Suzuki launches mass market 'Hayate' motorcycle

As a global motorcycle brand, Suzuki needs little introduction. However its presence in the Indian two-wheeler market has been largely dominated by its higher capacity motorcycles like the legendary Hayabusa, the GSXR 1000 and the mighty Intruder just to name a few.

Taking this into due consideration, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL) has been showing signs of systematically shifting its focus to catering to the country’s meaty commuter segment and the launch of its all new 112 cc Hayate – meaning “Fresh Breeze” will aim at building similar sentiments in the minds of Indian motorcycle buyers.

The 4-stroke, single cylinder air cooled commuter motorcycle from Suzuki promises an overall efficiency that closely matches the expectation of at least 70 kmpl from motorcycles belonging to this particularly value for money segment.

Speaking at the launch of the new Hayate, Mr Atul Gupta, Vice President (Sales and Marketing), Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd said, “The 100-110 cc motorcycle segment is a promising market with tremendous growth potential, With Hayate’s entry, we intend to explore new opportunities and look at a larger market share in the two-wheeler segment. The launch of the Hayate is an opportunity to address emerging markets in small town clusters as well as semi-urban and rural peripheries.”

The new budget bike from Suzuki comes with aluminium cast wheels and front and rear drum brakes. An aggressive headlight, new-age fender and stylish rear lights make for appealing exterior touches, which coupled with its proposed comfort and efficiency levels should draw a sizeable chunk of the country’s commuter class towards it. 

Priced at Rs Rs 40,162 for the kick start (KS) model and Rs 42,162 for the self start model (SS), the new Hayate is available in 5 colour options – Pearl Mirage White, Metallic Lush Green, Pearl Mira Red, Metallic Flint Grey and GL Sparkle Black.

The launch of the Hayate however was in a sense overshadowed by the announcement of an even bigger brand building exercise for Suzuki in India, which has now successfully signed ‘Dabangg’ star Salman Khan as its first ever brand ambassador.