Suzuki Intruder 150 has finally been launched in India at Rs 98,340 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and unless you have been living under a rock, you might know that it is the baby version of the 1800cc intruder which enjoys a huge fan base worldwide.
That said, cruiser bikes haven’t had that much of a success in India and the Bajaj Avenger is the only bike that has managed to rise through the sales chart in the country. While it is not going to be an easy task for Suzuki Intruder 150 to better or even replicate the success of its only competitor, with its eye-catching looks and a rather competitive pricing, we do beg to differ.
Based off its heavyweight brothers, the Intruder M1800 and the M800, Suzuki Intruder 150 has been designed as a modern and sporty cruiser which also lives up to the sporty factor as it shares a majority of its underpinnings with the Gixxer naked.
One look at the Suzuki Intruder 150 and you are welcomed with a big and bold design which can easily compete with what we see in the 300-400cc category. However, with a head-turning headlamp and a long fuel tank, what actually surprise us is the fuel tank capacity which is a liter less than that of the Gixxer.
At the front lies digital instrument display which has also been borrowed from the its 150cc naked cousin but what really leaves an onlooker in awe is the enormous extension of fuel tank, an imitation air duct, the wide and chunky plastic panels extended over the rear wheel coupled with a rounded grab handle as well as the sleek LED lamp, all of which adds to the road presence of Suzuki Intruder 150.
While it gets ABS as standard, the footpegs are set forward, giving the bike a relaxed riding position which is one of the main characteristics of a cruiser.
That said, the design theme of Suzuki Intruder 150 is not everyone’s cup of tea as the huge upper portion including wide seats (740mm) and twin exhaust setup does look somewhat disproportionate over those puny looking 140 section tires.
Suzuki Intruder 150 Engine
For the unknown, this 150cc-cruiser shares its engine, chassis, tires as well as suspension with the Suzuki Gixxer which means that Suzuki Intruder 150 is powered by the same 155cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine mated to a five-speed gearbox, churning out 14.8PS of maximum power at 8,000rpm and 14Nm of peak torque at 6,000rpm.
The gear ratios, however, are different while the intake, as well as the air box, are bigger when compared to the Gixxer. The twin-exhaust too is a different unit and thanks to the body panels, which are more than evident, and some tweaks to the engine, Suzuki Intruder 150 weighs 8 kg more than its cousin at 148 kg. The claimed fuel efficiency for the bike is 44 kmpl.
Suzuki Intruder 150 Features
The bike has nothing new to offer when it comes to added features as it uses the same electronics ranging from the all-digital dash seen in the Gixxer to the shift light.
Suzuki Intruder 150 retains the bigger 17-inch, three-split, alloy wheels from Gixxer and while the front suspension duties are handled by 41mm telescopic forks, the rear gets seven-step adjustable monoshock.
The Intruder, however, gets new forward controls and a small belly pan hides the subframe. On the right side, there exists a rather prominent foot guard, which is the only chrome element in the profile. As for the list of features, it gets, Front and Rear Disc Brakes, Electric Start, Alloy Wheels, Raised Digital Speedo Cluster, LED Taillamp, Twin Exhausts and ABS (single channel).
Suzuki Intruder 150 Dimensions
Length: 2130 mm
Width: 805 mm
Height: 1095 mm
Ground Clearance: 170 mm
Seat Height: 740 mm
Wheelbase: 1405 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 11 Litres
Weight: 148 kgs
Suzuki says that India is currently the biggest market for them and the 155 cc cruiser will be made in India and will be exported to other markets across the globe. At the price of Rs 98340, it is about Rs 18,340 more expensive than Bajaj Avenger Street 150, which is priced at Rs 80,000, all prices ex-showroom, Delhi.
P.S As Suzuki enters the lightweight cruiser segment, we expect other players to soon make their presence felt and fight for their share of the pie.