Suzuki GS150R Vs. Honda Unicorn – A Review by Kishan
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There are lot of heated discussions regarding Unicorn and GS150R. I too was confused which one to buy before going for GS150R. Many friends and relatives told me to go for Unicorn blindly. I also asked a mechanic who is an expert in two wheelers and he too suggested me to go for Unicorn. But still I bought GS150R as I am getting more comfort, power and stunning looks at almost same price and I am happy with my decision. It never let me down. It serves all the purpose I want.
Both the bikes are almost similar yet different…
Unicorn is an all-rounder with smooth and linear power delivery through all the revranges but the top end performance is slightly weaker. Unicorn picks speeds quickly but only till 75 or 80kmph max. and then it takes time to reach 100. GS150R is more of a topend performer with rock solid stability and quickest to reach 100kmph. I travel mostly on highways and so GS150R is the perfect bike. It has the least initial pickup in the 150CC segment and that is due to weight of the bike. I am always the last when the signal turns green. Infact slower than few 125CC bikes. The only option is to revhard and change gears faster to feel the power at low revs. But once you are at say 4th gear and at speeds above 40, you are the quickest to reach 100.
We can’t have all the three viz. initial, mid and top end pickup in one bike. If a bike has rapid initial pickup it sucks at top end. That is the case with pulsar, apache and FZ16. These bikes have solid initial pickup but looses steam at the top end. GS150R is solid at top speeds and is fun to ride at highway. You will feel like crusing and the comfort level is like a car. It is not too smooth and infact sometimes noisy but doesn’t sound harsh like other bikes. Yes, in congested city traffic it is difficult to cut the traffic and switch lines faster and require expertise to do so. But on highways it is awesome. The ride is stressfree due to 6th gear.
That extra weight is an advantage at high speeds. Ride it to believe it. The mileage I am getting is between 55-60. Once I got 74kmpl on pure highway. The minimum I got is 48kmpl in city. The mileage is not consistent some time less some time very high. But I am more than satisfied as the figures are much better than other bikes. I measure it on reserve to reserve basis. Is there any other better option to measure it. Please suggest. The only problem I am facing is some sound from the engine which increases with speed. I told the service centre guys thrice but the problem is not yet rectified. And chain gets loose often. The brakes are just ok ok. Headlight is poor but the horn is powerful. One will not regret the decision to go for this bike. It is a proud to own this bike.
Regards,
Kishan
Related posts:
- Unicorn Vs. FZ16 Vs. GS150R: 150cc Comparison
- Suzuki GS150R vs. Honda Unicorn: Power Commuters
- Suzuki GS150R Ownership Experience by Anupdas
- Suzuki GS150R Test Drive
- Suzuki GS150R Ownership Experience by Hari
32 comments
Anupdas on January 31, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Awesome review Kishan. You just said what i couldnt say in my review. So its true that one can get 70+ mileage on GS. Actually i too got a 70+ mileage i thought it was a mistake. My mom and sister didn’t like GS at first. Now my sister loves to ride in it. She says it has the most comfortable seating.
Keep updating….Ride safe.
Vineeth on January 31, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Well, this is just a mere mention of the pros of Suzuki gs 150 over the Unicorn. I wld suggest you dwelve deeper into the details. The gs has become a serious competitor to the Unicorn but the major difference remains that Honda’s service is much better than Suzuki’s which is just developing stage and hence not upto mark.
I can’t understand why makers like Yamaha and Suzuki can produce great bikes and still give clumsy services. Anyway Unicorn is a proven performer since 2004 and is 4 years ahead in experience from the gs 150.
My personal choice would be the Unicorn since it has the smoothest ride and most comfortable seating in its category. True the vibrations start kicking in from 70 plus but overall I think its the best 150cc bike. It would be the ideal cruiser bike for our highways.
Anupdas on January 31, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Well said Vineeth. Unicorn is indeed a very good bike. It entered 150cc without much notice and slowly rose to be the best. But now that GS came to limelight Honda needs to do some serious works unlike some fancy sticker works, like the one hero honda has been doin for last 12 or so years on splendor and passion. At present techno equipped GS hass more value for money than Unicorn.
ATHUL on January 31, 2010 at 10:06 pm
now also i have a doubt. Is mono shock or dual shock better?
kiran on January 31, 2010 at 11:27 pm
hi ppl, i am the proud owner of gs150.. it truely rocks. though unicorn is a good bike, you still will not repent at all for choosing gs. its true that its jack of all.
Vineeth on February 1, 2010 at 5:53 am
Well, surveys on most bike magazines have shown that the monoshock, which is costlier than others is also the best. For our Indian roads, the monoshock is the more suitable option. Because it needs no fine tuning and all the shocks and jerks have a single point of accepting.
The grs and nitrox and all other suspensions that you find today shall wear after 2-3 years and no amount of tuning can bring them to an ideal equality.
Aniket on February 1, 2010 at 9:23 am
I too own a GS150R and I totally agree with Kishan, the bike is great and its a good looking than a Unicorn… If you have a suzuki service center nearby then go for this bike BLINDLY..
Vikas on February 1, 2010 at 9:47 am
Hmm… good review Kishan!
I too went for GS. My orange beauty is nearing her first birthday..
Feb 23rd.
Yes, what you said is absolutely right. Riding at 80-90kmph on highways on GS150R is truly an amazing experience. Its comfort levels are very good. And so are its mileage and stability. I did a 450km trip in March 2009. It was simply awesome…
And yes, service is not as good as say Hero Honda or Bajaj as they’re big players in the market. Suzuki needs to improve upon this if they want to stay in the market!!
– Vikas
fas on February 1, 2010 at 10:35 am
What no pictures? They speak a thousand words :p
UAL on February 1, 2010 at 11:13 am
@ ATHUL,
DUDE, DEFINATELY MONO SUSPENSION IS BETTER THAN THE DUAL SHOCK. IT GIVES ALL THE NECESSARY SHOCK ABSORPTION AND NEVER GETS THE PROBLEM OF SPLITTING OUT !!!!
Kishan on February 1, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Yes Vineeth, you are right. Monoshock has lot of advantages over dual shock. That is the reason Unicorn’s Handling is much better than GS150R. Unicorn cuts the traffic with ease in the congested traffic whereas GS150R requires skill. But GS150R scores over unicorn at highways due to extra weight and currently it is more value for money product. You will not find anything missing in this bike. It has all the features you expect from a 150CC bike right from digital intrumentation, comfort, styling whereas unicorn looks outdated and does’nt have much features. If Honda upgrades Unicorn with more power, digital gizmos, then surely it will be much better than GS150R. Till then, GS rocks.
Vineeth, this is not complete comparison. I have written the points that were missing in other comparison. If you are looking for complete comparison, go through Hussain’s comparison between Unicorn, GS150R and FZ16. I found it to be the most genuine one.
ATHUL on February 1, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Thanks UAL and vineeth.
Rick Jones on February 2, 2010 at 6:08 am
I’ve been using Pulsar 150 DTS-Si since April 2005. Of late I’ve seen that the bike slides or skids at small turns and I & my wife had a few falls too though not very serious. But I’m 40 now and I had a good share of bikes from my dad’s Rajdoot, RX 100, Bajaj Calibre and then to this Pulsar. I bought this bike while I was in Chennai and didn’t face any problems there since the my travel was mostly through the Mount Road which goes straight.
Now that I’m back in my home in Thiruvananthapuram, I find it very risky to ride this bike. Surely it is God’s own country (coz u’ll surely call all Gods while driving in the roads of Kerala). And u need to be a circus man to drive through the potholes filled roads of Trivandrum (just as in any other part of Kerala). And at 40 I cannot be that acrobatic.
In my view, both the GS150R & the Unicorn are better bikes but for a few minor flaws. GS150R MUST go for a monoshock suspension to improve pillion riding. And Unicorn has to seriously take care of its rattling at high speeds (over 80 kmph). I consider these two bikes are the best in the market now and they have come to stay. They have very good road grip and riding comfort and maneuvering is superior too. Also looking at fuel price & a small compromise on looks, these two bikes from the REAL bike makers will stay for some time. And in my view, a bike should not be used for more than 5 years. And in the days ahead, spare parts won’t be a big hassle too.
Kishan on February 2, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Rick, Unicorn does not have any rattling issues at high speeds. It not even vibrates a bit. Only the first and second generation unicorn has vibration issues and that too only at the front and rear which has been taken care from third generation unicorn. Guys, if anyone is facing vibration or harsh engine sound above or at 80kmph check the ideal rpm. If the rpm is not properly set or is set too high it will result in vibration. Unicorn is completely vibefree bike. Before going for GS150R, I rode my friend’s unicorn which is well maintained and we touched 100kmph and I did not find any sort of vibrations. The only thing is after 80kmph it takes time to reach 100.
Rick, you are absolutely right. Suzuki should provide monosuspension for GS150R. It will make the bike easy to handle. Current dual shocks are ok but monoshock will make it almost flawless bike.
Hari on February 3, 2010 at 9:06 am
Hai Kishan, I am also a proud owner of gsr for the last 5 months and clocked 9000kms so far. I liked your review and agree to all points you said. Regarding the sound of the engine it is there for all gs, mine as well as the one i Test drived, so dont worry about the sound of the engine.
Ganesh on February 19, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Hi all,
I currently own a Hero Honda Passion, which I’ve been having for 10years. Its already gone through a cycle of engine reboring (which cost me dearly), and is now having gearbox problems. I still do not know if I can set it right, but would like to ask a couple of important questions on this Suzuki GS150R – Honda Unicorn comparison –
Could someone please compare these bikes on (a) the spare part price, and (b) quality of service (in chennai)
I read some reviews on this site, and find both these topics not much touched upon, but very essential when you consider buying a new bike.
Personally these last 10yrs, I feel Hero Honda spares a bit more expensive than its counterparts. Also you can forget Hero Honda authorised service – its not at all good. I have been giving my bike to a known road-side mechanic only all these years
Ahmed on February 20, 2010 at 9:15 pm
@Ganesh
As both the bikes are japanese, their spare parts are costly compared to locals but they are of very good quality. My friend owns unicorn and has clocked 48000kms and only twice he spent money on spare parts apart from regular servicing. One time clutch cable and the other front visor as he met with an accident and got lot of scratches on the visor. I own pulsar 220 and know how much I have been spending on every service. The culprit, poor quality parts.
The spare parts of Honda’s are little more costlier than suzuki’s but Honda has wider and better service network than suzuki.
bharathi on March 16, 2010 at 1:26 pm
I too own a GS150R and I totally agree with Kishan, the bike is great and its a good looking than a Unicorn… If you have a suzuki service center nearby then go for this bike BLINDLY..
Riding at 80-90kmph on highways on GS150R is truly an amazing experience. Its comfort levels are very good.
AP on March 24, 2010 at 12:38 pm
I own a 2009 Unicorn. I drive abt 63 kms daily out of which 75% is on highways. I get gr8 mileage of around 65 to 67 regularly which is very good when compared to its peers. The bike feels gr8 to drive even at high speeds. I normally do abt 50kmph but the bike does not change its charasteristics like vibrations or stability even if i m at 70 or 80 kmph because of such a gr8 engine…very smooth n refined..
I just love this bike…
chethan on April 1, 2010 at 1:55 pm
well somewhere above i read bout vibrations in unicorn above 70. is it true.
plz reply, if yes i would go for GS…..
but again someone mentioned that, The grs and nitrox and all other suspensions that you find today shall wear after 2-3 years and no amount of tuning can bring them to an ideal equality. So monoshock is better.
so i just want to know bout vibrations in unicorn at top speed( 90-100). someone if having unicorn CB, plz share…..(and dont forget to menton bout vibrations)
kishan on April 10, 2010 at 9:36 pm
@Chetan
Either it is unicorn or GS150R, none vibrates even at speeds of 100kmph. If anyone is feeling the vibrations then it will be due to improper tuning of the bike. A well maintained unicorn never vibrates at any speed. GS150R has little vibrations at the fairing but only at speeds above 95kmph but I heard that it has been taken care of in 2010 version. Regarding suspension, yes, monoshock is much better than dual shocks even if they are fitted with nitrox. That is the reason why unicorn is still the best handler in the entire 150CC segment. But nitrox or gas filled shocks make the ride quality superb that is you won’t feels the bumps and potholes much. As far as life is concerned, the tear and wear depends on the usage. If you handle the bike roughly then even monoshock will wear within an year. Take good care of the bike if you want it to serve you well for years. Do not ruin your bike just for showoff.
chethan on April 12, 2010 at 9:29 am
@ kishan,
Thanks dude.
and also one more version uni sports is being launched.
i dont find any diff btn CB uni and Sports version…..
do u find any…..
Sandeep on April 26, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Really… now Honda needs to do some technical works unlike some fancy sticker & fiber works.
Manoj Joshi on May 4, 2010 at 3:33 pm
i want to ask that which bike is better for students . plz rply .
Praveen on May 5, 2010 at 8:48 pm
I see people complaining about Unicorn’s performance dropping after 80kmph. Well that is total BS(BTW i think it goes to 90kmph before slowing down). The top end performance of Unicorn depends a lot on how you ride is at lower speeds/lower gears. If you are to drive it in a normal manner and then try to go for high speeds it will get stuck at 95kmph mark.
For getting best top end performance out of your Unicorn shift gears at 2nd @ 20kmph, 3rd @ 35-40kmph, 4th @ 50-60kmph, 5th @ 80-85/90kmph. This way you will fly past the 100kmph mark. Top speed I got is around 125+kmph(speedometer). Its hard to do long high speed runs on Cochin roads. Anyways I have done 100+kmph runs on NH47 between stretches 1) Kundanoor jn and Vytila Jn 2) Palarivattom pipeline and edapally jn 3) my favorite spot for high speed driving’s between UP bridge and new Mattanchery BOT bridge… wonderful road with a sexy curve. 4) Wellington island… Port Trust’s road… nice wide road with almost zero traffic.
Antony on May 31, 2010 at 9:40 pm
The Suzuki gs150r rides comfortably in city even with pillion. It does not jerk at slow speeds even in top gear. Unicorn has this problem. In Gs150r, you can ride in 5th or 6th gear even at speed of 30-35 kmph, and it does not jerk. Rightly, unicorn is better handler because it can bend easily due to monoshock. But Gs150r is more comfortable in bad roads due to dual gas-charged shocks. Monoshock or dual rear shocks, ultimately both will wear out. Long-distance bikes like harley-davidson have dual rear shocks for comfortable cruising.
Ahmed on June 6, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Antony, you should know that unicorn can be ridden with a pillion at 25kmph in city without any jerks and that too in 5th gear(its top gear). I too own gs150r but must say it is not as comfortable as unicorn in the city especially in crowded cities due to its weight and low initial pickup. To feel the power I have to change the gear more frequently and accelerate hard in the city. It performs superbly after crossing 4000rpm i.e 60+kmphr and then no other bike can match it. But for city, unicorn is anyday better than GS150R.
@speed on June 6, 2010 at 8:25 pm
GS150R now competes with CB Dazzler, Unicorn is now entry level/ flagship model for HMSI…..HMSI answer o FZ/GS/etc is Dazzler !!….
We should now be comparing Dazzler vs GS150….
6th Speed is good for long lazy highway drives, GS will somewhat loses some torque in other gears compared to Unicorn/Dazzler and hence loses some fun too in city drive mode….Suzuki in long run will have better service and lower maitainence costs.
Both are good bike with a hint of negatives and full of positives….put money one any of these bikes…you don’t lose anything for sure !!
tejdeep on June 12, 2010 at 3:20 pm
hi friends,
i want to buy a 150cc bike..i’m confused between unicorn and gs150r…which wud be a better choice ?
pls give ur suggestions
tejdeep on June 12, 2010 at 3:21 pm
my use wud be primarily in city..so which is better ?
unicorn or gs150r
Kishan on June 14, 2010 at 10:48 pm
@tejdeep
Unicorn outperforms GS150R in city, whereas GS outperforms uni at highways. Unicorn handles better than GS150R and is more refined and silent but GS is more value for money due to lot of features. GS is somewhat lazy in city due to its weight but its performance at high speeds is amazing. Just take a test ride and go for what suits you better. Both are excellent bikes and much better than other bikes in this category. They will never let you down. I am quite satisfied with my GS. I do not have any problems in city traffic, the only thing is it has less initial pickup compared to other bikes due to its weight and initially it is somewhat difficult to handle it in traffic. With time you will get used to it. But Unicorn is better when it comes to handling. Do consider recently launched dazzler. Many are saying it has got fantastic pickup even better than FZ16. Personally I do not like its looks but if it appeals you go for it as it has same proven marvelous engine of unicorn with more power figures which will be very much suitable for city.
JP on August 2, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Hi Friends,
I am going to buy a Bike, i am confused between these two GS150r and Honda Unicorn.
Please suggest me, which one will be better.