Coming directly to the point, this is all about what you need to choose between Suzuki Gixxer and Yamaha FZ older version. Yamaha did lead the competition a tough way from the established manufacturers when they launched the FZ in 2008. Every manufacturer tried their best to snatch away their shares from those numerous FZ’s which were ruling the road. This is when Suzuki showcased their contender in the segment, the Gixxer after Yamaha updated the FZ series with new FZ Version 2.0 with latest 149cc fuel injected engine. Team BikesIndia already did the comparo between Suzuki Gixxer and Yamaha FZ-Fi version 2.0, now to further help you out taking buying decision between older version Yamaha FZ and Suzuki Gixxer we have come up with a shootout between these two bikes.
Yamaha India was always keen on understanding customer’s need and turn their imagination in to reality every time they took out their rabbit out of their hat. So they launched Yamaha FZ V2 laden with fuel-injection and a face lift. The FZ V2 turned out to be a really good bike, but the story doesn't stop here as another Japanese giant was working over its workhorse which was about to turn out the market towards their dealerships. Suzuki which was giving really good product to Indian customers, starting from their age old king Shogun to the worthy scooter like Access till date. The Gixxer had everyone’s eyes wide open and attracted many buyers towards the Suzuki showrooms countrywide.
Styling:Starting from older version Yamaha FZ, The bike looks as muscular as it looked the day it was launched. The chiseled tank, digital speedometer, wide and flat handlebar with the wide 140mm rear tyre, the bike still really doesn’t look like, its been in the market from 6 years. The Fuel Tank is muscular and fat, and not at all friendly with your thighs. The headlamps and tanks shrouds with those fake radiator grills lends the true naked streetfighter look of the senior fz-V1 to the bike.
The side profile will make you feel the bike is not an ordinary 150cc premium commuter motorcycle. The rear tail lamp section was a superbike inspired unit, the tail-lamps, license plate holder and rear mudguard were all integrated into a single piece of beautiful craftsmanship. The short stubby exhaust muffler looked beautiful but was not to everyone’s taste. The fat shocks and meaty tyres are the best design and technical enhancements of all bikes available in its segment.
The Gixxer ‘s design is one, you’ll get familiar with ease. The reason behind that point is the existence of so many street fighters in the market now. The headlight looks inspired from Hyosung GT 650N with a wide DRL at bottom. The tank is muscular, wider, taller at the top and it’s a bit petite near the seat. This gives you the most desired space for hugging the tank. The handlebar is flat, and the single-piece seat is comfortable while comparing it with the older version Yamaha FZ-S.
The tank shrouds are appealing but not as good looking as it is on Yamaha FZ V1.0. The bike gets LED tail lamps so that you get spotted in deserted roads too. The rear section gets a long mudguard like Dukes which adds to sportiness. The rear fenders are designed in such a way that the grab-rails get well indulged in them. The sporty twin port exhaust muffler looks beafy and has seriously throaty note. Sporting best rear view mirrors amongst the available competition, Gixxer only lacks quality in plastics at some points.
Instrument Clusters & Switch Gears:
Yamaha FZ Version 1, has subtle but advanced instruments, it is also durable and of good fit and finish. The multi- LCD panel clocks look dated and ugly at this point of time. Though the switch gears are of good quality and do not have any issues with them. The clock panel have a turn signal indicator, high beam, ignition on and a neutral signal lights it is also comprised of tachometer, speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge and single trip meter.
Gixxer has same functions on the switch gears as Yamaha FZ, the engine kill button, electric start, pass light flasher and all other essentials. But, switch gears lacks quality, they have very little but, observable flashing or ill panel gaps. Gixxer has the best clocks here, you get pocket full of functions more than its rival. The screen hosts speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, odometer, 2 trip meters, clock, gear indicator, with 5 lights that indicates you about neutral, high beam, and two different turn signal lights each for their respective directions and gear shift indicator light.
Performance:The FZ version 1.0 has 153cc engine which produces 14 PS of max. power at 7500 Rpm and 13.6 Nm of max. torque at 6000 Rpm mated to 5 speed gearbox. The ratios are low and helpful in pulling wheelies and better traffic tackling strength. The engine is carburated unit, it does not have vibrations but, loses all its breath after 80 kmph, it is really hard to pull the bike from there.
The bike has all of its torque and power spreaded in low and mid range rpm. This leads to very good rideability in city, but loses the affair on highway. The brakes are 267mm discs up-front and 130mm drum at rear. The brakes does their duty well and if used with perfection, they don’t make you feel low. The gearbox is good, feels smooth but not best in its class.
See Full Technical Details Of Older Version Yamaha FZ-S
The Gixxer has bigger, torquier , more frugal and more powerful engine in its class, which also redlines with ease and grace. The 155cc mill mated to a 5 speed low ratio gearbox is smooth and urges you to push it to the limits. Producing 14.1PS of max. power at 8000 Rpm and max. torque of 14 Nm at 6000 Rpm. It has really wide power band, you can pickup from zero in 3rd gear and from 28-29 kmph in 5th gear. the gearbox is little notchy but precise. Sporting the same brake setup as FZ, Gixxer lacks initial bite. It doesn't lose out its breath, but you feel a slight jiggle at exact 3500 Rpm. But, still Gixxer has the best mill in its respective segment, it is refined, powerful and technologically advanced.
See Full Technical Details Of Suzuki Gixxer
Riding Dynamics & Ergonomics:
The Yamaha FZ version 1 has ruled the road with amazing razor sharp handling aiding that was those fat 43mm front shocks and the rear mono suspensions with those meaty and wide tyres. The perfect rake and trail of the bike helped in taking the handling to a new level. Talking about the ergonomics, the bike had flat and wide single-piece handlebar, and a bit rear set foot pegs, you sit straight. But, the seating position aggressive in comparison to commuters. The comfortable and wide seat helps both rider and pillion in long journeys.
Suzuki has used the same 43mm shocks up-front, which are already adored in the fz twins. The chassis is well designed and really urges you to corner hard. The bike has the best rider triangle, you get really high thigh space, and can accommodate any rider. Th foot pegs are rear set, the pillion seat is poor and small as compare to older Yamaha FZ, but rider gets the most comfortable saddle of the lot. The suspension setup is hard but takes up potholes with ease. The rake and trail asks you to corner hard every time you need to turn. High pillion seat helps pillion rider to have a great view ahead.
Verdict:The older Yamaha FZ is priced at Rs 83'000 on road Delhi and Gixxer is priced at Rs 83'500 on road Delhi. While Gixxer scores highest for performance and frugality. Both the bikes are good at the points they have on offer. You get comfortable straight riding position in FZ V1 but, if you love some aggressive riding position then it’s the FZ- V2 for you, Gixxer is being the best of both worlds. The Gixxer is the clear winner we have in our hands, but the service network of Suzuki is not as vast and charming as that of Yamaha's. Suzuki has to work really hard to maintain what they have just got the "Acceptance" by increasing not only their service network but also improving the quality of their after sale service.
Text & Review By: Mohit Bhardwaj
Photographs By: Yatindra Kumar
