Suzuki Intruder 150 Road Test Review — The Entry-Level Modern Cruiser

Unfortunately, most authentic cruisers come at a really high price tag and many can't afford it. Suzuki, keeping this in mind, has introduced the Intruder 150 — India's Modern Cruiser. We took it out for a short spin and here is what we have to say about it.

At first glance, people might interpret the Intruder 150 for a larger displacement motorcycle due to its sheer bulkiness. The design is based on its big brothers - the Intruder M1800 and M800. However, the Intruder is actually based on the popular Gixxer 150's platform.

Up front, the motorcycle's design is governed by a huge cowl around a triangular headlight. The headlamp, although being a halogen unit, features an LED DRL. The motorcycle borrows the same suspension as the Gixxer.

Even the informative digital instrument cluster, which sits within an angular cowl, is borrowed from the Gixxer. It reads out: speed, two trip meters, odometer, gear indicator, tachometer, fuel indicator and time.

Moving on, the motorcycle is fitted by massive fuel tank extensions on either side. Surprisingly, after having such a mass, the Intruder has a smaller tank than even the Gixxer. It has a fuel tank capacity of 11 litres, which is pretty small for a cruiser. Also, all that masking helps hide the 150cc engine, which would have looked really small compared to the overall bulk of the motorcycle.

The front of the fuel tank comprises of a big imitation air duct and a large Intruder logo. The rear of the tank narrows down and joins towards a wide and comfortable rider seat, split from the flat pillion one's. The rider's seat has a decent amount of cushioning and will not sore you out after a long ride.

At the rear, the motorcycle features wide and chunky plastic panels which extend a fair bit over the rear wheel. It also gets a rounded grab handle and a sleek LED tail lamp. The Intruder 150 also gets a preload-adjustable rear mono-shock which has been carried over from the Gixxer. The swingarm is a bit longer now, resulting in a longer wheelbase. The front-set footpegs, low seat and pulled-back handlebar results in a good and comfortable riding stance.

The large, angular twin-barrel exhaust is the same as on the Gixxer but is hidden under a new panel design. Suzuki has come with such a new design so that it can match with the motorcycle's overall bulkiness.

Under all that bulky plastic, is the same tried and tested air-cooled single-cylinder 155cc engine. The motorcycle, however, gets a redesigned airbox with a larger intake and even the exhaust has been re-tuned for a gruntier note. All this helps the engine pump out 14.5bhp and 14Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a five-speed gearbox which feels rather smooth.

The engine has got decent torque and ensures better response at lower revs. Past the 6,000rpm-mark, the motorcycle feels like it's pulling happily and continues until it hits the red line. Moreover, the larger rear sprocket helps the motorcycle accelerate in the same way as the Gixxer, though it's eight kilograms heavier at a kerb weight of 148kgs. The throttle response feels quite crisp at any time.

The Intruder 150 comes fitted with MRF tyres: 100/80 R17 at the front and 140/60 R17 at the back; the same ones on the Gixxer. The motorcycle handles really well even on wet tarmac. Though the Intruder 150 has a low profile, show it some corners and it will tug into them but the footpegs will start scraping soon. Overall, the Intruder handles and performs really well.

The Suzuki Intruder 150 also comes with a single-channel ABS so that the front wheel does not lock up during a panic braking situation. Braking duties are handled by single disc brakes at the front and rear.

How the Intruder feels a lot different as compared to the Gixxer is in the way it rides over bad roads. The front-end manages bumps fairly well but the rear mono shock has been stiffened up to prevent it from bottoming out easily. This means that the ride feels a lot harder on uneven roads. Overall, the Intruder handles potholes and speed breakers really well and gives a plush ride.

Promeet Ghosh Thinks!

The Intruder 150's styling will definitely find a huge fan following. While we were testing the motorcycle on the streets, the amount of attention it managed to gather was just incredible. It does come with a price tag of Rs 98,340 ex-showroom (Delhi). But if someone is looking for a small displacement cruiser which will turn heads, then I will surely recommend the new Suzuki Intruder 150.