Suzuki India to mark its presence with CKD imports!

Yes, the time has come.
With Yamaha launching the YZF-R1 and MT-01 last month, Suzuki too plans to get not only the high end machines, but also CKD (completely knocked down) kits of smaller capacity bikes to India.

CKD : CKD means completely knocked down kits. In this case, the bikes are assembled here in India. CKD, as compared to CBUs (completely built units, like the R1) attract a much lower custom duty and hence CKDs are cheaper.

While everything will be revealed at the upcoming Auto Expo 2008, here is what may make it to India.

1. Suzuki RMZ-450


Racing (dirt and tarmac) is picking up in India. I was at the final round of the MRF Supercross in Bangalore, and there was this guest rider, Mitch, from Canada on a Suzuki. He just thrashed everyone left, right and center!
Suzuki may want to mark its presence with the 450 RMZ in India.
The bike is powered by a four-stroke 450cc mill.
Read more about the bike HERE

2. Suzuki GS500


The GS500 has been living on for ages. Over the years, the Japanese giant has made some changes, the most striking one being the full fairing version, called the GS500F.
We think that they should get the fully faired version for India.
The 51bhp engine is good enough to push the bike upto an indicated 180km/h given the road with a 0-100km/h timing of around 4.5 secs. Not bad at all!
The bike returns around 20-22kmpl in city.
The USP will be low pricing. The 500F sells for USD5199 in USA. As a CKD bike, with less duties, the bike can be priced as low as 3.5 lacs ex-showroom in India!

Read more about the bike HERE

3. Suzuki GSR600

Suzuki made us happy with the B-King and the GSR600 is nothing but a baby B-king with a smaller 600cc engine.
The GSR600's heart is a 599cc, 16-valve, fuel-injected, in-line four-cylinder - which has been ripped from the 2005-spec GSX-R600, which makes it quite a potent little beastie indeed. The engine punches out close to 100bhp!
Read more HERE

We expect the bike to be priced at around Rs 4.5 lacs (ex-showroom again...)

Cross your fingers, lets hope the Auto Expo has good news for us!