Suzuki Hayate – Review

Suzuki does a dabangg with its newly launched 112 cc motorcycle Hayate. With this mass commuter bike Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd would be hoping to carve its pie out of the  100-110 cc segment which contributes the major sales numbers in the Indian bike segment. It also fills the gap for Suzuki where it does not have a presence in under 125cc segment so far which is dominated by Hero MotorCorp, followed by Bajaj and TVS and also has a new challenger in Honda’s offering ‘Dream Yuga’.

Can Suzuki’s Hayate take on the biggies and deliver a Dabangg super hit with the common man? Let’s find out.

Ask any true-blooded Indian automobile companies (read: Hero Motorcorp, Bajaj and TVS) and they would vouch that mass commuter segment is where money and volume is, though the high-end bikes gives the premium brand image and the much-needed brand image and buzz.  The vast Indian middle class population cannot be discounted and also the need for a good commuter bikes for young executives and marketing people. With aspirations increasing , it becomes increasingly more difficult to please the segment. You need a right mix of good looks, good mileage, good life as well as value for money to see the sales figures surge ahead.

Look wise, Suzuki Hayate definitely looks pleasing. Just because it’s a 12.8 cc motorcycle and aimed at the entry-level segment does not mean it should be de-glamorized, definitely Suzuki does not seem to believe so. Hayate is decent in looks and this workhorse from Suzuki sports simple but aesthetic designing and style inspired by Suzuki’s own Zeus and Sling Shot bikes.

Hayate which in Japanese translates to ‘fresh breeze’ is characterized by a good build quality, robust yet basic design, a dash of sportiness in an urbanized elements. Living up to its name’s Japanese meaning, it spreads in a fresh breeze of styling in the mass commuter segment. Understated yet elegant.

Sports a splendid clear head light now a benchmark of Suzuki series of bikes. The design element follows the lines of its other models in India.

Being a mass commuter bike catering to entry-level segment, you get a basic instrument cluster with all analogue meter that gives you the basic readings. Notice the wavy design around the instrument panel, that is one small thoughtful addition that breaks the monotony of bland design.

The rear is minimalistic yet well-rounded and looks nice.

The wavy pattern on the plastic continues to the side where the battery nests.

The exhaust looks sleek and well-defined in an all-black powder coat.

Hayate is equipped with a  telescopic, coil Spring, oil damped front suspension and 5 step adjustable swing arm rear shock suspension.

The good looks flows into the wheels too with this 5 spoke aluminium cast wheels.

Well rounded, sturdy – it did catch my attention!

The under-seat storage for your bike papers and tool kit. It could be unlocked through a key in the rear end of the bike below the seat.

Powering the Suzuki Hayate is an air-cooled, 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, SOHC engine that delivers a modest 8.4 BHP. The engine too is coated in black like most body parts and the all-black gives a premium feel to the bike.

Pleasantly, Hayate does come with both kick-start only and a kickstart plus electric start option. Press the starter button and the Hayate comes to life with a mild note. Gear it up and thrust the throttle, it surges ahead smoothly. A good road grip and an easy handling makes the bike a truly commuter friendly. Add to it good cornering ability, good seating and stance. For a 112 cc bike, it behaves well in all counts and performs well.

Suzuki Hayate Colors:

Hayate is available in choice of 5 colors: Metallic lush green, Sparkle black, metallic flint grey, Pearl mirage white, Pearl Mira Red.

 Suzuki Hayate mileage, pricing,  and the verdict:

With Hayate, you can expect a decent mileage of 65-70 Kmpl. Suzuki Hayate is available at Delhi at ex-showroom price of Rs 38,212 for kick-start model and Rs.40,212 for self start model (Bangalore ex-showroom price of Rs. 40,590 for kick-start only model and Rs.42,590 for self start model) and at this price it certainly is the cheapest Japanese bike round the corner.  But Suzuki has to ward off tough competition from Hero’s Splendor and Bajaj’s Discover series and Honda’s newly launched Dream Yuga. It’s a heated up market and eventually like in Bollywood no one can predict if a model would make a box office hit like Dabangg. Let’s wait and watch for the common man’s verdict. All we can say is Suzuki has a good addition to its portfolio.