Suzuki Gixxer 150 in the Philippines

The era of the back bone is now.

Looking around, there's a couple of available backbones (or should I say standard) motorcycles looming the streets.  Almost all the manufacturers, especially the Japanese motorcycle manufacturing giants, have an offering of their own personal commuter standard motorcycles.

Look at all the awards this bike racked up!  I can see a Stig statue there, meaning an award from Topgear no less!  This bike may really be something.  Hopefully Suzuki gets their priorities straight and decide to bring this bike here already.

Well, as of this writing, Suzuki Philippines offers the GD 110 and the Thunder 125.  What? No 150? A quick check on the internet reveals that they have his gem of a motorbike that has already been a best seller in India and racked up many awards.  The name alone conjures up images of badass fast bikes the Suzuki brand has been known for.  The Gixxer 150 has a lot to live up to its name, from the family of GSX-Rs including baddest of them all, the GSX-R 1000.

The real badass, the GSX-R 1000

It would really be swell, having the Gixxer here.  I would honestly think that it'll give the competition a run for their money.  Basing on the photos and the spec box, the Gixxer 150 is a wonderful addition to the Suzuki arsenal, and may even claim the (backbone) throne in the soonest possible time, if they played their cards right (pricing, positioning, marketing strategies)

Aside from the Gixxer 150, they also have the Gixxer SF, which is a fully-faired version of the former.  Yummy!

Come on Suzuki, bring this bike here already!

Specifications:
Engine: 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, air-cooled
Valve System: SOHC, 2 Valve 
Displacement: 154.9 cm3
Bore x Stroke: 56.0 mm x 62.9 mm
Engine Output: 14.8ps@8000 rpm
Torque: 14 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Fuel System: Carburetor
Starter System: Electric
Transmission Type: 5 Speed, MT
Front Suspension: Telescopic 
Rear Suspension: Swing Arm, Mono Suspension
Front Brake: Single Disc
Rear Brake: Drum
Front Tire: 100/80-17-Tubeless
Rear Tire: 140/60R-17-Tubeless
Wheels: Cast
Length: 2,050 mm
Width: 785 mm
Height: 1,030 mm
Wheel Base:1,330 mm
Ground Clearance: 160 mm
Seat Height: 780 mm
Kerb Mass: 135 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 12 Ltrs
Battery: Maintenance free 12C, 3AhHeadlight12V 35/35WTail LightLED

Photos taken from the Suzuki website in India.

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UPDATE:  I KNEW IT!  I'M EXXCITED!
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The backbone market will be getting a little more interesting.  Suzuki announced in a teaser that they will be bringing in the Gixxer here.  Ah finally, ah worthy opponent, that will munch a big piece of the pie.  When I first saw the reviews, I was intent on getting one, as soon as it arrives.  Then I saw the Gixxer SF, which is a fully-faired, sportier version of the Gixxer 150.  So, should I wait a little longer?  Or go get this bike?

Well, it's defnitely the Gixxer 150.  

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UPDATE:  AND IT'S OUT!
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Yes!  The Gixxer 150's much-awaited arrival finally came with the launch of Suzuki Triple Threat in Blue Leaf Filipinas August 20, 2015.  Many riders including me have been wanting to see it personally and it did not disappoint.  The bike is even better in person, with a compact styling much preferred in the Asian market.  Digital instrumentation panel wowed me with red backlight and comes with complete info at a glance, including a clock.

I can honestly say I want this!   I want this bike the moment I found out about it.

The suggested retail price of P89,900.00 is actually not bad, considering the Gixxer 150 is directly competing against the higher-end bikes of the competition. You how it is in the market, affordability is always the number one factor in choosing a bike.  I am highly confident, as a motorcycle fanatic, that this bike will, if not flood, make a strong presence in our streets.

I'm not even considering anymore to get a demo unit.  I already want this bike so bad.  But yeah, a loaner unit would be nice.  

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UDPATE:  Review to Follow

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