The Wheels of Change

The history of motorcycling is quite unique for the changes it witnessed over the course of centuries. While names like Flying Merkel, BSA, Indian, Scott and Henderson, Pope and many others shadowed the motorcycling world of their time, few even know their names today and only the names of Harley Davidson Triumph and Royal Enfield remain from the early 20th century era. The two World Wars did a lot of havoc to the world economy; business was toppled and the motorcycle manufacturing was no exception. It was for this reason that the post World War motorcycle lovers heard nothing of the big motorcycle manufacturers that mostly hailed from Europe and America.

Japan entered the motorcycle business quite late in time but when it did it was with a very serious approach to motorcycling where the aim was to produce bikes that were more affordable and reliable and it would not be wrong to say that it is because of these traits in particular that the Japanes bikes hold the major part of the motorcycle market.

Pakistani motorcycle market has a trend of its own. Out of the big four only Honda and Suzuki are producing bikes in Pakistan at present and Yamaha is expected to come out with a regular launch by 2015 since the production halt a few years ago. Kawasaki could not establish their market and has a bried business history in Pakistan. Suzuki has been in Pakistan since long with Honda always there as a tough contender but it appears that Suzuki has decided to go a step ahead now and the Suzuki's recent launch of the stylish GD110 is one such example. The GD100 was just the beginning though and real credit goes to Suzuki Pakistan for introducing the bigger bikes forthe very first time in the motorcycling history of Pakistan. The Wheels of Change ceremony organized by Suzuki Masters Motors at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore on June 22, 2013 will always be remembered as the most remarkable event by the motorcycle lovers of Pakistan when Suzuki announced a regular launch of the GW250 Inazuma, M800 Intruder and GSXR1300 Hayabusa. What makes the arrival of these bikes even more special is that Suzuki will also provide the after sale service and spare parts, now that is quite remarkable. Suzuki's recent launch of the GD110 and the big bikes has not only introduced a new era to the motorcycling in Pakistan but also it brought to a halt the stagnation that has been prevailing for the past so many years. We are thankful to Suzuki Master Motors Pakistan for inviting some PBC members to their Wheels of Change ceremony, it was definitely an event not to be missed. We look forward to more pleasant surprises by the Pak Suzuki team in future.