⌛ Suzuki (Ph) importing big bikes

Got an email from Suzuki Philippines company representative and YES, Suzuki here are importing some big bikes (if you have not heard). The launch is today (friday).

These bikes are the 650 Gladius, GXR 1000 and the 1300 Hyabusa.
Not sure why they choose the later two as servicing would be a nightmare anywhere outside of Manila.

Suzuki build excellent DZR 250's and 400's and the DR 650 which I would have thought more suitable and sales wize, how big is the market here for a 300km motocycle ?

 

hey sid, are you the same australian in MCP who made several post regarding the Vstrom?

So they don't have the VStrom huh? Or the Intruder?

 

Yeah I would also be quite interested in an Intruder

 

This is very great news indeed. I guess Suzuki beat the rest to the punch in the import department. Too bad Honda can't fo the same for the CBR or Yamaha for the R series sportbikes. We have to contend with the gray market for these although they say that the taxes are cheaper via the latter than from the actual dealer/company.

The DZR is a great bike for our island! The best of both worlds and perhaps a runner-up to BMW's GS series which has caught on so much popularity thanks to Long Way Down with Ewan McGregor et al. My guess would be that it would sell stronger than its sport counterpart since its easier to handle and won't heat up as quickly as a sportbike.

Suzuki sportbikes will sell here to a select few and the Hayabusa will only be limited to the pure enthusiast who will have the cash (and guts) to get this rocket on two wheels. It is a serious bike no doubt that will need extra riding experience skills to bring out its full potential.

Bring 'em on! :D

 

Yup. there are quite a few big bikes in the Manila area. The Japanese bikes (and a Ducati or two) behind my Harley Sportster are just a few of the large cc bikes that are owned by members of the Manila based Club 200.

These 2 photos were taken about 15 months ago at a hotel here in Bacolod when some of the members were on a cruise of Negros island.

I would say there were about 20 bikes in the group ... I had lots of photos of these bikes, but unfortunatly they are gone now.

Anyway, you can see a few of them here.

I believe some of the bikes are more than likely "grey area" pieces.

Good bunch of guys in this group ...

 

big bikes

Aying, I am the same guy on MCP. I raised the issue of a rusting frame and poor welds on the forum, about my 2009 XR. Honda Ph. have given the local dealer a new frame as a replacement, but not sure I will go ahead. The bike is running OK, and I am not sure I will end up with a good outcome because of the local dealer skill levels. Honda PH seems to have stopped production of the XR, "don't blame me". Advertised price is/was 131,900p

Hyabusa is a strange model to introduce. If Suzuki Ph wanted a "flagship" model, thought the GXR 1000 would have fitted that spot. The Hyabusa's 1300cc, 300kph has very limited sales compared to the GXR 1000 or 600. In fact I think the sales volume of the Busa would not make the top 30 in any country.

I keep sending emails to Suzuki PH encouraging the company to import more user friendly (for the Ph) type bikes like the road trail, 250's 400 or 650.

It will be interesting to see there retail price, I guess 450,000 or more for the Gladius, too much.

 

I've read what you posted on MCP too, and someone did mention like 400-450k for the Wee-Strom. Is that correct?

Sid, When in the Philippines, you stay in Dumaguete?

I agree with you in the 'Busa. Besides, its kind of "useless" for the 'Busa here. No real roads to run and use its power. Even the other big bikes here are not used to their full extent, how much more that. Anyone who buys it, would buy it for "show" only.

 

479,000p for 650

The Gladius is 479,000p, which I think is over priced, a shame. Kuyaoli has imported a DR 650, see MCP, it looks excellent, and would be my pick. Thats a 400 and 650 Suzuki singlies imported in the last few weeks.

I live in San Carlos but am movng to ILoILo next week (if all goes well).

 

Sid,

Is that DR650 similar to the Vstrom?

 

Both have the same 650 V twins, perhaps at different states of tune. Gladius is a road bike, the V Strom is road/trail.

There are pictures of both on MCP