2012 Suzuki Hayate 110 commuter motorcycle to be launched in March 2012?

Suzuki Motorcycles India could launch the 110cc commuter motorcycle, its least expensive offering, in the Indian market during March 2012. This motorcycle was showcased at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo, along with the new automatic scooter offering, the Swish 125. The Suzuki Swish 125 has already reached Suzuki showrooms across India. The Suzuki Hayate features a 112.8cc four stroke engine mated to a 4 speed manual transmission, and will sit in the executive commuter segment of the Indian motorcycle market, a market that is dominated by the Hero MotoCorp Passion. The Hayate 110 could sell at an on road price of about INR 48,000.

2012 Suzuki Hayate 110cc Commuter Motorcycle

Looks wise, the Hayate 110 looks very similar to the Slingshot and can’t exactly be called a good looker considering that the segment also plays host to the sharp looking Honda CB Twister 110. That said, looks aren’t the biggest selling point in the economuter segment, with solid reliable engineering and mileage being more important. It is in these aspects that the Hayate 110, being a Suzuki engineered product, is expected to score well in. Suzuki entered the Indian market with the Heat and the Zeus 125cc motorcycles. Both these motorcycles have been tepid sellers all along.

2012 Suzuki Hayate 110cc Commuter Motorcycle

A year ago, Suzuki tried to perk up sales with the Suzuki Slingshot 125, another motorcycle that failed to make any impact at the hustings. The only motorcycle in Suzuki’s portfolio that has found reasonable acceptance is the GS150R motorcycle, which features the smoothest engine and the most comfortable ergonomics. Suzuki will be hoping that the Hayate 110 helps it gain a foothold in the ever growing India commuter motorcycle market. Suzuki has been doing very well in the scooter segment, and is currently the second largest scooter maker in India despite being a late entrant.