New Suzuki GSX-R150 launch in Taiwan brings in new colors to the palette. Is the sports motorcycle apt for India – against R15..?
We have seen Honda fight it out with the extremely popular Yamaha YZF R15 but where is the other Jap – Suzuki? If you are unaware, Suzuki also has a few similar, high-spec 150cc engined motorcycles in its international arsenal. It sells the GSX R150 in various markets which is sportier than the faired Gixxer SF we get here in India.
In a latest update, Suzuki has launched an updated GSX R150 in Taiwan which celebrates the 100th year of Suzuki’s first headquarters in Japan. As a part of the package is a new Ecstar MotoGP edition in silver and blue. It has also launched three new colors – red, yellow and black.
The GSX 150R is powered by a high-spec 147cc, 4 valve, DOHC, water cooled engine. It produces 19.2 PS of peak power at 10500 rpm and 14.0 Nm of max torque at 9000 rpm. Adding more to the power to weight ratio is its light weight of 136 kilos only. Like the R15, it is paired with a 6-speed gearbox but produces slightly higher power (than the Yammy’s 18.6 PS).
In comparison, Indian Gixxer SF is powered by a conventional 155cc, air cooled, SOHC engine which produces 13.6 PS of power and 13.8 Nm of torque. It also gets a 5-speed gearbox.
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The reason why Suzuki doesn’t consider bringing this higher-spec sports 150cc model in India is probably because of its landing price. In Taiwan it costs NT 128,000 (~3.25 Lakh INR) and in Indonesia this model goes for IDR 30,600,000 (roughly 1.50 Lakh INR). It also has its naked sibling GSX S150 which costs slightly lesser.
Will such a motorcycle work in India considering that India buys truckloads of R15s…?
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2020 GSX R150 Colors
