Trail Bike Test SSR 189 from Dirt Bike Magazine: Part 3
At LSK Lebanon we want to make sure you love the bike that you purchase. In our last few blogs, we have highlighted a test from Dirt Bike Magazine on the SSR 189. We will finish up the test in this blog. We hope that you have enjoyed this series from Dirt Bike Magazine.
"HOW IT WORKS
In order to get the SR189 running, you must turn the key and hit the starter button. Our 189 started easily every time. There is a choke lever on the left side of the handlebar, and it helped when the engine was cold but was only needed for mere seconds. After that, the engine ran cleanly and started in gear or in neutral.
On a track, first gear is fine for getting the bike moving, but you immediately shift to second. That first- to-second jump is a little wide, but the rest of the ratios allow the SR to stay in the happy part of the power as it goes from gear to gear. On small, made-for-minis tracks, the bike works well, with superior suspension performance compared to other bikes in the play bike class. With its stout frame, beefy swingarm, large axles, and huge fork tubes, the SSR can be ridden hard without feeling out of its element. The seated and especially the standing riding positions are roomy. Even riders over 6 feet tall are happy standing. The brakes are strong, but we would like more initial bite from the front brake.
Off-road, in technical riding, first gear is a help, but when the going is tough, first gear is a little low
and second is a bit tall. We rode desert and mountain trails that had significant hills. Some of the hills were littered with ruts and covered with loose boulders, while others appeared vertical as we approached. Our bike handled all the climbs, sand washes and even mild whoops quite adeptly. With a lighter rider aboard, the bike handles the rough better.
A good Honda CRF150F makes 11.5 or 12 horsepower, but the SR189 is claimed to make almost 16 horses. We’d say that number is pretty close. It has plenty of power for trails and for many track situations as well. We had the power to clear some surprising jumps, but for some large jumps, we simply ran out of gearing in fifth gear.
On fast tracks or trails, the SR189 (and any play bike in this category) gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “fifth gear tapped.”
We did not purposely try to abuse the machine, but we certainly didn’t baby it. During our time on the bike, no spokes loosened, and it didn’t require a chain adjustment or have any failures. We blame ourselves for the lost 6mm bolt and snapped chain guide.
We used a pro shipping scale, and the bike came in at 241 pounds with all the fluids and the fuel tank completely full. That means that the claimed 236 pounds is right on. That puts it in Honda CRF150F territory.
We had a blast on this bike in all conditions, and it surprised and impressed all that rode it. The industry needs a fun, capable machine that is this affordable. It isn’t perfect. The seat foam doesn’t provide a lot of cushion. Getting at the carburetor is a major job compared to Japanese play bikes, and we would change the tires as soon as possible. Otherwise, the SSR SR189 did all that was asked of it, and we asked a lot. SSR says they sell fast, and with this much value and performance, they should."
Article supplied by Dirt Bike Magazine
As you can see from the article that the SSR 189 is a very impressive mid-size bike for the performance and the value. At the best dirt bike dealer in Lebanon we have several SSR bikes in stock, check out our website. If you have any questions about the bikes that we carry stop by the dealership and one of our knowledgeable staff members will help you understand the bike from front to back.
Website:
www.LSKLebanon.com
801 N Jefferson Ave
Lebanon, MO 65536
"HOW IT WORKS
In order to get the SR189 running, you must turn the key and hit the starter button. Our 189 started easily every time. There is a choke lever on the left side of the handlebar, and it helped when the engine was cold but was only needed for mere seconds. After that, the engine ran cleanly and started in gear or in neutral.
On a track, first gear is fine for getting the bike moving, but you immediately shift to second. That first- to-second jump is a little wide, but the rest of the ratios allow the SR to stay in the happy part of the power as it goes from gear to gear. On small, made-for-minis tracks, the bike works well, with superior suspension performance compared to other bikes in the play bike class. With its stout frame, beefy swingarm, large axles, and huge fork tubes, the SSR can be ridden hard without feeling out of its element. The seated and especially the standing riding positions are roomy. Even riders over 6 feet tall are happy standing. The brakes are strong, but we would like more initial bite from the front brake.
Off-road, in technical riding, first gear is a help, but when the going is tough, first gear is a little lowand second is a bit tall. We rode desert and mountain trails that had significant hills. Some of the hills were littered with ruts and covered with loose boulders, while others appeared vertical as we approached. Our bike handled all the climbs, sand washes and even mild whoops quite adeptly. With a lighter rider aboard, the bike handles the rough better.
A good Honda CRF150F makes 11.5 or 12 horsepower, but the SR189 is claimed to make almost 16 horses. We’d say that number is pretty close. It has plenty of power for trails and for many track situations as well. We had the power to clear some surprising jumps, but for some large jumps, we simply ran out of gearing in fifth gear.
On fast tracks or trails, the SR189 (and any play bike in this category) gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “fifth gear tapped.”
We did not purposely try to abuse the machine, but we certainly didn’t baby it. During our time on the bike, no spokes loosened, and it didn’t require a chain adjustment or have any failures. We blame ourselves for the lost 6mm bolt and snapped chain guide.
We used a pro shipping scale, and the bike came in at 241 pounds with all the fluids and the fuel tank completely full. That means that the claimed 236 pounds is right on. That puts it in Honda CRF150F territory.
We had a blast on this bike in all conditions, and it surprised and impressed all that rode it. The industry needs a fun, capable machine that is this affordable. It isn’t perfect. The seat foam doesn’t provide a lot of cushion. Getting at the carburetor is a major job compared to Japanese play bikes, and we would change the tires as soon as possible. Otherwise, the SSR SR189 did all that was asked of it, and we asked a lot. SSR says they sell fast, and with this much value and performance, they should."
Article supplied by Dirt Bike Magazine
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www.LSKLebanon.com
801 N Jefferson Ave
Lebanon, MO 65536
(417) 588-3550
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