Why Suzuki Gixxer SF triumphs over its rivals

Despite the premium, the Suzuki Gixxer SF feels worth every penny making it our winner in this comparison against Yamaha Fazer and Bajaj Pulsar Adventure Sport 150

The Gixxer SF gets the best engine in the segment and boasts of an impressive ride quality and looks, which rivals find hard to match up to, says Indian motoring website MotorBeam.

Touring is the new sub-segment that is slowly but steadily gaining ground in the Indian market and definitely is something to watch out for. With Yamaha already in the segment with its Fazer, it was the Suzuki Gixxer SF and Bajaj Pulsar Adventure Sport 150 that made in-roads in the touring category as practical and commuting friendly offerings that can tour as well. With all three premium 150cc bikes promising a 'can do it all' attitude, MotorBeam decided to pit the bikes against each other in a bid to see which bike offers the best value for your money. This is what we found out.

The Bajaj Pulsar AS 150 is the longest, tallest and widest offering in the segment but does not feel as radical in design. The rear is dated and needs a serious upgrade.

Moreover, the AS 150 rides on 80 and 110 section commuter tyres as opposed to the meatier 140 section rear tyre seen on other offerings. In comparison, the Yamaha Fazer is a good looking bike with twin headlamps giving it a wider look while the styling appears sharp.

If good looks are what you crave, then the Suzuki Gixxer SF is hard to beat with the Hayabusa inspired styling, aerodynamic lines, step seat and a superbike like exhaust.

Both the Fazer and Gixxer sport an all-digital instrument cluster, while the Pulsar uses a digital-analog setup that stands out rather efficiently. In terms of switchgear, the AS 150 is the only bike here to get backlit switches but loses out on overall quality, fit and finish; which the other models offer in abundance.

The digital console on the Fazer is the most under-equipped missing on a host of information.

All three motorcycles are tourers and offer a comfortable riding position with the rider seated upright. Pillion comfort though feels the best on the Yamaha Fazer, while the lower weight on the Suzuki Gixxer SF makes it suitable for riders of all sizes.

A major differentiating factor continues to be the seat height that varies dramatically with the Pulsar AS 150 being suitable for tall riders, while the other two offerings are also suitable for average sized adults.

The Pulsar AS 150 and Yamaha Fazer use a 149cc unit, while the Suzuki Gixxer SF comes with a larger 155cc motor. All three bikes are tuned very differently with the Suzuki getting 2-valves, Bajaj with 4 and the Yamaha being a fuel injected model. As a result, the latter boasts of superior NVH levels and engine refinement is simply unmatched.

The Fazer also offers better low-end power, while the other two offer a strong mid-range. The low torque output of 13 Nm ensures that the Pulsar needs to be revved hard to get it going.

In straight-line performance, the Gixxer SF with its aerodynamic body simply beats the other two with the Fazer finishing last. The Pulsar also turns out to be the most frugal bike returning around 52 km/l, as opposed to 48 km/l on the Fazer and 46 km/l on the Gixxer SF.

The Pulsar AS 150 gets superior hardware here with clip-on handlebars and a perimeter frame, but gets robbed off its handling performance due to the longer wheelbase, softer suspension and smaller tyres.

The Yamaha and Suzuki bikes easily triumph over Bajaj in handling with the offerings using a downtube frame, stiffer suspension and a straight handlebar.

Ride quality is just splendid on the AS 150, while the Fazer is extremely stiff in comparison.

Suzuki has managed to achieve the right balance between handling and comfort on the Gixxer, especially at high speeds. Stopping power comes from the front disc and rear drum brake setup but feels most responsive on the Fazer.

It is the Yamaha Fazer that comes in last, being considerably more expensive than its rivals, missing out on several attributes save for engine refinement.

The Bajaj Pulsar AS 150 holds the middle ground offering higher comfort, more equipment and a lower asking price, but does not match up in terms of refinement or punch.

That leaves the Suzuki Gixxer SF to emerge as a more fun to ride bike with a responsive motor, superior quality and good looks.

Despite the premium, the Gixxer SF feels worth every penny making it our winner in this comparison.