Suzuki
Suzuki has reported net motorcycle sales revenue and unit sales considerably down for the 12 months of its financial year ending March 31st, 2021 (its '2020' financial year) but, in the context of its prior performances on higher unit volumes and revenue, the company has acted decisively to control costs, defend (indeed improve) its 'bottom line' and give itself a robust foundation for the coming months and years.
At 206.5bn yen, net sales in its motorcycle business were down by -14.9% (-36.1bn yen) for the 12-month period - due in large part to a decline in unit sales that was most pronounced in April to June 2020 and the effect on model mix revenue generation of declines being most pronounced in its sales of large displacement motorcycles. Sales of smaller displacement machines didn't escape unscathed though - sales were down in markets such as India and the ASAN countries.
However, segment operating profit increased strongly at 2.6bn yen - up by 1.9bn yen year-on-year (+271%), with Suzuki citing decreased expenses and improved motorcycle quality as the principal drivers.
2022 GSX-S1000
By Ben Purvis
Having already worked magic by creating the Katana and V-Strom 1050 from existing parts, Suzuki has turned its attention to the GSX-S1000 for 2022.
Under the skin, the latest GSX-S1000 is very much an evolution of its predecessor. The chassis is a carry-over, as are the suspension, wheels and brakes, while the engine has tweaks to meet the latest Euro 5 emissions limits, but remains largely the same as the old model.
That is no bad thing as it is a descendent of the legendary 2005 GSX-R1000 K5 engine. The Euro 5 tweaks include new cams and valve springs, revised throttle bodies and new airbox and exhaust.
Power is pegged at 150 hp, up a couple on last year's model, and now arrives at 11,000 rpm instead of 10,000 rpm. On the flipside, the fuel consumption is worse than before, dropping from 53.3 mpg to 46.3 mpg, although Suzuki has increased the tank size from 17 l to
19 l to compensate. A bi-directional quickshifter comes as standard for 2022, along with a one-touch starter and an anti-stall system that automatically increases revs as the clutch is let in.
The styling is all flat surfaces and razor edges. Suzuki has shifted the visual mass of the bike forwards, while the new stacked headlight unit is sunk back between jutting side panels.
The GSX-S1000 reaches dealers in June and will cost less than the MT-10 and the CB1000R Plus.
