Suzuki Hayate 110cc – Review based on a 1200 KM ride over 3 days:
The Japanese giant Suzuki could never etch a mark over the Indian soil. Even in its earlier joint venture with TVS, their bikes were good but never the most popular choice of the customers. Internationally, Suzuki has produced iconic motorcycles like the 1400cc Hayabusa and the liter class GSX-R but when it came to the Indian market which majorly runs on puny 100cc – 150cc bikes, Suzuki could never get huge success. Its earlier models like the Zeus and the Heat with their 125cc engines faded into oblivion. But lately Suzuki has got the right perspective on the Indian market.
Their current portfolio spreads across 125cc scooters, Access & Swish, a commuter motorcycle Hayate 110cc, an executive commuter Slingshot 125cc and a 150cc performance bike GS-150R. If you visit any big Suzuki showroom, you might even find the imports like Hayabusa, Gixxer, M1800 Intruder and the Suzuki Bandit. I would say that the current spread is just right. The only thing missing is the popularity. And by having Salman Khan as their brand ambassador, I think they are working towards that as well.
Now coming to the bike under the scanner, Hayate 110cc.
Before we begin,
Ques - Who buys a 110cc motorcycle?
Ans – Someone who is on a budget and looking for good fuel economy and comfort.
To be straight, a buyer of 110cc motorcycle does not expect style and performance. Why else do you think that the bad looking Splendor is the best selling bike in the world? But with Hayate, surprisingly you get style and performance also along with the other essentials. I am sharing this experience of mine based on continuously riding the bike for 1200 Km over 3 days. My chosen route was the smooth Bangalore > Hyderabad > Bangalore route. People asked me if I was mad to choose a 110cc bike for such a long tour. I wanted to bust the myth that small bikes are not fit for touring. It is not the bike but the Biker who should be fit for touring. Instead of dragging the discussion, let me straight get to the point.
How much does the bike cost?
It costs Rs.54500 on road in Bangalore. So it cheaper than the popular Splendor and yet has 10cc more displacement and more usable power. So hands down, Hayate wins the price battle in the commuter segment.
How much does it give?(mileage)
It gives anywhere between 48 to 65 Kmpl depending upon how you ride it. It gave 48 Kmpl when ridden at 80 – 90 Kmph and gave 65 Kmpl when ridden at 50 – 60 Kmph. This is at par with most 100cc bikes. But you are riding a 110cc bike mind you.
How fast does it go?
On a flat surface, it has touched 90 Kmph! and on a slope, it touched 97 Kmph! This is outstanding! You cannot even dream of touching those speeds on any other commuter motorcycle in India. So again, battle won.
How powerful is it?
There is plenty of power on the tap. The bike touches 70 Kmph very easily without any effort. Even from 70 to 90, the surges ahead beautifully. No other commuter bike can do this. I was cruising on the hi-way at 60. A truck stared honking from behind. I twisted the throttle and the bike quickly rose to 90 and the truck disappeared in my rear view mirrors. Amazing!
Is it stylish?
Style is a very subjective matter but I feel this bike is very stylish.
How reliable is it?
It is damn reliable. I have ridden it for 1200 Km continuously over 3 long days. It never stopped, never complained. Surprisingly, it is not effected by cross winds. That means that it is not shaken when a bigger vehicle like a truck zooms past you at triple digit speeds. That was very surprising. Because even bigger bikes which are between 150cc and 225cc are effected by cross winds. I don’t know if Suzuki has ever tested the bike inside a wind tunnel but it feels as if they did. It combats air resistance better than any other bike in India. I have become a big fan of the head light. This bike has got the best head light. It is better than even performance bikes like the Yamaha Fazer & R-15. The night road is illuminated so beautifully so that you can drive peacefully even in the dark. Specially the high beam is very powerful. The gear box with 4 well placed gears is very smooth. There were no false neutrals. No vibrations even at high speeds. Even after 1200 Km of riding, my bum wasn’t complaining. The seat and riding posture is super comfortable.
So there are no problems?
There are a few, but very small problems. The rear view mirrors could have been placed a little more outwardly. At the current setup, half of the rear view is obstructed by the rider’s elbow. So it does not give you lot of confidence when overtaking. The dipper/pass switch is missing. Of course, Suzuki never expected that someone like me would tour on their Hayate. So, it is of no concern for city riders. But on a hi-way, better placed mirrors and dipper switch help a lot during overtaking. I am very sure that any other commuter bike in India will have more problems than these.
Verdict – If you’re on a budget and want a brilliant bike, this is it. Don’t look any further. It is ultimate value for money. The overall quality feels better then even many 150cc bikes.