Suzuki GS150R Review
Bike Tested: 2013 Suzuki GS150R
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 77,890/-
The Suzuki GS150R is one of the best 150cc commuter bikes in the market today.
Suzuki’s 2-wheeler unit is primarily known for making scooters in India. With the Swish and Access, the Japanese automaker has shown huge presence in the cities. However Suzuki also makes commuter segment bikes such as the 110cc Hayate, 125cc Slingshot and the 150cc GS. The Suzuki GS150R was recently refreshed with fresh touches to the motorcycle but the vehicle is mechanically identical to the old model. The Suzuki GS150R is one of the most distinct motorcycles in the 150cc category. We take a quick spin to gauge its performance.
Styling – At first glance the Suzuki GS150R looks like a typical commuter motorcycle. High resemblance to the Honda Unicorn is evident, thanks to the huge headlight cowl at the front, 18-inch wheels and big muscular scooped out tank. The headlights resemble to that of the Pulsar series but are a tad bigger in size. However at the rear things are different. The sculpted tailpiece and the LED tail lights with the integrated turn indicators gives it a cleaner look. The idea of integrated turn indicators is similar to that of the Hero CBZ. The new refreshed version gets a new white color and minimalistic graphics. The 18-inch “star fish” wheels have a similar design to the ones used on the Hayate and Slingshot. The long and fat exhaust with the foot peg holder looks dated.
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Instrument Cluster and Switch Gear – The digital speedometer with the traditional large analog tachometer looks good. The orange backlit looks substantial. The meter shows two trip meters, a clock, fuel gauge, gear indicator, eco and power modes. Solitary turn indicators on each side and high beam and shift light above the speedometer complete the package displaying well thought out design. The switchgear is similar to that of the most bikes. The bike comes with an engine kill switch and the quality is excellent too.
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Ergonomics – The seating position is upright and the not so wide handlebar makes it easy to move around, providing a comfortable riding position. The foot pegs offer comfort to the rider and the pillion. The rear view mirrors give a good view of what is behind. The seat has excellent cushioning and for the pillion, a huge grab handle to hold on to. The tank is scooped well for the rider to grip while riding enthusiastically. Overall, long journeys are extremely comfortable.
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Performance and Gearbox – The Suzuki GS150R is powered by a 149.5cc engine which produces 13.8 BHP of power and 13.4 Nm of torque. The engine is smooth and refined. Like any other Suzuki engine, it is spectacularly good. The motorcycle has excellent low-end torque and one can potter around in the city in higher gears too. The mid-range and top-end is good and bike pulls strongly to 110 km/hr. The engine clearly redlines and sounds throaty as well. Throttle response like any other Suzuki bike is quick and crisp, thanks to dual throttle cables. The motorcycle has a unique proposition when it comes to the gearbox. The Suzuki GS150R comes with a 6-speed slick gearbox. The ratios are well spaced out and aid in good acceleration and top speed. NVH levels are class leading. It is noiseless while cruising and there are no vibrations.
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Riding Dynamics – The Suzuki GS150R has a single down tube chassis with telescopic suspension at the front and regular twin sided gas charged suspension at the rear. Armed with low profile 2.75 x 18 tyres at the front and 100 x 90 at the rear, handling is neutral. The GS150R is poised in the corners and sweepers. The front suspension geometry is tuned for manoeuvrability and a minimum u-turn radius. Dynamics are good but it is neither sporty nor fun to ride.
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The ride quality is excellent thanks to taller tyres and mature suspension setup, it just glides over bumps and potholes with aplomb. The disc brake at the front with Bybre calipers, master cylinder and drum at the rear perform braking duties and are capable enough to stop the bike quickly. The tyres are of good compound, they provide satisfactory grip and feel in the corners. Highway manners are excellent, no windblast, excellent road holding capabilities and good feedback from the steering.
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Miscellaneous – Head light throw spread is good and the illumination is superb. The fit-finish and paint-job is excellent, no uneven panel gaps. Overall build quality is good too. The bike comes with full chain cover and kick lever as standard. Clutch is light and progressive. Ground clearance is ample. Spring-loaded front foot pegs on the Suzuki GS150R is always a welcome thought in any motorcycle. DC lighting is shockingly omitted. Choke button is located at the right side of the switchgear. The instrument console is always lit up. The massive fuel tank can gulp up to 15.5-litres of fuel making it a good long distance motorcycle. Does not matter if you’re in neutral, you will have to depress the clutch every time to start the bike. Suzuki says it’s a “sports bike” feature. The GS150R feels slightly heavy at parking speeds compared to other motorcycles in its segment.
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Verdict – The Suzuki GS150R is no doubt a fantastic motorcycle. Excellent quality, no omission of goodies, good ride quality with balanced dynamics. It is as good as the market leader, the Honda Unicorn. However, lack of presence of Suzuki and less focus on the two-wheeler market is the sole reason the product fails to give good sales to the company. Now news comes in that the two-wheeler division will shake hands with the dominant four-wheeler department, the skies are getting clear for Suzuki. Meanwhile, why not make a sporty version of the GS, attract the youth and start fresh? Over to you, Suzuki.
The Suzuki GS150R is a very potent motorcycle which is sadly not marketed as aggressively as it should be.
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What’s Cool
* Fuel efficiency
* Loaded with goodies
* Road manners
What’s Not So Cool
* Absence of DC lighting
* Small after sales and service network
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2013 Suzuki GS150R Specifications
* Engine: 149.5cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled
* Power: 13.8 BHP @ 8500 RPM
* Torque: 13.4 Nm @ 6000 RPM
* Transmission: 6-speed (1-down, 5-up)
* 0 – 60 km/hr: 5.5 seconds (est.)
* 0 – 100 km/hr: 19.5 seconds (est.)
* Top Speed: 118 km/hr
* Fuel Consumption: 55 km/l
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Suspension: Telescopic forks (Front), Twin gas damped shock absorbers (Rear)
* Tyres: 2.75 x 18 (Front), 100/90/18 (Rear)
* Brakes: 240 mm disc (Front), 130 mm drum (Rear)
2013 Suzuki GS150R Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2095 mm x 785 mm x 1120 mm
* Wheelbase: 1335 mm
* Seat Height: 790 mm
* Ground Clearance: 160 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.5-litres
* Kerb weight: 149 kgs
