Suzuki Gixxer ABS models reach showrooms; bookings open

Suzuki is soon to announce the launch of its sporty 150 cc Suzuki Gixxer SF bike now equipped with Antilock Braking System (ABS). At the moment, the ABS equipped versions of the bike are already hitting the showrooms across India as per the reports coming in. Many Suzuki dealers have already started taking bookings for the Gixxer ABS model and deliveries are expected to commence in around a week or so.

Suzuki is expected to equip the Gixxer with the safety system of ABS in both the fuel injected (FI) and carburetted versions of the fully faired Suzuki Gixxer SF. THe new ABS equipped models will feature updated graphics to differentiate it from the regular, non ABS models. However, though the standard naked version of the motorcycle is also expected to get the ABS safety system, Suzuki is not launching the same currently and shall follow it up on a later date.

However, the ABS unit in question, that is offered in the Suzuki is supposed to be only a single channel ABS unit and not a dual channel as expected. Although, the addition of ABS is a welcome feature, a dual channel ABS system will be far more effective and would have been the icing on the cake and also would have acted as a major differentiator for the Suzuki Gixxer model much against its competition in the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 from a higher segment which too features only a single channel ABS. A single channel ABS works only on the front wheel to detect any wheel locks and intervene to ensure smooth and hassle free braking.This makes Suzuki GIxxer SP the first bike in its competing segment to get this safety feature.

In all other mechanical aspects, the Gixxer SF remains unchanged and will continue to retain its 154.9cc, single-cylinder air-cooled motor that makes 14.8hp of peak power and 14Nm of peak torque, in both its fuel-injected and carburetted forms. There should be a minor 1-2kg increase in kerb weight from the current bike (which weighs 139kg for the carburetted version and 140kg for the FI) thanks to the addition of ABS.

Suzuki has however managed to price the bike well; while the exact ex-showroom prices are not available at the moment, the dealers have confirmed a premium of INR 7000 over the regular model. This should put the price of the carburetted Gixxer SF ABS around INR 96,000 ex-showroom while the Gixxer SF FI ABS would be close to Rs 1 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

[Source: AutoCarIndia]