[Test Ride Report] SUZUKI “GSX-150 Bandit” is a gentle and elegant two-person ride

The GSX-R/S 150, the second smallest displacement in the GSX series, is finally the third member of the series. Although the overall equipment is “different”, the Bandit targets a wider market with a more comfortable and user-friendly saddle design and a front-end shape that is more appealing to the public.

Highlights of Suzuki GSX 150 Bandit

1. The price is $120,000 without license insurance. 2.
2. No ABS system. 3.
3. Due to the different frame, the one-piece saddle cannot be exchanged with the current S version.

Riding experience
The GSX-150 Bandit has a very similar ride to the GSX-S150 after all. The short wheelbase makes the bike very agile, almost like “leaning out of a corner”, and it is often the case that the corner is over just as you start to kill it. It is recommended that owners upgrade after purchase.

Although it looks like the maximum power will not come out until 10,500 rpm in the books, and the setting is the usual “high rpm output”, in reality, it enters the front end of the power sweet spot at around 7,000 rpm. Even if it’s not in the red, you can still enjoy the charm of the GSX-150 Bandit. Only when you control your own rhythm can you ride safely, smoothly and happily!

The wind resistance becomes more and more serious as the speed of the bike continues to climb. The rear seat in particular is much wider than the GSX-S150, and the passenger’s comfort is greatly enhanced, which is commendable!

As a GSX-R150 owner, I understand how important the ABS system is on such a light and agile bike. Although I can’t rest assured that the brakes can be applied without ABS, the absence of ABS gives a more direct and clearer braking feel, and the braking gives a sense of reliability.

Vehicle Equipment
The headlights are similar to those of the GSX-S150 but with a different appearance. The front end of the SUZUKI Satria 150 makes the overall style and shape more stable and warm, which is very different from the GSX-S150, which is mainly for the young market.

The lower lights come on when the high beams are switched. The directional lights are the same as the GSX-S150, with halogen bulbs in the same position. The same instrumentation is used for the Corsair and the ’19 S150, and there is no high contrast design! The left handlebar switch is from top to bottom: far and near light switch, directional light, and horn switch, while the overtaking light is set at the index finger of the left hand. The right handlebar switch from top to bottom are: engine off switch, emergency parking lights, electric button. The rear mirror area is quite large, even people with wide shoulders like me can get a completely unobstructed view of the rear. The GSX-150 Bandit uses a traditional key lock with a magnetic lock function.

The front wheel frame is the same as the GSX-S150 with five spokes and ten claws made by ENKEI, the frame width is 2.15, and the tire is DUNLOP’s D102FA, which is a Sport-Touring tire according to the official website, and the tire specification is 90/80-17.

The front brake system is unidirectional dual-piston calipers with 278mm wave discs, and the fuel line is made by Brembo, and according to foreign media reports, this caliper should be a product of Bybre, a subsidiary brand of Brembo, but there is no information available for verification, and as for the part we are most concerned about, the Bandit is different from the S150 in that the Bandit is not equipped with an ABS system.

The entire side shell and lower spoiler are shared with the S150, and the handsome Bandit logo can be seen on the side of the bike.

The engine is the same as the tank GSX-R150 / S150, and the engine is a 147c.c. DOHC single-cylinder water-cooled engine that delivers 14Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm and 19.2 horsepower at 10,500 rpm.

The fuel tank and fuel tank cover are also identical to the S150. The fuel tank is slim, but just like the R and S versions, the fuel tank cannot be clipped on without modification.

The next is the most attractive change in the Bandit’s appearance. The one-piece seat is the envy of many S150 owners, and the seat itself is a very supportive type, and the rear seat is far more comfortable than the S150.

The tool is also fixed under the passenger seat.

I’m sure many riders have thought about “buying a Bandit cushion to fit the S150”, but unfortunately the GSX-150 Bandit uses a different frame structure, which is lower and flatter overall.

The whole rear shell is also very different from the S150.

The tail light design is similar to the famous “angel lamp” design of the GSX-R, and the light fixture is a traditional halogen lamp.

The tail light and brake light switch is shown.

Unlike the GSX-R150 and S150, the GSX-150 Bandit has an integrated rear mudguard, unlike the GSX-R150 and S150, where the larger fender can be removed, which is a pity.

The official name of the Corsair is GSX-150 Bandit, so don’t get it wrong!

In response to regulations and the needs of the main market, the Bandit is equipped with two sets of anti-scalding covers to prevent passengers from being scalded by the exhaust pipe.

The rear shock is also made by SHOWA with a multi-link system.

The center post is standard as GSX-S150, which is very convenient for daily use.

The rear frame is the same as the GSX-S150, with a frame width of 3.5 and the same DUNLOP D102A tires.

The rear braking system is a NISSIN single-directional single piston with a wave fixed disc, also without ABS system.

The pedals are non-adjustable, and the pedal position is quite comfortable for a street bike.

Conclusion
Although the GSX-150 Bandit is rumored to replace the GSX-S150 on the Internet, is this really the case? The GSX-S150 has a sportier look and is more appealing to young people, while the Bandit is definitely a better choice for those who like the GSX-S150’s specifications and like to travel in style. Although it’s a shame that there’s no ABS system, the Bandit is still a great entry-level lightweight bike in every way!

After the full Phase 7 in 2021, the introduction of the “GSX” 150 series, which has been making waves in the domestic light market, is still unknown.