Suzuki Motorcycle India consolidates GSX superbike portfolio

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIL), a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation Japan, has just consolidated its superbike portfolio by updating the GSX-R1000 and adding yet another sophisticated sibling GSX-R1000R for the domestic market. Suzuki’s GSX family of superbikes, all imported as completely built units (CBUs), will now have five 1000cc models on offer in India.

First unveiled a few months ago globally, the 2017 edition of the GSX-R1000 boasts extensive updates that include all-new development of all major parts of the superbike. The new Suzuki GSX-R1000 incorporates a newly designed four-stroke, in-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC 999.8cc engine that develops maximum power output of 199bhp at 13,200rpm and peak torque of 11.99kgm at 10,800rpm.

MotoGP-derived tech
According to Suzuki’s technical presentation of the GSX-R1000 / R variants, a number of performance boosting technologies are borrowed from MotoGP racing including the Broad Power System. The presentation states that the Broad Power System is a combination of critical Suzuki-patented technologies that include Suzuki Racing variable valve timing (VVT), Suzuki Exhaust Tuning Alpha and Suzuki Top Feed Injector System (TFIS).

“The GSX-R1000 / R are equipped with advanced electronic management system that incorporates inertial management unit (IMU). The IMU tracks motorcycle’s direction and its position in six directions (pitch, roll and yaw). Monitoring these motions in real-time makes traction, braking and cornering controls more precise and effective,” states the superbikes’ technical presentation.

The IMU tech is one of the many technologies borrowed from the MotoGP races. Critical among other advanced sensor-based technologies is the advanced motion track traction control system (Motion Track TCS), which, according to Suzuki, allows the rider to select 10 different levels of traction control system as per the road conditions and preferences.

Suzuki engineers have also re-designed the chassis, which is an all-new twin spar aluminium perimeter frame. The frame, as per Suzuki’s product presentation, now weighs 10 percent less than the earlier one. Besides the engine and the frame, the weight reduction techniques are also applied to the swingarm, wheels (6-spoke cast aluminium), head and tail lamps as well as the full LCD instrument cluster.

On the styling front, the 2017 GSX-R1000 variants come with reworked aerodynamics that include slimmer front fairing. An official company release quotes “This is by far the lightest and fastest GSX-R ever made.”

The more sophisticated sibling – GSX-R1000R that sits above the standard GSX-R1000, will offer motion track brake system (also offered in GSX-R1000 ABS version), bi-directional quick-shift system (shifting gears without using clutch), launch control (enables speedy start limiting engine rpm and optimising torque delivery), and lightweight Showa balance free suspension among other features.

Commenting on the rollout of the Suzuki GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R, Satoshi Uchida, managing director, Suzuki Motorcycke India, said; “After three decades and more than one million GSX-Rs sold worldwide, Suzuki is proud to launch the sixth-generation GSX-R1000 in India. This is the most advanced and most exciting Suzuki GSX-R in history and embodies Suzuki’s passion for riding and racing motorcycles. We are sure discerning riders will appreciate the legacy and enjoy the technology and riding pleasure from this cutting-edge motorcycle.”

Suzuki Motorcycle India will retail the GSX-R1000 in blue and black colour options for Rs 19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Suzuki GSX-R1000R, on the other hand, will retail for Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) in same colour options.

Suzuki had launched the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F in India in May 2015.

How the premium bike segment stacks up
The new Suzuki GSX-R1000 / R variants will compete with Yamaha YZF-R1, Kawasaki Ninja 1000 and ZX-10R, Honda CBR1000RR, and BMW S1000RR among others. The premium motorcycle segment comprising 800cc and bigger-engined models in India sold a total of 2,983 units in FY2016-17, which was down by 13.39 percent YoY. The premium motorcycle segment comprising similar engine displacement categories had reported sales of 3,444 units in FY2015-16.

However, for Suzuki Motorcycle India, FY2016-17 was a fruitful year as the company reported a strong growth of nearly 70 percent YoY, backed by the localisation of its iconic superbike Hayabusa at its Gurgaon facility. The company reported sales of 253 units in 800cc and above categories during FY2016-17 as against the sales of 149 units in FY2015-16.

The intent of rolling out the all-new GSX-R1000 / R variants in India clearly indicate that Suzuki aims to keep the India market at par with other developed markets when rolling out new global products.