A quarter of a century has passed since Suzuki discontinued its entire GN range in our country, which, at that time, had 125 cc and 250 cc versions. An offer that at the time, and depending on which parts of the world, also had 50 cc and 400 cc variants since the brand launched the latter on the market at the beginning of the eighties.
Now, with the arrival of a new Suzuki GN 160 to the Colombian market, the idea of a possible vitaminized version of the model destined for the European continent returns with force. An approach that makes even more sense seeing the options halfway between low and medium displacement offered by brands such as Honda and Royal Enfield.
The GN 160 could give a lot of play
Although the GN 160 is a model that would remain in no man’s land in these parts, the same does not happen when we talk about the southern part of the American continent. In fact, the brand also has a 125 cc variant with an even more classic and simple approach than its recently released older sister.
Regarding the latter we find a model powered by a 162 cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine capable of offering up to 14.1 HP at 8,000 rpm and 14.5 Nm of maximum torque at 6,500 rpm. Figures that a priori may sound fair, although in its favor we will say that it declares a weight of aworth 128 kilograms.
All of the above is combined with a cycle section where there is no room for great technological displays but which, however, has everything necessary for dynamic driving in our daily life: front disc brake, rear drum, telescopic fork and a pair of lateral shock absorbers, make up the key parts of this GN 160.
Now let’s extrapolate a configuration similar to the one described, maintaining the elegant and striking classic aesthetics of this GN 160, to a version equipped with an engine of around 350 cc and about 25 HP of power. It could even be air-cooled, maintaining that retro spirit so characteristic of the GN acronym.
The result would be interesting to say the least and would also help Suzuki to be able to stand up to reference models within the citizen-oriented A2 category. We are referring, of course, to the current Honda GB350S and Royal Enfield HNTR 350, among others. Simple motorcycles technically speaking but that have a very special charm.
This resides mainly in a classic line that encompasses the historical design of both brands. In fact, Suzuki maintains this approach in both its GN 160 and the 125 cc version. Even the latter reminds us of those eighties models with which the Japanese brand spread these well-known acronyms throughout half the world.
In short, an idea that is still on the table, although for now it does not seem that those from Hamamatsu are very willing to satisfy our wishes with a GN 350?… For example. In any case we will be attentive to any news regarding the range of Suzuki models. Who knows, we might get a surprise sooner rather than later.
