Suzuki Motorcycles

Suzuki was founded in 1909 by Michio Suzuki as the Suzuki Loom Works, a maker of weaving equipment for Japan's textile industry. When the cotton market collapsed in 1951, the company pivoted to motor vehicles, producing its first powered two-wheeler in 1952: the Power Free, a 36cc motorized bicycle with an unusual double-sprocket system that let the rider pedal with engine assistance, pedal alone, or disconnect the pedals entirely and run on engine power. Within two years the company was building over 6,000 units a month, formally became Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd. in 1954, and released its first true motorcycle, the Colleda, the same year. That rapid shift from looms to motorcycles set the pattern for a company that has since built a reputation on practical engineering across a wide range - from small commuters to GSX-R sportbikes - rather than any single specialty.