So first things first, when the Gixxer 155 was launched last year in September, many of the bikers weren't happy, mainly because it was the name we all used to lovingly call the GSX-R1000. This Gixxer 155 looked nothing like the iconic GSX-R. Forgetting that, the bike went on to be a massive hit and it became a reason for Suzuki's success in gaining higher sales. Therefore soon Suzuki launched that they could come up with something even better for the customers and another way to boost their sales even higher to achieve their target of selling 1 lakh motorcycles a year. With all these in mind, Suzuki finally came up with the Gixxer SF.
Now finally we have a Gixxer that actually looks similar to their superbikes, GSX-R and Hayabusa. To add more, the SF is wind tunnel tested in the same place where their superbikes are tested, now that makes a difference, we'll tell you how in the story. One thing that has kept me wondering is how did Suzuki managed to add a fairing to the Gixxer 155 and still it weighs at just 4 kgs more. Rider's Note: Personally, I would had loved if Suzuki had given rear disc, fuel-injection, liquid cooling, clip-ons which would had put the bike directly in competition with the R15 and CBR150R, but still at this price, the bike is irresistible. I would love to see a 250cc with all the above mentioned things added to make it even better.
Styling:
You see this bike on the streets or you see it as soon as you enter the Suzuki showroom, the first thing that's going to strike into your mind is that "WoW, is that a baby Hayabusa?", that's how the bike looks when you look at it from the front. The Gixxer SF is an instant hit and you'll start loving the bike just minutes after you see it.
The bike sure is an attention grabber as once you start riding, people often tend to have a second look at the motorcycle to see what it is actually. Well even though the bike has got a full fairing, it's not a different bike because basically it is nothing but a Gixxer with a fairing with improved aerodynamics and yeah it's got this new aluminium muffler cover. Even though the blue Moto GP edition looks really good, it's the black colour that will be a hot seller.
Instrument Cluster and Switchgears:
The instrument cluster is similar to that of the Gixxer 155 and it goes well with the bike's design, looks neat and has got a host of features like gear shift indicator, Eco/Power indicator, two trip meters, tachometer, clock and speedometer.
The switchgears on the other hand is of top notch quality. Overall, the quality of the switchgears and the design of the instrument cluster are good.
Ergonomics:
So looking at the bike, you would expect it to have a sporty riding position with clip ons, extra rear set footpegs and so on, but it hasn't got that committed feel the bike looks to have. You sit comfortably with a slight lean, which makes it ideal for long distance rides. This riding position doesn't tire you out even after munching more miles. So even after a long ride, you won't have any kind of pain. The pillion too sits comfortable on the bike. The mirrors are placed on the fairing rather than on the handle like that of Gixxer 155 and it offers good visibility of what's coming behind you. I felt the mirrors to be extended a bit more.
Performance:
So now comes the real part, as to how does the bike perform on the road. The bike revs freely. The throttle is crisp and it pulls easily even from low speeds till the top end. The thing that I loved most was the bike's throaty exhaust note which is like Gixxer 155. The engine though remains the same as the Gixxer 155 which churns out 14.8ps @8000rpm and 14Nm @6000rpm. Even though the bike has the same power output as that of the Gixxer 155, it doesn't compromise in performance anyway as the weight is up by just 4 kgs.
The bike is best ridden at 6000 rpm, which is some 84 kph stress-free all day long, which I would say that the bike is really good in the mid range. Moving to the top end, the company claims it does 135 kph, which is a good 10 kph increase over it's naked sibling. I personally managed to do a top whack of around 110 kph or so and had to slow down after that. What I did notice was that the engine heats up fast when you keep revving it hard for few kms.
The 5-speed gearbox is smooth and precise. The SEP tech which is a new tech from Suzuki, not only helps the bike to perform better but also does manage to return a fuel efficiency of 63.5 kpl (as claimed by the company). Thanks to the improved aerodynamics, the bike now has improved wind resistance and ducking down makes it even better.
Riding Dynamics:
The bike may not have a committed riding position, straining your wrists, shoulders and all, but that doesn't mean this bike cannot do what a sportsbike does, i.e. cornering. The bike takes the corners easily and it's very fun to ride the bike around the corners. The bike can be pushed harder to do better leans. The chassis is confidence inspiring and a big thanks to the MRF tyres which offers excellent grip while cornering. The suspension though is not too hard, not too soft, but just right. The bike did manage to take on some small speed breakers and bad (BAD not WORSE) roads without getting to it scraped anywhere even with a pillion. The braking is good, but I definitely felt that there's a need for rear disc brake, as the braking could had felt even better.
Verdict:
Finally we arrive here. Well, I would like to say that I really loved the bike very much, going on firstly with the looks, which now definitely looks like the REAL GIXXER. The bike's engine performance is good, mid-range is where the bike performs it's best and thanks to the improved aerodynamics, there's better wind protection now. The bike is mainly focused on young buyers who are looking for fully faired all round bike, which can be used as a daily commuter, go on the highways, even take on corners well and at the end return a very good mileage that sure lights up a big SMILE on their face. At Rs 10,000 more than it's naked sibling, the Gixxer 155, this sure is a value for money and also it is now India's cheapest fully faired motorcycle. As stated above, if you are looking for a motorcycle that does almost everything, looks good, gives you better mileage and you are on a budget of around 1 lac, then the Gixxer SF is the bike for you.
Pros:
1. The aerodynamic fairing which looks good and appeals to more people.
2. For the bike's practicability, it's handling and performance.
Cons:
1. Something better than cosmetic upgrade would be welcomed.
2. Rear disc should be considered.
1. The aerodynamic fairing which looks good and appeals to more people.
2. For the bike's practicability, it's handling and performance.
Cons:
1. Something better than cosmetic upgrade would be welcomed.
2. Rear disc should be considered.
Finally, we thank Mr Yogesh (Manager) and Mr Rakesh (Supervisor) of K.P.R Motors Pvt. Ltd, Mysore for arranging us the bike and all our crew involved in this to make it another great experience.
Review By: Rakesh GowdaPhotographs By: Darshith Gowda
