Is Suzuki planning a new 155cc commuter motorcycle?

On receiving a positive response for its flagship Indian motorcycle model -- the Suzuki Gixxer; the company is now developing a new motorcycle model based on it. But unlike the Gixxer, which is a premium 155cc motorcycle, the new model will be a pure commuter, with fewer features to achieve its targeted aggressive pricing.

Styling of the new 155cc Suzuki motorcycle is said to be more conservative than the spunky Gixxer, to suit the pallet of the mass commuter buyers. The new Suzuki commuter will share most of the cycle parts with the new Suzuki Gixxer to keep the cost low. However, it will not have the digital instrument console. And instead of the mono-shock seen on the Gixxer, it will have conventional coil spring shock absorbers with gas dampers.

Powering the new motorcycle will be the newly developed 155cc single cylinder, SOHC, air-cooled and carburetted engine mated to a five-speed transmission. The new commuter Suzuki will be tuned to deliver its segment’s best fuel efficiency and hence can be expected to produce slightly lower power output than the Suzuki Gixxer which churns out 14.8PS of peak power at 8,000rpm and 14Nm of maximum torque at 6,000rpm.

The new Suzuki 155cc commuter motorcycle should be launched by early next year with an expected priced close to Rs 75,000 (on-road Delhi), and will compete against the likes of Honda CB Unicorn, Hero Hunk, Yamaha SZ150 and Bajaj Discover 150.