Here I would like to write a review of my Suzuki FXR150. I know it’s not an impressive bike compared to its substitute Suzuki GSX-R1000. It may not worth a review on performance point of view, however it may well deserve a review on its toughness point (fuck sake, it survived me!).
Now where do I start…
Looks
It is a small bike. A few days ago when I was following my friend on my bike (and me on his GN250), I saw and realised that my bike’s rear tyre was really thin. I mean really thin. Tyre size is 100 in width. That is smaller than most pocket rocket’s rear tyre. I am no kidding. It looked slightly dodgy…
Other than that everything else looked fine. It’s a very small bike, I don’t see it often but whenever I stop beside a glass shop I see myself dwarfing the little one. However my mother is worried about my FXR because she thinks its one of those uber fast sports bike. Hmmm I guess that means it does look like a sports bike… Atleast…
Performance
There is nothing much to say. It is a 149cc some weird DOHC Suzuki made tough engine. However if you are a first bike buyer, then listen up. It is indeed one of the smallest bikes you could find on trademe, however it probably be the best in its class. Compared to the Suzuki GN250, the GN is 100cc bigger but funny or not, it’s got a rivalry performance, don’t let cc fool you.
When full throttle is applied to a FXR, the engine revolution goes up quite slowly, however when it reaches its power band (yes it’s got a power band) the front wheel stays on the ground, the rear wheel doesn’t spin and the engine starts to rev abit faster (What do you expect?) It is quite cool when you look at it in a different way, I have my fun like that every day when I commute to school.
Now, the gearing of FXR is terrible, especially the first gear. When the traffic light turns to green, you probably will be in 3rd gear by the time you reach the other end of the peds crossing. The 6th gear is really tall too. It is really ideal for high speed riding. Wanna hear an example? When accelerating from 6th gear at low speed, the engine makes a terrible throaty sound and the speedo decelerates. Translation: It is really weak.
High speeds: The top speed of FXR150 is exactly indicated 150kph, evidenced myself. However that speed is something that you cannot just achieve on an empty motorway. An easy cruising speed would be around indicated 110kph. At around 120kph, the engine probably will be revving about 2-3,000 below the red line, however don’t worry it seems its comfortable with it. See my example, my bike still goes strong! (I will tell you when it blows).
Handling
I cannot really compare this to other bikes. Cornering ability is too focused on the rider’s confidence and skills. I cannot say that my FXR150 can corner faster than a GN, however like any other light weight bikes, the FXR can lean from side to side at an ease motion. Since the FXR is only about 120kg dry, it may tip over easier than other 250 bikes (comparing to a Hyosung GT250R). That weigh comes to a disadvantage when encountering strong winds. I’ve never rode a heavier bike (in strong winds) so I again wouldn’t know how to compare it. But I know that the FXR is definitely not a good bike to ride in strong winds. How bad? Well when a truck drive passes you, you get blown away like a leaf.
My FXR
OK, my bike is next to a rolling junk. It is indeed not in a mint condition however it does it’s job (which is going from A to B) pretty damn well. Here is a list of things that are distorted.
• Some nuts and bolts are missing all around the bike (9 pieces missing and counting…)
• Two totally different mirrors. Left is home made by the previous owner and the other is from a Toyota… I think…
• Half of the headlight doesn’t work.
• Right foot peg bracket is cracked.
• Very sticky side stand.
• Leaking carburettor.
• Has 1 more scratch than R6_Kid’s GSXR.
• Front brake lever won’t recoil back. So I got two rubber bands to help me.
However despite the negatives, it goes well. I even got the WOF with that above status. When I was doing the Wellington Tour, I really thought my bike would brake down (So I packed many tools and got the AA Plus membership) but the bike didn’t fail on me. Oh did I mention that my bike has done over 53,000kms? (Still goes strong!)
Conclusion
I like my bike. Even it is slow, I don’t complain. The only time when I want a bigger bike is when my bike is compared to other people’s bike e.g. During FROSTY’s Escort Ride/ ATNR. Despite the jealousy, I am satisfied on my own whenever I take it through the Coatesville/ Riverhead highway. It is good fun and makes me smile every time I go around a [55>>>>] corner. Now, how can I challenge my bike to it’s limit? Perhaps a New Zealand Long Way Down? (From Cape Reinga to the Bluf) That will be a good challenge!
Would I recommend it to a Learner?
Well its a preety good learners bike. The light weight is almost drop proof, but sooner or later the learner will want more power. If so, spending some bucks on a 150 could later be a waste when upgrading to a full 250. But again on the other hand, if going from A to B is what you want it will do it just fine. My final note, you too can have some fun on FXR... Click Me
Next time when you are on trademe looking for a learner’s bike, try typing “FXR150” instead of “GN250”.
Stats compared to other 250s*
Performance: ** (It’s not the slowest I’ve ridden)
Handling: ****
Braking: **
Looks: *
*250s that I have ridden.
If you think any of above comments are biased please feel free to comment.
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Originally Posted by Grub
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