From the makers of the Mothership Hayabusa comes another offering, the 125cc SlingShot! This statement might seem completely out of place along with being irrelevant in the Indian context but one thing is for sure that Suzuki is making a slow headway into the Indian market eating into other manufacturers’ shares.
Suzuki, since it launched its operations in India in the two wheeler market has been a very conservative player displaying prowess in the form of Hayabusas and Bandits once in a while. They started operations with entry level 125ccs- Heat and Zeus which were pretty decent offerings with nothing very offbeat to portray. Then came the 125cc scooter Access and 150cc motorcycle GS150R which changed fortunes for the company and helped Suzuki to scale sale of around 20k bikes a month in India.
Last month Suzuki revamped their 125cc stable with the launch of a new bike and named it ‘SlingShot’. Very peculiar it may sound, but it’s not the first bike from the company to be called with the same name. Previously also a few models like GSX-R750 and GSX-R1100 etc had been (formally or informally) called with the same name.
Slingshot is basically a manually powered children’s toy weapon with a V (or Y) shaped frame which has rubber strips attached to it. Britishers call it a ‘Catapult’ and Indians, ‘Gulel’. SlingShots have a capability to produce ample power to cause severe bodily injury. Let’s see does this new kind of ‘SlingShot’ have ample amount of ammunition to cause a serious threat to the 125cc ruling segment leaders. Ride with us….
Engine & Transmission
SlingShot is built around the same platform as Zeus and as a result shares the same 4 stroke 124cc Air Cooled SOHC single cylinder engine with a 53.5mm Bore and 55.2mm Stroke. In its latest tune, SlingShot’s motor is capable of producing 8.5bhp of maximum power which peaks at 7500rpm which ain’t anything to drool over considering the latest norm of 10-12bhps however the impressive part is the rpm band in which Suzuki is able to produce the maximum torque. The torque of 10Nm peaks at 3500 rpm which gives this bike a very healthy advantage in cities. The motor breathes through a Mikuni VM18 carbureter.
Enough of ‘on paper’ stuff, let’s talk about the ‘on road’ behavior of this bike. Though we did feel a little lack of power under all rpms but the way the load carrying capability of this bike builds up at very early rpms (around 2500) owing to the torque concentration at lower and mid range and goes all the way to 5500-6k rpm, we were mighty impressed. A very peculiar habit of this bike is that as soon the torque band starts to drop down, the bike moves to its pure powerband from 6k rpm and goes all the way to 8k rpm.
In simple terms, under lower rpms the bike understands that you need a better pulling power rather than outright acceleration due to congested cities, it starts producing healthy torque which helps you keep free from the hassles of frequent gear changes and zipping through it. And when you come through this crowded space to a more freeway, the bike understands that it’s time to play free; allows you to rev up to its powerband allowing you to enjoy the ride.
Another point we noted that contrary to the characteristics of most of the bikes in India which have overlapping power and torque bands (and at higher rpms) which cause heavenly vibrations to ruin your experience as soon as the ride enters the pinnacle of the powerband, SlingShot offers a very vibration less and smoother ride at almost all rpms. Vibrations only creep in at extreme rpms but yes the bike dies earlier and doesn’t have juice left to carry onto higher speeds. Vibrations are further taken care by weight-end handlebars at either ends of the handle. Also, the bike is greener adhering to BSIII pollution norms.
The pretty well engineered engine is mated with a 5 speed slick gearbox which again had us go gaga over it. The gearbox was butter smooth, the placement of the ‘toe & heel’ shifter was just perfectly convenient- neither too high nor too low and we also did not find any false neutrals. Gear change follows the regularly used widespread 1 down 4 up pattern. The feel is soft enough and the buttery clutch supports the cause further. The only glitch we faced was the very slight hardness in returning to the first gear in absolutely jammed traffic that too very rarely. Gears have also been spaced appropriately just that the 5th gear could have had more work to do!
Overall, it feels a very worthy attempt with everything falling at right places along with a great engineering effort; just that the power output of 10bhp would have added that extra little (and slightly needed) juice to the motor along with providing the hardcore ‘on paper’ specs believers a void point to go against.
Engine & Transmission: 8.5/10
Styling & Build Quality
….And we come to a probable controversial section- the styling part of the bike. At the very onset let us make ourselves clear that we DID NOT dislike the design at the same time agree to the fact that the bike does have that ‘Love it or Hate it’ factor. We did find some who liked the styling of the bike and then we also had people who hated it to the core. Let’s analyze the oomph factor of the bike.
Starting upfront is the peculiar (and slightly disproportionate) bikini fairing which hosts an FZ-like headlamp bulging and pointed towards the top corners either sides and converging at the bottom. The fairing also houses slots for transparent side blinkers with orange colored bulbs inside. The placement of the meter console atop also reminds of the Hero Honda Achiever’s ‘Regal Crest’.
The aptly contoured tank has a few flying styling lines at either ends towards the top along with Suzuki’s ‘S’ gleaming at the center on either sides. Petrol filler cap protrudes and the white undetachable ‘instructions note’ act as irritants. The side panels are black colored with big ‘SlingShot’ written over them in style. Rear panels culminate into a circular tail housing the Kinetic Comet-like small tail lamp. The round rods-like grab rails are quite functional but aesthetically soar. A body colored grab rail cover which hides the hinges and holes of joints also looks out of place.
The bike also gets a small but pretty good looking engine cowl under the engine quite reminiscent to the latest Stunner. Apart from being a design element it also prevents the engine from dust and mud. A narrow and basic exhaust pipe is covered by a stylish and broad heat shield providing the muffler a much needed decent look. Chrome plating here (on the heat shield) would have probably added a little to the looks part of the bike but Suzuki has desisted from using chrome anywhere on the bike.
The alloy wheeled version gets peculiar 5 branched spoke wheels which look brittle but do look different and fresh. Front number plate is placed just at the front mudguard which makes the visibility of the registration number well readable. As is the norm, the bike comes with an all-black styling with engine, alloys, handle muffler, muffler shield all painted in black color. For all those who do not like the looks now, we bet you would start liking the design with time.
Build quality of the bike is what we had expected from Suzuki, pretty well done. However, we really do not like the shining black color which Suzuki paints its bike engines from. A matt black finish always looks better and adds to the overall quality perspective.
Styling & Build Quality: 7/10
Electricals & Instrumentation
Slingshot features a pretty neatly done console which houses an analogue speedometer calibrated to an optimistic 140 kmph mark (it has become a norm these days it seems!). The speedometer has a white colored outline, dark blue background and a red colored needle along with the analogue odometer which displays total running in kms.
Towards the right of this speedometer is another window which has a fuel meter, green ‘N’ for neutral, blue upper light and the orange colored side blinker indicator light. SlingShot also features a segment exclusive (currently) gear indicator. A separate window towards the top of the console has numbers marked from 1 to 5 and the corresponding light lits up helping the rider confirm which gear he is currently riding in- a welcome and handy feature we must say. Absence of a tachometer and more importantly a tripmeter and pilot lamps did disappoint us.
The bike comes with electric start as standard across all the models including the base model and Suzuki has also installed a bigger capacity battery of 12V 5Ah where the Zeus used 12V 2.5Ah. Headlight is the regular 35/35Watt which we expect to be decent considering the huge sized reflector it resides in.
We rode the bike during the day so were not able to test the light throw during dark. Switchgear quality of the bike is top notch with very good quality of plastic used. Towards the left is the yellow colored pass switch, upper-dipper switch, turn switch, horn and a manual choke. Right side contains a big red colored engine kill switch, light on/off button along with the starter crank. Buttons are curvy and non-pointed for most functions. A slightly bigger horn and starter crank button would have helped.
Electricals & Instrumentation: 7/10
Comfort & Handling
SlingShot, as we rode, proved to be quite comfortable with a plush and adequately cushioned seat. The seat is also wide enough to provide ample amount of space to both the rider and the pillion. SlingShot is equipped with regular telescopic suspension upfront and 5 step adjustable dual shock absorbers at the rear.
Suzuki has retained the 18 inch tyre size on this bike. Front is 2.75” with the rear being 3.00” in width providing ample amount of traction to give the bike decent handling characteristics. The bike has high rise handlebars along with forward biased footpegs and a well sculpted knee-recess which provide a very comfortable riding posture in cities and the numbness factor is also kept at bay during continuous hours of riding. The bike is made for riding in cities and it performs pretty well in that.
Suzuki has increased the wheelbase of SlingShot to 1265mm from 1240mm of Zeus which further gives the bike a better ability to handle on road. Ground clearance also gets further higher from the road by 5mm to 160mm from 155mm of Zeus. Overall dimensions of the bike are 2035mm * 770mm * 1075mm (Length * Width * Height). The bike weighs 127 and 128 for Spoke and Alloy wheel variants respectively.
Comfort, Handling & Dimensions: 7.5/10
Performance & Braking
If you were waiting all this while for the 0-60 figures, let us tell you that we did not test the bike for any kind of outright bursts. SlingShot is made for a purpose and that purpose is commuting from place A to B with utmost ease and comfort and this is where the bike excels. As we have described in the first section, torque band is concentrated towards the low and lower mid range ensuring that the bike feels at home when other more powerful bikes are struggling in congested traffics. And this is precisely the reason that the bike performs well under low and medium speeds. The bike pulls up from 30 kmph in 5th gear with considerable ease and without any unwanted noise. At anything over 80kmph the bike takes its own sweet time to respond to the stimulus of the accelerator twist.
Seated two, the engine feels more comfortable and at ease when compared to a few competitor bikes. Braking capabilities of the bike are pretty ordinary with 130mm drum brakes as standard across all models. A disappointing fact is that the bike doesn’t even have an option of disc brakes currently even when Suzuki on its website displays a SlingShot loaded with front discs. However, respite comes when we get to hear that the bike would/ should get 240mm front discs by January 2011. Till then we would cut a few brownies for what we have at present.
Performance & Braking: 7/10
Mileage & Pricing
Zeus proved to be excellent in terms of fuel efficiency and since SlingShot is also based on a similar platform and also considering the specs and nature of the motorcycle we expect the bike to be as frugal. According to our sources, SlingShot should be returning anything around 62-65kmpl in cities and over 65kmpl on longways where gear changes are not very frequent and the rider can ride at a constant pace. With a good tank capacity of 12 liters, the bike has a fantastic range of over 750 kilometers before it would say ‘I quit’ running out of fuel. If we have to speak in a slightly harsher tone; if any healthy SlingShot returns anything lesser than this, it would/should be counted as a shortcoming!
Suzuki has currently planned two variants for this bike- one with alloy wheels and the base variant with basic spoke wheels (both come with electric start as standard). The base spoke wheel variant is priced at Rs. 49,443 and the alloy wheel variant is priced at a 2k premium at Rs. 51,500, both on road Pune. The mentioned on road prices make the bike the cheapest 125cc with electric start. We expect another variant with electric start, alloy wheels and front disc brake at Rs 53,500-54000. Slingshot is offered in 4 sparkling and vivid colors – Metallic Mustard Yellow, Candy Antares Red, Pearl Nebular Black and Metallic Fox Orange. The Red color wins our vote for being the best looker followed by Black. Yellow color is also good and would suit people who are youthful at heart however, orange color looks a little dull.
Mileage & Pricing: 9/10
BikeAdvice Verdict
Like GS150R, SlingShot also seems to be a conservative bike from Suzuki which would make its mark deeper with time. SlingShot may not look great on paper with specs sheet talking smaller numbers, but a thorough ride would put many notions to fault. Agreed, it is not as powerful as the competition but it definitely does its job pretty well- in fact better than many of them under particular criterias. We would recommend SlingShot to all of those who want a no-nonsense 125cc bike and can compromise a little on the outright performance part or probably enjoy rides at slower speeds.
And when all of this comes at segment least prices and fantastic fuel efficiency figures it becomes an icing on the cake. This bike is suitable for executives who want a long time companion, whose part of job include regular travelling in congested city traffics, who are a little short of affording a 125cc bike but want almost all the segment privileges. Suzuki SlingShot is definitely a good bike and it needs its due credit. We were fairly impressed and we urge you to ride it to believe it.
BikeAdvice Verdict: 8/10
Words: Saad Khan | Photos: Deepak Raj
{ 60 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Saad,
As always excellent review.
The price factor could hurt the sales.
Thanks,
Regards,
Mahavir Kothari
Great Review going into each and every niche information about the bike!! Gr8 Job!!
Great review..
Hi Saad,
Well written review of this new superstar! I like the fact how you mentioned almost everything about the bike, though I didn’t like the placement of photos according to it’s detail mentioned. One need to scroll all the time. But anyways I heartly congrats you both (Deepak & Saad).
Some awesome pics there. What Suzuki could have done is make the bike a wee bit more aggressive at the rear.
Dear Saad Khan & Deepak Raj, Very nice review, indeed. For the “Purpose” of the bike, disc breaks may not be essential. Your review has encouraged me to go for this bike. How does the bike perform on humpy-bumpy roads? Dr.T.Venugopal, Associate Professor of Mathematics
Suszuki could have had done much more while launching its new product. We need a change in models. Seeing this model I can just say one thing that company should have has provided the Engine and chesis, rest a person can build its own byke…… to survive in Indian market now Suzuki have to learn lesson from Yamaha who introduced bykes like FZ series and R15.
very good looking. and very good combination of colors that i would like. but the price was not given.
Dear Deepak & Saad,
Thanks for the detail review.
I was waiting the same from last week !
I am going to book this one in next week !
Hope suzuki will give great punch in this segment.
Regards
SAMEER
Saad/Deepak,
You guys have been extraordinary when it comes to bike reviews and news up-todate. Keep up the good work..
Excellent write up, must say that this will be a bike to wait for (mid segment).
Cheers,
Ashwin
Dear Saad And Deepak,
Thanks a lot for reviewing this new arrival.. We all are waiting for the review from a long time.
Greatt review and pics are amazing.
Keep it Up
Well, it surely looks different. But whether it will sell like P135 or Stunner – a sure no! The biggest odd is the headlamp unit. Am not able to digest it how may ever times i look at it. GS150R looked “NORMAL” but bigger. But here, i reserve my words.
And one more thing – If i need a thorough commuter, i would get Shine; or else i will choose between P135/SS125/Stunner. And to complicate things, we also have D150/SZ150. Does this thing have a chance against six strong opponents (2B/2H/2Y)?
Dear Deepak,
I get good feedback on bikes & need information on Honda Dazzler 150cc ?
hi deepak and saad,
This review actualy helped me to make my decision. I was confused between the slingshot and discover150. I personally like slingshot more but discover has a fantastic reputation as the best commuter bike. I was totally confused and everybody suggested discover..but my heart wanted slingshot. Now after reading this review i have decided and i am buying slingshot today evening. I would love to thank you personally so please get in touch if you read this ‘very long’ comment.
@dhiresh daga, it’s comments like these that encourage us to do better
Sadd
Well done man review looks good .
Deepak: please change the site Background theme colour from red to some good looking way
Ya saad, i think as u mentioned this will be the better bike one who use it regularly and pretty good, but if some features made still more better i think this will be the best bike. i think this will be updated in later days.
A simple style of narration and detailed review.. Long live Deepak and Saad! Running shots would be better. Keep rocking !!!
Suzuki got the pricing spot-on with this one.. should bring in the numbers much needed for them.
Suzuki is back in action and its not easy this time to takel The hard working company. Though miles has to go by suzuki but this is the starting with slingshot so tight your seat bleat for suzuki next action.
It is looking like a copy of fz………..
Hai im planning to buy honda unicorn dazzler sports i like the red & white combination is that available in trivandrum (kerala) how much will be the price & mileage. guyz plz help me
Again a good review from deepak. Thanks!
But my doubt is how could this bike going to rock in front of
p135, disc150,100, shine,stunner,gladiator,sz,glamour, splendour+,super spldr,passion pro and list going on. All these bikes are kings on any one factor. Am i correct
Excellent review…hearty congra…guys, the bike is stylish but it doesent look healthy.
its power is same as CB Twister…looks shit as compared to twister..and only has missing bits from twister..like pass switch …
i expect more from suzuki ..it seems like a bike by vibgyor motors…
Very Good review.
Deepak/Saad
It’s always a pleasure reading all your articles everyday.
One more well crafted article from Saad
Thanks to both of you
Deiva
Hi,
It is a great review. From past many days i am waiting for ur review. I have 4 options. Discover 150 CC, Slingshot, Honda Shine, Yamaha SZ. To which i have to go?
Hello Raj,recently last Sept.18 Honda Philippines launch a CB110 called it Twister. What I read other comment is that Twister is far better looking than the Slingshot? Agree you? True Suzuki now been a slowed headway in this competitive market. Who knows we can make a shot here.
review is very good..
but i dont understand this bike…
looks are weird….
power is not good..
torque is ok…
and
no disc brake…or tubeless tires…or tachometer or trip meter…
and its tank graphics remind me of 1st model of GS150..
suzuki shud learn from yamaha..not copy…
can u post high resolution pictures of this bike…to look in more detail…
it looks like a regular bike,nothing different that would catch eye.its power is less than 110cc twister and so is the mileage,just one Newton meter more torque over twister is all that you get for the extra weight it has.and no disk brakes.same old engine..in short old wine in a new bottle.i am not impressed.
@ m. sreenath: i have rode the slingshot and it is much better than discover 150. You can choose Honda Shine if you want the disc brakes and can adjust with its basic looks. SZ’s mileage is in the 50s so that’s not worth it.
@deepak: i am loving my new bike..!!!!
i was harshly waiting for this bike. i8 think i got all d good things in this bike. but i greatly disappointed through your review… well suzuki needs to do a lot of work on his bikes especisally on designs and performance.
Thanks Deepak/Saad for your valuable review. It is very informative. Also please take care for YBR 125 / SZ 153 of Yamaha.
very good review
i like it…
thanks
Great Review thanks to Saad n Deepak Raj to be the first one to publish road test review of suzuki slingshot. Great,clearly the bike is meant for city ride…
i don’t think that it’ll grab the other 125 cc market.
Suzuki should have provided disc brake atleast in front & some more power & torque would have given tough competition to Honda Shine & Yamaha Gladiator. Also dealers & service centers is a problem yet.
HI
its a very good looking awesome bike.and its features and milege made me very impressive regarding new released bikes.for the next year i used to prefer for this bike itself.
As expected from Suzuki stable a performance oriented one.Need to be more youthfull and with digital instruments.
Thank U Deepak Very good Reveiw . i have actualy booked suzuki access125cc july2010. i am planning to take suzuki bike. when i booked there was no heat or zeus. now it has come .all right thank u Deepak.
thank u !! good Review… But still confused twister or Slingshot?
Saad & team has worked on the photography it seems.
Again a topclass report.
Slingshot is a born flop, suzuki needs to understand Indian market before launching a bike
very nice review. my slingshot gives 62kmpl. in city traffic. handling is very, very easy in city traffic. i enjoy driving.
Dear Mr. Deepak,
Please answer my query.
The pillion seat in sling shot is highly salnting/ upwards and I feel it can not be a comfortable seat for ladies over long run ! Am I right ?
Please tell me ; Does sling shot’s engine sounds as smooth and as silent as Honda Shine ?
Basing on the answers for the above, I wish to buy or not to buy the Sling Shots
Dear Deepak / Saad Khan,
For last 2-3 months I was searching for a goodlooking bike at a reasonable price. Earlier I’ve used TVS Victor GL for last 8 years. I was satisfied with the bike still giving an average of 65-70. Wanted a change and above 110CC.I was interested in GS-150R initially but high price and mileage of 50-55 made me nervous. Then I almost decided on Honda Shine, was to purchase it but somehow i didn’t. During Navratra I saw the newspaper ad for slingshot. I was surprised as I was only aware of zeus. I searched the web and came across ur site and review of slingshot. after that I went to see the bike myself. Red colour not available hence I purchased black colur yesterday on the auspicious Vijaya Dashami i.e Dussehra. Thanks for helping me make the decision.
Lets recommend Suzuki to remodel the front head light design………
The front headlight has an awkward look at all angles.
the front headlight should have a visor atleast to make it look good….
Otherwise this bike has a good quality engine.
The bikes tank looks great and the side design looks great and the bake light and the speedometer looks beautiful ,
Suzuki slingshot Headlight design makes the bike ugly……………….
While finding about a good Indian online review site i found your site. I wanted to purchase a new motor bike since my old bike(Suzuki Samurai) got really old. Your review made my decision stronger to go for this bike thanks.
First thank you both deepak and Pranav for wonderful effort to give lot of info on new bikes
please tell me y people insist on disk brakes…its a wonder to me
Iam having suzuki slingshot for last 7 months….
Three things that i dont’ like is:
1.absence of visor ,makes it ugly
2. Silencer’ tone or sound is bad
3.vibrations are very high after 80kmph!!
No buddy, Silencer note in High RPM is so sweeet
I feel it far better bike when compared to Hero Honda & strongly feel it is a big threat in 100 to 125cc bikes
Hi .Saad Khan i read your review on slingshot .And this is really helpful. Today iam booking this bike. So to you thanks .
Hi,
I purchased this bike last month.It is really imperasive with good milage ,comfort and power
and value for money.Engine of this bike is very powerfull as its from suzuki .
i m having this bike for the last 1 year and 3 months and stil it luks new to me and is exiting to ride evrytime i start it the bike,,,,,,,,,,,and by the way it has also won bike of the year award from ndtv car and bike show
The Slingshot is fitted with the World famous Mikuni VM18 carburettor and popular NGK spark plug. The only technical person can understand the quality workout done inside the Slingshot. And provided with 5 gears to save fuel cost. My opinion is, this is a good quality bike in125cc with good mileage figures & sufficient City-Ride performance. Suzuki has to think about to improve the silencer sound (it is very odd sound).
Suzuki Sling Shot is a very tired and nervous bike as compared other 125cc bikes. Starting is very poor and engine knocking when first time start(early in morning). Bikes mileage is also 50-55 km/l in highway driving. Bikes 2nd & 3rd gear not pulling smoothly when pillion riding.Yes riding quality is good. If any question related this bike(I have 1 & 6 month old bike)please contact me any time freely 9888557485 e-mail: hiteshkumar048@gmail.com
Hello,
100′s of reviews, only one gives it all….Excellent Mr. Khan thoroughly satisfied with the review. I am a biker from past 3 years, i have TVS Star city 110cc bike; very much satisfied with the fuel efficiency. How ever i am missing power performance, just then i decided to go for 125cc segment which is a balance of power & efficiency. I have 3 models in my mind Suzuki ss125, Honda Shine & Glady 125. You seem to be an automobile critic, can i access to your reviews dealing with Glady & Shine as-well, so that i can have a clear picture of what to buy for myself.
By then i am happy with Suzuki but as told by you; 8.8bhp @ 7500rpm with 5 gears is a mismatch, i wonder the engine may have bore problem soon. And I am one among them who terribly hate the looks & design of sling shot. SHINE is just fine with 10.3bhp but bad controls & low comfort. Glady is fantastic with 11bhp but with poor mileage. I am confused here is my basic info please suggest.
I am 5.5” tall and my speed limits are 45-80kmph expecting a mileage of 60 plus (Star city gives 65kmpl) and non tiring ride to commute 75km to & fro everyday within city.
Thanks
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