Suzuki’s Chinese partner Houjue showcased the DR300, which essentially is the Suzuki GSX-S300, at the 2018 Chongqing Motor Show in China. And recently some pictures that have surfaced on the internet show a new sportier version of the Suzuki GSX-S300 may be in the making.
The DR300 made by Houjue is already in production, in China, and has very sharp street fighter design. This version may be for the European market as the pictures show side reflectors, ABS brakes and extended number plate holder.
The motorcycle is powered by a twin-cylinder, 298cc, liquid-cooled engine and comes with a 6-speed gearbox. The current DR300 has LED headlights with daytime running lights, LED taillights and a fully digital instrument console. The new bike is expected to be equipped with a large diameter front disc brake with dual-channel ABS and a heavy duty front fork. The pictures suggest that the sportier GSX-S300 will sport a low slung dual LED headlights setup on the front but, other hardware may remain similar to the current DR300.
In India, the current Suzuki Gixxer 160 is powered by an air-cooled, 154.9cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 2- valve, SOHC engine that produces 14.8 PS of power @ 8000 RPM and 14 Nm of torque @ 6000 RPM powered by Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology coupled to a 6-speed gearbox. The Suzuki Gixxer 160 comes with a 41mm diameter telescopic front fork and 7-step adjustable rear monoshock. The brakes are Hydraulic disc brakes on both wheels equipped with single-channel ABS. The kerb weight of the Suzuki Gixxer 160 is 136 kg and the fuel tank capacity of 12 litres.
The Suzuki Gixxer is a very popular bike amongst the young crowd here in India and if the Suzuki GSX-S300 comes to India, it will compete with the likes of the newly launched Honda CB300R, Yamaha FZ-25, KTM Duke 390 & BMW G 310R. Suzuki is also expected to bring in the fully-faired version of the 300cc motorcycle as that segment has higher demand.
Suzuki may showcase the GSX-S300 at the 2019 EICMA or INTERMOT as it could be targeted towards the European markets.