100th Anniversary GSX-R Limited Editions

Celebrating 100 years of incorporation

This year, Suzuki Motor Corporation, manufacturer of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, automobiles and outboard marine engines celebrates its 100th year of incorporation.

Originally founded by Michio Suzuki in 1909 as Suzuki Loom Works, located in a small coastal village of Hamamatsu producing weaving looms for Japan’s booming silk industry.

On 15th March 1920, Mr Suzuki made the bold decision during the post-war depression to transform the company into a joint-stock company, and thus became Suzuki Loom Manufacturing Co.

In 1952, Suzuki introduced its first auxiliary bicycle engine called the Power Free, which featured a 36cc 2-stroke engine and became an immediate success with record sales.

Achieving strong sales with the Power Free and the subsequently released Diamond Free, on 1st June 1954, the company’s name was changed from Suzuki Loom Manufacturing Co. to Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd.

To commemorate this milestone achieved, the Team Suzuki ECSTAR GSX-RR MotoGP machine features a special retro-inspired livery for the 2020 season, paying homage to Suzuki’s early Grand Prix machines of the 1960s.

Today Suzuki products can be grouped into three main classifications: motorcycle, automobile and marine. To celebrate its 100^th anniversary, Suzuki Motor Corporation has developed a new commemorative logo which links these three products together, signifying its status as a multi-mobility company.

The ‘100’ naturally recognises the centenary of incorporation, however the OO   design represents the infinitive future going forward and also expresses the sense of motion with the three trailing lines representing the automobile, motorcycle and marine product groups.