Suzuki GN160, built with Haojue, appears in PH government records
Scooters may have dominated the Philippine motorcycle market in recent years because of their practicality and ease of use. But for many Filipino riders, especially those who grew up with backbone motorcycles, classic styling never really went out of fashion.
That said, Suzuki Motorcycles Philippines (SPH) could soon have something that might catch the attention of retro bike enthusiasts.
Recently, we spotted something interesting, and that’s Suzuki registering the GN160’s official specifications with the relevant Philippine government authorities. This is one of the requirements before a new motorcycle can be offered locally. Of course, this paperwork alone doesn’t confirm a launch, and we’re not about to put words in Suzuki’s mouth.
Still, it’s something that really caught our attention. If you’ve never heard of the GN160, think of it as a modern take on Suzuki’s long-running GN series. It’s a straightforward commuter with a round headlight, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, upright handlebars, long one-piece seat, and a simple steel frame. It also comes with either alloy or wire-spoke wheels. It’s built to be practical enough for the daily commute, yet stylish enough to look right at home at the annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR).
Power comes from a 162cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed transmission. In markets where it is already sold, the engine produces around 15 PS and 14 Nm of torque. Suspension duties are handled by conventional telescopic forks up front and twin rear shock absorbers at the back, while braking comes from a front disc and rear drum setup. It also rides on 18-inch wheels, giving it the familiar pantra proportions that many (insert: older) riders will instantly recognize. Claimed weight is 128 kilograms.
The displacement should also ring a bell because earlier this year, SPH introduced the DR160 and V-Strom 160, both powered by a 162cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. Suzuki has yet to confirm if the GN160 uses the exact same powerplant, but on paper, the engine specifications are practically identical, suggesting it originated from the same parts bin where the DR160 and V-Strom 160 get their parts from.
It is also no secret that Suzuki has a long-standing partnership with Haojue, the Chinese company that builds several of Suzuki’s small-displacement motorcycles for global markets. Like the DR160 and the V-Strom 160, the GN160 is also made by Haojue.
The GN160 has already been introduced in several South American markets, where it is positioned as an affordable retro-style commuter. For now, though, that’s where the story ends. But, the GN160’s appearance in Philippine government records certainly makes it a motorcycle worth keeping an eye on.
