Suzuki GS150R - Rough/loud and vibrations

Bike gurus,

Need your help with figuring out what's wrong with my bike and how to go about getting it fixed.

I bought my GS150R in 2010 and it has been running fine until Feb 14th. It has only done around 55,000 KM. I went on a long ride with my gal and during that i hit 110 KMPH a few times on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

On returning to the city, as i slowed down near a speed-breaker, heard a loud thunk, metal clanging sound as if some metal parts fell off from my bike. So stopped the bike and looked down and around and found that nothing broke externally. Started the bike and noticed it was rough and loud with vibrations. Its almost like im riding the bike with the choke ON.

Showed the bike to a roadside bike service point, i was told it could be the crankshaft or something to that effect(sorry, not a bike parts expert). Engine oil level was fine.

Last satday, gave me bike to a service center in RKpuram,as i did not wake up early enough to take it to the main Ranigunj service center. These guys just did general servicing and did not bother to fix the problem i explained to them about while giving the bike.

I really love this bike and would ideally like to get it fixed if possible and without incurring too much in repair costs.

What do you think might be wrong with my bike? Is it the crankshaft or does it seem like a problem with the engine? Also, i need to get the handle replaced. Where do i take it in Hyderabad to get it fixed and how much is it gonna cost (Approx))? Please suggest.

Or would you suggest selling this bike off and getting a new bike? If so, how much can i expect to get for my beloved GS150R?

Re: Suzuki GS150R - Rough/loud and vibrations

Hi !

The metallic sound might be from worn out/loose steering race bearing. Does it make that sound every time you slow aggressively for a speed breaker? Other common metallic sound in GS is a loose chain hitting the chain cover. Since your bike has done 55k, get the tappet clearance checked - out of spec valve clearance can cause grinding/vibration in GS.

GS' engine is not known to give premature crankshaft or major engine problems for atleast a lakh kms.

Handlebar was 333 INR for my model (v2). I think the earlier ones came with slightly different handlebar/bar end weights. Should more or less cost the same.

You have to decide that. I have decided to sell mine if I get a decent price. In my case, am finding it difficult to source spares (just kidding, I have sort of lost interest/screwed it up ). Resale value for Suzuki is relatively poor compared to other brands and in the case of GS they will tell it is discontinued and bring the price further down.

Don't sell if you have no problems like service being a headache, etc in your city/village/suburb. Being a discontinued model, in future, some spares might take time to come from Factory to SVC. You don't have to bother all these if you simply leave it at a SVC/Local Mechanic regularly for service.

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@to all,

The brake master cylinder piston set can be interchanged with Unicorn 150. It costs 289 INR. Caliper seals (dust x 2 and oil seal x 2) costs 37 INR and caliper pistons ("26" x 2, 96 INR x 2) can be interchanged with Unicorn 150. This is only if the master cylinder and caliper say "Bybre". Not sure of GS v1. Bajaj's copper washers x 4, 10 INR. The nut&bolt holding the brake lever is classy - the nut is self-locking one, instead of a metal fin they have used a plasticky/rubber thread that grips the bolt tightly. Even if it falls down, still the bolt won't come off as it first screws itself on the threaded portion of the stay before mating with the nut. Brake light switch is from Kunal and not Minda. I have removed the fluid sight glass as it was too dirty - can be ordered seperately (glass, o-ring and clip) from Suzuki/Bajaj. Honda doesn't sell this seperately.

If SGP is available, that has to be the 1st choice, no doubt.

Anything from Honda Unicorn 160/Hornet is incompatible - Nissin seals/pistons/plunger are slightly larger in size.

Recently had one of my scariest DIY moments. The brake cleaner can I had got stuck in open position (the inner actuator/tube broke), all the gas+fluid got out and managed to save ~200 ml of the fluid - smells like Benzene - will use for Carb cleaning next week! The good thing was my room didn't have mosquitoes for next 2 days. These aerosol cans are nasty stuff.

Re: Suzuki GS150R

How are rtr shocks bro

P.S. REMOVE ALL PICS before quoting posts with pictures.

Re: Suzuki GS150R

They are performing great, if you discount for the difference in stiffness.

I seem to have meddled with the design parameters by going for the wider rear tyre (110/90 Michelin Sirac Street TL). It behaves differently with minor changes in Tyre pressure. Presently i'm maintaining the shocks at 2nd softest level and tyre pressure at 35 Rear/25 Front.

Rode with the 3rd level setting (mid) on the RTR shocks for a week and felt this increased bumpy hard ride quality (these were at the 35/25 psi pressure)

Manufacturer recommended 28 psi Rear and 25 psi Front is a setting i havent tried so far (in 64K kms ) mostly riding solo.

Re: Suzuki GS150R

May be that is bearing sounds. Crankshaft sounds like metal balls

Re: Suzuki GS150R

Hello Guys,

Being my bike less after my NS 200 being sold, i am out for a used vehicle and came across GS 150r. I have been using Access 125 for past 10 years and i must say i am impressed with Suzuki quality.

I am deeply inclined towards buying an used one from OLX and j=have seen some good vehicles too. But i have some queries which you guys could answer and help me with.

1. Is the spare parts availability an issue or just hyped up?
2. What is the average price that can be quoted for below 60k on odo?
3. Any serious issues to be taken in mind when buying a used GS?

It would be of much help if tyou could just give me an idea of the common problems that i may face or replacements due in KMs done.

Regards
Mibin

Re: Suzuki GS150R

How is Apache shocks performing brother , Are they comfortable in deep potholes , My GS shocks amplify the bump , i cannot sustain back ache more now and need Shocks replacement but not stock Shocks , I am looking for Honda Shine shocks , Discover 125 shocks or pulsar shocks , RTR seems direct fit .

Re: Suzuki GS150R


Vikshe,

Sorry to hear about backaches, but I'll reiterate again.. the RTR shocks are STIFFER than stock GS.

Hence i maintain them at level 2 adjustment which sort of compensates. I have been riding close to 100kms a day so far (which is going to change in a month with change in location ) and i would say that the ride is not uniform at all times. Air pressure also plays a part in how the bike behaves. Too high pressure and the ride gets hard. Too less pressure and the response is different ( i dont know the exact word) but gets uncomfortable. I tend to ride between 60 - 80kmph usually, but even when encountering smaller breaks in the road (like those gaps in flyovers and bridges which are not smooth at times), i tend to slow down and transfer the impact to the footpegs by raising up slightly from the seat. Any pothole or speed breaker, big or small, i've only taken it slowly.

The RTR Shocks(at level 2) seem to perform slightly softer than GS stock (level 3) shocks, which is good on hour long rides. Both seem to react similarly to potholes. Im not sure of other bikes if they are "comfortable" over deep potholes.

I'll recommend riding slower in case you find your daily route uneven or filled with speed breakers.

Re: Suzuki GS150R

Just hyper-hyped.

You need to check all the essential things - no abnormal sounds from engine/suspension, no leaking shocks, no wobbling of front wheel, no pulling to one side, no excessive rust, no welding/repainting, no contradictory info like odo displaying 24k kms but owner saying the tyres are 3rd set, clear papers and clear service history. Check all that you would check in a used bike.

Depends on how much the used vehicle was run and how it was treated by the previous owner(s). It doesn't require anything special other than what Suzuki has mentioned in the schedule. Few parts that fail prematurely/need attention include rear shocks x 2 and front wheel bearings x 2.

Re: Suzuki GS150R

Hello frnds
I think i have quite underestimated this oil for 50k kms on my gs. I haven't used this oil after first service and it used tobe in the red coloured can of Castrol make suzuki oil back then in 2009.
I am using this oil for 1800kms now and i must say its indeed value for money. Even after 3 months and some highway runabouts of 80 kms non stop @5500 rpm and still maintaining smooth shifts, isn't bad at all. It still feels like it can easily last for another 1000 kms.
So for 257/ltr is cheap and even if i drain it at 2000 kms, its full paisa wasool
Though this review is of castrol make suzuki oil and what i have got now is made by idemitsu. Hope for the best

Re: Suzuki GS150R - Rough/loud and vibrations

Finally went to the Saboo Suzuki, Ranigunj workshop on Satday and explained to them the problem with my bike as mentioned in my previous post(below). They asked me to leave the bike with them and that they would call back once they inspect it and give me an estimate of the repair costs.

After a couple of hours, i got a call from the service center that the engine needs to be repaired due to some fused piston and that it would cost around 18K to fix the bike!

I feel that is too expensive and im not really sure if it would really cost so much to fix the bike. When i went to collect the bike, it did not look like they opened the engine up to check for the problem. The guy there(Hameed), told me a long list of parts that need to be replaced, like bore, piston and another 4 to 5 names i dont remember...I somehow have the feeling he was not really sure what exactly needed to be replaced or repaired and was just throwing some names up in the air. So wanted your expert opinions/suggestions as to what to do now?

Would it really cost as much to repair my bike? Are there any other service centers i can try in Hyderabad who can fix my bike at a reasonable cost? I somehow feel that the folks at the Ranigunj service center are trying to make me spend more that what is necessary.

Incase, if the price they quoted seems legit, would it make sense to spend 18K on this bike just to get it fixed or sell it off and buy a new bike?

Please help.

Re: Suzuki GS150R

Guys, I am about to buy a commuter bike. This bike was a full check for me, sad to see that it's not listed in Suzuki websites any more. Is it stopped? If so, hows gixer compared to gsxr? My wife wanted comfortable pillion ride, I doubt seeing the rear seat on gixer. Also it's 5 speed one. Please let me know guys, if this bike is not available then which bike can go equally good with gsx150

Re: Suzuki GS150R

Production stopped in 2015

If you want a commuter bike with good pillion support checkout intruder or X-blade

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Take it to Malakpet service center once (ATM Motors). The service manager there is a friendly person. Explain to him the problems and he will try to help you. Also if possible stay with the bike when they diagnose it for issues. Once you visit there, just let them know that Mozard or Motorblizzard referred you or just show them my logo on your phone.

Let me know how it goes. 18k does seem a lot but if possible can you post a photo of the parts list that Saboo quoted you? Saboo is pretty reputed along with GEM Suzuki so I doubt they will cheat you or quote you wrongly. But still if you are not satisfied you can visit the SVC that i mentioned.

18k is definitely quite a lot for repairing just the engine and you are not in the warranty period either. So if you want my advice, I would suggest selling it off and getting a new bike. You said your bike is from 2010. Its gotten pretty old despite the reasonable Mileage count. If you were to look into a new motorcycle in the 150cc category I would suggest checking out Intruder and X-blade. Also if you dont mind waiting for a bit then you can check out the RTR160 in a few weeks since the new generation is launching today

P.S: Is your engine still running? If not then its probably seized and that will require a new cylinder and piston, a new crank too if it hasnt broken already.

Re: Suzuki GS150R

Thank you for your helpful suggestion MotoBlizzard. Will try taking my bike there this weekend and use your reference :-).

Suzuki Ranigunj did not provide me a hard copy or a list of parts that need to be replaced/repaired. The guy there Hameed just mouthed a few parts and said they needed to be replaced. He sounded unsure himself but was sure about the price of 18K. That is why i find it suspicious.

My bike is still running but its just that its become very rough and viby. There is a weird airy whistling kind of sound emanating from the bike.

Incase if Malakpet cannot help then i will have to sell this bike and look for a new one. I know its gotten quite old but i really love this bike and it worked perfectly fine until this problem. Having trouble letting go...esp. since i tried testing a few bikes last weekend, like the Gixxer SP, Intruder, Hornet, Duke 200 & 390 and the Dominar. Nothing impressed me as much as GS150R did at the time when i bought it back in 2010. There was a clear delineation between it and its competition. Only Unicorn came close then.... and i almost bought that until i tried the GS150R and instantly i knew, this was it. The digital console, 6 gears and the LED tail lights gave it the edge.

I guess im looking for that kind of an impact amongst the new bikes. Duke 390 did impress me with its acceleration and the ever present power but i feel its not practical for city use and i also feel im gonna get myself killed if i buy that..... Looking forward to test riding the Apache RR310 but test rides are not available yet in Hyderabad!!

Will keep you posted. Thanks again.

Re: Suzuki GS150R

Try visiting this Saturday if possible. The regional manager is going to show up at Malakpet SVC so thats gonna have a much bigger impact.