2012 Suzuki Motorcycles

With motorcycle sales flailing and a surplus of inventory on hand, Suzuki made the difficult decision not to release any 2010 models into the American market. The disparity between Suzuki’s supply and consumer demand dictated the cost-saving measure. Despite sitting a year out, Suzuki announces its first wave of 2011 motorcycles with great aplomb and the excitement of celebrating its 50th anniversary of international racing this summer.
“We are excited to launch a significant number of new units for the 2011 model year, while at the same time we celebrate a half-century of racing,” said Steve Bortolamedi, Senior Communications Manager at American Suzuki. “Our products are truly the result of time spent on racetracks all over the world.”
Suzuki is bringing back its popular adventure touring motorcycle, the 2011 V-Strom 650 ABS, to go along with its dual-sporting options, the 2012 DR650SE and 2011 DR-Z400S.
Cruiser motorcycle fans will be glad to know there are new versions of Suzuki’s vaunted power cruiser, the 2011 Boulevard M109R and Boulevard M109R Limited. The M109R got a few cosmetic touch-ups, like a new instrument cluster with a digital tach and LED indicator light, a gear position indicator, and the relocation of the cluster from the handlebars to the top of the headlight cowl. Joining them on the cruiser-side of things is the commuter-friendly, entry-level offerings of the 2011 Boulevard S40 and 2011 TU250.
On the street side, Suzuki introduces the latest rendition of its vaunted hyper-bike, the 2011 Hayabusa. Details like the bore/stroke and compression ratio weren’t in the spec list for 2011, but the chassis dimensions remain the same and no upgrades to the ‘Busa were mentioned in the press release beyond new colors, Pearl Mirage White or Pearl Nebular Black.

For the dirt, Suzuki has updated its race-winning motocross bikes, the 2011 RM-Z250 and 2011 RM-Z450. According to Suzuki’s website, the RM-Z450 “now meets a stricter AMA noise limit (94db) while keeping smooth engine output; the compression ratio has been increased from 12.2:1 up to 12.5:1 for higher output; intake and exhaust timing has been changed for better engine feeling with lower noise output; and ECU settings have been updated for more linear acceleration and improved over-rev.” Meanwhile, the RM-Z250 “now meets a stricter AMA noise limit (94db) while maintaining smooth engine output; the intake and exhaust timing has been changed for better engine feeling with lower noise output; the exhaust pipe length has been changed for better engine feeling with lower noise; ECU settings have been updated for more linear acceleration and improved over-rev; and the radiator hose routing has been changed for more efficient cooling.” Suzuki is also releasing a 2010 RM85.
The Japanese manufacturer also announced the next wave of 2011 ATV models – the 2011 KingQuad 400ASi, the KingQuad 400FSi and the new 2012 KingQuad 500AXi. The KingQuad 400 models have been revised with a new EFI system and a digital speedometer. The KingQuads will be available in a combination of color schemes like black, white, yellow and is also available in Realtree Hardwoods HD-enhanced camouflage. A non-power-steering version of the KingQuad 500AXi is a completely new offering for 2012.