Recently and in an interview granted exclusively to MCN colleagues, Toshihiro Suzukipresident of Suzuki Motor Corporation, has spoken about Suzuki’s future plans in the short and medium term. Apparently, the brand is already working on the return of a new line of sports motorcycles with which to satisfy the desires of its most loyal followers. New range of GSX-R’S in sight?
Suzuki’s future lies in maintaining its legacy
This is perhaps the phrase that has most clarified the plans related to the future of Suzuki in the words of the company’s president: “We can’t tell you the details, but we believe that it is important to bring supersport motorcycles to the market, adapting to the new regulations. “We think it’s important because it’s Suzuki’s legacy.”
After rumors speak of a return of Suzuki to MotoGP or confirm that, like Honda, the brand is not willing to leave aside the manufacture of models powered by combustion engines, the latest statements from Toshihiro Suzuki seem to make it clear what the position of the brand regarding the immediate future within the two-wheeled sector.
Although, for now, it seems that they have put their plans regarding the world of high competition on hold, the same does not happen when we talk about a new GSX-R range for next year. Regarding this, the president of Suzuki comments that: “The most important thing, we believe, is to bring motorcycles closer to customers while complying with all regulations. Of course, racing is important, but we prioritize bringing motorcycles to customers, also taking into account carbon neutrality.”
Let us remember that at the moment the Hamamatsu firm only has three sports models in European territory: Hayabusa 1300, GSX-8R and GSX-R125. In this sense, it is worth wondering if we could soon return to enjoy such iconic models as the GSX-R600, GSX-R750 and GSX-R1000. As we all know, the latter was discontinued just a few months ago, after almost four decades on the market, following the announcement of the arrival of the new Euro5+.
Only in privileged places like the US is it still feasible to buy new one of the four-cylinder “Hi-Sport” frames sold by the brand. However, after the latest statements by its president, Suzuki’s future seems to be reaffirmed in this sense. He even added a final comment to his statements that at least makes us expectant for the next Milan Motor Show: “Please enjoy the next EICMA.”
Finally, the Suzuki boss confirmed that the brand “will continue to invest in their Team Suzuki CN Challenge project, which saw them compete in this year’s Suzuka Eight Hours endurance race aboard an experimental GSX-R1000R running on 40% Elf bio-based fuel, as well as Motul motor oil, made from a base of biological origin.”as detailed by MCN.
Brands such as Yoshimura are also involved in this project, which designed and manufactured a complete exhaust system, including a state-of-the-art catalyst, or Bridgestone, supplying high-performance tires made with a greater volume of material from recycling processes.
