Suzuki to launch GW250 Inazuma at the 2014 Auto Expo?

The Indian Arm of the Japanese motorcycle maker, Suzuki Motorcycle India Ltd. (SMIL) may launch its entry level performance bike GW250 aka Inazuma at the upcoming 2014 Indian Auto Expo. It was speculated that the bike will be launched in India in 2013, however the company hasn't made any statement on the same.

Now, the 200-300cc segment is quite popular in the Indian auto market and manufacturers are getting their bikes in this segment. So, the company also felt a need of making its presence in the segment to spice it up. Executive vice-president, SMIL, Mr. Atul Gupta confirmed to a portal that “we are going to launch the 250cc motorcycle next month (January 2014) and new products to expand our current portfolio in the upcoming Auto Expo 2014. We are equally focusing on the scooters and the motorcycles.” However, he didn't disclose the exact product to be launched, “we are absent in almost 60 percent of the existing markets domestically, so we are focussing on the dealership expansion. We are also expanding our production capacity by nearly 25 percent at our Gurgaon facility as we want to be ready while entering new territories.” He added further.

Suzuki has a range of only 5 products in the commuter segment of the Indian market, two of which are its 125cc automatic scooters Access and Swish, while has one commuter bike in each segment of 100cc (Hayate), 125cc (Sling Shot ) and 150cc (GS150R). Apart from these products for masses, the company also sells some of its Superbikes including GSX-R1000, Hayabusa, Bandit 1250SA, Intruder M1800R and M800. There is a huge gap between both the segments offered by the company, which is getting an important category in the market.

The Suzuki Inazuma is a naked sport bike, sports a 248cc, liquid-cooled, parallel twin, which churns out a maximum power output of 26bhp @8,500rpm and 24.2Nm of peak torque at 7,000rpm. The bike gets an aggressive and sporty look and loaded with features like six-speed gearbox, three spoke alloy wheels, wide tubeless tyres, front and rear disk brakes, digital-analog instrument console, Dual chrome exhaust muffler, sporty front cowls with integrated front turn indicators and many more.

The bike has received every important aspect to succeed in the market, however in the Indian market the major fact behind the success is pricing of the product. So, the company has to maintain the price of the product as per the market condition. Although the bike will come through CKD route, we expect it to be priced within Rs. 2 lakh.

Source: AutocarPro