150cc motorcycles in India have been experiencing demand like never before and two-wheeler manufacturers are leaving no stone unturned to please potential customers in this segment. There are commuters, street-naked bikes and even full faired motorcycles, all in the same category, competing against each other.
It all comes down to what you prefer, and if you want a full-fairing bike then the Suzuki Gixxer SF, at Rs 85,268 (ex-showroom, Delhi), is one of the most affordable ones out there.
Since the Gixxer SF is identical to the street naked offering by Suzuki called just the ‘Gixxer’, we will focus on what’s new and different in this model.
Also Read: Review: Suzuki Gixxer Is Good for Everyday Commute
The Looks
The bike we drove was the Moto GP edition, which basically gets cosmetic changes like rim stickers along with Suzuki’s Moto GP motorcycle inspired vinyl. The GP edition is almost Rs 1,500 more expensive at Rs 86,782 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Unlike the Gixxer, the Gixxer SF comes with a wind deflector, which is great when driving at high speeds. Other than the fairing, the Gixxer SF is identical to the street-naked Gixxer.
The Good
Other than the throaty twin-exhaust, decently powerful engine, wide rear tyre and the 7-step adjustable mono suspension carried over from the Gixxer, the added stability on the SF is definitely a welcome change. The seat allows the rider to sit upright, therefore reducing the strain on the shoulders and wrists during long commutes.
The extra 4 kilos on the front make city driving a breeze. Although you would want to keep in mind that the bike feels much wider and might take some getting used to.
Also Read: Review: Honda’s Brawny CB Hornet 160R Is Priced High but Worth It
The Bad
The exhaust tip of the Gixxer SF does not get a chrome treatment unlike the street-naked Gixxer, which frankly looked fantastic and is severely missed. The quality of the front indicators is not very good either and might break easily if you happen to take a fall even at cruising speeds.
The Instrument cluster is a bit cluttered at first glance and can take time to adapt to, although once you get familiar with it, it will tell you all you need to know. The gear indicator and gear shift indicator are neat additions and can be extremely helpful.
The Rivals
Given the 155cc cubic capacity of the Gixxer SF and the full-fairing on the front, it goes up against the likes of Yamaha YZF R15 and the Honda CBR 150 R. Both bikes are priced higher than the GIxxer SF.
The Yamaha Fazer FI falls in the same price bracket at Rs 87,405 (ex-showroom, Delhi) but then again, it is not a fully faired motorcycle.
Verdict
The Suzuki Gixxer SF is a great bike altogether and we would recommend it over the street-naked Gixxer any day.
As of now, this is one of the best commuter motorcycles in the country, provided you are okay shelling a little extra for it. After all, you get to ride an affordable variant of Suzuki’s Moto GP motorcycle.
Suzuki Gixxer SF Features:
- Engine: 155 cc, single cylinder, air-cooled 4 stroke
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Power: 14.6 horsepower @ 8000 rpm
- Torque: 14 Nm @ 6000 rpm
- Weight: 139 kg (kerb)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 12 litres
- Price: Rs 85,268 /Rs 86,782 (MotoGP Edition)
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