Since, I’m new to MouthShut, I could not find myself how to review second time for a product. I could only edit my previous one. So, here is my ownership review (if you call a 2 weeks ownership review an ownership review :)).
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I took delivery on 23rd Feb. Keys was presented to me by VVS Laxman.
Could only complete 250 kms till now (Exams are going on :( ). Planning to complete at least 600 kms before first service.
Mileage I got was inconsistent. 45, 58 and 48 kmpl. Though all these figures are good, I’m confident that after the engine breaks-in/sets-in it’ll give upwards of 50 in city for sedate driving).
I’m keeping the engine below 5000 rpm i.e., 65-67 kmph in 6th gear as written in the manual. The manual also asks to put some pressure/load on the engine to aid the mating process of engine parts.
Many of my friends felt that the engine is super smooth and handling is superb. I could lean the bike in corners very well just like Unicorn.
Looks: It looks muscular and awesome. Even Unicorn and Pulsars feel like toys after riding this one. Pictures really don’t do justice to it. Tail light and fuel tank are very good.
Misc: Many people talk about monoshock absorbers. Is the success of Unicorn only because of them? Are they the only reason for making Unicorn a good handler? I don’t think so. But I don’t feel any necessity for GS150R.
Performance: Many people argue that Apache is a great performer and compare it with GS. I agree. But how many care only about performance. There are many factors customers see while buying a bike. Who cares if it does 0-60 kmph in sub 5 seconds or 6 seconds. There isn’t much of a difference. How many are going to race with their bikes in our traffic conditions!!
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I planned to buy a 150cc bike and was really confused between Xtreme, Hunk, Unicorn and GS150R. I didn’t like Hunk. I’d have bought CBZ had it’s styling been as good as say Hunk or even a Unicorn. The styling of CBZ really sucks. Unicorn is really outdated though it is really a gem of a bike.
I took a test drive of this bike at I-Bays, Somajiguda, Hyderabad and booked it instantly. Delivery is in 2nd week of February.
1) Bike looked more muscular/fatter in real than it is in photos.
2) Quality of the plastics is very good. It is solidly built unlike Bajajs and TVSs.
3) Once I started riding this bike, it did not feel like a new bike. I was instantly familiar with it (the riding position, controls, etc., are all spot-on). I’ve driven Unicorn, Pulsar {150, 200}, XTreme and Hunk before.
4) For self-start, it won’t start unless you disengage the clutch and the accelerator. This is the only thing I found strange in the bike. But, you’ll get used to it and this feature is useful for the engine in the long run.
5) Engine sound is not as refined as a Unicorn, but since that bike is a new one, after run-in refinement will surely improve.
6) Digital instrumentation rocks!!
7) Though I only got a chance to test drive for a very short distance, I found the ride quality (suspension) to be very good.
8) I did rev it to 7500+ rpm to check vibrations and the so-called Engine Balancer Technology and to my astonishment the bike had no vibrations and the refinement is top notch.
9) My friend (who owns a Unicorn) also found the handling of this bike to be very good.
10) Mileage as told by the dealer is 50-55 kmpl in city which seems to be good.
11) I’m doubtful about the after-sales of Suzuki dealers in Hyderabad but I took chances.
12) Dimensions (Height, Width, Lengh, Wheels, Weight) are all greater than it’s competitors.
13) 6th overdrive gear and Engine Balancer Technology will make cruising on highways in 3 digit speeds a breeze and stress free (for bike and rider). And at the same time without compromising its frugality.
Comments are welcome (This is my first review on MS)....
Go and take a test drive of this bike to feel this phenomenal bike.
IT IS A GREAT ALL-ROUNDER and that’s what I want in my bike.
On-Road Price in Hyderabad is 66, 667 INR. (Quite Affordable and on par with competitors)
Will keep you updated once I get my bike delivered.
thanks,
Vikas