Introduction
The 250cc is a very interesting segment. Because this is where you get motorcycles that have aspirational styling, tonnes of features and performance that will make you own a motorcycle for much longer than you would have wanted. Today we have the Gixxer SF 250, a brand new motorcycle from Suzuki specifically developed for in market. But is this the right bike to upgrade to? To answer that, we tell you five things we like about the Gixxer and two things that we didn’t.
Positives
1: Riding Position
Yes! It gets the super sport design, but that doesn’t mean it is going to break your back. Because Suzuki has played really well with the overall ergonomics. The wide clip-on handlebar which is placed a bit higher helps you stay almost upright while commuting. And in case, you want to go a bit aggressive, there’s enough space on the seat to accommodate that aggressive stance. To be honest this bike is clearly one of the most comfortable ones in the segment.
2: Engine
The 249cc engine on this bike is brand new and sports a 4-valve head and an SOHC setup. It churns around 26bhp and 22.6Nm of peak torque. But let me tell you the biggest highlight of this engine – it is highly tractable.
Even with a heavy rider like me, it’s quite easy to ride this bike at 35kmph in 5th gear. And thanks to its strong mid-range, the bike pulls cleanly even in such low speeds making quick overtakes within city limits an easy affair.
3: Ride Quality
Suzuki has managed to give the bike a perfect balance of comfortable and sporty ride. Even with the current setup, which Suzuki claims to be is on the stiffer side, the bike goes through bad and undulated roads comfortably. Even on some terrible roads, this Suzuki was calm and composed.
4: Handling
Now we already know from our test at the BIC that the Gixxer SF250 is a great handler. It’s light on its feet and easy to steer. But what about in the city? Well, the Gixxer SF250 did a great job there as well. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the bike can be ridden through tight situations pretty easily. In fact, it doesn’t feel like you’re riding a 250cc motorcycle at all and that’s a very good feeling to have especially riding in a city like Mumbai where the traffic conditions are quite bad. The fairing mounted rear-view mirrors pops out quite a lot, and that will take some time to get used to.
5: Fuel efficiency
I know lot of 250cc owners are not really bothered about kitna deti hai? But ye Suzuki kaafi acha deti hai. Our city test revealed an impressive figure of 35kmpl, and that means, with a fuel tank capacity of 12 litres, you are looking at a full tank riding range close to 420kms.
Negatives
1. Instrument Cluster
It gets an all-digital instrument cluster, but when you are paying close to Rs 2 lakhs on-road, you need something that is a bit fancier, something that makes you feel special. The one on the Gixxer SF 250 doesn’t make you feel any of that. To make matters worse, it’s the same unit that is seen on the Gixxer 155 just with a different backlight.
2: Pricing
Suzuki has priced the Gixxer SF 250 a little over Rs 2 lakhs on-road, and I think that's a bit too much. Its other Japanese rival, the Fazer 25 is a whole Rs 26,000 cheaper which makes the SF250 look quite expensive. I mean, I know the Fazer 25 is less powerful and less equipped, but this Suzuki certainly doesn’t demand such a premium.
Conclusion
This Gixxer checks most of the right boxes. It's comfortable, it looks nice, and the 250cc engine is refined, and quite punchy too. Plus, with a good fuel efficiency figure, it makes perfect choice for everyday commute. But I wish Suzuki had priced this bike a couple of thousand rupees less, because I would have loved to call this motorcycle a value for money product.
Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi
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