Started in a small warehouse by Michio Suzuki back in 1909,
Suzuki aimed at making better looms for the Japanese silk
industry. It was only thirty years after its existence that the
company started thinking of diversifying into cars, motorcycles
and related machinery. In fact, it was only after the collapse of
the cotton market in 1951, that Suzuki seriously got into the
motorcycle and car industry.
One of the first two-wheeled innovations by Suzuki was a
motorized bicycle called the "Power Free". This bicycle was so
ingeniously designed that the government of Japan gave Suzuki a
subsidy in order to continue their research in motorcycle and car
innovation. As time progressed, the company started to build
better and better motorcycles. And by 1962, Suzuki Motorcycles
had won their first 50cc Grand Prix World Championship.
By the late 60s, the company had become known and respected in
the American and European motorbike world. One of their
best-selling machines during this time period was the Suzuki X-6
Hustler, which was the fastest Japanese 250cc for that time.
Suzuki Motorcycles also gained fame in the motocross world. In
the 60s and 70s, motocross racing was largely dominated by
European motorcycle manufacturers. Japanese motorcycles did not
have much of a presence or respect in this arena, but during this
time, Suzuki Motorcycles won the World Championship several times
between 1971 and 1976 in the 500cc MX race. In addition to this,
the company also won every 125cc world championship from 1975 to
1984.
By the late ‘80s, Suzuki had gained the respect of all within the
racing community at the highest levels. One of the best Suzuki
Motorcycles of this era was the GSX–R750. Its design and energy
was unbeatable and, at that time, it was the lightest bike around
in its class.
The Suzuki GSX-R was without any doubt one of the most important
and influential motorcycles of the 80s. Even now, twenty years
later, you will find the GSX–R line in Suzuki Motorcycles current
catalog. In fact you will find it in several sizes ranging from 600cc to 1000cc.
Since the GSX–R750, Suzuki Motorcycles has come with many other
successful models and today, Suzuki is a well-known name in the
Motorcycling world . The company has won over a dozen World
Championships along with many other races. Their long-standing
emphasis on innovation as well as their meticulous care in
craftsmanship has lead the company from strength to strength for
more than 50 years.
For all this Suzuki is now one of the four big names in the
Japanese motorcycles industry. If you are planning in buying on
changing your ride, their models must be included in your list of
possibilities.
Enjoy the Ride!
Daniel Levy is the owner and contributing writer of
http://www.Japanese-Motorcycles-Only.com . He loves motorcycles
and Web development. For more great info visit his site (listed
above) or his blog at:
http://japanese-motorcycles-only.blogspot.com/