It is not that much easy for u to choose your first bike and for me it was a great decision .I am an engineering student I have a daily run of approx 50 kms .
My height is 6-3’ and qualities what I see in a bike are
1 .Engine technology
2.comfort
3.handling
4.power
5.looks
6.mileage
7.price
I had a good list in 150 cc segment first I tested HH HUNK the bike has an old engine technology as hero Honda is a constant one they don’t bring changes very fast, no led lights etc. HH cbz xtreme. The bike was over styled and was smooth in normal roads but is not enough comfortable for long runs.
PULSAR . going for pulsar means taking a bike knowing the fact that after 5 months a new model would be launched making u feel that if u have waited for 5 more months.Bajaj uses good technology in terms of technology but the bike has the worst problems in maintenance .Just after 1 year people face problems in chain spockets, silencers pickup etc.the comfort factor in new pulsar is nil because it gives enough pressure on spine which leads to back pain when planning for long runs. The pickup is really good but not handling when sudden braking is required the bike is sure to skid and u know what will happen next.
Unicorn has a good mono suspension is smooth, has comfort but I dint had a feel of great biking.
Yamaha has good bikes in 150cc segment but they demand more money to buy and more fuel to run so I dropped that idea.
TVS-Apache has a good power and a great pickup but the vibrations are really the worst part of it
now coming to SUZUKI GS150R , this bike has great engine technology as the company uses engine balancer technology which gives negligible vibrations to the rider and the seat comfort feels like a cockpit the tank has a good leg room and has a 15.5l capacity .the bike has a left disk brake which counters the effect of skidding as mostly when the front wheel is stopped in speed the handle moves towards left and having a left disk brake counters the effect and gives a good handling.
The bike has 6 gears which help u to have a proper speed variation but the speed pattern for each gear is different from other bikes .so get at least five test-drives to check it out.
The handling initially feels difficult because of a different design but after a month of riding u will zip-zap in traffic for sure.
The digital meter is really the best in this segment, the gear and time display solves lots of problems. specially in winters when I used to go for coaching in early morning due to gloves it is not possible to spot time but if its on your meter its excellent. The two modes eco and pwr are very useful .so when you want to have a normal speed 50-60 it’s good to have eco mode. But if racing is your passion go for pwr mode.
Colour is upto you but I went for the terrific greenish blue as it looks better outside the showroom. I have now completed aprox 6100 kms and I get a good mileage of approx 53 kmpl and I love this bike as it has no vibrations, smoothness is on peak, it is the most comfortable one in this segment.
Regarding looks, I find it a heavy machine in this segment but people have different opinions.
I give all my friends who have young blood, that don’t slip ur wallet on looks because after a year of purchase there is a new bike with different looks and style in market but if u want to spend about 5 years with your bike looks don’t matter as the bike is yours, u have to ride, money is yours so why go for only style and looks even u know they would soon get out dated .the most important thing is riding satisfaction and reliability of the bike you choose.
So spend wisely and of course suggestions are welcomed.