Author Login | Popular Articles | RSS Feeds | Sitemap

The Metamorphosis Of Suzuki

Contrary to popular belief, Suzuki produced cars before they moved into the two wheeled market, but the early days of the company were devoted to the production of weaving looms. The father of the company, Michio Suzuki, the son of a Japanese cotton farmer, created a brand new version of the weaving machine in the coastal village of Hamamatsu, Japan. A successful business was built upon his invention, providing employment and wealth for the company and its staff during the first thirty years of its incarnation.

Although the loom side of the business was still enjoying success, Suzuki thought the time was right to diversify, so after studying the market, he decided that the way forward would be the development of a car. In 1937, a development programme was launched, and within two years many prototypes integrating a cast aluminium gearbox and crankcase had been built. However, the company had a setback as the Japanese government declared civilian cars a non-essential commodity at the outbreak of World War 2. When the war ended, Suzuki once again concentrated on the production of looms as the US government gave the go ahead for the shipping of cotton to Japan. The company flourished for a short while as orders increased, but the rug was pulled from underneath them when the cotton market collapsed in 1951.

This could have proved the death knell for Suzukis operations, but rather than call it a day, the company once again turned their eyes toward motor vehicles. At this time, Japan had a dire need for cheap, reliable transportation, and a number of companies had begun to produce a clip-on engine which could be attached to a bicycle. Suzukis breakthrough came with the development of a motorised bicycle named the Power Free. Powered by a 36cc engine, this unique vehicle was the first to feature the double sprocket gear system, which allowed the rider to travel by pedal power alone, engine assisted pedalling or engine only propulsion. So ground-breaking was the new innovation, that the fledgling democratic government offered a grant to the Suzuki company to assist research in motorcycle engineering. This was the birth of the Suzuki Motor Corporation. By 1954, 6,000 Colleda CO motorcycles were passing out of the factory gates every month. The Colleda was a single cylinder 90cc machine, which proved good enough to win a prominent motorcycle race during its first year of production. At this time, Suzuki also began development of the Suzulight automobile, which featured front wheel drive and four-wheel independent suspension.

In 1955, Suzuki produced a larger offering in the form of the 125cc four-stroke Colleda COX, and an improved version of the two-stroke called the Colleda ST. The TT model, introduced in 1956 was in essence the forerunner of the Grand Prix bikes. By the standards of the day, the TT was regarded as a high performance machine, capable of reaching speeds in excess of 80 mph, and leaving in its wake, machines with much more power at their call. This motorcycle also showed a touch of finesse and featured some luxurious accessories, amongst these were indicators.

By 1958, 50, 125 and 250cc motorcycles were available from Suzuki, and the familiar S logo was introduced. Many of you will know that the logo is still being used on motorcycles today. Engineering research went hand in hand with corporate branding, so when in 1960, Suzukis made their first appearance at the Isle of Man, it was an important milestone for both departments. By 1962 they had claimed their first World Road Racing Championship in the 500cc class. In 1964, the company set its sights on motocross Grand Prix, but enjoyed only limited success.

1976 saw the introduction of a range of four stroke machines, such as the GS400, a 400cc twin and the 750cc GS750. The shaft driven GS850G came along in 1978. So called Superbikes were beginning to appear and the GS1000S was developed as Suzukis contribution to this class. In 1982, the turbocharged XN85 was introduced, and before the year was out, Suzuki had claimed their eighth consecutive victory in the 500cc class.

Its fair to say that, had it not been for the Second World War and the later collapse of the cotton market, Suzuki could well have been solely a car manufacturer today, or worse still, not even in existence.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
Alan Liptrot is the founder of the motorcycle tour company Motorbike Tours. Fancy a good read? Check out Motorbike Books

Tags: motorbike

, motorcycle

, Suzuki

, Japan

, Hayabusa

| Print | Ezine Ready | |

Related....

Videos...

Recent Motorcycles Articles

Hassle-free Transport Of Cars With Car Transporter And Auto Transport Facilities By: wms solution | Nov 9th 2009 - Car transporter and auto transport services ensure safety transport of your cars at the right place and time. Car transporter handles all sorts of vehicles, while auto transport services are mainly concerned about business owner cars. Choose ...

car transporter

auto Transport

4 Reasons To Purchase A New Electric Scooter By: Billy Whitmire | Nov 9th 2009 - You've seen the electric scooters around, but you have been on the fence about purchasing one for yourself. Well maybe the reasons below may help you finally buy an electric scooter of your own.

Where To Hold Corporate Events Coventry By: SarahJaneEdwards | Nov 9th 2009 - When you are thinking of hosting a corporate event in the Coventry and West Midlands area, there are plenty of venues to choose from.

Corporate Events Coventry

Dsa Driving Theory Test For Car And Bike Learner Drivers "�" Hazard Perception Test By: John Grahm | Nov 9th 2009 - Hazard Perception test is very important feature of the DSA theory test. After facing your theory test you should pass the Hazard Perception test to complete the test. Theory test provides you the best study material for passing your test.

Hazard perception test

Hazard perception clips

theory test

British-indian Classic Royal Enfield Bullet Returns By: Dezan Shira & Associates | Nov 8th 2009 - Motorbike enthusiasts worldwide will be pleased to hear that Royal Enfield has launched its retro thumper, the Bullet Classic.

How Electric Scooters Can Help The Environment By: Billy Whitmire | Nov 6th 2009 - Over the past decade our country has attempted to make a lot of progress toward reducing greenhouse gases, and pollution. One of the better innovations is the development of a more efficient electric scooter. Today, they are easier to ride, ...

Wear A Solid Helmet On The Roads This Winter By: Nikki Maidment | Nov 6th 2009 - With the cold icy weather approaching, like a looming deadline that we all dread but cannot avoid, it is important for all road users to be fully prepared for the sudden drop in temperature and increase in danger on ours roads. Of course the ...

AGV helmets

Arai helmets

Arai Chaser

Do You Want To Find Deals On Motorcycle, Cars & Trucks? By: januszjanulis | Nov 5th 2009 - Hi Dear
Every month, hundreds of cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats and other vehicles become government and bank property through various seizure and surplus laws. Because the inventory of vehicles is large and the expense to store them ...

Some Important Considerations In Selection Of A Motorcycle Bike By: alexsmith | Nov 5th 2009 - Before riding a motorcycle bike, you are prompted by words thrilling, exciting, and freedom uttered by friends and collegues. But soon after riding you will find that although these words trigger interest, they are far away from describing r ...

Winter Warmers For Motorcycle Enthusiasts From Teknic By: SarahJaneEdwards | Nov 5th 2009 - Winter can be a tough time for motorcyclists. From constant rain and wind, a significant decrease in visibility, right through to snow and hail, the weather conditions can make riding hard.