Well, Suzuki may have placed itself in a similar situation. After its mainstream Japanese rivals and the encroaching Chinese brands launched their four-stroke taxi models, Suzuki comes into the fray with not one but two motorcycle models, the GS125 and the GS175. Aimed squarely at the passenger and tricycle market, Suzuki showed it has two aces up its corporate sleeve and declared their new models as "Ang Pares Na Walang Kapares".
Launched during the kick-off of the 2003 Suzuki Tricycle Business Meeting last November 4 at the Manila Mandarin Hotel Ballroom in Makati, the new Suzuki motorcycles are the continuation of what the company calls as its "Evolution". These workhorses will complement Suzuki’s solo rider model, the four-stroke Shogun R 125, and will pave the way for the introduction of other models created by the global alliance between Suzuki and Kawasaki.
In his welcome message before the dealers and business partners of Suzuki Philippines, Inc., President Kiyoshi Kawahara declared that "the wait is over but well worth it". Noting that the tricycle market is a segment that Suzuki has dominated for years and has known by heart, he stated that the GS125 and the GS175 were designed with the installation of a side car in mind, and that their performance will please the owner’s riding lifestyle as well as display Suzuki’s commitment to deliver safe, durable, fuel-efficient, convenient, heavy-duty and environment-friendly motorcycles.
The Suzuki GS125 features an air-cooled 125cc 4-stroke SOHC single cylinder engine with a Mikuni BS26 carburetor, capacitor discharge ignition (CDI), wet sump lubrication and a primary kick start system. Its large and shapely 13.5-liter fuel tank may prove to be its best feature combined with the engines much-taunted fuel efficiency and its five-speed transmission. It also boasts of a factory-mounted tachometer, square-pipe swing arm, multi-focus three-mode reflector head lamp, sporty muffler, 18-inch wire spoke wheels and a big and durable flat carrier. It also comes with a free set additional rear shock absorbers and a higher ratio sprocket for owners who may want to use the GS125 for heavy-duty hauling.
The bigger Suzuki GS175 is the initial product of the Suzuki-Kawasaki alliance since it shares its major components with the Kawasaki Barako. The bike features an air-cooled 175cc 4-stroke SOHC single with a Mikuni VM24 carburetor, CDI, wet sump lube system, "QuickStart" system with kick start (GS175M) or kick and electric start (GS175E), 4-speeed transmission, front and rear amber light turn signals, 17-inch wire spoke wheels and a long seat for increased rider and passenger comfort, as well as extra capacity. Factory-installed dual rear shock absorbers and heavy-duty front fork distinguish this hard-working square-headlamp-equipped motorcycle from lighter-duty models.
The GS125 and GS175 are available in black and red colors with GS175 buyers getting a third color option of blue. Built under Suzuki’s reputation for quality and durability, both models are being introduced to the market with the banner "Tibay at Pangalang Pinagkakatiwalaan" and are now available at Suzuki motorcycle dealers and other allied dealers nationwide.
And like the movies where the good guys always win in the end, the new Suzuki motorcycles represent the same theme but with a minor twist. Because of the new and increasing choices of quality motorcycle models for the riding public, the eventual winners here are the motorcycle buyers themselves.