The Suzuki Gixxer and it’s fully faired variant, the Gixxer SF have been the manufacturer’s most successful motorcycles in the country and they’re certainly some of our favourites in the segment as well. It was only a matter of time until Suzuki updated the Gixxer, and it decided to use the launch of the all-new Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 as an opportunity to also launch the updated Gixxer SF. The new SF 250 was the intended star of the event, however the smaller SF still left us with a big smile, just like the original did.
Mechanically, the Gixxer SF retains its 154.9cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled unit but on the new motorcycle, there’s a small dip in power. The old engine was good for 14.8hp and 14Nm of torque, while this new fuel-injected one makes 14.1hp and 14Nm. If you’re wondering why, Suzuki has told us that they’ve readied the engine for the BS VI emission norms and although it is currently BS IV compliant, the eventual switch to BS6 should come without too many major changes. The lack in power, however, isn’t noticeable and the engine is still as chirpy as it was when I experienced it on the older SF. The 5-speed gearbox is a rudimental unit and you can feel the gear changes at the lever with an affirmative ‘click’.
We got to experience the Gixxer SF at the BIC and from having previously raced the older motorcycle here, I was expecting the bike to be underwhelming, especially down the long back straight. This held true to an extent, considering that the performance figures aren't what you'd conventionally consider as exciting. While it’s good for a speedo indicated top speed of 124kmph, you won’t really find yourself complaining because this is still a really fun motorcycle. The new Gixxer SF, like the Gixxer SF 250, uses what is essentially the same frame as the one on the current range of Gixxers with the most significant change coming in the form of a marginally thicker (by 0.3mm) centre tube along with strengthening in steering head and suspension mounts. The bike also continues to use the same suspension hardware, with a 41mm telescopic fork and a monoshock. What this translated to out on the racetrack, was very competent handling that felt like second nature to the SF. The bike feels highly intuitive and turns into corners almost effortlessly, much like the R15, a motorcycle that’s considered a benchmark in the segment.
The only chink in an otherwise spectacular package were the brakes. The 266mm front disc slows the bike down but it needs a full handed pull at the lever, and on the track and it did leave me wanting it to slow down, um.. faster. The brakes are dull to the point where you really need to grab onto them to feel like you're drastically losing speed. As before, they will be sufficient on the streets and there's the added safety net of single channel ABS that comes as standard.
What is substantially newer, however, is the design and styling. The Gixxer SF shares its design language with the new 250, and from a distance it'd be hard to differentiate between the two motorcycles. They both sport the same all-new LED headlight, and are clad with identical body work. The only difference is in the colour scheme and paint finish - the SF gets a gloss finish while the SF 250 comes in matte colours. There's also a dual tone colour scheme on the front end, with the silver 150 getting a black mid section. Another key difference is in the alloy wheels - the 150 gets lesser spokes and doesn't have the brushed aluminum finish seen on the 250's wheels. Also new, is an LCD display that display identical information to the one on the 250 - speed, tachometer, clock, gear position and fuel gauge - but gets an inverted colour layout with black text on a white background. Visually, the SF also looks slightly more compact and slimmer than its slightly bigger sibling.
The new bodywork, and revisions to the frame have resulted in a rather significant weight gain - 146kg now, compared to the 141kg kerb weight on the older bike. However, the SF wears the added kilos with pride, and continues to be as fun and engaging as it has always been.
Along with the added weight, it's also gotten a hefty Rs 8,000 in price. At nearly 1.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it's a rather steep asking price for the LED headlamp, clip-ons and new bodywork. The increase in cost means it's a little more than Rs 11,000 more than the recently launched Hero Xtreme 200S. However, what the Suzuki could potentially offer over its competition is a much more joyful and rewarding riding experience. A comparison test will provide the answer to that.
from Autocar India - Bikes http://bit.ly/2WZZV1I
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