The Gixxer SF costs Rs 95,000 (on road, Pune), which is Rs 9,000 more than the naked version. Is that difference worth it? A review by Narendra Sharma
Suzuki has been selling two-wheelers in India for some time now. They range from scooters to internationally acclaimed performance motorcycles. While Suzuki scooters have been grabbing market share to an extent, the same cannot be said about their motorcycles. The Gixxer endeavoured to change that and was successful in creating quite a buzz, when launched in 2014.
Six months down, Suzuki has come up with another variant of the Gixxer, namely the Gixxer SF.
The SF is a full fairing version of the Gixxer and there is difference between the two ends. Rest of the bike is no different from its naked version, except for the exhaust tip of the SF having two ports.
The Gixxer SF becomes the cheapest full fairing motorcycle to be sold in India, currently. The bike is neatly crafted and even with the fairing, it doesn’t seem overdone.
The fuel tank though is over sculpted, looks better on the SF than on the naked version. The fairing fits neatly; in fact, the headlamp is same as the Gixxer, something that is not noticed easily.
Overall the Gixxer SF has a very light and nimble stance, which adds to its sportiness, with near-perfect dimensions. The coloured strip on the lips of the alloy wheels adds character and also the red stitching on the seat is a smart touch. A very contemporary looking motorcycle, this is.
The SF has the same 155cc carburettor engine of the Gixxer , producing 14.3bhp and 14Nm torque. These are still the highest figures for the 150cc carburettor engine-powered motorcycles. The SF weighs 139kg, which is just about 4kg more than the Gixxer. This means that there is hardly any difference in performance.
Just like the Gixxer, the SF too accelerates smoothly. Its light weight helps the bike deliver good punch initially and carry it up to the mid-range too. The bike feels at ease cruising at around 70 km/hr and a twist of the throttle finds enough grunt to overtake too. A lower handle bar or clip-ons would have certainly gone with the character of the bike.
The Gixxer SF is a good handler and changes directions with ease. It offers a good mix of relaxed as well as enthusiastic riding, leaning into corners. In short, it is an impressive all rounder.
Braking prowess is adequate, though I felt the rear brakes could have been better. The suspension does a good job to soak up everyday potholes and bad roads. Switchgear quality is good, as is the overall fit and finish on the bike.
The Gixxer SF costs Rs 95,000 (on road, Pune), which is Rs 9,000 more than the naked version. Is that difference worth it? Well, if you are a fan of full fairing bikes, this is the least expensive one you can get. And with that Triton Blue colour on offer, it is irresistible.
Special thanks to Anurag and Sunil, who are the first Gixxer SF customers in Pune.
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