by Abhinand Venugopal from https://www.rushlane.com
Suzuki Motorcycle has updated the GSX-R150 single-cylinder faired motorcycle for the Taiwanese market. The 2020MY Suzuki GSX-R150 remains mechanically similar to its previous version but receives new colour schemes. The entry-level sports motorcycle is popular in many South Asian markets. It may never come to India as our market has already got the Suzuki Gixxer and Gixxer SF models as compelling alternatives.
If it were indeed available here, the GSX-R150 would have directly locked horns with Yamaha Motor India’s YZF-R15 V3.0. Its output is slightly higher than that of the Yamaha but if there was a beauty contest, the R15 would surely annihilate the GSX-R150. Either motorcycle is somewhat at the same level when it comes to equipment.
The 2020 Suzuki GSX-R150 continues to have conventional telescopic forks alongside a preload-adjustable monoshock from Showa. It rides on 90/80 (F) and 130/70 (R) section tyres shod on 17-inch wheels. Braking duties are carried out by 290mm front and 187mm rear discs, with dual-channel ABS. The sports motorcycle weighs 136kg and its seat height touches 785mm.
As mentioned before, the changes are limited to colour choices. It gets four new paint schemes: Yellow/Black, Red/Black, Black and Suzuki’s iconic Silver/Triton Blue MotoGP livery. The 147.3cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine makes 18.9bhp @ 10,500rpm and 14Nm @ 9,000rpm.
On the other hand, the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 (now in BS6 format) employs a 155.1cc liquid-cooled motor good for 18.3bhp @ 10,000rpm and 14.1Nm @ 8,500rpm. Both motorcycles are mated to a 6-speed transmission but the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 boasts of a slipper clutch.
Suzuki Motorcycle India has already updated the Gixxer and Gixxer SF to BS6 specifications at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.12 lakh and 1.22 lakh, respectively. The motorcycles are powered by a 155cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that makes 13.4bhp @ 8,000rpm and 13.8Nm @ 6,000rpm. This is mated to a 5-speed transmission. The Suzuki Gixxer SF is more of a sports commuter while the GSX-R150 is a decent starter motorcycle in the sports category.
The Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer has updated most of its products to BS6 norms and is gradually doing the same in the premium segment. As a start, it will be launching the V-Strom 650 XT BS6 adventure tourer on the market soon. India’s automotive industry is not going through the best of times due to COVID-19 and experts predict that buying a vehicle after the ongoing lockdown would be a completely different experience.
