[headbanger]

Originally Posted by avishar

I am pretty much in the same boat as driverace here,but i have narrowed it down to fz and the rtr 160.

Want to ask a couple of questions to those who own these bikes.

Comparing the RTR and FZ
1.How is the build quality?
2.Cost of the spares?
3.Service experience of the TVS and Yamaha in bangalore?
4.Overall reliability?

My 2 cents here. I got my Fz16 in Aug 2009 and following are the responses:

1. Build quality is better than TVS RTR. Not a single rattle till date from my FZ.

2. Spares of Yamaha are costlier vis a vis RTR. However, the mechanical parts wear and tear is not very quick which means that you don't need to change the parts very often.

3. Nothing comes close to Hero Honda if A.S.S is thr criterion. I have a moderately good experience with Yamaha A.S.S at my place though!!! Would rate 7 out of 10.

4. Very reliable bike. Would rate 9 out of 10.

Pros:
1. Good looks. She is a looker boss!!!
2. Powerful mid-range. When in traffic, FZ shows the real character.
3. Excellent balance. Had it not been the FZ I would have suffered at least 3 accidents.

Cons:
1. Mileage will be in range of 34-38kmpl.
2. Moderate A.S.S.

[kailashnj]

Originally Posted by driverace

The seat was so comfortable, I cannot express it here, I guess!
(I mean, I am reading this before posting, and I see, I have mentioned it so many times, still, Its not enough to convey exactly how comfortable it is..!)

P.S. It did feel like GOD, when I cruised the Avenger..

I have a avenger (my bro owns it) and have driven it hard and long. It's a very good bike for long drives where you go alone - yes you read it right - long drives where you go alone. I am saying this is because the rear seat of the bike is very poor and you tend to get a sore A.s.s when you are in the back seat for more than 15 minutes. My wifey hence hates this bike to the core. But other than that this is a fantastic bike to own. We have this bike since 2005 and its still going strong. No major issues yet and has done more than 53k kms. We get a decent mileage of 42 kms on our 180 avenger.

The new avenger comes with the 220 engine from the Pulsar 220 and hence you can still expect it to return a decent mileage as I get aroung 35 to 40 depending on my driving style.

By the way have to driven the GS150R yet or still pending.

[driverace]

Suzuki GS150R Test Drive:

This one was right after the Avenger TD:
Well, Suzuki GS 150R.
Wasn't exactly on my list before.
But, since it was recommended by my friends (at office!) and my fellow bhpians here, I called the Suzuki guys for it.

They came all the way from Domlur to Whitefield!
(Thanks to them for that!)
(Goes to show the customer attn - at pre-sale level - to say the least!)

Please refer following article from Avenger post!

In India, We have sure come a long way with bikes.
..
we have moved on from the Mile-age bikes to Mile-loving bikes!
..
And, it seems,
for every single want, there is(are) a() bike(s) made!
..
Mileage -check
More Mileage -check
Lil lesser Mileage, Lil more power -check
Decent Mileage, Good power -check
Mileage, Power balance -check
Mileage should not be like 30 !, but, power to fire -check!
Let the mileage go to the dogs, Throttle to power -check!!

Well, yeah, that "Decent Mileage, Good power" and just something more is the "genre" of GS150R


First Impression:

When I told my younger bro about having a GS150R TD,
He exclaimed,

"But, It's an Uncle_bike!.."

I was like,

"Come on, its the practical most bike around, <I think>, not an Uncle bike one, sure!.."

But, you have to accept one thing.
When you look at the bike,
the first time, you mistake it for some other bike that's already there in the market!
May be a Unicorn, or Shine, or Zeus, or I_am_not_sure, but ya, it doesn't strike you with anything new.

It's not aggression that Suzuki wants to sell with this bike.
Neither with any ad, nor with the proposition from the site.

The bike does not come with a distinct presence, or a different character.

The design is fairly conservative,
but then there are definitely some pieces of technology put together in the bike,
that make the bike interesting.

The guys, had brought me the Red GS150R.
It was a very new bike, with just some 200 odd km on the odo
(and, I am guessing it was a proper TD bike..)
The bike had a commuter look to it.

I take some time to look around the bike.
and, rather than anything in the front,
the rear catches my eye more! (no pun intended!)

The chunky indicators are plugged in the rear fairing,
and Busa-ish effect on the whole rear end is prominent!

I had a couple of re-looks at the rear-end-design,
and I thought this is something well designed..

Then, the tank and the front are like average!
The mixie type Fuel-tap looks like after-market type one.
<to an extent, spoils the look, maybe>
The chrome on Console is bit of an Over-do.
nothing else is quite much different.

But, there are a few things I have read about the bike,
that I need to drive and check for myself..

The Drive:

Okay,
I start the bike, and literally I need half a minute to look at the instrument cluster!
There is regular eSpeedo and aTacho.
then there is a Gear indicator.
and, then, there are "modes" that you can select to drive in.
ECO / PWR
A ready_to_flash white light that lets you drive in the mode selected.
And, then I saw,
the fuel was like 40%ish, and the fuel block was blinking

(indicating that the block's capacity is over, and it would disappear soon!)

That's nice!

I put on the ECO mode.
then, I tried to revv the bike.
Just at 4K rpm approx, the white flash light, on the console, flashes at you,
indicating you are not driving in the Economy mode now.

same with the Power mode, just at like 8K rpms.

So, its more like the Power/Eco mode as on the TVS Victor (remember?)

(Another thought: The white flash_light on the console,
I think might be a bit troublesome at night, much like the blue_high_beam one on the Pulsars UG3 )

Ok, so, I reset the modes & everything to normal.

I try to listen to the engine, on idle, then on some 3K rpms, then some more..
I find the engine has that *typical* *electronic_kind_of*,
a lot like the newer gen Pulsar cross with the Unicorn type of sound.

Nope, definitely not of a Combustion engine, but, more electronic_kind.

I think you will understand what I mean,
when you ride a Gen 1 Pulsar, and then perhaps a Gen 3 or current Gen Pulsar.

The engine, has a very refined sound and feel.
There seem to be no vibrations withing wide range of rpms of the engine!

I tried the bike in Gear 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 right away!
I was in the 6th gear, like at 40ish speed.
and, the bike was doing just-ok!
I was around 45kmph,
and the bike could breathe well with the 6th gear too!

that was WOW!

Braking was just about average on the front disc.
I thought the bike was a tad heavy for what the engine was supposed to carry easily,
but, still, its a stable ride, at all speeds.


The gears:

Here, I think, the GS150 scores exceptionally well, in terms of a city commuter!
The XTP feature on the bike > Extra torque Performance (I guess)
I didn't think it was a on road feature, untill I actually TDed this bike! (I accept!)
The bike, it really was good at as low as 2800rpms!
3K - its ok!, 3.5K is ok too!

and as good as the other bikes are the rest of the rpms!

but, how it handles the low range rpms,
should sure make the city dweller/commuter happy!

Now, do not mistake my comment for anything to do with the "pickup".
Its not that it pulls like any whip, at the low rpms.

But, the engine takes the low rpms as gracefully as the mid ones.

The bike is vibration-free (almost!)
Well till I was at 8K rpms, the engine behaved like a gem!

But, then,

" Saar, please change the gear now, there are three more gears!"
I was with the helmet ( and, I wear glasses).
So, I actually stopped.
Took off glasses, then the helmet.
and told the guy behind me:
" Boss, I want to test a few things on the bike.
So, dont worry, I am driving safe, and withing limits,
but, I need to check the vibrations, and feedback and all.. So, please don't mind.."
The guy, was wiping some sweat with a compulsed-smile
(which I doubt was from the noon heat or..?)

But,
I noticed one more thing, the guy was looking like one whole foot taller than me now! (while he was not!)
The pillions sits freakishly high! (high enough to see the road with correct posture..)

So, I put on my helmet, and we continue:

I now again touch the 10Krpm mark, and the needle bounces back after midway of redline (post 10.5K, I think)..

Thereafter I quickly upshift to 6th-OD gear.
and cruise around 50ish comfortably!

(So, you dont have to worry really, about where/when are you going to slot the 6th one!)

The bike was infact ok at even 40+kmph speeds.
I dont remember any bike pulling itself as graciously as this one when < 3000 rpms.

So, some good points for the bike on this.

The 6th gear is more like the upper cut of the 5th gear.
Doesn't much strike like anything else though.

The ratios on the previous gears might be same as any other 5 speed bike,
I think, as the ride there hasn't changed much.

The shifting is super smooth, and the pickup is decent.
Comfort is fine.

I do not feel the bike is a "driver's" bike so to say.
But, but, it is definitely a commuters bike!

Its upright position, fit for longer city commute.
It promises better mileage, as the XTP helps you drive strain-free in the higher gears.

And overally package will not damage you more than like 72K On Road!
Now thats in a league of different bikes altogether!!



In short:
A perfect Value for Money bike at close to 70K, and with good Mileage for the commuter (long and short alike)!

My Conclusion:
IMHO, Suzuki has done good job with its first 150 entry,
and introduced some good initiative with the technology part.
potential to capture a certain segment here.

But, I do not think, it is going to displace any of the bikes that are pitched in the earlier reports.

Super pros:
The XTP factor really works!
Mileage would be on the bright side considering the 6th cog, and adding some decent miles on the highway.

Pros:
Smooth engine
Fairly steady at coasting speeds in all gears
Shifting is upto the mark (quick, and slick too)

Probable Cons:
Doesn't give any distinction among the sea of other bikes.
Service/After S.S. is untouched upon,
(and I have not heard many good things about the Suzuki dealers, based on strictly limited inputs that I have)
The rear tyre just a 100 wide one!
( wouldn't want to take much angle on this one!)
Braking just sufficient!
__________________________________________________

care,

Ace.

P.S. I may have put the bike as more_bland than it is, but, it is purely relative to the bikes in competition.
And, as you guys can see, the competition bikes all have their respective edges!
So, It might have been bit hard on the GS150R.

<but, those are purely my views, racking them up against the enthusiast's bikes available in the range>

[SchumiFan]

A good TD report Ace. I accept most of the points that you have written about the bike. But I like the front and the tank. The tank is huge and gives good support to the thigh and guess what it can hold a lot of gas too. I once had 17 litres in the tank after I filled it to the brim. It will do well on the long tours if finding petrol stations will be a problem.

The engine will sound a little growly in the first four gears but smoothens out in the 5th and 6th. Even though the weight is more than its counterparts, I have never felt so when riding it. And as you said it is very stable at high speeds without any wobble.

It might be under tyred when compared to the FZ and the pulsar 220., but isn't 100 the norm for the 150's or have they moved to 110's?

Hope you select the best ride for your needs! Loving you TD reports

[Sheel]

I believe Suzuki India's Motorcycles have very sharp front disc-brakes.

[SchumiFan]

Originally Posted by Sheel

I believe Suzuki India's Motorcycles have very sharp front disc-brakes.

I don't understand what sharp means, but they are not that impressive as the RTR's. They are a bit progressive and don't bite immediately. But the rear brakes aren't much good. Maybe they slow the bike down without much feedback, but I use the fronts mostly and they do the job without much fuss.

[Sheel]

I won't argue as you have been riding the GS for quite some time, but which ever Suzuki Motorcycle/s I have had a chance to ride around, I felt the brakes to be sharp (bites instantly & isn't progressive).

Yes, I am contradicting with both of you guys, but I honestly felt that way

The brakes which really excel are of FZ's and R15's. I don't have a very high opinion of RTR's as I rode all shod with OE rubber. Though they (RTR) for sure are better than Bajaj.

Haven't had a chance to test the rear brakes of Suzuki, so won't comment.

[driverace]

Originally Posted by SchumiFan

I don't understand what sharp means, but they are not that impressive as the RTR's. They are a bit progressive and don't bite immediately. But the rear brakes aren't much good. Maybe they slow the bike down without much feedback, but I use the fronts mostly and they do the job without much fuss.

you are on the Spot with a capital S!
I think you have explained well about the brakes.

About discs being sharp:
Well, What I found in the TD, was that the disc told me,

"we can do the stopping, decently."

but, like, "thats all folks!"
We should not expect Out-of-the-park performance from the discs.
Purely IMO.

The tank is huge and gives good support to the thigh and guess what it can hold a lot of gas too.

Oh, yes, that was what I felt too*.
*missed that in the TD report, and remembered this morning!*
Thanks for that!
My only quib was that, it doesn't strike you in the looks dept, right away!

But, for function, the bike does deserve respect! (No doubts here.)

It might be under tyred when compared to the FZ and the pulsar 220., but isn't 100 the norm for the 150's or have they moved to 110's?

Oh. ooo!
Well, I admit FOA, I am a bit high on adrenaline when it comes to tyres these days!!
But again, I was not pitching the tyre point with Fz, :lol again!
rather,
It was a inhouse expectation to be above the 100 profilers,
since they were already better in the mileage section
and also introducing the 6th cog would mean better cruising speeds.
So, a better tyre could have meant a juicier package, agree?

The current setup is not under-done either.

I liked the bike as a City commuter.
(typically longer than 15kms, shorter than 40ish kms one way, everyday)


___________
Urban Nomad: (sorry, I couldn't reply to ya earlier)

If you are open to look at the 2nd hand market, I suggest a used Royal enfield :

Why?
Its an icon. No other bike even comes close in terms of the image it potrays.
That thump is to die for.
Irrespective of whether you are a pot bellied uncleji or a lean bloke,finding a comfortable riding position is not a problem.
Overall, a comfortable cruiser. In fact, you will love her even more on the open highway.
You will probably land a decent example well within your budget, maybe save a few grand too. Use that moolah for some nice mods on the bike (a nice custom seat, Goldie silencer, handlebars etc).
Plenty of options to choose from. If its a timeless classic you want - go for the standard 350 (or even the electra). A bit more modern - T Bird it is. Fulltu blingy (chrome tank et all) - Machismo.
Ladies tend to like the Bull over the other machines you have mentioned here (IMO). Check with your lady love(s?).
Happy hunting.

You have an interesting proposition there!
I will tinker around that a little!

RE is something I have been following for a looong time now.
Will update thoughts on this soon.

Thanks for the input man!

________________


Care,

Ace.

Next on schedule:
(overdue actually)
1.HH Karizma R
2. Wouldn't it be great if everyone could buy their own Rocket? (Not the vertical ones, the horizontal ones!)
Booked one for TD. (lets hope that's coming soon! I am waiting!)

[SchumiFan]

Originally Posted by Sheel

I won't argue as you have been riding the GS for quite some time, but which ever Suzuki Motorcycle/s I have had a chance to ride around, I felt the brakes to be sharp (bites instantly & isn't progressive).

Yes, I am contradicting with both of you guys, but I honestly felt that way

The brakes which really excel are of FZ's and R15's. I don't have a very high opinion of RTR's as I rode all shod with OE rubber. Though they (RTR) for sure are better than Bajaj.

Haven't had a chance to test the rear brakes of Suzuki, so won't comment.

I haven't driven a variety of bike to really compare this with, but since you have driven the Yams and the B's, I think I maybe a little conservative with the braking.

Maybe should ask them if there is anything that can be done regarding the fronts, since I would like to have a bit more bite than what it presently offers.

I brought this bike because I was in a situation where I needed a bike immediately and I was drooling over the way the Unicorn behaved ( the engine is class with no vibes). The GS gave me the same feeling without any waiting period and the attitude of the staffs was wonderful, which made me take this bike over Unicorn

It has been a happy ride till now with 7K on board. An all rounder it certainly is.

[AlphaKilo]

Well another GS rider here. But I accept with yours and Schumi's points. You have collated all the points of GS well on a general note and especially being a commuter which by far is the largest of the market share. But on the other hand, regarding comparison against other bikes in terms of performance, I would say its no less its got loads of torque on offer, 13.8 BHP so, it isnt underpowered as a SZ-X or a discover 150 but on the league of the pulsars. RTR is all together a different class I would say! Its a pure indian race machine and the engine I guess must have been a derivative of Fiero 150.

Whats that suspense of the rocket?
Are you planning to check out the HH Hunk or Uni dazzler?
What about trying for a classic RD350/YD350? I myself have seen quite a good few of them in Bangalore for sale and fall in the price range of 80-90K.

If you are seriously looking for fun bike, you have to look no further than a 2 stroke RX100. I bet there can never be a bike more fun to ride than a RX.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by headbanger

4. Very reliable bike. Would rate 9 out of 10.

I would rate FZ as the best bike out there in the segment. If i were to buy one bike in the segment- it has to be FZ for the awesome handling this machine offers. But I beg to differ to this statement.

Bike is not as reliable as expected of the japs. Switchgear problems are common (My friend got one replaced under warranty), rear radials tend to lose air pressure constantly (My friend is getting it checked almost every two days now- and its still dropping 2-3 points.), resulting in rim damage (Tyre is already thin walled, and becomes near flat once pressure reduces), front brake lever breaking off etc are common in ownership threads across multiple forums. Still, its not a deal-breaker for this awesome machine.

Originally Posted by driverace

Note:
I will definitely buy a cruiser one day.
I would want it to be an Indian one ..

(at least the first one!)

and, If Avenger is around then, I will go in the showroom..

And Ride out like a God - On Cruise.

The Avenger has secured a respectable position in my view.

______________________________
P.S. It did feel like GOD, when I cruised the Avenger..

April, 2006- I compared P180 DTSi and Avenger 180. I bought the Pulsar because my close friend is having an Avenger and i thought i would get the best of both worlds. And i thought i was a speed guy more than a cruiser.

Fast forward to April, 2011- Five years and i still dream of owning an Avenger someday. I wonder why i didn't buy it. I love my pulsar and wont consider selling it, but somehow my heart skips a beat when i remember what it means to 'feel like god'.

Dont make this mistake. If you loved the bike, think it over again and again before deciding- to a buy a cruiser some day and go for an Avenger then!

(PS- I am using a kerala registered P180 in Chennai. Planning to buy a CBR250R once it reaches showrooms and IF I REALLY REALLY like it. Else, i might buy an Avenger 220 if parents fall for the registration issues excuse. )

[Sheel]

@SchumiFan - The GS is a nice Motorcycle

May be you can ask the SVC guys to bleed the brakes and check the pads.

Originally Posted by Crazy Driver

Bike is not as reliable as expected of the japs. Switchgear problems are common (My friend got one replaced under warranty), rear radials tend to lose air pressure constantly (My friend is getting it checked almost every two days now- and its still dropping 2-3 points.), resulting in rim damage (Tyre is already thin walled, and becomes near flat once pressure reduces), front brake lever breaking off etc are common in ownership threads across multiple forums

I have owned FZ/Fazer (both for above 15K) and the R15. No switch-gear problem reported so far.

Rear tires/rim? This is my reply at some other forum.

Modern day Cars come with pedestrian safety, in which the front of the Car is designed such that in case of an impact, the pedestrian won't be hurt gravely.

Similarly, Yamaha's alloy wheels are rigid upto a point. Post which they bend/break easily and take the impact in case of a crash.

The tire profile is low and the phat tire hood looms you into believing that pressure is okay.

Levers? Sorry, but I am hearing this for the first time. I hope they don't break on their own unless crashed.

[driverace]

Personal Update:



Both smileys used up.
What does that tell ?? lolz.

Yes,
My Autobot is here!
Ownership thread starts soon! (Damn work!)

Tried a few snaps..
But, really looking for some pro-photographer to help me with a shoot (tongue out smiley here)

Thanks,

Ace.

[abhinav.s]

Originally Posted by driverace

Personal Update:
My Autobot is here!

Congrats mate!! Our meet and your treat is still pending remember

OT: You still busy finding zombies after your marathon meets at work??

[Mr. Nobody]

Originally Posted by Sheel

Rear tires/rim? This is my reply at some other forum.

The tire profile is low and the phat tire hood looms you into believing that pressure is okay.

Levers? Sorry, but I am hearing this for the first time. I hope they don't break on their own unless crashed.

any official source to confirm this fact ? sounds like an excuse to reduce costs , how come other bikes , even from yamaha world over dont have such 'soft' alloys . read way too many people complaining of rim bends on r15 /fz 16 due to bumps ,potholes etc by the owners . the crumple zone is used for absorbing impact in cars so that the drivers dont get violent shocks in case of a crash and in bikes the rider usually falls off and are not mandated to have crumple zones . the alloys should be of stronger material keeping in mind indian conditions .