All-new engine
The Suzuki is fitted with an all-new 249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that uses a four-valve, SOHC head. The fuel-injected motor makes 26.5hp and 22.6Nm of torque. These figures are at par with the likes of the bike’s direct rival – the Honda CBR250R – and significantly higher than the Yamaha Fazer 25’s 20.9hp and 20Nm torque.
If you have read our review of the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250, you’d know that the engine is happy to rev and got the bike up to 154kph. The engine also has the potential to help the motorcycle manage cruising speeds of 110-120kph. Suzuki has also said that it is working a naked version of the Gixxer SF 250 and we expect it to be powered by the same motor, albeit in a BS-VI-compliant form.
It is a sport tourer
The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is not an aggressive sports bike made for the track. Suzuki calls the SF 250 a sport-tourer and its riding position backs this up. Even though the bike has clip-on handlebars, they are set quite high, resulting in the rider sitting less aggressively, which proves to be a sporty, yet comfortable position. The pegs are also not set high and far behind, which would have made it uncomfortable to ride over long distances.
The SF 250 is also available with touring bike-like accessories like a DC charging socket and saddle bags.
Revised chassis and suspension
While the Gixxer SF 250 uses the same frame as the current Gixxer 150 bikes, it has gone through a few alterations. The thickness of the central tube has been increased by 0.3mm. The steering head and suspension mounts have also been reinforced for more stiffness. The suspension components may look the same from the outside, but they have been reworked too. The 41mm telescopic fork on the Gixxer SF 250 uses a different spring. The monoshock, meanwhile, has been retuned.
New design language
Motorcycles in the entry-level performance bike segment are usually designed to look like scaled down version of the company’s litre-class offerings. However, Suzuki has taken a slightly different route with the Gixxer SF 250. It features a unique design that has made its way to the 150cc Gixxer SF as well. The bike’s headlight looks larger than it actually is from the front because of the stubby front windscreen. The fairing is a lot more comprehensive this time around and gives the motorcycle a substantial stance. Towards the rear, Suzuki has opted to go for a minimalist approach with a sharp tail and a simple tail-light.
Competition
At Rs 1.71 lakh, the Gixxer SF 250 sits between its direct rivals – the Yamaha Fazer 25 (Rs 1.44 lakh), Honda CBR250R ABS (Rs 1.95 lakh) and the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 (Rs 1.39 lakh). Head here to see how the four compare when it comes to their specifications.
Interestingly, the Suzuki’s price also puts it up against the Bajaj Dominar 400 (Rs 1.74 lakh) and the KTM RC 200 (Rs 1.90 lakh). While the Dominar 400 is not a direct competitor, it is a good highway machine and offers quite a lot more power and tech at just Rs 3,000 more. That being said, it is important to note that it is quite a bit heavier than the Gixxer. As for the KTM, it is a focused supersport that is meant for the racetrack and will struggle to double as tourer.
All prices, ex-showroom Delhi.
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
