The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250, our 2020 Autocar Bike of the Year, received a BS6 update and this is what it’s like to ride.
Clean up
Suzuki has incorporated a new ECU and exhaust system to get the Gixxer SF 250 to comply with BS6 emission norms. The 249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine makes 26.5hp at 9,300rpm and 22.2Nm of torque at 7,300rpm. In comparison to the BS4 bike, peak power is identical, but arrives 300rpm higher in the rev range. Peak torque, on the other hand, has seen a 0.4Nm drop but is produced 200rpm earlier.
Thankfully, this hasn’t affected performance. In the run from 0 to 60kph, its 3.74sec time is marginally slower than the BS4 motorcycle’s. On the other hand, the BS6 motorcycle is slightly quicker (9.06sec vs 9.21sec) to get to 100kph.
Engine refinement has improved and, as before, the punchy midrange and its rev-happy nature adds to the sense of involvement while riding. This is complemented by the smooth 6-speed gearbox, but a slipper clutch would’ve added more value, especially at this price.
Meeting cleaner emission norms has slightly improved fuel efficiency. The BS6 Gixxer SF 250 returns 33.2kpl (vs 31.2kpl ) in the city and 38.5kpl (vs 37.9kpl ) on the highway.
Fresh appeal
In terms of design, the Gixxer SF 250 shares the same body work but what really livens up the appearance is the Suzuki 100th Anniversary livery that it wears. If you find this colour scheme too loud, the bike is also available in a rather inconspicuous black paint.
Same same, not different
Besides the cleaner engine and new paintwork, the rest of the bike remains unchanged. It has a sporty chassis setup and the ride quality is reasonably comfortable on most surfaces, except on severely broken roads, due to the stiff rear. The happy trade off, to me, is in its sure-footed handling, making for an entertaining time on a twisty road. An area of further improvement is a little more initial bite from the front brakes.
Sum of all parts
Prices for the BS6 Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 start at Rs 1.76 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), while this MotoGP edition will set you back by an additional Rs 900. In all, the BS6 motorcycle costs a mere Rs 3,000 more than the BS4 motorcycle. This while retaining everything that made the Gixxer SF 250 an award winning motorcycle.
Dinshaw Magol
Rishaad Mody
