New Suzuki GS150R Review before first Service. Review on Suzuki GS150R

I got delivery of GS150R on 4th Feb 2012 from Riya Suzuki(mumbai) and am writing this review after riding the bike for about 300 kms.

The bike is suited for my height and handling is also quite good. So far it is not giving good mileage and I assume it will be taken care after the first service. I also observe that Idling RPM of engine is set at 1500 which quite high, however I am waiting for the first service after which it may be set to correct idling.

The console is very informative with Digital Clock, Digital Odometer and Speedometer. 2 tripmeters are provided(like Bajaj Pulsar). Digital Fuel Indicator with reserve is also a plus point. Fuel Tank is larger then other bikes with 14 liters. Gear Indicator helps u shifting to proper gears in traffic. RPM is analog. Power and Eco mode is also a good feature for riding the bike at appropriate speed.

I observe that Carburetor is attached with some electronic sensors for better fuel intake and the bike does not need choke even in cold start. They have also given Engine Oil Level which is just below the Oil Inlet knob. This feature is just like Bajaj Pulsar and its convenient to check oil level without opening Inlet knob.

I wish they had DC headlight like Bajaj Pulsar which gives constant bright light at any speed unlike the present AC which varies in brightness according to engine speed. DC headlights are useful when the bike is driven at Highways and dark streets at night, it gives constant illumination .

I ride this bike in Mumbai and still hoping that the low mileage issue will be taken care off after the first service.

I will review the above after First Service and comment on Service by the authorized dealer. Hope they have capable mechanics who are trained by Suzuki to do the job.

Review after First Service:

I completed 1000 kms and took the bike for its first service at Riya Suzuki -Mulund - Mumbai. They have well equipped workshop and service was done within 1 and half hours since I took the bike early in the morning.

The mileage has improved when I completed about 100 kms. its now giving me 50 to 55 kms in city driving conditions. Gear has become smoother after the first service. One regret is rear drum brake, they should have fitted Disc brake at Rear too like Unicorn Dazzler since drum brake is not very effective in high speed. I asked the workshops guys if they can modify the bike with Rear Disc but they declined, I may have to approach some other workshop but waiting for first 3 service to get over.

I have still not got my Registration Smart card since Mumbai RTO takes time and they directly post it to our residence address, this is to ensure that the buyer has given the correct address.

Review after 21000 kms:

My earlier review of the GS150R was for the new bike which I brought from the Showroom, This one is after riding the bike for 21000 kms.

Till now no major issues with the bike except for usual maintenance like fused pilot blub, chain tightening and oil change. Once the handle became very tight which was rectified by local mechanic by loosening the central nut which holds the handle.

One problem I am still facing in poor rear brake and if this is faced by others then please write about it.

Bike is very comfortable for long journeys both for the biker and the pillion since I have rode the bike to Lonavala, Pune, Kolad and Raigad.

Service

So far I have taken the bike to authorized service centre only once on completion of 1000 kms and when I took the bike for the second service for which I was late they said it would be chargeable, I agreed, but I had to bring it back since they were taking a very long time to service. Seeing this I told the Manager(of Riya Suzuki, Mulund) to have a "appointment based" system which would ensure quick service but till now this is not introduced. The answer that was given to me was "people come and wait for 2 or more days to get back the bike which is quite normal". If this is what defines "service" then Suzuki may not survive competition. Frankly all its service centers in Mumbai are very small and they can't even accommodate 10 bikes unlike its other major competitors.

Suzuki needs to improve its service which is no way on par with its sibling Maruti Suzuki.

Quality

There is no doubt on the quality of bike which is sturdy and reliable. Only thing lacking is DC electrical system which has become standard for bigger bikes. This improves the lighting system to a very large extent.

So far so good.