Suzuki Intruder 150 Review
Bike Tested: Suzuki Intruder 150; Road Test No. 874; Test Location: Lavasa
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 1,13,368/-
The Intruder fuses virtues of 2 impeccable products from the Japanese brand into 1
It’s not everyday that the Indian automobile market is presented with a radical product. For an audience obsessed with finding greatest worth in even the smallest of objects, practical and imposing products offer the best of both worlds. However, such revolutionary products in the world of motorcycles are few and far between. Such specimens of profound gamechangers are the Yamaha R15 and, the more recent, Bajaj Avenger 150. Nobody would have thought that scaled-down versions of premium motorcycles would end up in such a far-reaching success recipe. Suzuki’s latest entrant is built on similar lines to target the domestic player’s numero uno position in the affordable cruiser space. Armed with Japanese reliability and power-cruiser stance in its arsenal, the Suzuki Intruder 150 offers the best of both worlds, or does it? To find out if the newcomer has what it takes to intrude into the cruiser territory, we head out for a spin in one.
Motor Quest: Back in 1985, Suzuki started off with the Intruder series of cruiser motorcycles with the launch of the Intruder 700 and 1400. Post a highly successful 20-year production innings, the lineup was superseded by the Boulevard range. The Intruder M1800R, also known as the Boulevard M109R, is Suzuki’s flagship product in the power cruiser space which started life in 2006. When Suzuki’s plans for a budget cruiser for India were unveiled, our audience was expecting something on the lines of the GZ series, which is Suzuki’s range of low-displacement cruisers on sale since 1998. On the other hand, Suzuki played it smart and combined the positives of its Gixxer and Intruder M1800R. The end result is an all-new 2017 Intruder 150 which is also the lowest displacement motorcycle to flaunt the Intruder nomenclature.
17-inch cast alloys shared with the Gixxer are wrapped in MRF rubber
Styling – One look at the Intruder 150 is enough to send the brain cells into deep thought! Thinking of cruisers, a trip down memory lane reminds us of the chrome-drenched motorcycles with raked out front ends and aberrant handlebars adopting the weirdest of shapes. In that aspect, the Bajaj Avenger Street lineup was a revelation. Inspired by the Harley-Davidson Street 750, it was a sales blockbuster for the brand and a stellar example for other brands to benchmark. In a similar fashion, Suzuki’s latest entrant is ‘heavily’ inspired from the prodigious Intruder M1800R.
Looking at the design, you’d be hard pressed to tell that this one is a 150cc machine!
In typical Japanese manner, a lot of cycle parts are borrowed from other Suzuki products which makes the design a conglomeration of two motorcycle categories. However, the Intruder 150 looks quite good in flesh and the bulbous styling has worked in its favour. Majority of the body panels, from the headlight cowl to the fuel tank, on this scaled-down Intruder are extra large but well-packaged. Up front, there is an all-time-on projector headlight while the tail lamp is a sleek LED piece. Save for the rear view mirrors, you won’t find chrome overdose anywhere on this motorcycle. Excessive part sharing seems to have taken things for a toss on an otherwise thoroughgoing approach as the Gixxer’s wheels affect the wide power-cruiser stance negatively.
Note the inconvenient positioning of the keyhole above the cluster!
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – While the Avenger range chugs along with the stone-age instrument console, Suzuki has made use of the Gixxer’s fully-digital console from the parts bin. Definitely, digital is not the way to go as far as cruiser motorcycles are considered. However, the console in question is loaded with all the bells and whistles to keep customers happy. In addition to a speedometer, odometer and fuel gauge, you get two trip meters, a tachometer and read-outs for time and gear position. There is a programmable shift light which flashes rapidly as the tachometer approaches the set RPM. Buttons for tweaking the console settings are aptly positioned below the display on either side. Since the motorcycle now gets single-channel ABS, there is a dedicated ABS light on the right of the console to indicate any snag in the braking system.
Just like the console, the switchgear also comes from the Gixxer
The small orange-backlit screen displays a lot of information at once, which results in a cluttered layout. However, important variables such as speed and fuel gauge are quite large and easy to read. There are two modes, or rather small icons which stand for eco and power, on the display that light up according to your throttle inputs. Switchgear is a straight lift from the Gixxer which gets all the basic functions with decent quality switches. A kill switch and pass light switch are part of the package. However, the headlight switch is history since the Intruder 150 comes with AHO functionality. Thanks to the plastic cowl surrounding the instrument cluster, there are no loose ends and all wires are tucked and bundled neatly.
The riding position is spot-on for covering long distances without fatigue
Ergonomics – Blessed with a classic cruiser-like riding position, the Intruder 150 gets forward-set footpegs, low saddle height and supremely comfortable seats. Thanks to the Gixxer’s wide handlebars, the rider now sits in a relaxed position which is pretty close to what we had experienced astride the Avenger Street series. This laid-back riding position makes for a luxuriating experience on long-distance tours and the undeviating handlebar gives more control over the motorcycle as compared to the embowed variety. All controls fall within easy reach and short to medium heighted riders are going to appreciate how effortlessly this motorcycle can be manoeuvred around town. The accomodating split-seats are extremely well-cushioned and the tapering grab rail merges seamlessly with its sloping rear end. In the name of change, Suzuki has made a huge blunder with the positioning of the keyhole. It now sits ahead of the instrument cluster in a susceptible position, which also means that the rider will have to stretch for reaching the keys from time to time. Over a span of few hours, you’d realise that it is better to turn the keys before mounting the saddle or after getting off!
The Suzuki Intruder 150 is an able performer in the city
Performance – The Suzuki Intruder 150 borrows the Gixxer’s single-cylinder 155cc powertrain which is fed by a carburettor. Due to its uniform power delivery and smooth nature, this air-cooled engine feels right at home in the cruiser. While the power and torque figures (rated at 14.8 PS and 14 Nm respectively) remain unchanged, Suzuki claims to have revised the gearing and added a larger airbox up front in a bid to improve low-end performance. In city limits, the motorcycle is surprisingly peppy by 150cc standards and feels eager to sprint ahead. Power delivery is linear and there is ample amount of torque right from low RPMs. The mid-range is strong too and, coupled with the crisp throttle response, this motorcycle pulls like a locomotive in this rev-band. You’ll leave the regular commuter crowd behind in city traffic without a sweat. However, power fades off rapidly at high RPMs and the Intruder 150 struggles to reach its 115 km/hr top speed. Moreover, added weight of the fairing and cowls bogs down the performance by a fair margin.
Thanks to the surge of torque at low RPMs, pulling wheelies on the Intruder 150 is child’s play!
The Intruder is a delight to ride under 80 km/hr due to its powerful mid-range
This motor isn’t tuned for outright acceleration but is extremely refined and free-revving. Closing in on the redline, the engine surprisingly doesn’t run out of breath and the vibrations are also well-contained. This vibe-free nature makes it a pleasure to take the Intruder out on the highway. The 5-speed gearbox has gone through an overhaul and the shifts are butter-smoother now. It’s nice to know that Suzuki has taken Gixxer’s criticism in a constructive manner. The revised exhaust system doesn’t sound as loud as the Gixxer and adopts a muted thrum. In spite of having gigantic proportions, the fuel tank gobbles up only 11-litres of fuel which limits the cruising range considerably. As a saving grace, the frugal powerplant ensures that every litre of fuel is good for 40-45 kms. While outright performance numbers are nothing to brag about, the Intruder 150 fills the shoes of a budget cruiser quite well.
Though not as agile, it is just as fun to ride as the Gixxer!
Riding Dynamics – Hang on! Similarities don’t end here. The single downtube frame, suspension setup and braking hardware also comes from the close stablemates. While the Gixxer range offers unparalleled agility and poise, this one falls below our expectations. Increased rake at the front and a stretched swingarm has resulted in a 75 mm increase in wheelbase. While straight-line stability is solid, the handling isn’t as surefooted and confidence inspiring as you’d expect around corners. But then, cruisers aren’t meant for tight corners and it is the ride quality which matters.
Even at high speeds, this 148 kg motorcycle is unaffected by crosswinds
Thankfully, the suspension setup is well-tuned and the motorcycle simply glides over road undulations. Front 41 mm forks go well with the powerful stance and the 7-step adjustable monoshock unit comes set on the stiffer side from the factory. Suzuki has provided front and rear disc brakes and single-channel ABS as standard on the motorcycle. While the rear disc brake is on the weaker side, the front disc offers a strong bite and good stopping power. Combined with first-in-segment ABS which prevents the front wheel from locking up, the braking performance is more than satisfactory.
Turn signals are distinctively placed higher up around the front visor
Verdict – With the Intruder 150, Suzuki is entering a segment which has been dominated by the Bajaj Avenger since the last 12 years. While there are mixed reactions for the design, there’s no denying the fact that it will appeal to most of its target audience. Suzuki has rolled out a thoughtful proposition and the added equipment, reliable underpinnings, top-notch quality and charismatic styling give the Intruder 150 a slight edge over the Avenger range. However, its underwhelming performance is a letdown for the asking price. Priced around Rs. 12,000/- over the more powerful Avenger 220, this Jap offering isn’t exactly value for money for what is essentially a Gixxer dressed up in the clothes of a cruiser. Although the overall part quality and niggle-free nature is a plus in this segment, power-packed competitors like the Royal Enfields and the Avenger 220 are more accomplished and better-suited for the job. In addition to that, Suzuki has lavished a large amount of parts from the Gixxer which has taken away the Intruder 150’s distinct identity.
The sharp and edgy exhaust goes out of sync with the Intruder’s smooth and flowing design
What’s Cool
* Overdone or not, the design is a stand-out on our roads
* Engine has excellent refinement levels and offers good city performance
* Comfortable ergonomics and supportive seats
* Well-tuned suspension setup
* Comes loaded with equipment – ABS, rear disc brake and more
What’s Not So Cool
* Too much part-sharing with the Gixxer results in a design mismatch
* Tyres look skinny from some angles for its power-cruiser attire
* Engine runs out of power early on the highways
* Premium price for an air-cooled and carburetted 155cc motor
Alternatives: Bajaj Avenger 150 Street, Bajaj Avenger 220 Street, Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise
Even the 140-section rear tyre looks skinny because of the Intruder 150’s wide tail section!
Suzuki Intruder 150 Specifications
* Engine: 154.9cc, Air-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single-Cylinder
* Power: 14.8 PS @ 8000 RPM
* Torque: 14 Nm @ 6000 RPM
* Transmission: 5-speed Manual
* 0-100 km/hr: 17.42 seconds
* Top Speed: 115 km/hr
* Fuel Consumption: 40-45 km/l
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Frame: Single Downtube
* Suspension: 41 mm Telescopic Forks (Front), 7-Step Adjustable Mono Shock (Rear)
* Tyres: 100/80/17 (Front), 140/60/17 (Rear), MRF
* Brakes: 266 mm Disc (Front), 240 mm Drum (Rear), ABS
Suzuki Intruder 150 Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2130 mm x 805 mm x 1095 mm
* Wheelbase: 1405 mm
* Ground Clearance: 170 mm
* Seat Height: 740 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 11-litres
* Kerb Weight: 148 kgs
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