Suzuki Motorcycles India is all set to launch the Slingshot 125 in India tomorrow at a launch function in Delhi, followed by a Western India launch on the 31st of August 2010. The bike is Suzuki’s latest entrant into the 125cc segment. The bike is expected to be powered by the same 125cc engine that currently powers the Suzuki Heat and Zeus commuter motorcycles. The engine will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox. This bike follows the latest trend of offering a radical or youthful design in the commuter segment, much like the Honda Twister/Stunner, Yamaha Gladiator 125 etc. The Slingshot makes use of smart platform sharing by using body and/or mechanical components from the Heat, Zeus and even the GS150R. Apart from the platform sharing, it is said that the bike won’t be incorporating any disc-brake option either to keep the costs down and the spy shot of the wheel suggests just that.
Speaking of the price, our sources tell us that the bike is expected to cost between Rs. 48,000 to Rs. 54,000 ex-showroom. This price tag should give the bike a competitive edge over its rivals like the Honda Stunner and the recently launched Yamaha SS125. While the Stunner and the SS125 offer a quarter fairing and a bikini fairing respectively, the Slingshot will incorporate a sharper street-fighter design with a chiseled headlight and a naked instrumentation console. No digital readout expected on this one – just an analogue speedometer, tell tale lights. gear indicator and fuel gauge. Apart from the regular Red, Black, Navy Blue and Silver, the Slingshot will be available in the GS150R’s orange shade and a yellow colour scheme never seen before on a Suzuki India vehicle.