With the Gixxer launched today at a spectacular price, Suzuki has stepped into its second innings in the 150cc segment. Unveiled at the beginning of this year, the Gixxer 155 has been one of the most awaited launches this year and promises to be a game changer for the Japanese manufacturer, something the GS150R couldn’t achieve previously in the same segment. With the kind of response the Gixxer has received, Suzuki is now planning to introduce a new commuter motorcycle based on the flagship bike that will compete in the entry-level 150cc segment.
The Gixxer based upcoming motorcycle will be a pure commuter aimed to provide comfort, fuel efficiency and an aggressive pricing. The commuter will carry a more conservative styling as opposed to the funky design of the Gixxer. Moreover, the commuter will also be stripped of several features to keep the costs in check. While most of the components will be cycled from the Gixxer to keep costs low, the motorcycle will miss out on major bits like the all digital instrument console, while the monoshock rear suspension will be replaced with conventional shock absorbers with gas dampers.
The new commuter motorcycle will draw power from the same 155cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that has been newly developed for the Gixxer, paired to a 5-speed gearbox. However, expect the power and torque figures to be marginally lower in the interest of fuel efficiency compared to the Gixxer which gets 14.8 PS of power and 14 Nm of torque. Suzuki will also provide SEP technology and the new commuter will be tuned to deliver the best in class fuel economy.
The upcoming Suzuki commuter is expected to be launched in the first half of 2015 and will carry an expected price of around Rs. 74,000/- (on-road, Delhi). The motorcycle will be competing against the Yamaha SZ-Series, Honda CB Unicorn, Bajaj Discover 150 F, Hero Achiever and the likes in the segment and is most likely to replace the GS150R in Suzuki India’s lineup. The Gixxer has been launched at an aggressive price of Rs. 72,199/- (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Source – ETAuto
