‘The Gixxer has given our brand a much-required boost’
Bike India was in conversation with Satoshi Uchida, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycles India Private Limited. Here are the excerpts
Bike India (BI): Suzuki have seen a lot of success with the Gixxer range. Please tell us about how the Gixxer series was conceived.
Satoshi Uchida (SU): We recognised the need for a sporty and exciting motorcycle for the young riders in India. Hence we introduced our flagship model boasting pioneer styling and sophisticated appearance combined with exceptional riding performance which would give the same riding pleasure as its bigger GSX-R siblings.
BI: What inspired Suzuki India to get into a one-make racing series with the Gixxer?
SU: Suzuki have a very strong global racing culture, and we wanted to introduce the same to our Indian fans and customers. It also coincided well with the return of Suzuki to MotoGP in 2015, and we decided to start the one-make race Gixxer Cup in India in the same year.
BI: How has the response been from the racers who have been a part of the Gixxer Cup?
SU: The riders who raced with us in the first season of the Gixxer Cup were thrilled and gave us a great positive feedback on the Suzuki Gixxer race machines. Many of them and their friends even bought Gixxers for their personal use. Thanks to the exciting first season, the 2016 season has brought in greater excitement and more entries.
BI: Suzuki have tied up with the Red Bull Road to Rookies Cup. What inspired the company to take this innovative and inspiring step?
SU: The whole idea of entering the racing arena is more than promoting our brand and culture. Development of the sport and sportspersons is of equal importance to Suzuki Motorcycle India. The Red Bull Road to Rookies Cup is the best launch-pad for our young riders to get to MotoGP: the pinnacle of motorcycle racing. To be competitive in the international arena, you need to start at an early age. Red Bull and Suzuki share a similar vision for racing, and it makes a great partnership to promote young riders.
BI: Suzuki have a rich history in motocross racing as well, but in India your focus is on promoting circuit racing. Please tell us if you are planning to invest time, money and effort in promoting motocross challenges in India as well.
SU: Suzuki have a great history internationally in off-road racing. However, the current regulations do not allow us to sell off-road motorcycles in India. Therefore, we are unable to pursue our motocross efforts in India. If the regulations change in the future, let’s see...
BI: We have been waiting eagerly for a powerful quarter-litre (250-cc) motorcycle from Suzuki. Are any plans afoot for such a motorcycle? Will it come to India any time soon?
SU: Moving up the displacement ladder is a natural progression. However, there are no plans at the moment. We shall keep studying the market for the future.
‘Suzuki have a very strong global racing culture, and we wanted to introduce the same to our Indian fans and customers’
BI: Suzuki’s Indian operations have gained considerable momentum since the arrival of the Gixxer. Please share with us the company’s vision for India.
SU: Yes, the Gixxer has given our brand a muchrequired boost. We hope to continue the same momentum and offer exciting products with superior value, focused on the Indian customer. Eventually, we would love to see more Suzuki two-wheelers on Indian roads.