Pros – Gets smooth and potent engine, Offers good handling dynamics, Ergonomics are comfortable
Cons – Stiff ride quality, Poor headlamp illumination
It was the year 2014 when Suzuki’s watchful eye on the Indian market and the Yamaha FZ’s roaring success gave birth to the Gixxer. With its muscular streetfighter aesthetics and an engine developed with inputs from Suzuki’s MotoGP technicians, the motorcycle went on to become a massive hit among enthusiasts. So much that the bike even earned accolades for being the best-selling 150cc motorcycle for a while. However, no matter how good a product is, updates are of essence to keep it relevant in an ever-competitive market. And the lack of these updates started to show in the declining numbers on the sales charts of the ageing Gixxer.
Now, five years later, Suzuki has breathed new life into the Gixxer. And it’s not just a graphical update this time around, but a complete design makeover. The only mechanical revision, however, is the replacement of carburetor by a fuel-injection system. Last week, we had a short run on this 2019 edition, primarily to drool over its cosmetic transformation or cast disparaging looks at it if it doesn’t meet our aesthetic criteria. But it was also to understand how capable, if at all, the new Gixxer is.