Suzuki GSX-R150

GSX-R150 Overview

Suzuki Philippines has unveiled the smallest entry in the hugely popular GSX line. The GSX-R150, despite its small engine, is making all attempts to make a mark in the small sport-bike category. This one from the Japanese automaker does have a small engine under the hood but will still leave a greater impact when there are only a handful of entrants under this lineage. GSX-R150 is powerful and inculcates efficient ergonomics, apart from offering great rideability. All these characteristics make it a strong competitor to the already existing great Yamaha YZF-R15 and the Honda CBR150R. Priced at par with Honda, it is an affordable alternative to the Yamaha model. 

Talking about the sportbike segment, it is one of the most wonderful creations that offer a ride with pride. They are equipped with an extremely aggressive riding position that ensures maximum sweeping and winding road, just by positioning the rider on top of the tank.

Suzuki GSX-R150 Design

Taking a glance at the GSX-R150 you see a deep resemblance with its bigger sibling GSX-R750, including all the designing and styling hues. Starting from the appealing character lines to the fairing and contouring at the front, every inch of it oozes of sportiness. Riding the GSX-R150 will offer you a different level of swag every time you sweep into the roads. Apart from the design and style, it also has the same paint scheme and the legendary sportbike has. The one thing that gives you deception is the skinny tyres. But other than that and the generally slimmer chassis, the bike is a dead ringer for the 750. This astonishing resemblance means that the GSX-R150 has the looks of a legitimate sportbike and it does stand out in the crowded small bike segment. 

Coming to the utility features, it has a multi-function LCD display that contains all the information, like redlining on the tachometer bar, trip meters, odometer, time, and gear position indicator. The functional design is extremely sporty and masculine and that is because it is somehow in the genes of the GSX lineage. The footpegs are a pretty set and the handlebar would make you lean over tank while pushing the throttle. You also need not worry about riding at high speeds since the windscreen is pretty long and acts as both aerodynamic and wind savior at the same time.

GSX-R150 Ride & Handling

Given the ergonomics of this sporty motorbike, it might be difficult to commute on busy roads with city traffic, however, once you get to the highway you see the GSX coming to its true blood. It is sure to offer an amazing ride at the mountain roads. A fluidly-fledged race tuck is possible only because of the clip-on bars, provided you have a reasonable height and are comfortably set on the footpegs. The front and rear disc brakes provide adequate braking power while the telescopic front and swing-arm rear suspension setup curbs a jolty ride and allows the rider to take corners without fear of the bike’s balance. It also helps in maintaining a balance against undulations on the road. 

The peak power and torque come at a very high revolution range, you wouldn’t feel the lack of power even when you already have crossed the three-digit speed mark. The power control also comes from the 6-speed gearbox. The suspension is set a little on the stiffer side so that you find it more stable at high speeds. 

Suzuki GSX-R150 Engine & Fuel Consumption

At the heart of GSX motorbike, lies a 147cc single-cylinder which appears to be very little under the hood of this huge motorbike. Though the size is small, yet the quality and efficiency are what that matters. The motor is tuned to be very revolution-friendly and it isn’t hard to extract the peak power and torque. Peak power comes in at a stratospheric 10,500rpm coupled with the six-speed transmission. This implies that to keep the bike going at a good clip, the rider must keep wringing its neck to high heavens before shifting. At only 18.9hp, the GSX won’t set your pants on fire because it comes with a water-cooling feature. This indicates how much of a joy you will experience while pushing the throttle to the high-end on the rev range. As for the transmission, there is a 6-speed return type gearbox, which is smooth on the upshifts and downshifts.

GSX-R150 Braking & Safety

The suspension is not very well cushioned but still, it is very soft to prevent you from a jolty ride. The telescopic front with the monoshock feature offers you a good journey. Coming to the braking equipment, there are disc brakes given for both the wheel and considering that it is a sportbike, the stopping power is very essential while being progressive at the same time. The wheels have thick tyres (90 mm front and 130 mm for the rear) that have a good tread and treats the riders with a great road grip.

Suzuki GSX-R150 Verdict

The GSX-R truly lives up to the GSX name. For the smaller displacement engine and diminutive dimensions, this bike is a thoroughbred machine designed to carve the corners of your favorite track or mountain road. If you are in the market for something small, light, and sporty, and if your physique can survive the relatively cramped dimensions, the GSX-R150 may be the bike for you. It is priced at around PHP 156,000 as opposed to the PHP 165,000 for the Yamaha YZF-R15. Plus, it is equally powerful as well, much more than the Honda model in the segment.