Introduction

Well it feels like only yesterday that we were getting acquainted with the newest TGB to hit town. A small pocket sports scooter that is the Bullet 125, a compact quality effort following on from the Bullet 50 (R50X). Enter the all new Bullet 150. A restyled, revamped, larger capacity Bullet that rings all the bells when it comes to budget sports. 

We had a short but brief meeting with the Bullet, but they do say that first impressions count.

 

 

Specifications

First item on the agenda is frontal styling. The new front headlamp is separated into two sections and the whole front end has a very broad Euro feel about it. Continuing upfront we have those gold forks, gold calliper, wave disc, braided lines. The carbon look panel work and front mudguard just completes a top notch effort. Not putting the Bullet 125 down, though in my opinion the 150 just brings a little more contemporary class to the table.

The central digital dash is the next new item on the agenda. This is dominated by a large central rev counter. A digital speedo, trip meter and clock all sit below, a fuel gauge on the side. Quite functional in the way that it delivers the vital info but even better in the way that it looks. Very sexy. You just have to love the redline warning light.

Moving back from here and its all Bullet 125. This isn't a bad thing at all, but it is familiar territory. The ignition key not only starts the scooter but also opens the seat. Under the seat you have room for a full face helmet and TGB have been smart enough to add a handy 12 volt charger. The look of the floor is enhanced through the use of aluminium running boards. And whilst the floor is not flat, the scooter does have a bag hook if required.

The Bullet 150 runs the same single shock rear end as the 125 model. Wheels are still of the 13 inch alloy variety, pin striped and painted for optimum style. Brakes are disc front and rear, the front having a wave rotor, each brake line being braided.  

Like the front end the rear has also been given a massage. Notice the large central round stoplight that just looks sensational when in use. The rear wing doubles as a grab handle. In my opinion it adds to the style, you could just replace it with a rack if required, but why?  

For the pillion you have a set of foot pegs that flip out. The rear seat is comfortable enough for those that need a double. Once stopped you have a centrestand or like the 125 model a spring loaded sidestand. 

And last and probably most important of all is the change in capacity to 150 cc. A welcome power increase by the oil cooled 150 cc TGB motor that now outputs 7.5 KW. My seat of the pants feeling would tell me that torque has been increased as well and with little change to the overall weight, TGB have put plenty of bite into the Bullet.
 
 

On the Road

Quality still takes centre stage when your talking Bullet and this transcends onto the road. A weighty solid feel is duly noted that when rolling makes things feel direct, planted and somewhat connected. A sharpness I am sure that is enhanced through the use of 13 Inch wheels combined with quality Maxxis rubber.

The seating position is tall, and as with the 125 you feel that everything is very compact. The front legshield does angle back towards the rider whilst the seat and footboards angle forwards, so the position is somewhat sports focused. For the very tall it might be a squeeze but for the "Hi Fives" its a comfortable fit.

The Bullet 150 doesn't hide from the fact that its all boy racer. In no time at all you will be pressing this baby into corners and trying to find the limits of the chassis. Its all very suited to around town, and a hoot for the city commute. The dash with central tacho is in my opinion a huge improvement over the 125, cloning that of the super sport bike brigade, helps add to the occasion.

What does help make the Bullet 150 argument compelling is the increase in power and torque. With more power on tap everywhere the Bullet 150 has enough to make this scooter a comfortable daily proposition. Increasing the urge off the mark and lifting the level of fun to be had across the rev range. The power increase over the 125 is immediately apparent.

So perky performance, sharp chassis, sporty riding position, the Bullet 150 will make your daily commute feel like a day out at the track (almost!). Something I haven't mentioned is brakes, the wave disc upfront is worth a mention, it not only looks good but I reckon it helps with braking performance. With discs front and back, wiping off speed is a simple two fingered squeeze. The braided brake lines really enhance feel and feedback through the levers.

Summary

All in all the Bullet 150 is more then just another scooter. Its a sum of quality scooter parts that come together to make a compelling case for your sporting dollar. A commuter with two personalities, the Bullet is your everyday commute, with a good dose of fun thrown in.

I like the new look front end, the broad euro style headlight is a welcome addition. Other nice bits like gold forks and brake calliper, wave disc and braided lines, give the Bullet a premium bike feel. I really like the new dash and the carbon look panels, top marks all round.

So TGB have taken the Bullet concept and turned up the volume. At $3390 + ORC the Bullet 150 adds significant value to the class and when you add up all the features combined, for a Taiwanese built scooter, its impressive.

After a scooter with a double personality? After something unique in today's market?

Take a look at the TGB Bullet 150. Find your nearest TGB stockiest @ www.tgbscooters.com.au

The Bullet 125 will remain on sale at $2990 + ORC......