Suzuki Motor Corp. and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. said Tuesday they will put their first jointly developed motorcycles on sale worldwide in September.

Kawasaki Heavy will produce 250cc off-road motorcycles and the two companies will sell them under their respective brands. The firms have yet to decide on prices.

They said they will use the new motorcycles in motocross races in Japan starting in April to improve their quality and performance ahead of the September launch.

The firms have supplied 17 motorcycle models for sale under the label of their respective brands since they forged tieups in 2001 to promote cost-cutting and compete with rivals Honda Motor Co. and Yamaha Motor Co.