Suzuki Intruder 150

Everything good from the Gixxer, in a cruiser package

After the success with the Gixxer, Suzuki had been on the back foot. But that’s because they were busy conjuring up the Intruder. We rode it just before its public debut

While sitting at the presser, details about the new motorcycle were being voiced in the usual humdrum of such an event. The exciting part came when curtains were rolled up and the new motorcycle was rolled onto the stage. Badged Intruder, this motorcycle is Suzuki’s attempt at filling a void in the segment with a product that barely has any competition in its segment.

The name dates back to 1985 and it comprises a range of high-capacity cruiser motorcycles. On the other hand, this motorcycle is the smallest capacity Intruder ever produced by the Japanese manufacturer. But in keeping with tradition and following the same lineage, the 155cc Intruder looks very much in theme with its bigger siblings. But only once you’ve spent a little time looking at it in the flesh. It definitely takes time to get used to the odd proportions and while you eventually come to terms with it, a speck of doubt may still remain.

The design is outright bold because of the massive proportions of nearly every panel making up the bodywork. Of course, it starts from the angular headlamp and plastic cladding covering the handlebar. But the tank extensions are what will get your attention first and then the flowing bodywork till the fat rear-end. Though, that’s

THE DESIGN IS OUTRIGHT BOLD BECAUSE OF THE MASSIVE PROPORTIONS OF NEARLY EVERY PANEL MAKING UP THE BODYWORK ON THE INTRUDER

just the top half. Look closely at the bottom half and you will start noticing parts from the Gixxer. From the forks to the wheels and tyres and, even the brakes, all come from the Gixxer. What that does is it makes the lower half look skinny and that’s what happens while borrowing cycle parts from a motorcycle with sportier intentions. It’s the rear-end of the motorcycle that’s the most disproportionate despite the 140 section rear tyre. Nonetheless, the quality of plastics is top-notch and not once did we hear a squeak or rattle from the body panels.

The looks left us in two minds but then came the good part. Astride the motorcycle, the familiar engine note and behaviour was clearly overshadowed by the delectable handling. It came as a bit of a shocker before realising the genius behind using borrowed components. What really underpins the massive bodywork is a sporty Gixxer 155 chassis that uses revised suspension internals, a longer swingarm and altered rake. Most of these changes were to achieve the stretched look of a cruiser which would otherwise

translate to lazy, laid-back handling but the true characteristics of an inherently sporty chassis and cycle parts haven’t been lost. The Intruder turns in eagerly into corners, switching from side-to-side on switchbacks and glides over various surfaces with the fluidity of a ballet dancer. Sounds exaggerated? It really isn’t because such is the suspension and chassis setup of the Intruder that it deserves top marks for its ride and handling capabilities. The ABS equipped brakes, as the Gixxer, offer good bite, feedback and stopping power despite the added 6kg over the Gixxer’s kerb weight.

While raving about the oh-so likable handling, there was the familiar motor sitting underneath. It was quietly adding to the ride while only making itself evident through the slash-cut twin end-cans. The engine packs a punch, like it always did, shifting through the 5-speed gearbox with only a hint of better mid-range torque compared to the Gixxer. Suzuki claims to have altered the final drive for better low-end power delivery but a glance at the spec sheet revealed the peak revs for both horsepower and torque. Although, there was nothing wrong with that motor in the first place and for a 155cc motor, it works effortlessly through the rev range. As long as you’re riding solo in the plains. The added weight of a pillion, going uphill through the twisties leading to Lavasa in Pune, made the engine struggle with revs, forcing us to use lower gears till the revs built up. This however, was only situational given the steep incline in a few sections around this area. The intent is to cruise and that, this motor is quite capable of doing even with a pillion.

FOR A 155CC MOTOR, IT WORKS EFFORTLESSLY THROUGH THE REV RANGE

1. Extensive panelling also aims to cover the tiny engine size. 2. ABSassisted front disc pack excellent stopping ability coupled with great bite and feedback. 3. Good quality switchgear will age well with use

LikesHandling, ride quality, maneuverabilityDislikesOdd proportions, steeply priced Fully digital meter-console offers basic running information, is surrounded by plastic panels covering the handlebar and making for an elaborate cowl

VERDICTTo call the Intruder a parts-bin project would be a disservice to its creators. Yet, in essence it is nearly that, at least mechanically. I am sure, there have been numerous hours spent on the design of the motorcycle and it paid off as many a passerby enquired intriguingly about the motorcycle, even remarking how they like the looks. Only time can tell if they like it enough to sign the cheque. What will make them reach for the pen though, is the engine’s performance, ease of riding and splendid ride quality and handling.Most importantly, the Intruder manages to fill a space that only has one other competitor and with the first impressions alone, we can tell you that it betters it by leaps and bounds.

1. LED tail lamp looks good but is slightly hidden due to the chunky grab rail.2. Headlamp is a conventional halogen unit but is styled just as the bigger M1800 Intruder