From the day when I learnt riding bike I started riding bike of my dad which was SUZUKI MAX-R 100 the 2stroker , last five year I have been riding TVS flame. Now I wanted to upgrade myself to some other bike, the bike which I can enjoy. So I decided to go through 150 - 200 cc category being student I wanted something affordable yet Enjoyable.The bike which was in my consideration was Apache RTR, R15, CBR150R, out of these three I was attracted to R15 because I have ridden R15 of my friends and that bike breeze and handles very well.
I was about to buy R15 and Suzuki launched GIXXER SF the bike was not appealing to me when I saw pictures on internet one day I saw blue Gixxer SF on street and it was a turning point of my consideration.
But when I saw the figures and specifications it was disappointing for me. I decided to take it for a test ride and that bike won my heart.
My requirements were -
1. Easy to ride on triple digit speed.
2. Which can handle Corners well.
3. Being student, affordable
4. Good fuel economy
5. Good looking as well.
The Gixxer SF fulfilled all my requirements, so I bought one for me.
Now I am almost completing the RUNIN / BREAK IN time of bike so now I can Review this Bike. Here is my review for the bike.
Looks
No doubt GIXXER SF is stunning looking bike which can turn head easily on the traffic or wherever you take the bike, the front side is like baby busa and from side GSX-R, this bike is very good looking from almost every angle and the design is new so people are also curios to know about the bike specially if you are riding motogp inspired one. However, a bit wider headlamp and broader fairing would be more good looking but that may lead to more kerbweight and engine heating as it is an AIR COOLED bike.
Instrumentation:The bike is provided with fully digital instrument cluster which looks like you have placed your smartphone with some bike software when you put on the light. But it is very informative with rpm, speed, gear indicator, clock, trips and fuel gauge. Apart from these clusters you have gearshift indicator which you can set on certain rpm, high beam neutral light etc.
The Bike:The bike is fitted with 41 mm front forks and 7-step adjustable rear mono shock which is company adjusted to 3. The fairing has the scoops for entering air to cool engine from side and the vents located side of headlamps are of no use. The seat is very comfortable for pillion also. If you watch from certain angles the grab rails would appear as a panel itself. The Saree guard and lower footrest is to be bought as an accessories, it has large rear mudguard which is really helpful in monsoon.
One of the best things is having kick starter as sometimes it acts like boon to us during winter and rain and the twin port exhaust sounds like any 200+ cc bike when you pass 6.5K rpm. I think Exhaust sound of Gixxer is combination of APACHE and KTM. BASS+Treble. The tyre provide ample of grip on road. It is provided by single disc brake at front which is BYBRE and rear drum brakes. Many people complained for rear brake but I don't find any problem because I never use rear brake. But rear disc may also end up with increase of kerbweight. The foot pegs are slightly rear set and the bike has no clip-ons. When you place your feet on committed position you end up scratching your silencer cover with your heels.
Riding Comfort And Handling:The bike has very good torque so you can ride this in city with ease without changing much gears. And on highway it will easily cruise on 100-110km/hr, although company claimed and indicated top speed of 131 km/hr which is about 127 km/hr true speed.
The seating position is good for long rides and city condition too, however I personally would love to have more committed seating position I am also searching clip-ons and rear sets I have asked SUZUKI if they can provide from "Gixxer Cup". they asked my contacts and till now no response.
This bike may not have committed riding position but it gives tremendous amount of confidence when hitting corners I have hit corners @75km/hr which is too fast for rookie like me. The bike tempts you to lean more and that's why I would love to have rear-set footpegs. When you tuck down and place your chin on tank to avoid wind blast the hand starts aching due to this handlebar however lower and narrower would helped more that's why I want clip-ons
Mileage:Here comes the main point for many riders who are looking for the GIXXER SF.
* 1st 251 km mileage 44 km/l
* Up to 600 km mileage 47 km/l
* After 1st service 52-55 km/l
The riding condition before 600 km- max rpm 4.5k and after that 7k upto 1600km. So no worries about mileage in this bike you can easily have long ride or weekend ride without affecting your pocket.
Alternatives-
Bajaj Pulsar AS150
Yamaha Fazer
TVS RTR180 (for those who are looking for track focused)
Final Words:All I have to say is, this is a Fantastic Bike for those who want fully faired bike below 1.10 lac on which they can have fun while riding. The SF corners very well and can easily achieve a triple digit speed. It is a very good package to buy in the market today for what it is priced.
Now the question arises why would you pay 10-12K more over regular Gixxer and my answer is-
Due to fairing you can avoid wind blast at higher speed.
Due to fairing you get more topspeed.
Due to fairing more down force is available (Not just piece of plastic it is tested and developed on wind tunnel)
Due to fairing more Weight added to front helps in cornering well.
- Ravi Utkarsh