The classic look is easy to achieve in motorcycles, but having a neo-retro is a bit of a puzzle. You either go for the more expensive, stock options or mod a ‘pantra’ just to have modern amenities like disc brakes and LED lighting.
Suzuki bypasses all that with the new GN160. This backbone motorcycle has the stance of a classic complemented with a low-key aesthetic. The great thing is it comes with modern bits for an enticing price of PHP 125,000.
The GN160 managed to blend retro and contemporary perfectly. It has the classic stance thanks to a curvy fuel tank, a flat seat with leather and suede finish, an upright handle bar, and all lighting is circular for that true vintage look. The front telescopic oil-damped forks also have rubber boots and the muffler is powder-coated to complete the aesthetic.
The modern side is very detailed. Your eyes will immediately notice the aluminum wheels with disc brakes and single-channel ABS at the front. It’s wrapped in 80/100-18 tires for the front and 90/90-18 tires at the back. The curvy fuel tank is also complemented with tank grips, a hinge-type fuel cap, and 11-liters of capacity. There’s also a semi-digital instrument panel, 5V 2.1A USB charging port, Passing Light Switch, Engine Kill Switch, a concealed helmet hook, and 5-step Twin Rear Shock Absorbers.
It’s also more inclusive to many riders thanks to its low seat height of only 760mm. Ground clearance isn’t compromised to meet that as it has 178mm of space from the floor. It measures 2,005mm long, 770mm wide, and 1,090mm tall with a wheelbase of 1,280mm. Weight is also at 128kg if you’re interested.
Powering the Suzuki GN160 is a new 162cc engine. It’s a 4-stroke, 2-valve SOHC engine that’s air-cooled and has fuel injection. It makes 14 horsepower and 14.5 Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. Suzuki says this can achieve 50.3 km/l which makes it even more enticing.
Simplicity goes even to its colors. The new Suzuki GN160 is available in Pearlescent Black or Metallic Matte Concrete Gray although it looks bluish during its launch (or it could depend on the lighting).
The styling, amenities, and fuel efficiency of the Suzuki GN160 make it a compelling choice for newbies and experienced riders alike. The PHP 125,000 srp is still cheaper than building something similar from a more affordable bike with untested build quality. It has more than enough flair to resonate with your personality, while having a lot of potential for customization especially for builders.
