Suzuki GS 150R, Value for money. Review on Suzuki GS150R

This is my first review at MS. Am here to write a review about GS 150R(Greenish Blue colour) which I bought in Jan 2011 after much head-banging research.

With so many options in the market across 125-220 cc segment it was difficult to narrow down to just one bike. I knew I wanted a bike that would have decent and manly looks, decent mileage in these times when fuel prices are propelling, good handling, comfortable for both day-to-day city ride and longer rides and last but not the least not too heavy on my pocket.

The options I had were Honda(Unicorn), didnt quite like the dazzler version, yamaha(Fzs and Fazer) and Suzuki GS150R. I took several test rides, that included Hero Honda Cbz extreme but I didnt quite like the noisy engine. I never liked Karizma much, I think its over-priced and has just the sticker work to attract. Bajaj pulsar, I didnt quite liked its handling at slower speeds and again a noisy engine. I admired fazer for its looks but the problem was its pillion seat which is too small. Radial tyres looked attractive but needed to much maintenance and Poor mileage made me drop it. It then went onto GS and Unicorn, I very much liked unicorn, the engine is superior and handling is good. however, 4 months of waiting period, plain looks, lack of good features like digital console and absence of colors(i didnt want black, am sick of seeing black bikes) made me drop it as well. That left GS150 and I believe I made a good decision of buying it.

As of today, My ODO shows 260 kms, too early to write a review but this might help others who are confused about which one to buy like I was.

I believe, GS is a complete package in its segment and fairly priced. The features that influenced my decision to buy it are:

6-Gear transmission-The extra gear helps the bike at higher speeds(i havent exceeded 60km/hr till now), it allows the bike to run vibration-free even at 100+ km/hr. Shifting gears is quite easy and convenient. The gears box is getting softer day by day.

Silent Engine-I personally dont like noisy engines, the GS engine is smooth and silent, even at 5000 rpm(have not exceeded 5000 rpm yet).

Tank Capacity-Larger tank capacity enables one to go for longer rides tension-free. I would sure go for a longer tour once I cross 2000 km and 2nd service is done.

Meter Console-Meter console is attractive with round rpm meter, digi speedometer, the trip A and trip B modes of Odo allows the user to track the exact distance travelled both when the bike is in ON mode and the Reserve mode.

Chain Case-the chain comes in a chain case which would keep it protected from dust and dirt during the rainy season.

Braking-Braking is decent enough. Front disc is good enough(I am too gentle on my bike So cant really say much about that).

Comfortable Seat-The seat is comfortable enough and has enough space for the pillion.

Good suspension-The rear suspension can be adjusted at 5-levels. Hence the seat can be elevated or lowered manually at 5 levels.

Stability-It is stable enough and gives confidence both at higher and lower speeds. one can be rest assured that he would not fall at any time, unless he tries a silly stunt or something:) of course no bike can save the rider if he is riding fast over sand or oil.so better to be careful.

Looks-the bike is quite muscular and has old cbz kind of looks. The rear is attractive with the indicators clubbed to the rear brake light. Digi meter console is quite attractive.

Mileage-Since I just rode it just 260 km till now I cant really comment on it at this stage however I believe it is giving me 45+ kmpl as of now. It might get better after the first service.(A week before 1st servicing, the mileage that I am getting is 56 kmpl on highway and around 50 in city conditions with full traffic) good enough for me.

Pick-up- Pick-up is not the best in its category, 0 to 1st gear is not great however from 1-2-3 and so on till 6th it gets better. I dont see that as a drawback as I am more of a cruiser, I dont have to race with anyone. I would have bought a cruiser bike like avenger, but its the only one in the cruiser segment in india and didnt quite want a bajaj bike. Preferences depend from person to person.

One thing that a person should consider before buying it is its weight which is around 150 kgs. It is heavy for people shorter in height. However, its weight provides it stability at higher speeds. So it is more of a plus point and can be over-looked.

All in all it is a complete package and I would recommend it to one and all who are looking for value for money. If you need decent mileage with good looks, stability, comfort, latest feaures GS150 is the best in the market.

All the best!