Re: Request For Keeping GS 150R thread active and interesting as it was back in 2010



Hi Gilbert,

Thanks a lot to share your ideas, maintenance tips and views on GS 150R. After going through your views I felt as if I am speaking to myself I strongly second you over GS biking experience but as far as the new Unicorn 160 is concerned I would like to highlight one point-
As per most of the Indian automobile experts the new Unicorn 160 is good bike (even I rode my friend's Unicorn 160 - it was super smooth and light) but still it's behind GIXXER in terms of riding dynamics, control , torque and power delivery. If you go through AUTOCAR India, Power Drift, Zigwheels and other YouTube comparison review videos between FZ 2.0 , GIXXER (Old verison) and Unicorn 160 you may easily agree with Indian Automobile expert views that GIXXER beat them all long way.
Moreover with new FI version with dual disc brakes the new GIXXER is simply undoubtedly better than Unicorn , Hornet and FZ 2.0.

I am planning to stay back with my GS150R for all of it's service life. Till date I have gone through following changes:

1. Replaced the old drive chain with GIXXER's drive chain - solved the chain loosening issue.
2. Installed two Cree U5 LED projector lamps on both sides of leg guard - resolved weak headlight issue.
3. Replaced the air filter after 42000 KM (even though the stock one was in good condition with cleaning and maintenance at every 3000 KM, I thought of changing the same with new one).
4. Replaced the front disc brake calipers with new one at 35000 KM (Old stock caliper stopped functioning properly after 32000 KM and it was sticking to disc plate even after multiple caliper maintenance).
5. Replaced stock EXIDE battery after 21000 KM with new one.
6. Replaced the stock headlight bulb with OSRAM HS1 Silver star 35W after 32000 KM.
7. I replace engine oil during each general service (every 2600-2800 KM) with Shell Advance AX7 10W-40 Synthetic Technology Engine Oil (1L) at SUZUKI service center. (Even though I tried multiple engine oils from all popular brands including the Gixxer engine oil from SUZUKI I feel Shell AX 7 suits me the best for engine smoothness and it's in reasonable price range).

It has already completed 7 years on this Dec 2016 but I am confident that it will serve me for coming 7 years as well As long as SUZUKI dealership in my city is supportive I am happy and proud GS owner crushing all odds and enjoying it's unique character and drive. Still many fuel station guys ask me with surprise " Is it a new model from SUZUKI"

Re: Request For Keeping GS 150R thread active and interesting as it was back in 2010

Hi Kamlesh, Gilbert and all GSpians

Thanks for sharing your ownership. Seriously haven't found anyone regretting buying GS150R. I am too a proud owner of 2009 model Black gs.
Its been 7 years and 41500kms on the odo and still going strong.

Apart from normal wear n tear parts, these are the parts that i had to change due to the couple of crashes.

Master cylinder kit for front disc brake of Unicorn bybre make at 25000 kms at it was leaking brake fluid and during same period had to change the battery to TATA GREEN 7amp as stock battery was completely dead. May be because during initial couple of years of ownership, bike used tobe ridden occasionally as i was working abroad and younger brother was studying in another city. So it was not maintained properly and not all services were done regularly.
Left shocker was changed as it got bent in a crash at 27000kms
Front mudguard and headlight assembly and RHS mirror changed at 33000kms due to an accident.

Got the both tyres changes at 40000 kms. Front to Michelin sirac street 2.75x 18 and rear to Ceat zoom 100/90-18.
Both offers excellent grip compared to stock zappers.

Changed the stock bulb to Philips 35/35w Germany make. Which claims to offer 33% more light though i couldn't find much difference compared to stock bulb. Also added two led fog lights by mounting clamps on front shockers bolts. Improved low beam considerably.

Apart from these changed regular wear and tear parts like control cables, rear brake shoe, air and oil filters, spark plug and recently replaced the front disk brake pads.

Have experimented with lot of oils like elf moto 4 gold, gulf pride 4t plus, shell advance ax7, castrol power 1, elf moto 4 roadstar semi, Shell advance ax5, motul 3000 4t. Though bike ran smoothly on almost all oils mentioned above but the best and most value for money was gulf pride 4t plus. Now a days i ride a lot like 500 kms in 3 days. Bike never complained with that oil and never had oil consumption issue inspite of continuous riding for hours.
I am getting a terrific milage of 55+ on highways with average speed of 60 to 70 kmph.

Really sorry for the long post and i am really bad at writing skills.

Even after 7 years of ownership, i give her a look back after parking. And my wife is really jealous about that. She thinks that GS is her Sautan. I bought GS just before my wedding day so GS came home first and wife later [emoji12]

Wishing happy mile munching to all owners of these beautiful machine.

Re: Suzuki GS150R

Does the GS have a propensity to fall on its LHS?

Mine did on 12/12/16 - the day Cyclone V hit us. It is a bit embarrassing to note that much lighter Honda Shine, Activa and a FZ - all parked on their side stands and a few feet from mine stayed alright while the GS toppled like a drunk cow.

Damages = bent handlebar (makes it almost un-drivable), a few scratches on leg guard and saree guard - thats it.

Checked it today, was unable to move - the rear wheel is completely jammed (due to drum brake sticking/rains). This one has happened before and am not alarmed.



Is any other handlebar a perfect fit - Pulsar 150, Unicorn 150's (Just in case I don't get a SGP)?

Also for the past couple of months, the handlebar is super-shaky due to front wheel wobbling at speeds >60 (wheel bearings are out I guess; another known problem in GS like the early leaking rear shocks).

Re: Request For Keeping GS 150R thread active and interesting as it was back in 2010

Was gulf pride 4t plus even smoother than Shell AX7 for gear shifts and vibration dumping ?? If yes then I am shocked and definitely you saved almost 45% money over costly oils like AX7 - lucky bro

Re: Request For Keeping GS 150R thread active and interesting as it was back in 2010


Hello again Kamlesh,

Thank you for the update regarding your GS! It really looks pretty fresh even now, and I wish you MANY more kilometers on your Suzuki. It is really helpful for all of us here to know what to expect from our motorcycle in the upcoming years...

Regarding your advice on Gixxer, I may still consider the bike (FI, rear disc version) if they bring it to Mexico next year. But I hope there will be enough options to replace my GS, should I need to get a new motorcycle. But just by considering your bike and other GSs here on xbhp, I should probably just relax and wait for a true replacement for GS, rather than switching to an entirely different bike, even in the 150cc segment. I believe getting parts for my bike should not be a problem here within probably the next 5 years.

Cheers,

Gilbert

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Hello Ashwanth.r,

I am sorry to see the damage on your GS! I noticed a few days ago (and I noticed that before, but did not really pay attention) that the center stand needs a more leveled surface to remain stable, even small stones can seriously affect the bike's stability when parked. The sidestand is not much different, but I believe the problem in your case was probably the final position of the bike and how it was hit by the wind and finally how it fell! Mine was hit by a car at a stop light 2 months ago, but nothing serious happened other than a scratched clutch lever and a turn signal light, which I could not fix and would not replace. Again, I hope you will be able to replace/fix every part on your GS.

Gilbert

Re: Request For Keeping GS 150R thread active and interesting as it was back in 2010

Sir,

Could you try the Philips X-treme Vision Plus (H4 type - 12V 55/60W) before you plan for an upgrade.

My nephew installed in his Gixxer and a very big difference in visibility I must say. Costs 300 INR in Amazon.

I received mine from Amazon yesterday and will be switching from Osram H4 12V 55/60W to this today.

Cheers,
Anand

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It is taken the entire weight of the vehicle. Its good that the bend is visible and you need to change it.
If is is deviated a little from its position, you may not notice it visibly and may result in pain in your shoulders.

Replace it. I had the same issue and replaced the handle bar for 333 INR. The end bar weights come separately. So remove them from the current handlebar.

I have not thought of using a different handle to GS

Re: Request For Keeping GS 150R thread active and interesting as it was back in 2010

Yes Anand, it took the entire weight of the vehicle. I will call and if they have the spare, go to SMK/Maya Motors next week to get a new handlebar. Somehow, ABT is not very keen on selling spares/don't have them.

The bend is more clearly visible in this picture. OT: How did the Tirumala trip on the Hunk go? Where did you park it?



Gilbert, you are right - I avoid parking in marshy/wet lands for that reason. If the land is too loose, I simply find a better place to park and walk a longer distance as I have read much of falls here and it had to happen to me too .

Re: Request For Keeping GS 150R thread active and interesting as it was back in 2010

No doubt shell advance ax7 is one of the best semi synthetic oils but for my kind of usage good quality mineral oil is sufficient. Even for continuous highway riding at moderate speed, gulf holds up well. In my entire ownership, i have never felt hard gear shift and vibrations because of engine oil, its just when clutch cable has got loosened, i feel somewhat hard gear shift.

Re: Request For Keeping GS 150R thread active and interesting as it was back in 2010

Hi Anand,
Could you please share your experience with new Philips Xtreme 65W bulb? Please elaborate your GS model details (as old 2009 models have had bad reflector design in comparison to 2012 models and bulb change can't fix headlight issue.)
As per my knowledge GS stator coil can't support 65W bulb properly and in low RPS (below 3000) 65W bulb would glow with less brightness than 35W bulb.

If you find different results please share some images for the same.
Thanks,
Kamlesh Kumar

Re: Request For Keeping GS 150R thread active and interesting as it was back in 2010

I will check with SMK Porur today on the way back from office.
If they accept card, i can even purchase one for you and give it on the way to office.
If not available I will ask them to order one.
I will let you know in a PM tomorrow.

The trip happened in my Unicorn. My friend backed out last minute. I usually park it any place without a NO Parking board. You do not have a specific parking for Bikes over there. You can find hundreds of places to park without disturbing anyone.

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I really found a BIG difference in gixxer. I assume you cannot find the difference while viewing photos. I will try to take photos as well.

Mine is a late 2011 model(last model with the old type of fairing and body panels). So i believe it has the same reflector as 2009 make.

So far I am using 12V 55/60W OSRAM. The only problem is that the pass switch wont work when i am already in low beam. I assume it will continue with the Philips as well.

I did not find time yesterday because of clearing trees post the cyclone. Will be busy with the same work for few more days and will definitely post my experience with the same. My biggest problem is removing the headlight of GS. It is designed very badly and I have to remove 11 screws to remove the entire cowl. Fixing it back makes me so frustrated that i thought to switch to round headlight many times. My after market color pilot lamp kept failing many times causing me to remove the headlight assembly.

Re: Request For Keeping GS 150R thread active and interesting as it was back in 2010

Thank you Anand! . You have a PM. I always wanted to make a Tirumala trip on my bike - will quiz you more when am ready for that.

Re: Request For Keeping GS 150R thread active and interesting as it was back in 2010

Are these color pilot lamps LED's? If so, they will fail easily if u are running on AC. Also, the pilot lamps can be replaced without removing the headlight assy. You will have to let in your hand through the underside of the fairing to take out the pilots and can put them back..a long screwdriver can be used to press the plastic holder in its place. Also, if your replacement bulb is the same type halogen, you can replace it again letting your hand on the underside of your cowl. Removing the entire assembly is not required here..

Re: Request For Keeping GS 150R thread active and interesting as it was back in 2010

Thanks r0rshack. Yes, these where white or blue lamps which I used.

My hands are too broad to do the task. I should ask someone else to try next time.

Re: Suzuki GS150R

Had ordered an HID kit from The Retrofit Source which I received today. On installation, the headlights are flickering on high beam and do not light at all on low beam. I am going to get help from TRS on this issue and will update on this forum. Please let me know if you guys have any thoughts.

P.S. I was running Full DC setup with 55/60W halogen before installing this kit.



Edit
December 21: The motorcycle battery is 12V 7AH. May be it is not able to supply as much power needed. Going to try tonight connecting the HIDs to my car battery. If it works, will have to upgrade to Exide 12V 9AH or 14AH. Any other battery recommendations? Below are what I found. Need to check if the battery compartment needs modification due to size differences.
9AH
Exide Bikerz 12BI9-B
Exide Xtreme 12XR9-B
Tata Green Velocity 9B
14AH
Exide Bikerz 12BI14L-A2
Tata Green Velocity YB14L-A2

Edit2:
Got the HID setup working fine with the same battery. There was some loose connection with grounding probably which might have occurred when I was fiddling with the wiring. Here's the initial pic. Will post more outdoors pics soon.

Edit 3: December 22 - Some outdoor off-road photos. I always blamed the GS' reflector for dispersing too much light. But with this HID kit I've now come to appreciate the reflector for how the entire road infront of me is brightly lit. As though, the reflectors are made for such bright light sources. Notice the nice rectangular throw. This is on center stand which dips the angle forward a little. With rider on the saddle, the throw reaches much farther.

My new GS150R(s)

I am hyderabad (telengana) after reading a lot about GS150 i decided to get one for my self , i have owned my bikes right from good Ol Jawa , splendor , pulsars , unicorn,s , ZMA , and many many more , most bikes that i owned i purchased them twice , frankly i was not sure why i bought the same make and model twice ,
so finally a gentle man sold me his GS150R for Rs20,000 on Nov 2nd 2016 , the bike was running good for first two weeks , in fact i really like the 6th gear aspect of this bike , every thing in this bike is very well built , to my surprise it refused to start on morning , few days before this the bike would jerk a lot in gears and throw black smoke , i got the bike serviced at a local mechanic shop , nothing changed much in the way the bike was responding ,infact it became worst after the service ,i got the clutch plates ,pressure plates and changed and fresh oil ,but no go , finally it refused to start one day and i tried all means ,no luck , i wrote to Suzuki and they responded immediately, they asked to get the bike at BQ Suzuki service center in Hyderabad (near Zoo park) ,

i used the porter APP and book my bikes pickup and dropped her personally at the service centre , 7 days after the service she is back , the Bill Rs 9100 , i bargained and got the bill down to Rs 8500 , New wiring kit installed, new front brake lever and brake pads , bearings , new lock set , new handle , new switch set ,new fork ball kit and the list goes endless ,the bike feels much better now and runs great , in the interim i purchased a 2013 Suzuki access 125 and another Orange GS150R (call me crazy) but the orange GS was a deal , i now have both bikes , orange 2009 ,and 2009 candy green GS150R,
all in all i like the bike and plan to keep them for long time ,

I wanted to know if anyone in this forum has tried to install a big bore kit ,
i asked the showroom guys and they had no clue ,
Does any one know if there is a bolt on big bore kit for this bike , i would like to be able to install a 180 CC piston if i could without much MODS ,

please advise
Hasan