Suzuki GN160 vs. the competition

Suzuki Philippines Incorporated has launched the GN160 - an all-new retro-inspired backbone motorcycle that promises distinct classic styling combined with modern amenities. 

On that note, the Suzuki GN160 has entered the very competitive neo-retro two-wheeler space. But what models is this all-new ride facing in the market exactly? Let’s find out here. 

Suzuki GN160

Before going over the GN160’s alternatives in the Philippine market, let's first go over what it offers to prospective adopters. 

Powering the all-new GN160 is a four-stroke, two-valve, single-overhead-cam (SOHC), 162-cubic-centimeter (cc) engine capable of producing up to 14 horsepower (hp) and 14.5 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque.

The said engine is an air-cooled unit equipped with fuel injection. It also comes with an electric starting system and a transistorized ignition system. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a five-speed manual transmission.

For ride quality and handling, the Suzuki GN160 uses a front telescopic oil-damped fork and an oil-damped swingarm with dual adjustable shocks at the rear. It rides on an 80/100-18 47P front tire and a 90/90-18 51P rear tire.

Braking duties are handled by a single front disc brake and a rear drum brake. The motorcycle also comes equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for added safety.

In terms of dimensions, the model measures 2,005 millimeters (mm) long, 770 mm wide, and 1,090 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 1,280 mm, a ground clearance of 178 mm, and a seat height of 760 mm. The motorcycle weighs 128 kilograms.

Other notable features of the Suzuki GN160 include:

• LED lighting
• Semi-digital gauge cluster
• 11-liter fuel tank
• Single-level long seat with suede and leather upholstery
• Upright handlebar

The all-new Suzuki GN160 is priced at P125,000. It is available in Pearlescent Black and Metallic Matte Concrete Gray. Each purchase comes with a 30,000-kilometer or three-year warranty, whichever comes first.

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Yamaha XSR155

One of the closest competitors to the Suzuki GN160 in the 150-160 cc displacement range is the Yamaha XSR155. It is, however, priced at P182,000, which is significantly higher than the Suzuki offering. 

For its engine, the Yamaha XSR155 uses a liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke, single-cylinder mill that can make up to 19 hp and 14.7 Nm of torque. The engine comes with a six-speed transmission, an electric starter, a wet-sump lubrication system, and a fuel-injected system. 

Braking on this Yamaha model is handled by front and rear discs. It likewise gets a front upside-down fork and a link monoshock rear suspension. Regarding tires, the model uses 110/70-17 for the front and 140/70-17 for the rear. These are “dual-purpose” tires wrapped in 17-inch wheels. 

Size-wise, the model is 2,005 mm long, 805 mm wide, and 1,080 mm in height. Its wheelbase is 1,330 mm, and its ground clearance is 170 mm. It also offers a seat height of 170 mm. 

Other notable features of the Yamaha XSR155 include: 

• Heritage seat (leather)
• LED front and rear lighting
• LCD digital gauge
• Assist and slipper clutch
• 10-liter fuel tank

Like its Suzuki rival, the Yamaha XSR155 has two available color options. These are Garage Metal and Phantom Blue.

Keeway Cafe Racer 152

Another alternative to the Suzuki GN160 is the Keeway Cafe Racer 152. As its name suggests, it adopts a more aggressive “cafe racer” body and riding stance, which is more specialized than the GN160 and Yamaha XSR155’s more UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle)- style bodywork. 

On the one hand, it is far more affordable than the Suzuki and Yamaha models mentioned above, as it retails at just P69,900. 

Propelling the Keeway Cafe Racer 152 is a 149-cc carbureted overhead cam, single-cylinder engine equipped with an electric starter, a capacitor discharge ignition (CDI) system, an air-cooling system, and a pressure splash lubrication system. 

At maximum, the Cafe Racer 152 can put out 11 horsepower and 11.1 Nm of torque. It also gets a five-speed manual transmission with a wet-multi-plate clutch. 

For its suspension, it comes with a front telescopic fork and a dual-shock-absorber rear end. Stopping power for this model is handled by a front disc brake and a rear drum brake. Regarding wheels, it rides on a pair of 17-inch spoked set wrapped in 3.00-17 front and 110/80-70 tires. 

The Keeway Cafe Racer 152 is 1,930 mm long, 786 mm wide, and 1,021 mm in height. It has a ground clearance of 160 mm, a seat height of 770 mm, and a wheelbase of 1,245 mm. 

Being a cafe racer, this Keeway nameplate gets a single seat with a hump and cowl setup. It also has a 12.1-liter fuel tank and an analog-digital gauge cluster. 

Motorstar Cafe 150

Another neo-retro rival of the Suzuki GN160 is the Motorstar Cafe 150. Like the Keeway, this model is also a cafe racer. Currently, it retails at P66,000. 

The Motorstar Cafe 150's engine is a 149.5 cc OHC single-cylinder unit producing up to 11.1 hp and 11.5 Nm of torque. This single-banger mill goes together with a five-speed manual transmission, a carbureted fuel system, a CDI ignition system, electric/kick starting, and a 15-liter fuel tank. Notably, it has the largest fuel tank among the models on this list. 

Concerning suspension systems, it has a front fork and a rear double-shock suspension. Its braking system consists of a front disc and a rear drum brake. It likewise comes with 17-inch spoked wheels wrapped in 11/70-17 tires for the front and 130/70-17 tires for the rear. 

While being labeled as a cafe racer, it gets a two-seater seat with the characteristic hump. It also uses an LED front lamp and analog gauge clusters. 

Final thoughts

Overall, the Suzuki GN160 has good potential for its balance of style, accessibility, and modern amenities. 

As mentioned, the model looks like a legitimate UJM that harkens back to old Suzuki nameplates from the 1980s. Then again, it gets a slew of modern features, the most significant of which is an anti-lock braking system, which is absent from its alternatives listed above. 

Sure, the model is more expensive than Chinese-branded cafe-racer-style rides, but it is still more affordable compared to its closest Japanese-made rival - the Yamaha XSR155. 

So, if you like what you see from the Suzuki GN160, do not hesitate to visit the nearest Suzuki dealership and ask for a test drive. Because who knows, this could be the bike you’ve been looking for. 

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