Dec 21, 2012 07:36 PM
6106 Views
Its the Music among the Noisy 150 cc segment.I started to ride on Rx100, rode splendor, then got my first bike TVS Starcity 1st edition without alloys. The bike as a hardcore 100cc, awsome pickup, great mileage. The breakdown were not frequent but parts were a bit expensive and not readily available. I rode it for 5 years, before I felt the need for a better one. Riding within Mumbai was never an issue, however, as my trips to adjacent towns of Panvel, Ambernath increased, I could feel the engine tiring up. I decided to upgrade.
I wanted a 150cc that would allow unhindered long hauls. Apache from TVS, Unicon, Dazzler & Suzuki were my preferences.
TVS is good, sporty with lot of horses, however, the engine begins to tireout as you eat the tacho on open highways. Its like asking a sprinter to do a marathon. Also the fuel consumption wasn't in comptition. Dropped it.
Unicorn is one hell of bike, smooth engine, good handling & rideability, however there was a waiting of 6 months and early delivery required 15, 000/- more. Dazzler is somewhat upgraded version with style. However, I wasn't willing to pay extra 7000/- just for the plastic looks. Also the Unicorns are untested on long rides. So was a bit skeptical about it.
Lastly I took a look at the Suzuki GS150R.
The specs read good, But being an Automobile engineer myself I always see beyond the power and torque ratings.
Suzuki has long stroke engine similar to Fazer, which makes the engine more relaxed.
The 6th gear relaxes the engine even more when riding above 5000 rpm.
6th Gear being an overdrive, helps in improving mileage beyond compare.
The looks any day looks Masculine, with crystal lit LED Tail-lights.
The Front Mask though Masculine resembles Pulsar, it may be hard to differentiate in dark with the lights ON.
I have been riding my Suzuki for almost 2 years, done 34000 Kms, Did ride in the city as well on Highways.
Usually my long rides are appx 150 Km long without stoppages ( except for the signals),
The longest continous ride was for 207 kms.
The pickup is sluggish because of the engine config,
Since has long wheelbase, quick cornering may be difficult,
The Long wheelbase prevents the bike from fishtailing when riding fast on straight roads,
The engine is smooth, gets butter smooth when riding above 6500 rpm,
The pulse of the power stroke is negligible, thanks to the balancing shaft,
You might feel the noise bigger than Unicorn but the power pulses are missing,
The engine never tires out any way until you ride in RedLine on the Taco for more than 15-20 mins i.e. 25-30 Kms constantly at speed above 110 km/ph.
The average Mileage
When riding Hard and enthusiastically : City - 47, Highway - 50
Moderate Riding with sprints on open streaches : City - 50, Highway - 54
Sensible rider who prefers relaxed riding : City - 54, Highway - 58
The Best Mileage I got was 67kmpl during the month of September 2012.
The mileage given above was tracked by me, daily for a period of 15 Months.
Was never able to check the top speed of the bike because of traffic.
Got a top speed of 115 with a combined payload of appx 125 Kg. Could not go further because of some lazy drivers on Highway.
Had issues with the Chain and sproket as it gets noisy and feel stuck.
The Service Center told to replace them, did not belive them, Checked it at a local Garage and found them completely worn out, replaced it, replaced the Disc Brake pads since they worn too due to my hard riding.
Attention SUZUKI, please try to make the seat a bit more soft so that it is gentle on the a** during long rides.
The Bike is still as good as new after 34000 Kms, Will keep Tracking.When riding, people admire the masculinaty and sporty looks. The Suzuki Badge is mysterious for this not so promoted Bike. You come across people frequently enquiring which bike is it.
Please Do not buy this Bike, Keep It rare, since people admire when I ride it.It poised to become one of the most valued Vintage Bikes in time to come.
Thank You.
