For a long time, we were speculating that Suzuki might launch the Gixxer 250 in India soon. Out of nowhere, we got an invite which had an image showing the silhouette for a fully faired motorcycle.
Days later, we got the confirmation from our dealership sources that it is indeed the new Suzuki Gixxer SF 250. But they also said that an updated Gixxer SF 155 is also going to come soon. Well, Suzuki launched both the motorcycles at the same day.
So, we kicked in a few laps at the Buddh International Circuit with the Gixxer SF 155. It gets major updates, in the form of the completely new styling. The design is inspired by the bigger SF 250.
The engine, chassis, suspension and braking is the same, but the dynamics now get some revision. Read our first ride review to know what’s new in the 155cc Gixxer sportsbike.
The Sportsbike Look!
The styling upgrade on the Gixxer SF 155 is the USP now. The faired bike gets more muscular and sporty fairing and front cowl. Actually, the design is identical to the SF 250, with miniscule differences. The badging and alloy wheels are different, that’s it.
The eagle-eyed front cowl gets LED headlamp and a small visor atop. The rear view mirrors on the cowl keep the sportsbike style intact. The fuel tank has been revised and with new clip-ons, you get different ergonomics.
The new Gixxer uses split seats instead of a single unit in the earlier model. The exhaust muffler and the tail lamps are new. To complete, the new SF 155 looks a new world in front of the earlier version.
Seems like Suzuki is launching new models with styling inspired by their global or bigger versions. Prime examples of that are Gixxer, Burgman Street and the Intruder. All have their bigger versions in the global market.
Is The Performance Same?
Well, nothing much has changed in its performance. The Gixxer SF 155 continues with the same 155cc engine, producing 13.9 BHP at 8000 RPM and 14 Nm at 6500 RPM. The bike could easily touch a 100 km/hr, which is a good thing for a 150cc motorcycle. We were able to touch 127 km/hr on the bike.
The engine was refined and minor vibrations were felt between 7000-8000 RPM. That’s when it starts to run out of steam, but you have already crossed 115 km/hr. Riding at low gears is also not an issue as the bike picks up from low speed at a decent pace. The acceleration is a bit linear but would not bother much, as it has a free revving nature.
The good thing is that its mid-range is quite punchy. We expect it to perform better in the city riding, where sudden acceleration is welcome and there are not so many free stretches.
The 5-speed gearbox was smooth, but a bit noisy. Most of the times I was running on the 4th and 5th gear. The fuel injection helps in keeping its acceleration good.
Handles Great!
Despite the addition of 6 kgs due to the revised fairing, the handling hasn’t changed a bit. It is still easy to cut through the corners and flick aside at the slightest of pressure. I would love to try out the new Gixxer SF 155 on our city roads.
The single-piece handlebar is now replaced by mid-positioned clip-ons. As a result, it offers a better riding posture, which is flexible. You have ample space on the fuel tank and the seat to go for the aggressive riding posture, and you can also follow a relaxed posture.
Despite being an agile motorcycle, it did not flick away too easily, keeping my confidence intact. Interestingly, it is lighter than the Gixxer SF 250 by nearly 15 kgs. On a couple of corners itself, I was wondering whether the Gixxer SF 155 felt better to handle than the SF 250. A look at the specification sheet resolved my doubts.
The braking is the same with disc brakes at both the ends with a single-channel ABS. The rear wheel does not lock up that easily. In this price range, all of the motorcycles offer single-ABS unit only.
Overall, I found it to be quite stable and well planted at higher speeds. As of now, nothing to complain about its ride handling.
To buy or not?
Priced at Rs 1.09 Lakhs (ex-showroom), it demands Rs 8,000 more than the earlier version. Still, it continues to be one of the most enthusiastic motorcycles in India, ranging near a Lakh budget.
Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 continues to be an excitement, which will satisfy you in the controlled city traffic and the highway runs as well. Even above 100 km/hr, the Gixxer SF feels comfortable and does not lose its steam there.
It goes against Hero Xtreme 200S and Yamaha Fazer. The former one is lower priced, but offers a similar kind of performance. Although, I found the Gixxer to be better looking. You might be wondering if the top speed is kinda near to Yamaha R15 V3. Yes, thats true, but R15 is another level in terms of performance.
For the first time riders, who want mileage along with performance around a Lakh can certainly check out this one. With new features and the sportier appeal, it upgrades itself as an attractive option now.
