Suzuki has just launched two new motorcycles in the Indian market – the Gixxer SF 250 and a redesigned Gixxer SF 150. While the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is an all-new motorcycle, the SF 150 gets a completely redesigned body, but runs on a tweaked version of its earlier 150 cc motor.
The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is priced at Rs 170,655 while the redesigned Gixxer 150 is priced at Rs 1,09,675 ex-showroom respectively. The pricing puts the Gixxer SF 250 directly in competition with the KTM 250 Duke, while it is more expensive than the Yamaha FZ25, its two main rivals in this segment. Honda earlier had the CBR 250R on sale at an even more expensive price point, but that has since been discontinued.
The pricing though also puts the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 at almost the level of the Bajaj Dominar 400, and that's something that might throw a spanner in the works when it comes to buying decisions. Pricing aside, here's what these bikes are all about.
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
The highlight of the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is its fully-faired design that looks sharp and futuristic. It gets a full LED headlamp & tail-lamp with an all-digital instrument panel. The seat at 800 mm and clip-on handlebars give it a typical forward-leaning sports tourer look.
The Gixxer SF 250 is powered by a single-cylinder 249 cc motor that is oil-cooled. It puts out 26.5PS of power at 9,000 rpm and 22.6 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. It gets a 6-speed transmission and electronic fuel-injection. As of now it meets Bharat Stage 4 emissions standards, but will be updated to BS-6 next year.
Suspension is a rear-monoshock and telescopic front with 17-inch alloy wheels that have 110 mm width rubber in front and 150 mm width at the rear. Brakes are discs on both wheels with dual-channel ABS. It weighs a relatively light 161 Kg with fuel.
Suzuki Gixxer SF 150
The Suzuki Gixxer SF 150 has been completely redesigned. It looks pretty similar to the SF 250 in terms of styling, but there are subtle dimension differences. It's slightly shorter and narrower than its bigger sibling. It also runs skinnier 100 mm width and 140 mm width tyres front and rear.
However, common elements include the LED lights, panel and overall styling, although the alloys are different. It is powered by a 150 cc single cylinder fuel-injected air-cooled engine that puts out 14.1 PS of power at 8,000 rpm and 14 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. The power is marginally lower than before, while weight has gone up to 146 Kg from 140 Kg earlier. It also comes with dual-channel ABS.
The Gixxer SF 150 will compete with Hero's Xtreme 200S in price, while it is significantly cheaper than Yamaha's YZF R15, with equally sharp styling. So while the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 will appeal to buyers who want something outright sporty, but yet comfortable enough for daily use, the SF 150 will cater to those who want a commuter with sports styling. The fact that the smaller Gixxer looks almost identical to the larger one helps.
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