Sep 24, 2012 05:14 PM
11403 Views
(Updated Sep 24, 2012 05:19 PM)
After using this bike for 8 months, I thought of sharing my experience with you people who are thinking of buying this beast and keen to know the pros and cons of it.
Before one can think of this bike, one has to make sure that he is atleast 5'7 height or more and ready to handle a considerably heavier bike. The heaviness is more felt because of the very high saddle position, which creates a steep angle when you try to control the bike balance with your legs. This would be the most important and primary test whether this bike suits you.
Once you are convinced about the above aspect, there are only good things to talk about the features of the bike.
Looks - Solid looks, great styling of the fuel tank. Looks very good and unique. All eyes on you. Headlight styling too is good. Overall a beautiful package. The dashboard is the best of the lot. It has a masculine RPM analog meter, digital gear indicator (which gear you are in). On the right side portion of the dashboard which is totally digital, you have speedometer, odometer, 2 trip meters for tracking 2 different distances, clock, fuel guage. All this in beautiful orange light background. The LED tail lamp gives a great look. to the bike.
Handling- The bike's handle is optimally sized and positioned for a relaxed grip of the handle unlike the pulsars where you feel like falling on the handle and ultimately straining your wrists. The feel is like riding a horse, with the dashboard mounted high. However, in the city traffic where you would be moving frequently between and 2nd and 3rd gears the weight of the bike may be felt.
Engine- Engine is butter smooth. Sound is a bit different and the engine responds aptly to the throttle. One should remember that the bike is optimized for commuting than racing. Hence if you expect the sudden pickup and response of pulsars and yamahas you will be disappointed to some extent. Remember the fuel efficiency is almost 50% better than the other 150CCs. The engine makes a wise tradeoff between mileage and power. Sixth gear is like flying. You have to ride the highways to feel the smoothness of the engine at 80+ speeds.
Maintenance- The maintenance part is considerably simpler. Not too many spares replacements required for this bike. Get it serviced only at the authorized service stations of Suzuki. Most of the time people complain not about the bike but about the after sales service. Hence check the quality and distance of the service station in you area. As the goodness of the bike is spread more and more, the number of Suzuki bikes and the service stations will increase. Major issue with Suzuki is that they do not publicize their products. There are many who even don't know that there is a bike called Suzuki GS150R. This tends to effect the resale value as people see it as some unknown and unpopular bike. Sound from drive chain is the frequent but only complaint about this bike, which even I experienced before getting it tightened.
Ignorant people may feel buying Suzuki products is risky, but let me tell you Suzuki maintains the highest of the standards in manufacture of their products. Ask any mechanic trained at Suzuki, he will tell you about Suzuki.
Overall I feel this is the wisest choice among Indian bikes. It does not disappoint you in looks or performance. You can confidently buy this beast for a comfortable and happy ride.
