Sep 07, 2009 11:27 AM
6760 Views
(Updated Sep 07, 2009 11:39 AM)
I had brought GS some months back with having last clocked 3800 on ODO. My priorities were high speed comfort (NH travel), reliability and good overall features. Style was also important, but mileage around 50 was satisfactory for me. Digital/Analog console was not that important. Had owned a dio and fazer (old version).
My reason for GS150R over the funkier FZ16 and CBZ/Hunk :
The Hunk had more vibs (less than RTR) and seemed strained at higher speeds. Good macho style though.
The xtreme was much better performance, the mass and style was good from a distance. But lacked any charm. Never felt like owning it.
The FZ16 was my initial choice and had booked it without test-ride with loyalty bonus.Upon actual test-ride found out the seating and ride height is not good for NH (i am 6"2). Engine was much better than rest (Xtreme was pretty smooth). The digital meter did not impress me and prefered analog to digital here. Comfort and ride height advantage was overall lacking.
The acceleration was smooth and stress-free (unlike hunk) with excellent grip and cornering, but after 3 test-rides, found out from reports on various sites and also on my 2nd test, that its performance is comparatively poor at higher speed overtaking(70+). New Fazer upon driving it yesterday feels a bit too much, and felt it was FZ16, more slower, but also more comfortable.
Finally checked out the new GS as RTR, Pulsar 180, Unicorn was not being considered.
First impressions:
The mass and size of this bike was like Xtreme, but also charming and attractive. My fiance considered it the most beautiful of all bikes she has seen.
Sitiing position was the best ever, so was the silencer side view. At standstill felt heavy and powerful, and also felt the 2D pics are never good representatives. The front and rear was not as impressive and macho as FZ16.
Test ride was the best ever. The bike was excellent in comfort and ride height. The Gear indicator and console was professional and best looking. The engine was very smooth (like FZ16) but the vib-free nature and stability was better than rest (even FZ16). 6th gear, bike seemed absolutely relaxed at 75 kmph.
Booked a black instantly, but felt Suzuki are really not interested in selling or promoting their GS. Even Access was excellent. Might buy it or aviator for my fiancee and wife.
At 3100 ODO:
The initial problems encountered before 1st service were highly un-focussed headlights, and constant pain on palm, on throttle side. Downshifts were very smooth but also sometimes loud.
After service, headlight was very good, new thicker rubber grips have eliminated palm pain.
The bike smoothness, gear upshifts/downshifts are excellent and bike stability at high speeds is most likely the best in the <200cc bracket.
4.The digital console is brilliant and best-ever with the ECO/PWR blinking modes really helping in runnin-in and RPM control.
The bike is heavy at standstill, but during ride it feels extremely stable. The rear brake is nowhere near my old Fazer, but the front brake was brilliant and has good progression. Under very hard braking once, the bike was completely linear and stable with good stopping distance.
Comfort is the best I have experienced in a bike till date. fiancee finds rear seat high, but also highly comfortable with good view.
After recent 2nd service, bike is even better than before, and this has forced me to write a review here. Smoothness, acceleration, stability and vib-free nature is outstanding now.
The problem I currently encountered (found out by my friend) is traces of rust on fuel tank mouth.
Conclusion: This bike is ideal for the tourer and tall guys. Engineering quality, reliability and overall feel is the best have experienced, to my limited knowledge. Would recommened it to anyone seeking above qualities and cruising capabiity. 6th gear is extremely useful here. Feel 5th gear acceleration is the best in this segment.
Mileage have not checked, but feel its well above 50. This bike has got looks with people asking about its features and even fiancee friends consider it beautiful. I also feel the bike loks great in black when maintained well. Thanks.
