A Seriously Stunning Performer. Review on Suzuki GS150R

This review might be a little longer to read, but I want to pen down every thought which crossed my mind, my experience while making this purchase and of course how things are going now. Somewhere during 2010-2011 when I was staying in Bangalore for some time, I had a chance to ride Yamaha FZ-16, Pulsar 150, HH Hunk,  Suzuki GS150R and TVS Apache.

Later when I moved to Pune, now was the time when I had to decide, make up my mind and purchase a motorbike.

Of the ones that I rode, apache was not even an option, because of its awkward seating and handling position. I liked FZs a lot, but they are notorious as far as mileage is concerned. So stayed away from it. I test rode SZ-R, but didn't like the ride at all, it felt like as if I am dragging the bike. And moreover it doesn't have a digital console, Gas Shock absorbers, and  has TVS tyres, the main reason why it carries a price tag significantly lesser than its competitors.

For me the competition was between Hero CBZ, and GS150R. When I had my first chance to ride GS in Bangalore, I was really really impressed. Its silent engine, amazing sitting posture, a very comfortable suspension, 6th gear benefit, gear indicator, ECO/POWER mode and a huge good looking digital console.

It belonged to my friend, and I must have rode the bike for a considerable distance. Never since day one I ever doubted it build quality, but decoding the reason why I don't see much of GS's on road was driving me crazy, and kept on giving me sleepless nights. The reason for selecting Hero CBZ was purely its looks, and decent ride quality compared to my other options.

2 week before Purchase:

I test rode new GS in Pune. Same awesome feeling. I just wanted to go ahead and purchase this bike without consulting any one is what was going in my mind. But then again, its road presence was giving me many doubts regarding after sales issues and all that.

My friends were recommending me to go ahead with CBZ, but here I was mind says CBZ, heart says GS.

1 week before Purchase:

A friend of mine was having this bike here in Pune itself. When I asked him about his review he said he just loves his bikes, and has been using it for 2 years. He has never faced any issues with the bike, and when asked whether he recommends me the same, he said go ahead with 100% confidence. When I asked him about the poor road presence for this bike, to which he said just ignore all that stuff, its your bike why bother if others have it or not. And if suzuki is offering servicing why do we even need it to be purchased by the masses.

1 day before purchase:

Called Hero showroom to check CBZ price. Confirmed 79k for single disc with kick start. Called a different suzuki showroom, fellow offered me a very sweet deal 71k on road with some accessories thrown with :).

The day of Purchase:

Without much doubt, I decided to go ahead no and seal the deal. The other reason why I kicked CBZ out was simply the 8k price difference. I mean this difference was too much for me to justify when both bikes have almost similar specs. So visited Automatic Suzuki Kothrud and bought a new orange coloured GS150R. The accessories that I got free with the bike were buzzers, seat cover, bike cover, and handle covers. He said to take the delivery in one week with permanent number. I was fine with it.

01/02/2013:

My first motorbike was delivered to me. I rode it to my house, my family member loved it. Till date I have covered 3000KM. Finished 3 services.

Its a very serious kind of a bike, one in which you can't do zip-zam-zoom like what you can do in other bikes - only reason why, its weight, its heavier than other 150CC bikes. It's weight is actually a boon which gives it a superb stability and road grip, which manifests as better ride.

Gears - I once rode 5th gear, 15 KMPH, need I say more. The gearbox is super smooth. My friends who rode my bike, have selflessly accepted, the ride quality is just on par.

Gear Indicator: even till now I forget which gear I am riding it. and this digital gear indicator is just what I needed.

Mileage: I get somewhere 52-54 KMPH city riding. And this is a confirmed figure no doubt about this.

Things that I don't like:

1) Headlights: Please, these are just plain useless lights. They need to be changed. I feel they are good for nothing, not at all bright.

2)Rear drum brakes: Helps you to slow down, not stop. Not that great. I was expecting it a little better.