger, an all-LED lighting setup, a plastic sump guard and handguards.

    It also gets a 12-V DC accessory power outlet. Apart from these, it also receives a bunch of electronics such as dual-channel ABS, three-stage switchable traction control as standard.
    In Australia, the new V-Strom 650 XT has been pegged at a price of AUD 13,490 which is equivalent to Rs 7.32 lakh in Indian currency. When launched in India, it is expected to carry a price tag of around Rs 7.60 lakh (ex-showroom, India) which is Rs 25,000 costlier than the outgoing model. It is expected to be launched in India early next year. More

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    Suzuki Oct 2020 Sales Highest Ever – Access, Gixxer, Burgman

    Image – Sinha Suzuki
    Suzuki Motorcycle India sold 76,865 units in October 2020, and YoY exports grew by 15 percent

    Suzuki Two Wheelers reports total sales of 76,865 units last month, up 3.02 percent at 2,255 units volume gain, up from 74,610 units sold last year. Of this, domestic sales accounted for 67,225 units, up 1.53 percent from 66,215 units at 1,010 units volume gain.
    Domestic sales accounts for 87.46 percent of total sales. Exports grew to 9,640 units. Up 14.83 percent from 8,395 units at 1,245 units volume gain. Exports account for 12.54 percent of total sales. For the company, this is the highest ever domestic sales reported to date.
    Alongwith YoY sales growth, Suzuki Two Wheelers has also reported MoM sales growth. MoM domestic sales grew by 2,030 units, up from 65,195 units at 3.11 percent growth.
    MoM exports grew 49.09 percent at 3,174 units volume gain, up from 6,466 units. Total sales gain from the month earlier is reported at 7.26 percent at volume gain of 5,204 units, up from 71,661 units.
    Suzuki Sales Oct 2020 vs Oct 2019 (YoY) vs Sep 2020 (MoM)
    Devashish Handa, Vice President, Suzuki Motorcycle India said, “Suzuki’s growth curve has continued into the month of October as well. The ongoing festive season has saw us achieve a 3% year-on-year growth for the month. We have surpassed our Sales Volume of last October. This is quite significant since in 2019, the predominant Festive Season from Navratri to Diwali was concentrated in the month of October unlike this year where it is spread over the latter half of October and going upto the earlier half of November. This makes us a little more optimistic about the demand recovery post pandemic.”
    Festive season offers
    October 2020 brought with it good tidings for the auto industry with most manufacturers posting sales growth. While this doesn’t negate the business losses endured through Covid-19 pandemic related lockdown, it does portend some positivity for Q4 2020.
    A good start in October has been possible owing to the ongoing festive season, and sales momentum is expected to be sustainable through November too. With festive season sales being a period that manufacturers look forward to each year, this year has been even better for most manufacturers.
    Festivities at Suzuki Motorcycles meant the auto manufacturer offer free accessories up to 3k on its two wheeler purchases through October 2020. Eligibility was approved for bookings made online. Offers on scooters was capped at 1,500 bucks, and at 3k for motorcycles, and was valid for a pre-approved list of accessories.
    Suzuki Ride Connect
    With new launches being a major strategy during the festive season, last month Suzuki Access 125 and Burgman Street scooters saw the introduction of connectivity features as part of ‘Suzuki Ride Connect’ suite. This is via Ride Connector app, and includes navigation, calls, and messages through bluetooth.
    The console displays ETA updates, calls/SMS/Whatsapp alert/missed calls, calledID, and turn by turn navigation. Speed warning system lets one set desired speed limit, and sends alerts if speed is breached. Phone battery level, ETA, and Find My scooter with last parked update can be accessed.
    While a number of manufacturers were beginning to report sales contraction by the end of the last fiscal, Suzuki was in fact reporting sales gain for months at an end. This however was disrupted industrywide starting March when lockdown was announced. With business now being brisk, it can be expected that Suzuki Motorcycles is able to build on that interrupted momentum to becomes a more formidable force. More

  • Suzuki Sales, Exports Break Up Sep 2020 – Access, Burgman, Gixxer Top 3

    Image – Sinha Suzuki
    Apart from Access, Burgman and Gixxer, none of the other products from Suzuki were able to breach the 1,000 units mark in September 2020

    Despite the two wheeler industry facing a tricky time of late in the Indian market, Suzuki Motorcycles India has managed to post positive sales. In the domestic market, Access was its lead selling product with 53,031 units sold last month.
    It attained a YoY and an MoM growth of 5.72 percent and 27.83 percent. Suzuki sold 50,162 units of its premier scooter in September last year and 41,484 units in August this year. Earlier this month, Access and Burgman scooters were updated with Bluetooth connected console. This is expected to help increase sales in coming months.
    Burgman Rakes in Decent numbers
    Suzuki’s flagship scooter Burgman followed in at the second position with 9,866 units of it retailed last month. In comparison to September last year, Suzuki sold 1675 units of Burgman more in September 2020 which led to an impressive YoY growth of 20.45 percent. In the month prior to this, Suzuki sold 8,215 units of Burgman was sold all over India taking its MoM growth to 20.10 percent.
    Suzuki Burgman was followed by Gixxer at the third position which recorded sales volume of 1,955 units in September 2020. This was much less both in terms of MoM as well as YoY comparison with 2,817 units sold in August 2020 and 4,526 units sold in September last year. This led to a negative growth of 30.60 percent and 56.81 percent respectively.
    Suzuki Domestic Sales Sep 2020 vs Sep 2019 vs Aug 2020
    Rest of the products Intruder and Gixxer 250 sold sparsely with 259 units and 84 units of each recorded respectively. Of them, Gixxer 250 witnessed a heavy decline of 77.42 percent on YoY and 79.36 percent YoY sales volume. Although Intruder showed positive returns 139.89 percent YoY growth and 19.91 percent MoM growth.
    Exports- Not Encouraging Signs
    Exports of Suzuki two-wheelers have fared worse with Gixxer (3,3373 units), Burgman (1263 units) and Gixxer 250 (1,232 units) forming the top three products to be shipped abroad. While all three returned positive growth returns in terms of MoM, only Gixxer 250 returned an impressive YoY growth figure of 413.33 percent. Gixxer and Burgman recorded negative YoY growth of 40.40 percent and 31.06 percent.
    Suzuki Exports Sep 2020 vs Sep 2019 vs Aug 2020
    It is evident that since the transition from BS4 to BS6 emission norms, the number of products on Suzuki’s portfolio in India has been reduced. The company has plans to launch more products in the coming months. One of the rumoured and much awaited product from Suzuki is the Intruder 250 cruiser.
    It is going to be based on the same platform as the current Intruder, but will get a more powerful engine from the Gixxer 250 series. Once launched, it will rival Bajaj Avenger 220, which generates about 5k sales every month. More

  • 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa To Get Bigger, More Powerful Engine – Render

    The new Hayabusa is expected to be ready sometime in first half of 2021
    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa Render

    Rumors of next generation Suzuki Hayabusa started doing rounds even before the second gen model rode into sunset in 2018 as global emission standards tightened. Suzuki wasn’t in a hurry to replace its iconic flagship and the only hint that a successor could be in the works came in the form of the concept GSX design study.
    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa getting ready
    Earlier this year, a leaked patent brought the Busa back to focus, and now, we have a speculative rendering of the final product which is just a few months away from its world premiere. As we can see, the 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa is likely to borrow its styling cues from the 5-year-old Concept GSX.
    The third gen Hayabusa would be sporting LED headlamp, aerodynamically optimized front fascia new tank and tailpiece. However, the unmistakable large-displacement GT shape will not be fiddled with.
    Existing Suzuki Hayabusa
    What’s new?
    The 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa is not going to be a clean sheet design. Instead, the new motorcycle will emerge as a heavily improved version of the now defunct second gen model. The twin-spar aluminium frame is reported to be carried forward but with significant changes including latest Kayaba suspension system.
    According to Japanese media, the new Busa’s engine will carry forward quite a few components from the previous iteration but will have a larger displacement of around 1,440 cc. The larger displacement has now become a common technique for OEMs to comply with the Euro5 emission standards without having to forgo on power output. The new in-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor is estimated to dish out around 200 hp just like the older unit but expect the torque and rideability to be improved.
    The patent filings showed that the exhaust system, catalytic converters in particular, will undergo significant upgrade to tackle the stringent emission norms.
    Concept GSX Design Study
    Equipment
    Being a flagship motorcycle, the 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa will loaded with modern electronic gizmos that are aimed at keeping all those horses from making a mockery of the rider. Thanks to the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), the new grand tourer will offer cornering ABS, traction control and several other features. Hill start assist, a color TFT dashboard, multiple riding modes are some of the other key highlights reported.
    Launch
    The 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa is expected to be unveiled towards the end of this year before going on sale in international markets sometime in first half of 2021. If Suzuki India decides to bring the new one to our shores via CKD route like it did for the previous model, we would be having an attractively priced superbike. Hayabusa BS4 retailed at about Rs 14 lakhs, ex-sh; when it was discontinued from India. It was the best selling bike in the segment in India. More

  • 2020 Suzuki Access, Burgman Launched – Gets LED, Bluetooth Connected Digital Console

    Suzuki Access 125 and Burgman Street scooters get updates to cater to a new age of connectivity
    Suzuki Motorcycle India has just announced new connectivity features on its two scooters and follows similar announcements made by Hero MotoCorp and TVS. Suzuki has held a virtual press conference announcing new and improved features on the Access 125 and Burgman Street scooters. These are first of its kind in the 125cc scooter segment and cater to the new age of connectivity via the smartphone and called ‘Suzuki Ride Connect’.
    Bluetooth Enabled Digital Console

    Suzuki Motorcycle India has officially launched the Burgman Street and Access 125 scooters with Suzuki Ride Connect. This new smartphone connectivity platform is via the Ride Connector App currently available for download exclusively on Android OS. It allows the user to avail navigation, control calls and message using Bluetooth.
    Initially only offered on the two scooters Access 125 and Burgman Street, the feature could also make its way onto the other products in the company lineup. Along with updating technology, the Access 125 scooter also gets LED position lights. Take a look at the detailed video below, explaining all the features of new Bluetooth enabled 2020 Suzuki Access and Burgman.
    [embedded content]
    The Bluetooth Enabled Digital Console offers ETA updates, calls and SMS along with Whatsapp alerts, turn-by-turn navigation and missed call alerts and caller ID. Its over Speed Warning system allows the rider to set the desired speed limit. In the event of the scooter going above this set speed, an alert pops up on the digital console to warn the rider.
    Phone battery level display, estimated time of arrival, Find My Scooter with last parked update are a part of this new Suzuki Ride Connect Bluetooth-enabled console. he displays are all big and bold for easy readouts.
    2020 Suzuki Access, Burgman with Bluetooth enabled digital console – Features
    Mr. Koichiro Hirao, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India was present at the launch of these two scooters and states that the technology update was much in demand by today’s younger generation who want to stay connected while on the move. However, this does not in any way compromise the safety of the rider by using the mobile phone while riding the two wheeler. Apart from this new connectivity feature, rest of the features on Suzuki Burgman Street and Suzuki Access 125 remain the same.
    Price and Colours
    2020 Suzuki Access 125 and Burgman Street scooters are powered by a 124 cc engines offering 8.6 hp and 10 Nm of peak torque. The Access 125 is priced at Rs.78,600 for the disc brake variant while the price for the drum brake variant is at Rs.77,700. The Burgman Street is priced at Rs.84,600. The addition of the connected technology has made the scooters costlier by Rs.5,500. All prices are ex-sh.
    Colour options of the Suzuki Access 125 include New Matte Blue, Metallic Matte Black No.2 and Pearl Mirage White. The Burgman Street gets colours of New Matte Blue, Metallic Matte Roadfaux Red, Metallic Matte Black No.2, Metallic Matte Fibron Grey and Pearl Mirage White. More

  • Suzuki Sep 2020 Sales Grow – Gixxer, Intruder, Burgman, Access

    Suzuki has posted domestic YoY growth of 2.86% while MoM growth is at 23.7%
    Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd., two wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan announced sales figures for September 2020 at a total of 71,661 units, registering a sequential 23.7 percent growth in volumes as against 53,142 units produced in August 2020. Of the total of 71,661 units sold, domestic sales stood at 65,195 units, and 6,466 units were exported. The pattern is common for a maojority of manufacturer’s, wherein, domestic sales recovery has been much more rapid than exports.
    Suzuki reports 2.86 percent increase September 2020

    Suzuki Motorcycle India reported an okay-ish 2.86 percent increase in terms of domestic sales in September 2020. Sales in September 2020 stood at 65,195 units, up from 63,382 units sold in September 2019.
    Exports saw a de-growth of 37 percent down at 6,466 units as against exports of 10,276 in the same period last year. Total sales (domestic and exports) dipped 2.71 percent to 71,661 units in September 2020, down from 73,658 units sold in September 2019. Growth in domestic sales was more than expected seeing the uptick in purchase sentiment.
    Suzuki Two Wheeler Sales Sep 2020 vs Sep 2019 vs Aug 2020
    The ongoing festive season is traditionally recognised as one of increased sales, and the current year is no different despite the country only just grappling out of the clutches of a complete lockdown owing to the pandemic.
    While Suzuki continues to be one of the smaller two wheeler manufacturers doing business here, the company has successfully posted small incremental growth over a sustained period of time. Business continues to grow on the back of strong sales for the Access scooter. With few bikes on offer, Burgman competes for the next noteworthy bit of sales share.
    Next Launches
    Having recently added new colours to the Suzuki Gixxer series, the company now gears up for some new launches. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT was teased in April and is scheduled for launch soon. This adventure tourer is expected to get digital display and smartphone connectivity. In its BS6 format it will be powered by a 645cc, V Twin engine that makes 72 hp power and 62 Nm torque. It slated to be priced higher than its BS4 counterparts which start at Rs.7.45 lakhs.
    Suzuki has also released a teaser, which hints at a new launch. As per the teaser, launch is scheduled for 7th October. Rumours suggest it cold be the long awaited Intruder 250. This could be expected to be powered by the same engine that is seen on the Gixxer 250. This 249cc, oil cooled, SOHC engine offers 26.5 hp power at 9,300 rpm and 22.2 Nm torque at 7,300 rpm mated to a 6 speed gearbox.
    The company has stated that production is back at normal levels, and with the upcoming festive season and positive buyer sentiments; sales should once again reach pre COVID-19 levels. More

  • Suzuki Gixxer, Gixxer SF 155 and 250 Get New Colours – Prices Oct 2020

    Suzuki Motorcycle India has announced the launch of new colour options for their Gixxer range
    Suzuki Motorcycle India has launched new liveries for its Gixxer 250 and Gixxer 155 Series. The company had earlier released teaser images on social media handles announcing these new colour options which are being introduced to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gixxer series.
    Suzuki Gixxer

    As part of these colour updates, the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 will receive a New Triton Blue/Silver color scheme. This blue and silver colour scheme is reminiscent of the Suzuki’s early Grand Prix models of the 1960s. The Suzuki Gixxer Series, that consists of the Gixxer SF and Gixxer will look sportier with colour option of Pearl Mira Red and Metallic Triton Blue on the Suzuki Gixxer. These colours are added to the existing range of colour options.
    These new colour options could command a higher price range over existing versions. The Suzuki Gixxer SF and the 250 also come with special MotoGP liveries at higher prices than that which the regular colour schemes command.

    This is not the first time that the Suzuki Gixxer 250 has been seen in the Metallic Triton Blue. It was displayed at the 2020 Auto Expo in this same colour scheme so as to gauge the interest of customers. This was so well received that the company has now gone ahead with bringing in the new colour so as to enhance the looks of the Gixxer SF and Gixxer models.
    Price List – Oct 2020
    The Suzuki Gixxer SF250 with the colour option of Metallic Matte Black No. 2 is priced at Rs.1,76,140 while Metallic Triton Blue and Triton Blue/Silver, the prices go up to Rs.1.76,941. Price of the Suzuki Gixxer 250 in a Metallic Matte Black No. 2 color scheme and in Metallic Triton Blue is at Rs.1,65,441.
    Suzuki Gixxer Price List – Oct 2020
    The Suzuki Gixxer SF in all three colour schemes of Glass Sparkle Black, Metallic Triton Blue and Pearl Mira Red – new colour is priced at Rs.1.24,970 and the Gixxer which is offered in Glass Sparkle Black and in two new colours of Metallic Triton Blue and Pearl Mira Red is priced at Rs.1,14,500. Apart from introducing new color options, the features of the Suzuki Gixxer 250 and Gixxer series remain unchanged.
    Performance
    The high performance engine that is seen on the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 and Gixxer 250 has been developed using the Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS) technology. This 249 cc four stroke, single cylinder SOHC engine that makes 26.1 hp power and 22.2 Nm torque, is mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox and gets dual channel ABS as standard. The smaller Gixxers get their power via a 155cc, air cooled, fuel injected engine that offers 13.4 hp power and 13.8 Nm torque with transmission via a 5 speed gearbox.
    In related news, Suzuki has also teased a new motorcycle that will launch on 7th October 2020. No name or details have been released as on date but this upcoming launch could be the new Suzuki Intruder 250 cruiser motorcycle that will have a lot in common with the Suzuki Gixxer 250. It is slated to be priced at around Rs.1.80 lakhs and could be powered by the same 249cc single cylinder oil cooled fuel injected engine that also powers the Gixxer 250. More