Suzuki Motorcycle-new bike by 2010

Gladius would be powered by a 645cc, V-twin cylinder engine, and boasts of unique styling in a user-friendly package and is available at a reasonable price. With a fuel injected, twin plug head engine delivering enhanced performance, combined with great style and neutral lightweight handling, the Gladius is perfect for first time or experienced riders alike. It is to be mentioned that Suzuki already has two other models running in the big bike segment-Hayabusa and Intruder-and more than 100 units of both the models have already been sold. It is widely understood that just like its previous superbikes; the company will import the new naked bike as a CBU and will thus attract more than 100 per cent import duty.

According to Yasuhiro Mori, who worked on the product planning stage of the Gladius’ design, “The Gladius is a new model with a different concept although it uses the SV650 engine. SFV is an abbreviation for Stylish, Fun and V-Twin. We [Suzuki] attempted to provide fun even for beginners and females with this motorcycle that has mass appeal rather than the SV which is a sportier model.”

The Gladius 650, which was launched at the beginning of this year to critical acclaim from riders and motorcycle journalists alike, has outperformed some of the more expensive and powerful machines on the market in UK tests. In addition to Gladius, Suzuki is also considering entry-level and mid-level motorcycles for the Indian market. The company is also planning to introduce the new Suzuki GSX-R 1000cc super bike (well-known as Gixxer) in the medium term.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL), a subsidiary of Japanese company Suzuki Motor (SMC), Japan has recently invested an additional Rs. 150 crore in the country by 2010, earmarked for capacity expansion, new product launches as well as for scaling up its distribution network. SMIPL, which is currently rolling out only the Zeus and Heat 125cc bikes and the Access 125cc scooter, is firming up plans to launch more two new two-wheelers in the Indian market every year. The company which started out independently in 2006 after exiting a joint venture with TVS Motor expects to break even and make operating profits by the end of the fiscal. Since 2006, Suzuki has invested about Rs. 400 crore on its Indian operations and plans to have a manufacturing capacity of 4 lakh units by 2012.

Source : http://www.wheelsunplugged.com/ViewNews.aspx?newsid=5201