A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

MANILA, Philippines - Recognizing the growing local automatic motorcycle market, Suzuki Philippines, Inc., (SPH) the country’s only integrated automobile and motorcycle company, launched its latest-generation scooter, the Suzuki Skydrive 125, last November 6 at the Blue Leaf McKinley Hill inside the Fort Global City in Taguig.

The new Suzuki Skydrive 125 is based on the SD concept motorcycle that was showcased in the 2008 Bangkok International Auto Show in Thailand. One of the SD concept bikes, the white SD, was brought to the Philippines and displayed by Suzuki in local motorcycle shows like the Motortrade Fiesta in Lucena and the various MotoFiesta events and it generated a lot of attention from most of the show goers.

Traditional Japanese Excellence

SPH pointed out that the new Suzuki Skydrive 125 is a fusion of tradition and innovation, using traditional Japanese icons as inspirations for its design features. Suzuki engineers were inspired by the Japanese cloth kimono for its beauty and design; the Japanese sword katana for its sharpness and agility; and the Japanese armor kabuto for its energy and strength and integrated these traditions into the Skydrive 125’s aesthetic and technical features.

To emphasize its adherence to Japanese traditions, Suzuki used traditional Japanese lanterns during the launch event and SPH officers led by its president Satoshi Uchida, managing director Catalina “Lyn” Calderon, Assistant Manager for Motorcycles Eiji Kobayashi and other high-ranking officers, performed the time-honored traditional Japanese tea ceremony and served their dealers and media guests as a symbol of partnership.

Technical Innovations

Based on the three traditional Japanese design elements, Suzuki incorporated the latest innovative technology into the Skydrive 125 to set it above its competition. An air-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder motor with single overhead camshaft (SOHC) and a Mikuni carburetor produces 6.9 KW (9.3hp) at 7500rpm and 9.6 Newton-meters of torque at 6500rpm for smart acceleration and unrivaled overtaking power. This Euro-2 emissions compliant motor is mated to a Super CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic for twist-and-go riding convenience and improved fuel efficiency.

Specifically-engineered telescopic front forks and rear swing arms tame the road undulations and provide the Skydrive 125 with uncommon agility and handling sharpness while front disc and rear drum brakes haul it effectively and effortless from speed. 14-inch cast wheels shod with 70/90-14 at the front and 80/90-14 at the rear transfer the Skydrive 125’s power and agility to the ground.

Convenience, Safety and Security

SPH’s Senior Marketing Manager for Motorcycles, Benedict Martin “Lakay” Arreola demonstrated several features of the Skydrive 125 that emphasized its convenience, safety and security features aside from its beauty, power and speed. A flat floor board, a personal under-seat compartment and a die-cast rear pillion-passenger footrest provide convenience to the rider while a sporty and highly-legible speedometer, bright multi-reflector headlamp, protective muffler guard and bright rear tail lamp increase the safety of the Skydrive 125 rider. A magnetic key shutter and steering head lock delivers additional security.

The Suzuki officers were delighted with the initial public response to the Skydrive 125 – they were able to sell 120 units during the first few days of its launch, proving the Philippine motorcycle market’s demand for styling and innovative automatic motorcycles. Available in Candy Summer Red, Pearl Mirage White and New Titan Black, the Suzuki Skydrive 125 is offered at an introductory price of P68,900 and it is available at Suzuki motorcycle dealers nationwide.