Suzuki Gixxer SF First Ride Review — Greatness Reborn

The Suzuki Gixxer has been around in the market since quite a while now. The motorcycle is present both in the naked and the fared versions, and is a bestseller especially among the youths. Now, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited has launched the updated 2019 version of the Gixxer SF.

The motorcycle now features the design language which is seen on it's elder sibling, the Gixxer SF 250. DriveSpark was invited to the Buddh International Circuit to test ride the 2019 Gixxer SF on the track, and here is our opinion about the motorcycle.

At first glance, the Gixxer SF is mistaken for a big motorcycle because Suzuki has made the new Gixxer SF 155 much bigger than the outgoing model. Although the engine remains same as the outgoing Gixxer 155, there have been tweaks made to the chassis, swingarm and overall dimensions.

Suzuki has introduced the new Gixxer SF at a price of Rs 1,09,870 ex-showroom (India), which is Rs 8,000 more that the older model. So, does the new Gixxer SF justify the increase in price? And will it keep dominating the 150cc segment? Let's find out.

Design & Styling

The first noticeable update at the front of the new Suzuki Gixxer SF are the headlights. The motorcycle features a new LED headlight unit with DRLs which looks absolutely stunning. In addition, the headlights perform well, and is bright enough to a point where one doesn't need to install after market lights, and night riding will now be a breeze.

The new headlight assembly and the redesigned front visor gives the new Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 a more aggressive, and vastly helps with aerodynamics. The motorcycle features a new set of clip-on handlebars which makes the machine look more sporty. It also features an all LED instrument cluster, which has a white backlight that reads out well even during the daytime.

The new Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 features a new split seat setup. The seat offers a lot of cushioning and is really comfortable for the rider. The pillion seat offers the same levels of comfort, but appears to be smaller than the one piece on the outgoing model. The motorcycle also features a new set of grab-rails.

The new Gixxer SF features an LED taillight unit that adds more oomph to the motorcycle. The new motorcycle also features a rear tyre-hugger that helps keep water from over splashing on to the pillion and the rider. Overall, the new Gixxer SF looks absolutely phenomenal no matter which angle it's looked from.

Engine & Performance

The new Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 is powered by the same tried and tested 155 cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, two-valve, air-cooled and fuel-injected engine, which is BS IV complaint. The engine produces 13.9bhp of power @ 8000 rpm and 14Nm of peak torque @ 6000 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

The older generation Gixxer SF was a little more powerful and produced 14.5bhp of power @ 8000 rpm. Torque figures remain the same at 14Nm. We did not get much time with the motorcycle on the track, but, we can tell you that the suspension of the new Gixxer has been stiffened up and now it feels much more grounded than before.

Ride & Handling

The suspension setup allows the rider to carry more speed around the corners. The motorcycle has got a nice mid-range, and revs all the way up to the red line at 10,500rpm. The gearbox is smooth, and offers precise shifts. The motorcycle has less of low end torque so, overtaking is a slight issue and one has to shift down a couple of gears to achieve.

The distance between the foot-peg and the gear leaver is slightly less and people with big feet will have a difficulty shifting gears in traffic. The Gixxer SF has a top speed of 124km/h, which is quite good for a motorcycle in this segment. The new Gixxer SF has gained some weight over the older generation model and now stands at 146 kgs, six more than the older model.

The overall dimensions of the motorcycle have also changed. The length, width, height and seat height have decreased on the new Suzuki Gixxer SF, but the wheelbase has increased by 10 mm. This set up has helped with handling the motorcycle and also made it more nimble.

The new Suzuki Gixxer SF will compete with the Hero Extreme 200S. There are no other direct rivals for the new Gixxer. Also, the motorcycle is extremely stylish looking and will attract a lot of buyers, especially, the younger generation.

Features

The digital instrument cluster on the new Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 providers the rider with a lot of information. It offers two trip meters, displays time, features a fuel gauge, a gear positioning sensor and a tachometer.

The next update that is very visible, are the side panels of the Suzuki Gixxer SF 155. They have been redesigned, and now cover most of the engine, giving the new Gixxer SF a premium motorcycle feel. The twin exhaust muffler remains the same and has a chrome tip at the end.

Verdict

Suzuki has done a fantastic job with the upgrades on the Gixxer SF 155. The motorcycle is fun to ride, and adapts to riding styles with ease. We had a blast riding the motor, and we're sure you will enjoy it too. We definitely recommend the Suzuki Gixxer SF 155.

(Written by Promeet Ghosh; Editing by Rahul Jaswal)