Suzuki Zeus Launch

As promised, I went. It was quite a laugh, actually. First of all, they'd already showed the Zeus at the Auto Expo 2006. So the bike under the white veil was not a new sight. Then they had a couple of Ukrainian/Caucasian chicks in skimpy non-Suzuki coloured lycra thingies come and do a fifteen minute ta-daa session for the Mumbai press photogs. That was too funny. Even despite both the girls being very nubile and all of that sort of thing.

Had a chance to speak with Takata San later. He said Suzuki intended to breach the 5,00,000 unit sales mark by... wait for it... as soon as possible. Right. Big bikes? Not anytime soon, said the man, very clear that Suzuki intends to consolidate market share before it does anything else. I think the bike will sell in small numbers but this is not going to be a commercial success that will threaten Bajaj or Hero Honda. Suzuki are claiming that the high torque engine (10 nm at just 3500 rpm) will deliver 70 kpl in real world conditions, give or take ten per cent, so that is in the ball park. Below is the full press release, verbatim.

Suzuki Unveils Zeus
~ 125 cc bike to be targeted at the youth ~

Mumbai, May 16 2006: Suzuki, the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer, today launched Suzuki Zeus, 125 cc single cylinder bike. Katsumi Takata, Joint MD, and Deepak Pandey, All India Head, Sales and Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycles India unveiled the bike in Mumbai today.

Zeus is introduced with the objective of providing the Indian consumers a refreshing new feel in the commuter market category (100-125cc) and is targeted towards young college students and executives, who want contemporary styling clubbed with excellent performance.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Katsumi Takata, Joint MD, Suzuki Motorcycles Indian Pvt Ltd said, 'Suzuki motorcycles have been indigenously developed and bear the stamp of quality and reliability that the brand is globally known for. These technological innovations are made available to our customers resulting in superior ride quality, with amazing fuel-efficiency at an affordable price. With this new generation of motorcycles, Suzuki promises to meet every expectation of consumers in terms of technology, styling and performance.'

'Zeus is an indicator of our efforts to offer world class technology adapted for the Indian conditions that offers maximum value to our discerning customers who can certainly look forward to more offerings in the future,' he added.

Zeus comes with with contemporary styling, exhilarating performance, great sensory appeal, trust, low operative cost and excellent fuel efficiency. The motorcycle will be available in 3 vibrant colours (Candy Antares Red, Pearl Nebular Black and Metallic Titanium Gold) and will have special features like round crank shaft, all aluminium engine, hi-tech spark plug, advanced transmission (5 gears), disc brake, de-compression valve, primary kick mechanism and gear shift indicators.
The futuristic air-cooled four-stroke engine, developed specially for the Indian customer, powers Suzuki's new offering. The contemporary styling, great finishing, plenty of quality chrome and thoughtful details touches like an engine guard which adds to the bike on styling front and rear foot guard for the pillion rider is going to position the new motorcycles as 'the preferred bikes.'

Zeus has been developed after extensive market research and it will reinforce the commitment and support from the parent company - Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan.

Zeus is priced competitively and provides better value by way of performance - fuel efficiency, reliability, durability etc. Zeus is available at an introductory price of Rs 46084 ex-showroom Mumbai [for the disc Zeus. Drum to be introduced later. Heat is Rs 40623 ex-Mumbai. As of May 16, 2006. Oh and that is the girl (below) who looked prettier of the two, for the record]

Other posts about
All the 125s: Table
Hero Honda Glamour FI: Release
Yamaha Gladiator: Images Launch Expo photos Expo text Compared to the Shine
Suzuki Heat: Expo text Expo photos Zeus Ride Report
Honda Shine: Mumbai launch TVC criticism Launch Compared to the Gladiator
TVS Victor Edge/GLX: Launch

New Zeus and Heat from Suzuki

Like I (and about 6 million other people - who voted by not buying any) have said in the past, Suzuki's Zeus and Heat were good enough motorcycle-wise but complete duds value-wise. Well, here's a pic that could change that a bit...

“The Joy Of Riding” Comes True Suzuki unleashes its upgraded motorcycles

Mumbai, 23rd Jan 07: Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of one of the world’s leading two-wheeler manufacturer Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan has upgraded their existing two motorcycles Zeus and Heat. The Zeus will now be available in three exciting variants Zeus DU, Zeus EU and at the top end the Zeus CD. Entering the two-wheeler segment recently, SMIPL has strategically planned to upgrade their motorcycles to meet the demands of the 125cc segment.

The three variants of Zeus will target young college students and executives, who want contemporary styling clubbed with excellent performance. Zeus CD the top end variant will be fitted with attractive new features like Alloy wheels, Self-Start, Disc Brakes & Top of the line body graphics. The Zeus EU will be equipped with alloy wheels, self-start & new body graphics. The Zeus DU will now be fitted with a self-starter. The commonality of all three bikes is a clear lens indicator and an all-aluminum engine powered with the state-of-the art XTP technology (Extra Torque Performance) engine that boasts of Suzuki’s cutting edge technology. The Zeus CD, Zeus EU and Zeus DU will be priced at Rs. 46326, Rs. 44726 and Rs. 42725 respectively, ex-showroom Delhi.

In addition to upgrading the Zeus, SMIPL has also enhanced the Heat motorcycle. This product will have all new body graphics and alloy wheels, which will give the motorcycle a new look and feel. The new Heat will be priced at Rs 35100, ex- showroom Delhi.

The three new Zeus variants and the Heat will be available in four exciting colors at the 105 Suzuki dealerships across India, and would for the first time carry the metallic S logo emblem on the fuel tank.

“Zeus & Heat our two motorcycles which were launched in 2006 have had a very positive response from consumers. At Suzuki we always believe in innovating and re- inventing our products and therefore we have upgraded our two motorcycles Zeus & Heat to offer consumers an advanced riding experience. Sales to-date of our motorcycles has been phenomenal and we are sure that the upgraded versions will exceed customer expectations in all aspects.”, said - Mr. Katsumi Takata, Joint Managing Director Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd.

Suzuki Zeus Ride Report

I finally managed to snag a ride on the new Suzuki Zeus. In a word? Okay.

The good news

• The engine's a beaut in behaviour terms, between 2500 and 5500 rpm, it's
  a brilliant, creamy, effortless performer. Outside of that? Look in the bad news
• The powertrain is very refined. No vibes, no snatches, no snags, no jerks
  Just pure, liquid energy coursing its way to the rear wheel
  
• The gearbox shifts positively, and is very slick. Slightly notchy still, but my bike had just about 40 km on the clock when I rolled out of the showroom
  
• Grips and vibe dampers are both of exceptional quality
• Feels very stable on the brakes. Brakes well, with feel. Pricol master
  cylinder looks good too
• Mirrors are good, stay vibe free, more or less and are very adjustable for
  a superb rear view
• Seat appears to be comfy. My ride lasted a bit more than an hour. No aches
• Key is a nice one. Very similar to a Hayabusa key, they tell me
• Fairly 'thumpy' (likeable) exhaust note
• Meters looks very clean, very readable. Very er... businesslike
• Short, even stubby tank is a nice one to hug. Feels good. Tucking ankles all the way in along the leading edge of well-bulged sidepanels feels good
• Fairing looks good on it own. The four-screw fly screen looks great. Is a little lost on the black bike, though
• Decal quality is very high
• Street oriented quick turning sort of handling package. No comment on high speed stability and cornering ability yet
  

The bad news

• The engine seems to have little or no zest below 2500 and runs very obviously out of breath just past 7000 rpm. I understand that the torque peak is an unprecedented 4000 rpm and all, but running out of breath almost before stuff like the Bajaj Discover has even peaked!
• No alloys
• No electric starter model yet
• Front-end feels a bit bouncy when riding single (no comments on two up riding, none done)
• Switchgear, while comprehensive, feels below par. Especially detest, even abhor, the pass switch, feels spongy and unresponsive. Most of the time, I could not tell if the headlight came on or not. That sucks.
• The gear indicator looks gizmo-ey, and isn't of any use whatsoever. Especially with a gearbox this slick and well-tuned
• Neutral can be obstinate if you've already stopped. Very easy to get if you're still rolling, though
• Engine cowl is useless. In black, it's just too hidden to actually add/subtract from the Zeus' looks
• Sidepanels are screw type... slightly unsafe
• Indicators look a bit big, and too stodgy square. Could have been a sleeker shape
  
• Ride quality overall is a bit on the bouncy side. I'd say Disco and Gladiator definitely ride better than this. Shine is even, I think

Verdict
I'm not impressed. It isn't a poor bike by any standard, but the most attractive part of the Suzuki Zeus (and Heat) appears to be the engine. Especially in heavy to light traffic. On the open road, I can't help but think that the bike will be nowhere. Further, there are better overall packages on sale right now, and the Zeus, unlike the Heat does not even enjoy a price advantage. To make matters worse, while some parts are of noticeably higher quality than the competition, others feel below par (the chain tensioners at the end of the swingarm are HORRIFYINGLY shoddy). A bit of mish-mash really.

Outlook: I don't see Suzuki making a significant dent in the 125cc market with these motorcycles. The Heat looks very, very rural and not one city type will get caught dead on one. On the other hand, the Zeus is very anonymous to look at and I don't think quality (that too in fits and starts) alone will be enough. Er.. so sorry.

My picks in the 125? Still Disco and Gladiator.

Other posts about
All the 125s: Table
Hero Honda Glamour FI: Release
Yamaha Gladiator: Images Launch Expo photos Expo text Compared to the Shine
Suzuki Heat: Expo text Expo photos
Honda Shine: Mumbai launch TVC criticism Launch Compared to the Gladiator
TVS Victor Edge/GLX: Launch

Suzuki Heat

Well, ladies and gentlemen, I've managed to snag an entry pass to the press conference where Suzuki will officially launch the Heat and Zeus 125cc motorcycles today. So there will be pics, the full release text and stuff up here by afternoon, Indian time. Stay tuned. Meantime, you have seen my posts on the Gladiator and the headache of a table comparing the specs of all the 125cc bikes (Bajaj Discover, Hero Honda Glamour, Yamaha Gladiator, Suzuki Heat/Zeus and TVS Victor Edge/GLX), right?

Other posts about
All the 125s: Table
Hero Honda Glamour FI: Release
Yamaha Gladiator: Images Launch Expo photos Expo text Compared to the Shine
Suzuki Heat: Expo text Expo photos Zeus Ride Report
Honda Shine: Mumbai launch TVC criticism Launch Compared to the Gladiator
TVS Victor Edge/GLX: Launch

Et tu Zeus?

And this is the Suzuki Heat/Zeus duet, 125cc motorcycles due to be launched in India by the end of March 2006. Scroll down and look at the Honda Shine, do you spot a similarity? Yes, they're both extremely pedestrian to look at. The spec levels look low and value perceptions are going to be skewed against them by their natural bent towards premium pricing. What do these guys think? That they're in Vietnam? That Indian riders will swoon, fall on their knees and chant hail marys because the badge comes from Japan?

Two flops then?

Other posts about
All the 125s: Table
Yamaha Gladiator: Images Launch Expo photos Expo text Compared to the Shine
Suzuki Heat: Expo text Expo photos Zeus Ride Report
Honda Shine: Mumbai launch TVC criticism Launch Compared to the Gladiator
TVS Victor Edge/GLX: Launch

Two Wheels at Auto Expo 2006

Oh boy, did Bajaj put the monkey on everyone's back or what. I went to the Expo expecting to see either a lot of launch-ready bikes. Or none.

I got both! Yamaha and Suzuki both lay waste acres and acres of prime exhibition real estate with all manner of exciting machinery. Each one labeled 'Reference Exhibit.' Which translates loosely to 'You can see, drool, dream and eventually beg, but you are not getting any.'

Suzuki went on to show the Heat and Zeus (in pic) twins as launch prospects during the show. And Yamaha put two rather over-the-top Gladiator monikered things on their stand as well.

Here's the problem. The Heat and Zeus look too anonymous from the word go and I doubt that exceptional quality is going to pull in the customers. Because quality aside, they offer nothing new. More importantly, I can imagine customers not buying a model due to low quality (perception or reality), but I cannot imagine people flocking to a product only for its exceptional quality. I could be wrong, though, what do you think?

The Gladiators were supposed to be concepts, showing two directions Yamaha could take. And they were interesting too, but Bajaj literally yanked the rug right out from under their sidetands.

On the Bajaj stand was a Pulsar, due June 2006 (guessing), which sported fuel injection, projector lamps, twin discs (front and rear), tubeless tyres on alloy rims, split seat and grab rail, evolved styling... Jesus, I think I asked the chap manning the stand over and over whether they were sure they were going to launch it. I even recall one very worried looking Yamaha official reading the spec sheet next to the stand. Heh heh!

While Bajaj's men at the stall refused to say what capacity the bike will be, I believe it should be a 225cc or so, not the 250 everyone really wants. The Pulsar engine platform, I think, won't allow that big a capacity jump.

Then again, Rajiv Bajaj was clear that they were only letting out information that they wanted to, so there could be more to the DTS-Fi than meets the eye. I sure am hoping there is, of course.

Not content with blowing the socks of everyone within 200 m of the bike, Bajaj also showed their slashy new Pulsar 180 (expect a launch 150cc also, say April? Guesstimate.).

The Sonic will be another superb addition to the range. It looks modern, stylish and with a 125cc engine, it will be fast enough to excite.

Ditto the Blade scooter.

These, remember, are all set for a 2006 calendar year launch. My word, they've been busy.

And more power to them, I say.

Photos posted

Other posts about
Bajaj Pulsar (220) DTS-Fi: Basic information Detailed specs and photos
All the 125s: Table
Yamaha Gladiator: Images Launch Expo photos Expo text Compared to the Shine
Suzuki Heat: Expo text Expo photos Zeus Ride Report
Honda Shine: Mumbai launch TVC criticism Launch Compared to the Gladiator
TVS Victor Edge/GLX: Launch

Auto Expo 2008: Suzuki

Suzuki showed the second saddest of all two-wheeled Auto Expo stalls. If you entered at the centre, the left was all Vietnam. I mean, Access and Zeus and Heat. Urgh. Good bikes, but kind of under-speced, no? In the middle were the Biplane concept and the 2008 Hayabusa (which looks rather nice, I thought). The right side were the DR-Z450 Supermotard, lovely white-silver GSX-R1000, Suzuki B-King (monster), a Bandit and one scooter, the Burgman 400. Nope, nothing to show for it really. Suzuki, of course, have said that big bikes are coming. Fingers crossed. I'd tip the Busa and the GSX-R1000 as the bikes to watch for. Also, Suzuki will launch its 150cc class contender in April 2008. Again, I hope for their sake, its an India-ready bike, not a Vietnamese misunderstanding.

Related links:

• Auto Expo 2008: Bajaj Discover 150, Blade & XCD Sp...
• Auto Expo 2008: Bajaj-Kawasaki
• Auto Expo 2008: Bajaj-KTM
• Auto Expo 2008: Hero Honda
• Auto Expo 2008: Honda
• Auto Expo 2008: Kinetic
• Auto Expo 2008: Royal Enfield
• Auto Expo 2008: Suzuki
• Auto Expo 2008: TVS Concepts
• Auto Expo 2008: Yamaha YZF-R15 & FZ
• Auto Expo 2008: Electric bikes/Chinese Manufacture...
• Auto Expo 2008: Sparx, KBC Helmets
• Auto Expo 2008: Triumph
• Bajaj Discover 150, Blade and more

Auto Expo Photos

Bajaj Sonic DTSi	Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi new version
Both new Bajaj Pulsars	Suzuki Zeus
Yamaha Gladiator 1	Yamaha Gladiator 2
Bajaj Pulsar DTS-Fi	Bajaj Blade DTSi

Other posts about
Bajaj Pulsar (220) DTS-Fi: Basic information Detailed specs and photos
All the 125s: Table
Yamaha Gladiator: Images Launch Expo photos Expo text Compared to the Shine
Suzuki Heat: Expo text Expo photos Zeus Ride Report
Honda Shine: Mumbai launch TVC criticism Launch Compared to the Gladiator
TVS Victor Edge/GLX: Launch

Rearset's Annual Motorcycle Awards: List Two

Still here, so what of the year
Hero Honda CD-Deluxe

Despite the brand new engine, it changed absolutely nothing. That has to be an achievement. Imagine if the US launched a Space Shuttle, which returned after years in orbit and billions of spent dollars. The first words the astronaut says, 'Well, the shuttle runs quieter than before. And... yeah, that's it.'

Too late of the year
TVS Flame

The Flame is the motorcycle that the GLX upgrade (cosmetic upgrade 2007) should have been. Then, by now, the court case would have been closer to a solution. And TVS's sales wouldn't have been at half-mast. I mean flagging.

Famous no show of the year
Bajaj Sonic

So much for Collection 2006, the theme of Bajaj's 2006 Auto Expo Stall. The Sonic, which still gets an enormous amount of web traffic at this blog is still firmly under wraps. Don't tell me they'll unveil the upgraded Sonic at the Auto Expo...

Rehash of the year
Suzuki Zeus CD

'Hey, the Zeus isn't selling, wonder why?'
'Let's do a customer poll.'

'What do you mean they miss the electric starter, alloy wheels and stuff that the competition we have. Can't they see the build quality'

'Oh all right, have it your way. Call so-and-so-san and ask him to send you the production specs for the alloy-electric-disc version.... Can't believe they didn't spot the amazing build quality. Nuts-san!'

Worst named bike of the year
Hero Honda Hunk

Self-explanatory. Cue rustic, lantern-jowled man in black muscle tee pumping iron while indiscriminately leering at female passers-by from shop window. Ugh.

Disaster of the year
Hero Honda Spendor NXG

The idea was to fiddle as little with the super-acceptable Splendor package and create a replacement that would eventually take over from the ageing, slow, stupid sterile Splendor. No such luck, I'm afraid.

Product of the year
Electric bikes

Ecoweenies be damned. Anything that has a top speed of 40 kph, takes ages to get to it is a hazard of a public road, no matter whether it has zero tailpipes or eight. Unless all you plan to do is go to the shops to buy toothbrush replacements, steer clear until their performance becomes more respectable.

Did not notice it only of the year
Hero Honda Karizma R

What's there to notice? The additional plastic does not an all-new bike make. Ditto yellow clock faces.

Most improved bike of the year
Honda Unicorn

What can I say? The black alloys cut down the 0-60 kph time by 0.4 seconds. Polished engine fins and red text on the crankcase is worth an extra 6 kph. Absolutely amazing. No wonder the sales are up 20 percent. Or something like that.

Most meaningful cosmetic upgrade of the year
Hero Honda Hunk

What well-crafted plastic will do, eh? The best bike of last year, gets the best plastic of this year. Then gets saddled with a name that will, in time, become a nomenclature nadir of some repute. So close, yet so far...

Manufacturer of the year
Yamaha

I made a list of launches this year. There was one name missing. . Then, they made up for it. And how.



Read about last year's, erm, winners

Rearset's Annual Motorcycle Awards: List Two

Worst Bike of the Year
Kinetic Stryker

Wins this award for its all round excellence [sic]. The great looking motorcycle [sic] blew everyone at this blog away (me) with its superb attention to detail [sic], brand new technology [resonator, sic]. It also impressed [sic] by selling in single digits right from its launch onwards. Brilliant.

Flimsiest Bike of the Year
Kinetic Blaze and Stryker

Kinetic scores a double from the far touchline! The Blaze appears to have a engine that actually rotates around the suspension, a plethora of a unmatched [as in not fitting, as opposed to unequalled] panels, produces a bagful of screws when you undo them, requires at least four types of spanners to change the rear wheel (only three included in tool kit). Plus the new disc brake version appears to have been hacksawed to make a hole for the master cylinder. For Stryker refer WBOTY.

Worst named Bike of the Year
Hero Honda Pleasure

Here is a name that straddles the erotic, homo-erotic and the simplistic in one, optimistic, far-reaching lunge. Sorry for any sexual innuendo in there, it's all unintended. Just like the scooter's name.

Least Original Bike of the Year
Hero Honda CD-Deluxe

Labelled all-new, the Hero Honda bike 'tackled friction' issues to produce that latest in a string of all-new products from the Haryana-based manufacturer. Plus new details.

Disaster of the Year
LML Limited

The near-demise of LML was mourned by one and all. And a few of us even missed the manufacturer a little. Unfortunately, the scooter to motorcycle manufacturer transition did not go well for the Kanpur-based manufacturer, which is really sad. The CRD100 and the Freedom both promised likeable, if funny looking, motorcycles to come. Not.

Product of the Year
Sony PS3

Still to be launched in India, the game console has already generated serious buzz in the international markets with the long queues, much speculation, few games and the Blu-Ray versus HD-DVD war. But the cool black one won us over. Now, when I can get one for this gratuitous plug?

Ugliest Bike of the Year
Hero Honda CBZ X-Treme and Suzuki Heat

What an exciting and close contest? At rearset's blog we were all astounded by how close my voting went. The sheer poke in the eye goitre-bikini on the CBZ versus the sheer pedestrian rustic-slap look of the Heat. Ultimately rearset gave the CBZ X-Treme 9.9 out of ten for ugliness and then, suprise, gave 9.9 on ten for ugliness to the Suzuki Heat as well!

Too Late Bike of the Year
Bajaj Pulsar DTS-Fi

This is how you nearly kill the most exciting bike of the year. Delay the launch. And again. And then some more. And a little more after that. And then some more for good measure. Why not a little more while we're at it. And finally, you do launch it. All 22 of them. At a superb (no, really) price. In one showroom in the country.... Aaargh.

Did Not Notice It Only of the Year
Suzuki Heat/Zeus

The dull, uninspiring Suzuki's were the easy winners of this hotly contested category. Of all the launches we did not notice in the country, the two russian girls ensured that the two forgettable motorcycles had the most memorable of the least memorable launches in the country.
NB: We'd have given the award to Yo Bikes, but we didn't notice the launch at all...

Most Improved Bike of the Year
Honda Unicorn

What have they done? Well, since the launch, they've fixed the tail piece. They've got new stickers. They've got electric start too. Great job. Honda is also likely to win next year's award, when they introduce alloy wheels. Wow!

Best Sticker Job of the Year
Hero Honda Glamour and TVS Apache

I decided to give this award to two bikes, instead of one (fits in with my everyone gets one guarantee, and is cool). The Hero Honda Glamour wins for having garish stickers EVERYWHERE (except handlebar grips, over the meter faces, footpegs, wheel rims and tyres). The TVS Apache wins for not having any.

Best Cosmetic Upgrade of the Year
TVS Victor GLX

If the bike were a beauty queen, the GLX would be guilty/proud of polishing off the entire range of Shahnaz's herbal goos. And don't it look smashing now?

Overemployed Platform of the Year
Bajaj Pulsar

150, 180, 200, 220. It's got it all. Rumours are floating about of a new BYP (Build Your Pulsar) program where you can order yourself a Pulsar built to your own custom displacement (166.81cc for me, please). Guaranteed to look exactly like any of the others.

Manufacturer Of The Year
TVS

For launching the Apache too late
Not launching an upgraded Apache in time
Not launching anything significant this year at all