Suzuki motorcycles India launched the newly developed Gixxer SF250 and the updated Gixxer SF150 at a launch event at hotel Pullman in Delhi. This will be Suzuki motors 2nd attempt to get into the 200+cc segment in India. Back in 2015, Suzuki had launched the 250cc parallel twin cruiser called the Inazuma, with world-class features and butter smooth refinement; it was a machine ahead of its time and couldn’t do much then. This time over, Suzuki has planned to take it easy with the Gixxer SF250, and keep it competitive and a lucrative offering as per the Indian market trends and demands.
Now, lets talk about the motorcycles.
Gixxer SF250
The Gixxer SF250 is a completely newly developed product from scratch specifically developed for the Indian market and its climatic conditions. The SF250 is a Sports Tourer which comes with a Fuel injected 249cc single cylinder 4 valve SOHC oil-cooled engine with a bore stroke figures of 76mm x 54.9mm, which makes it a high revving short stroke engine. This engine develops 26.5PS of power and 22.6Nm of Torque which is delivered by a 6speed gearbox, which might remind you of Hondas CBR250 which offers identical power output.
This newly developed engine features first of its kind Oil cooler in India, the Suzuki Oil Cooling System in engines which was introduced by Suzuki to the world for creating light weight fast engines with best in class reliability and engine cooling.
This technology is derived from the MotoGP motorcycles and helps in weight reduction and friction reduction. The engine block piston has an external jacket of cool oil flowing as soon as the engine starts, which is something no other manufacturer offers today. This newly developed engine promises high output, low fuel consumption, high durability and reliability with low wear and tear in longest of runs. Our 30mins 12 laps session with temperatures above 50degree Celsius at the BIC continuously revving it hard above 9000rpm could not get the engine overheat signal on, or disturb the performance delivery it offered on lap1. Now that’s the kind of performance one would want from a sports tourer. Equipped with a 12litre fuel tank, the SF250 maxes out at around 155kmph and Suzuki claims a mileage of above 38kmpl from this motor giving it an at least 300+ kms range.
The body design is completely new, and gives the Gixxer Series a new refreshing identity. The European inspired body design and panel surely make the bike look different and appealing and gives it a sporty look. Though Suzuki could have offered a taller windshield, as the current one seems inadequate for touring. The newly designed LED Headlight offers a wide field of view and gives the Gixxer series in India their new signature look. The SF250 comes with a Rear Tyre hugger and a Twin muffler beefy exhaust canister towards the rear to give it that sporty look and carry forward the Gixxer legacy. With big rear view mirrors and Clip on handle bars towards the front, the bike surely offers a sporty riding stance, adding to the sporty feel are the stiff front telescopic forks and a Mono-shock absorber on the rear, which provide the required stability at high speeds and even at exhaust scraping corners at the BIC. With a seat height of 800mm, the SF250 is very accessible to a wide section of customers. Adding to its touring capabilities is the 165mm ground clearance which can take most of Indian road craters and a short wheelbase of 1345mm, which makes it very agile and easy to handle.
Something that goes fast, also needs to stop faster, and Suzuki understands this well. Equipped with a Dual channel ABS which is non switchable, braking is managed by a 300mm disk at the front and a 260mm disk at the rear with a single caliper dual piston brake. The SF250 comes equipped with Mag-wheels and tubeless radial MRF branded 110/70-17 tyre on the front and a fat 150/60-17 tyre on the rear, which provide the necessary grip and traction. Though we are yet to test the bike in real world conditions, testing the bike in race specific conditions allow us to test it in the extreme.
In terms of features, the bike comes with an newly developed instrument cluster, which is all digital and provides information like RPM meter, speedometer, odometer, clock, fuel gauge, trip meter and necessary signal lights like the engine check light, neutral light, abs on/off indicator ,pass light, turn-indicator lamps. The instrument cluster is common for both the SF250 and the SF150, and looks refreshing and better than what it replaces. Suzuki will offer accessories like Tank protector, Tank pads, wheel rim stickers, DC charging socket, seat cover and a smoked visor. The bike features a side stand, but will miss out on a main-stand, which is not something like a deal breaker.
Speaking of the market the SF250 shall be competing, it makes a strong statement for itself, offering the performance and technology like no other OEM. It will compete directly with the CBR250R, Fazer250 in its category, and I can definitely say that the Suzuki has a stronger case here. Priced at Rs 1,70,550/- ex-Delhi, the SF250 is here to disrupt the 250cc segment. Overall, the SF250 delivers a very engaging rider experience with refined linear power delivery without any stress or heating, but also without any grunt.
The overall engine design also makes it very easy to maintain and troubleshoot cutting down after-sales maintenance costs for the consumer. Suzuki offers a 5 year warranty on the bike, making the offering appealing and sweeter for customers.
The SF250 is a matured motorcycle, misses out on the grunt and thrust, which is in a way good for novice rider, but veterans might complain of the missing fun factor. We surely like it, it’s time to wait and watch, whether the Indian customer likes it mature or Wild.
Gixxer SF150
The new SF150 replaces the older version of Gixxer SF150, and now comes with the same 155cc air-cooled engine but with the styling, body panels and design elements along with the strengthened chassis as the Gixxer SF250. What’s differentiating both the Gixxer SF150 and the Gixxer SF250 are the color tones. The SF250 comes in Matte Black and Matte Silver shades, while the SF150 comes in a glossy shade of metallic black and glossy metallic silver.
The down tube frame of the chassis has been beefed up, to provide that extra strength and rigidity to the chassis, and is common in both the Gixxers. This new updates add 6 kg to the kerb mass, and now the SF150 weighs 146kgs. This has affected the overall engine output, which remains same as earlier but now is BSVI norm compliant. The SOHC 2 valve fuel injected engine now produces power output of 14.1ps @ 8000rpm and delivers a torque of 14Nm @ 6000rpm.
The bike is fun to ride, looks amazing. The overall update has made the Gixxer SF150 a New refreshing option for the Indian youth, with the same trust and reliability offered by the preceding model. The bike comes with Single channel ABS and a new updated instrument cluster, LED headlamp, LED tail lamp and split seats.
The twin muffler exhaust and the rear tyre hugger has been carried forward. The ride offered by the SF150 is quite engaging and fun-filled with mileage over 45kmpl makes its position stronger than before in the 160cc sport category segment. Priced at 1,09,000 lacs ex-Delhi, it’s definitely demands a premium than many of its competitors, but so is the ride experience it offers.
Ride it to believe it.
Review – Suraj Sawant
Photography – Govind Gadekar