On a roll: Suzuki’s GS 150R is equipped with efficient front and rear suspensions suited to harsh Indian riding conditions Photographs by Ashley Baxter

Suzuki’s gunning for growth in India and projecting a bold new face. So, if you thought the 125cc Heat and Zeus bikes and the Access scooter were all it could make, think again. The Japanese bikemaker has rolled out a brand-new model, the GS 150R to grab a slice of the growing 150cc market. What’s more, it’s all set to unveil its famous hyper-speed Hayabusa too.

The GS 150R is here to fill the gap between two emerging 150cc bike sub-segments in India such as the more upmarket models like the Yamaha R15 and TVS Apache RTR 160 FI, and the commuter-friendly Honda Unicorn and Bajaj Pulsar.

The latest Suzuki looks exciting from the front, thanks to an original, GSX-R inspired headlight cluster and twin pilot-lights. Turn your gaze sideways and it’s easy to spot a Bajaj Pulsar resemblance. The bike is cautious and smooth lines from head to tail are likely to appeal to a wide audience in the conservative Indian market. This seems to be a solidly put-together motorcycle with impeccable build quality that easily creates an impression of overall quality like other Suzuki stable-mates in India.

Attention to detail is of the highest order. One immediately notices the smartly laid out digital instruments, which are set with a typical analogue, and illuminated needle-indicated circular rev counter along with a digital format cluster that reads out speeds, odometer, trip and fuel level remaining in the bike.

All this is in addition to a novel gear indicator and GSX-R inspired engine rpm indicator. This new feature will inform riders when the bike is at an optimal engine speed to shift gears, via a selectable twin economy or power mode.

The GS 150R will offer all-inclusive switches, including an engine-kill button on the right and it comes with large handlebar end weights. Don’t miss the GS 150R’s handsome humpback 15.5-litre fuel tank, with its smart knee indents and a neat aircraft-inspired filler lid.

There’s also a lightly stepped seat, flared flank panels that look neat when viewed from above, and a broad alloy grab bar. This bike will be easily recognisable from the rear, with its horizontally split brake light and integrated turn signal flashers.

The GS 150R has machined and silver finished alloy sub-frame sections to mount its rear footrests, as well as a fully enclosed drive chain. Expect to see this Suzi using five-spoke alloy rims in black and the same shade to coat its engine. Buyers have an option of a self or kickstarter to get the bike going.

The four-stroke, air-cooled power-plant can be expected to provide typically smooth Japanese refinement and uses a BS 26, CV-type carburettor to blend air-fuel mixture for its single cylinder. A balancer will work overtime behind the scenes to ensure drive-train smoothness and this is only the second 150cc bike after the YZF-R15 to be equipped with a sporty six-speed gearbox.

Suzuki claims its 13.8bhp, twin-valve engine is tuned towards good low and mid-range power delivery. It builds up a peak torque figure of 1.36kgm at 6000rpm.

The GS 150R rides on 18-in rims, uses a single downtube frame and provides its conventional front fork suspension with rubber boots to protect from harsh Indian riding conditions. At the rear, the bike comes with twin shock absorbers, as well as a rectangle section swingarm. A 240mm front disc brake is standard, as will be a 130mm pedal-actuated drum at the rear.

While we can’t wait to get astride the GS 150R for a full road test, we can confirm that the new Suzuki motorcycle will hit Indian roads in February 2009.

spec check

suzuki gs 150r

Price: Rs 49,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
L/W/H: 2095/775/1120mm
Wheelbase: 1340mm
Ground clearance: 160mm
Fuel tank: 15.5 litres
Kerb weight: 149kg
Engine: Single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke 149.5cc
Power: 13.8bhp at 8500rpm
Torque: 1.36kgm at 6000rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed
Front suspension: Telescopic forks
Rear suspension: Dual shocks, rectangle section swingarm
Brakes (F/R): 240mm disc; 130mm drum