    |
 |
|
|
|
Suzuki NZ Ltd. Press Release:
NEW MODELS LEAD SUZUKI ONSLAUGHT
GS1200, GSX250, SJ125T, AN250, AN400
SUZUKI is set to spice up an already exciting motorcycle line-up with five new road models set to be unleashed in the very near future.
. Leading the charge is the rip-snorting GS1200SS, a model that has already earned 'cult' bike status in Japan. So strong has domestic demand been that Suzuki has never offered the bike for export.
But now the 1200SS is on its way to New Zealand – the first country in the world outside of Japan to get the spunky retro-styled road-burner – thanks to some fast foot work by Suzuki New Zealand Motorcycle Marketing Manager Tom Peck.
Powered by the oil and air-cooled DOHC 16-valve 1156cc Bandit engine, virtually the Chevy 350 V8 of motorcycle motors, the 1200SS is styled to resemble the Suzuki factory GS1000R machine Kiwi ace Graeme Crosby used to win two World Formula One Championships.
An abbreviated fairing that leaves the grunty engine in almost full view still provides good wind protection while the chassis comprises a steel tube frame with aluminum alloy rear swing-arm supporting the three spoke light alloy rear wheel, with rear suspension by a pair of beefy coil-sprung damper units.
Up front a set of internally sprung conventional hydraulic forks provide the front suspension and mount the three spoke alloy front wheel. Tyres are 120/70 x 17-inch front and 170/60 x 17-inch rear.
Although the seat is a low 770mm – 20mm lower than that on the sport-touring GSF1200S Bandit – the bike is surprisingly roomy and is able to accommodate larger riders with ease.
With 100 bhp at just 8000 rpm, the 1200SS is not short of mumbo. Combined with 209 kg weigh-in, the new open class Suzuki offers an excellent power to weight ratio.
The high performing Suzuki is no wallet stretcher. Suzuki expects to retail the 1200SS in New Zealand for under $12,000, which is awfully good shopping for a sporty open class motorcycle.
Also on its way is an all-new 250 twin and no less than three new scooters as Suzuki continues to lead the way in entry-level motorcycling and commuter machines.
The 250 is powered by a parallel twin cylinder DOHC 8-valve air and oil-engine that is virtually half of a 600 Bandit motor.
The engine is housed in a twin spar frame, breathes in through a set of 29mm BST Mikuni carburetors and exhales through a rakish two-into-one exhaust. Retail on the GSX250 is expected to be around $7495 – which is exceptional value for a full-faired 250.
Meantime, on the scooter front where Suzuki commands the lion's share of the market with its existing models, led by the SJ50, there are three more models on the way.
Of these, the four-stroke AN250 and AN400 are being reintroduced and are at the luxury end of the market with their large comfortable seats and commodious storage. However, don't confuse luxury with a hefty price tag. Both of these models will retail well under the prices of existing models in the market, while offering a higher overall specification.
Finally there's the new SJ125T, a spunky looking model with a very high specification. This includes front disc brake, water-cooled four-stroke engine, under seat storage, generous dual seat and instrumentation that includes temperature and fuel gauges as well as a speedo/odometer.
The 125cc four-stroke engine is designed to pump out plenty of power to make the SJ125T more than motorway capable but at the same time is very frugal in its use of fuel, ensuring this smart looking Suzuki goes a long way between fill-ups.
And with generous body work and a sleek but tall wind screen, the rider enjoys very good weather protection.
Not bad at all for a scooter that is destined to retail for around $3250 when similar spec competitors are between $4,000 - $5,000.
