Re: Suzuki GS150R - 20k Km Update + Future with GS!

Hello Panther,

I believe you covered pretty much everything. Only, as there is no guarantee the battery will last for that number of months, selling it and buying a new one would make more sense to me than storing it. Also, if you are not leaving a full cover on your bike, wiping everything with ArmorAll (or a similar product) should prevent rubber, plastic and leather parts from developing cracks or changing color.

I hope you have a productive time abroad, and hopefully you will not miss your GS too much!

Gil

Re: Suzuki GS150R - 20k Km Update + Future with GS!

Hi Owners,

I might be out of town for the next year with no access to my vehicles. So I started the storage procedure of the vehicles.

For GS, I did the below after a good wash.

1) Removed battery and placed it on wooden block (My friends might use it if they need)

2) Oil filter removed. Old Oil drained and 2+ litres of fresh Servo 10W40 poured in the engine. Oil filter will be installed when the bike is removed from storage.

3) Cleaned chain and lubricated them

4) Emptied Fuel tank (Removed petrol cock to drain the remaining fuel) and dried the tank under hot sun.

5) Emptied the Carb and also dried it under sun. Unable to remove the float bowl. Closed openings of the carb with cotton cloth and stored it inside a polythene cover.

6) Cleaned spark plug and poured few spoons of fresh oil and cranked the engine a few times. Installed Spark plug.

7) Added additional air to tires. I might purchase new tires when removing from storage as the tires are already at the 48K mark.

8) Closed the air filter outer cover and the Engine input with cotton cloth. Closed silencer exhaust hole.


To prevent rusting, it is advised to add fuel up to the brim. But I don't want to take risk as the bikes are parked indoors.
Anything I could do to prevent rusting inside the tank ?

I am only worried about the Carb. There are delicate rubber parts which might get stuck and result in getting a new carb.

Need advice from fellow owners if I missed anything.

Re: Suzuki GS150R - 20k Km Update + Future with GS!

Hi fellow xbhpians and gspians

Just to continue with the story about the noisy bike from about 3 weeks ago, it was of course a sub-7000-Km Gixxer standing right behind me at the traffic light. My guess is, Gixxer does have certain engine issues probably caused by its strange tendency to drink oil. Of course, more careful owners should not have that problem. GS can keep a good level of oil, as you all know, for over 2,000 Kms. Perhaps someone could share their own experience at this point. Anyway, I saw a batch of Gixxers at the dealer yesterday (more on that below) and I did notice a lack of overall quality in the bike, compared to our good ol' GS. Don't get me wrong, I still believe Gixxer is a very good bike, and it is appealing to me even now. My GS was outside the window like a rebel facing a large pack of the popular, pretty girls in blue, (or black or red) and that got me thinking about how much they dislike our bike at Mexican dealers, as it basically did not sell here for over 2 years in a row (2014-2016)... and how LITTLE dealers know about how GS works and what is best for our bike… you don’t even want me to get started! When I told the guy at the desk about how Mexico does not have the right spark plug for GS, his face was like, we don't? I had to explain to him a projected or P type plug is what comes with GS as standard in India. Anyway, now almost every part of GS needs to be ordered. Gixxer is really big in this country now, but I do not think they are bringing the rear disc version in 2018.

This week saw further maintenance chores on the black beauty (now about 20,500 Km on the odo) involving the following:

* Front brake fluid bleeding, changed to DOT4. The change in feel was not dramatic, but 2-finger braking is now firm and I feel more confident about the front end of GS now. The whole set was given maintenance and that helped as well. Pads have about 50% of life left.

* Rear brake set maintained and evaluated (brake shoes being actually in better shape than expected!) 40-45% life left there. They should be good for another 6-8 months from now. I hope 10-12 months. Gixxer’s brake shoes are not a direct fit, at least not here (see pic). I learned from this forum some months ago that applying rear brake is not necessary in most cases, only to control the bike in traffic and hard braking, so I promise I will continue to use it less than front brake in regular situations!

* Front and rear wheel bearings were checked and greased and the rear wheel axle’s shape was ok, with only a bit of rust forming on it (see picture).

* New 10w40 Repsol sport gives GS a manly character (not as smooth as fully synth) with excellent performance nonetheless. This one is made in Spain and they use it for high performance motorcycles, BTW. 15% cheaper than Motul semi. The bike is rev-happy and the oil is still clear after 350 or so Kms. Only 1000 ml were necessary to reach about 30%-to-full level. I think that's good for FE. The idea is to change it every 3,000 Kms from now on.

* Silencer rubber washer mod was performed, which eliminated the irritating resonance around 3,500 rpms. Cheaper than a beer, and effective.

* Air filter is working like a charm, so no plans to buy a new filter now. I am planning to wash it again at around 23,000 Kms to ensure good performance and FE.

* Carb is working fine as well. So says the spark plug and the very little amount of water+dirt in the bowl. No jetting was performed this time (it was not necessary even after nearly 8,000 Kms). Apparently 87 gas, plus the octane-boosting additive, is a good combo for the little beast.

* CR9E-HIX spark plug will be my choice for the rest of this year, so no change to CR7-HIX. Mech says the thread reach is different and the results could be unpredictable with the 7.

* Steering set is in good shape according to the mechanic. I will have it more thoroughly checked around June or July. (Has anyone had any issues with the steering cone or so before 30,000 Kms?)

* No need to change any cables or levers or electricals, other than 2 turn signal bulbs. Before I reported on the battery dying at around 13,000 Kms. Everything else is fine.

* Front tyre may need to be replaced within 3,000 Km as it has been developing small cracks (you can see those from a 30-cm distance), so it might be a good idea to just use the chance and buy both tyres around the end of 2017 or earlier. I believe I am going for a 110-section, rubber rear tyre.

* No rust has been developing anywhere on GS as the weather here is mostly dry and I use WD40 on the bike basically 2 or 3 times per month on different parts.

* Transmission set is doing well after 20,500 Kms. I believe this set can go on for at least another 4,000 Kms. But the chain changed shape a bit as expected during a 2+ year period according to the guy. It looks and sounds fine to me, though.

* Paint, finish and overall quality related details remain pretty good compared to newer motorcycles, Gixxer, the obvious reference, included. I hope I will be able to maintain my GS this way until I can make a purchase decision in favor of a 2015 Inazuma probably in 2018. As someone on this forum mentioned, GS parts tend to be harder to find, so one needs to be willing to order certain parts/consumables and wait patiently (1-2 weeks in Mexico for a simple amber bulb).

Finally, if keeping my GS150r for more than 2 years from now is an option or my choice, I will be more than glad to continue learning about this bike and enjoying its unique character. Some candy red bikes are available here under 10,000 Kms at a handsome price in case I cannot find the right Zuma. But even today I enjoy looking back at my black beauty and feeling proud I own this peculiar motorcycle. The latest photo next to a (WAY more expensive bike) such as that beemer, with no accessories on, speaks volumes of GS. I am most likely not going to buy another 150, unless I have no other choice.

Thank you guys for reading. Have a nice weekend y'all.

UPDATE, July 30: I have found a difference between mineral and semisynthetic oil; after 2,500 Kms, level is exactly the same with semi (Repsol 10w40 Sport) AND power is still great; I am thinking I could push the oil to about 3,000 Kms without any noticeable loss in performance. My CR9EHIX spark plug is running great as well. Also, I have washed my modified air filter a 3rd. time with great results. I just don't think I should buy a new one, as the mod took me about 3 hours. I thought I should mention tappet noise is kept at minimum levels with semisinthetic oil and valves seem to be in top shape, considering performance alone. Anyway, there is no plan to buy a new motorcycle for the rest of 2017 here. I am including this information in a new post at the end of the thread.

Re: Suzuki GS150R FUTURE MODS, GS NOWADAYS!

[QUOTE=RaviRaj123;1285803]Hello RaviRaj,

Thank you for the very complete update on your GS and the advice regarding rear tyre upgrade! How cool you were able to recover your motorcycle after that ugly engine incident. I have wondered myself if GS can be made faster/quicker by trying different sprocket combinations or different electronics, so I wish you the best of success with your mods. It's also great to hear you have achieved a higher cruising speed... GS has a lot of flexibility and/or room for improvement if certain knowledge is applied. The only thing that makes me kind of uncomfortable about GS is how hard it can be to find a true replacement for our bike other than another GS! But I have been truly enjoying the ride so far, and I hope more good times are coming for all of us...

Cheers,

Gil

Re: Suzuki GS150R FUTURE MODS, GS NOWADAYS!

[QUOTE=gs150r_gilbert;1285620]Hello RaviRaj,
[I've noticed close to 0 activity at GS's forum here at xbhp, so I hope you will read this before the end of 2017 (haha). Anyway, how are the mods on your GS going? I understand there may not be any compatible shocks to fit on GS, and I have no real comments on the front disc mod you mentioned, but I hope you can share more on your new air filter, if you have already installed it. Ohh and how is your 120mm tyre doing? MRFs in that size are not available in my country, but other brands are. I am really undecided between 110 and 120! Ok, if you look at the attached pictures, you will know why I would like to upgrade the rear tyre... well, that and of course safety. We do not have that Hero bike here, but it looks pretty balanced back there, don't you think?]

Hello Gilbert,
Yes, that’s true there is absolute 0 activities nowadays on the forum. Post up-gradation of rear tires (MRF-120/80/18) and engine rebuild my GS is getting better day by day. Although I am not an engineer by a profession but I have started taking so much interest in motorcycle technical aspects and overall makings. This is all just due to my love towards this bike making her most competent and long lasting. I do R & D mostly in free time post office hours on google.

Well, if you really ask me about rear tires for GS then I would say prefer CEAT (ZOOM Plus) 120/80/120 OR 110/90/18 instead of MRF zapper. Both sizes will provide great grip in wet condition and on cornering. MRF zapper lacks both qualities. Considering the fitting/removing between swing-arms is bit trouble-some for 120/80/18. Hence 110/90/18 will be best and also pretty good to gain top speed. I switch to CEAT 110/90/18 due to sprocket change and I have experience almost no difference on top speed on both tires (120/90/18 MRF zappers previously).

I experimented on GS sprockets to change gear ratio and kept it on high gears (40T-Rear /15T-front). I searched online but not matched any, hunt every local automobile shop but not fruitful. Finally decided to get modify any 40T sprocket to fit on GS wheel-hub. Honda ambition 15t front sprocket which is direct fit for GS. Luckily, I able find Bajaj M-80 stock rear sprocket of 40t in the market. As you can see in the pics, I needed to re-size its inner perimeter to GS-Hub size. The local turner helped me to measure the size of sprocket and drilling holes of appropriate size.

There was slackness in chain due to decrease in teeth and sprocket diameter hence I had to tightened till its last limit. I did this entire nuisance just to get the better top speed. I still able to touch the speed of 121 kmph figure which I achieved earlier with stock 42/14 sprockets too. But, to my surprise bike was easily cruising 90 kmph @ 6000 rpm (earlier it was 82kmph) hence I am happy. Post 8000 rpm the torque decrease and there no more power to pull ahead till 9000 rpm.
Now my next hunt is started to unlock the rpm level by installing KTM duke-390/200 CDI unit with ignition coil. The CDI unit of GS is below seat (pillion seat) and the Ignition coil you will find below tank (I will post pics later). This is because it’s only Bajaj who provides the spatial CDI units to KTM and pulsar 220 cross 10k rpm limit. No other Indian manufactures has this rpm limiter.

Re: Suzuki GS150R FUTURE MODS, GS NOWADAYS!

Hello RaviRaj,

I've noticed close to 0 activity at GS's forum here at xbhp, so I hope you will read this before the end of 2017 (haha). Anyway, how are the mods on your GS going? I understand there may not be any compatible shocks to fit on GS, and I have no real comments on the front disc mod you mentioned, but I hope you can share more on your new air filter, if you have already installed it. Ohh and how is your 120mm tyre doing? MRFs in that size are not available in my country, but other brands are. I am really undecided between 110 and 120! Ok, if you look at the attached pictures, you will know why I would like to upgrade the rear tyre... well, that and of course safety. We do not have that Hero bike here, but it looks pretty balanced back there, don't you think?

I am planning a summary upgrade report on my GS, but just to advance a bit of info to you guys, my plan is to upgrade the rear tyre before the rainy season here (beginning around mid-May), and the rest of the 20,000 report would be basically about the maintenance chores earlier this month and the ones coming in May. I have started the trial with Repsol 10w-40 semi-synth oil and soon I will get my new CR7HIX NGK spark plug to see if there is a difference in the way the bike burns the [new] 87 octane fuel, compared to Iridium CR9HIX. Top speed at no gradient remains at around 115 Km/Hr (at 2,300m above sea level) and pillion performance is still pretty good after the air filter hack (100-108 on the highway would be the norm on a flat road riding 2-up). I will also share the experience standing at a traffic light next to a noisy, 6950-Km, 155cc motorbike (you should know the name by now) with a lot of tappet noise... I do not know what was wrong with that (most likely) 2016 bike. Anyway, I will let you know more about that next time!

Have a good, relaxed weekend!

Gilbert

Re: Suzuki GS150R


Not sure about the teeth in Gixxer sprocket but after fitting the Gixxer's chain I feel their was no noticeable change in the bike's pickup but one thing is for sure that I got rid of adjusting the chain every now and then. Now I need to adjust my drive chain only after 2000 KM while with original GS150R chain I ended up adjusting it every 500-700 KM.

Additionally as Gixxer's chain is the O-ring chain we should not use normal lubricant oil / kerosene etc for lubrication / cleaning. Suzuki recommends using spray lubricant and cleaners for this chain (To be specific they recommend MOTUL but I feel any one available to you in your local market would do the needful).

Re: Suzuki GS150R

What is the specification of Gixxer's sprocket? Is its 15T 45T?

Do you find any difference in initial pick-up?

Re: Suzuki GS150R

Hello Sparkot, fellow XBHPians,

I am glad you were able to successfully use the air filter hack. I would like to update on that as I am quickly approaching the 20,000 Km mark and I was able to squeeze a good 5,000 Km without touching the air filter. I washed it for a second time a few days ago, and the bike responded exactly as the first time. I probably forgot to mention the fact that it is very important to leave the filter wrapped in a towel overnight and then fully dry it in a very hot place, such as inside a locked car under enough sunlight for at least 10 hours. But if this is the first time you guys hack+wash your air filter, do it before you put it all back together to avoid later moisture entering carb. Waiting time should be 7 hours doing so.

Also, I would like to report another change in my GS. I had been using premium petrol before the sudden increase in prices in January, 2017. I tried my best to justify the downgrade to 87 octane from 92, but to be honest, GS will feel better within the 5,000 RPM range or so with Premium; I found a fix for that with NITRO RACING OCTANE BOOSTER additive. Now, adding this to your bike's tank is of course not essential, but it does improve the overall feel in the lower range, and that can be important in heavy traffic. If Nitro is not available in your area and you would like to improve the feel of your GS, you may want to use 89, but I understand other grades are available in most of India, unlike my country EDIT: (I found a small reduction in mileage with 87 petrol, about 2 Km/L, from 36 to 34 as I push my GS hard in the city and fast traffic!)

Regarding other updates on GS, I will keep you posted once I reach the 20,000 Km mark. I will soon start a 6,000-Km trial with Repsol Sport 10w40 semi-synth (very similar to the semi-synth offered by Motul) plus a new iridium spark plug soon, as the one I am on (CR9eHIX) has been working for around 7,000 Km. Also, I will try to include transmission set and tyre photos + brake wear info. GS does not seem to need any replacements right now, probably other than brake fluid and a new oil filter.

Gil

Re: Suzuki GS150R


Just for the info of fellow GSpians I am quoting again that I have replaced my GS150R chain sprocket with Gixxer's. It was the idea of Saboo Suzuki's ASC mechanic as he had replaced the same previously for few other GSRs. I have completed 2800 KM since then in last 2 months and it's doing a good job. I hope Gixxer's chain and sprocket would last longer inside GSR's chain guard

Re: Suzuki GS150R

Hello everyone, I hope you all are doing and driving well. After a very long time I am replying here in this forum. I have completed 65000 KM in my ODO, I am driving it from January 2013. Awesome experience with this beast. Mileage is still between 55-58. But many things has replaced in in my bike like rear shock, chain sprockets, disc pads, rear drum brakes etc. etc. This week I think to go again for full servicing of bike in authorized service center here in Behala Kolkata (Tanishq Suzuki). Lets see how parts need to replaced, I will update you.

Happy driving. Safe drive save life.

Re: Suzuki GS150R

Embedding the vibrrantpr's videos for the benefit of other users. Their youtube channel has a few other videos too for your viewing pleasure. I had contacted them 2 years back to share any other training videos they made for GS150R but due to confidentiality and copyright issues they couldn't.

Re: Suzuki GS150R

Hi,
@ ashwanath and Kamlesh

Yes, that is very true.
The GS machine is not a cup of tea of novice technician. I knew garaging to Suzuki showroom was only option to get a better result. But I had a bitter experience with Suzuki service centre people. They are money looters after-all. After free servicing I visited twice and have never ever turn up to them. Better find a experienced and good local mechanic.

The issue started when my bike was running about 17k kms. I garaged to Suzuki showroom for servicing. After few days of servicing I took bike on long drive to Mumbai. Near Panvel engine stopped completely and I could not move it forward or backward. Engine was completely locked as there was no oil left in engine. The mechanic from Suzuki did not tight the lower bolt well and oil was dripping all the way. I some-how managed to re-start motorcycle with the help of nearest automobile service center. Post this incident a series of consecutive issues were started and lead to crank noise, starting issues. There was no issue with power loss or mileage but loss of engine refinement which I used to find at high RPMs.

Before going ahead and open a GS machine I showed mechanic GS150R machine crankcase assembly and other videos from you tube. Believe me these videos are really helpful for newbies. Six gear transmissions are difficult to configure and sometime may go wrong. Most difficult part was fitting balancer crank gear with drive camshaft and counter-shaft. This requires a true precision. The crankshaft tuning is nothing but free movement of crankshaft on its assembly without jerk or lock. Fortunately you can easily get turner in Pune city who does this job. If refining crankshaft or tuning is not possible then replacement is only option left which cost you additional 5600 INR + bearing expenses.

Slingshot-GS150R-Gixxer are completely separate entity and no machine part is interchangeable among them. Unlike with Honda Unicorn-CBZ-Hunk, Suzuki does not have smart option for consumers. So guys, be alert with spares and keep necessary spares handy if you have long term plan with your ride.

Regarding apache sprocket I found below ratios which is not good for overbear. I understand GS is way sluggish but my 80% riding is on highways and I want >>90 kmph @ 6Krpms (82 kmph @ 6k existing). I am doing extensive search for changing sprockets and will post soon.

Thanks.

Glad to see such amazing HD pictures!!! Thanks


I would say you were really lucky in terms of mechanic and costing bro

Re: Suzuki GS150R

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