The Suzuki GSX-S300 has been revealed in the form of the Haojue DR300. Confused? Well, Changzhou Haojue Suzuki Motorcycle is SUzuki’s Chinese technical partner and is responsible for the production and sale of the motorcycle.
In China and select Asian markets, it is marketed as the Haojue DR300. However, it is in essence, a Suzuki motorcycle and could be known as the Suzuki GSX-S300 in international markets.
The 300cc segment is one of the most sought after segments in markets across the world. All major motorcycle manufacturers have a contender in the 300cc segment or are developing one. Suzuki will be looking to field the GSX-S300 in international markets, especially in Europe where it will cater to A2 license holders.
These images are of the Haojue DR300, but it accurately represents the Suzuki motorcycle as well and we can see that it is quite an attractive bike. It has an almost aggressive streetfighter stance with lots of little elements that make it look stylish.
Up-front is an LED headlamp, the fuel tank is rather muscular and the bikini fairing on the sides features sharp edges while being curvaceous. It features a split-seat arrangement and a rather sporty rear-end. The Golden-coloured alloy wheels and blingy upside-down fork just adds more appeal in the styling department.
The Haojue DR300 or Suzuki GSX-S300 is powered by a liquid-cooled, 298cc, parallel-twin engine. It has a maximum power output of 28.8bhp at 8,500rpm and a peak torque output of 27.8Nm at 6,500rpm. The rear wheel is driven via a 6-speed transmission.
Suspension duties are handled by an upside-down fork up front and a seven-step preload adjustable monoshock at the rear both sourced from KYB. Petal discs at the front and rear assisted by a dual-channel ABS system handle braking duties.
The Suzuki GSX-S300 is likely to go on sale in the European market immediately after the lockdown lifts. Will it be launched in India? Well, Suzuki already has a quarter-litre naked bike on sale here in the Gixxer 250. The 249cc single-cylinder engine in the Gixxer 250 has an output of 26.1bhp and 22.6Nm These figures are not that far off from the GSX-S300.
Add to this the costs of bringing the GSX-S300 to India and setting up the manufacturing unit for it. It doesn’t really make sense. However, it should be a fun-to-ride bike and would make a worthy competitor to the Honda CB300.
