Suzuki Gixxer Test Ride Review

• Sep 22, 2014
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Amidst the blooming 150-160cc motorcycle segment in India Suzuki introduced its Gixxer, the launch of Gixxer was happened after Yamaha had launched FZ version 2.0 and Bajaj launched its Discover 150 F & S. Suzuki Motorcycle India has pitched the Gixxer little ahead of both the competitors in terms of cubic capacity. As we've already done Test Ride Reviews of Yamaha FZ-S Fi version 2.0 and Bajaj Discover 150F it would be interesting to see how Suzuki with Gixxer has come up to the expectations of the market.

However BikesIndia was one of the first web portals of India to bring the "First Ride Review of Suzuki Gixxer" way before it was officially launched, even we couldn't resist to take a proper Test Ride of this very promising bike from Suzuki's stable. Lets see how does the so called "Street Sport Bike" actually perform on street.

Styling:

Gixxer is a muscular bike with chiseled edges allover it, though the bike looks comparatively smaller but it has commanding stance. The fuel tank of Gixxer has the maximum appeal specially from the side profile, the sharp lines are beautifully carried till the rear end of the bike. The rear end of the bike is bulky and comes with LED rear tail light assembly.

From front the Gixxer seems to be inspired by older Yamaha FZ, triangular headlight and beefy front forks make you believe this. Suzuki has also introduced the Sporty Twin Exhaust which looks stubby and goes well with the overall persona of the bike. Instrument Cluster And Switch Gears:

The meter console of Gixxer has a smart phone type design and needless to say it is all digital. The console is brightly lit and the digits are clearly legible even in broad day light. The instrument console has the Tachometer on the top defining the redline starts at 9500 Rpm. Two information are put on the console prominently, one is Speedo and another is the Gear shift indicator.

Other then these information the instrument cluster of Gixxer has Odometer, Fuel Gauge, Digital clock and Trip meter on digital board whereas the Turn indicator, Rpm redline alert, High beam indicator and Neutral indicting light are analog and put at the periphery of the Digital console. The switches are of good quality and the bike has come with Engine kill switch and Pass Beam flasher with other regular switch gears. Ergonomics:

The Suzuki Gixxer has short and flat handle bar which gives the rider command and control over the bike while steering. The bike has rear set foot pegs which on combining with the short handle bar provides the aggressive riding stance. The seat of Gixxer is comfortable and hard enough to sustain longer rides, ergonomically the seat of Gixxer is designed in such a way that the rider sits into it tugging his/her knees inside the scoops under the fuel tank. Keeping the seat height low Suzuki has managed to provide more confidence to the rider. Performance And Gearbox:

The 154.9cc SOHC engine of Gixxer is smooth like butter, in fact I am unable to stop myself for comparing it with the engine of Yamaha FZ V2.0 which was equally smooth as it is in the case of Gixxer. The growl of the engine is refined and I must say it is by far the best engine sound amongst the competition the Gixxer has. The 154.9cc engine is mated to 5-speed gear transmission, however I wonder why Suzuki has not plonked the same 6-speed transmission they have in GS150R, may be because Suzuki has targeted the Gixxer as Street fighter which is more focused on the pick up rather than the Top speed. But may be it's just me who was persistently looking at the Gear shift indicator for the display of "6th" gear, I don't know whether it was the capability of engine demanding the over drive or my premeditated perception about the Suzuki engine. One more thing which I would like to mention here that Suzuki has given the Kick Starter as standard along with self start which I would consider a welcoming step and believe that other Roadsters must also have the same as an alternate starting mechanism. Riding Dynamics:

The Gixxer is truly a roadster, it behaves like mature street fighter and it gives ample of confidence to the rider. The flat and short handle bar coupled with the rear set foot pegs of Gixxer give the aggressive riding stance, the comfortable and accommodating seat of Gixxer adds to its riding dynamics, it helps to the rider to become one with the bike. Over all it seems like Suzuki has efficiently utilized the idea of mass centralization of Yamaha which they have used in FZ. Suzuki has used MRF tubeless tyres, the front tyre has dimension of 100/80-17 whereas the rear tyre has tubeless 140/60R-17 "MRF REVZ". The MRF tyres are gripy and adds confidence in maneuvering the bike at high speeds and while throwing the bike on the tight corners. Brakes, Suspensions And Mileage:

Suzuki Gixxer is equipped with front "Bybre" disc brake which gives great bite and provides efficient stopping power. Whereas at the rear Gixxer has drum brakes with no disc brake option. Gixxer has meaty 41mm front fork telescopic suspensions coupled with rear 7- step adjustable Monoshock suspension. However the bike I rode felt with little stiffer suspension setup but then it can be adjusted as it is being provided with the 7 different settings for rear Monoshock absorber. It is expected that being 155cc generating 14.1Ps the carburated mill will return the fuel efficiency of 50-55 Kmpl in actual road conditions. Verdict:

Suzuki has pitched the Gixxer in right slot at right time, moreover the Japanese giant has priced the bike very aggressively, pitching against the fuel injected version of Yamaha they have managed to price Gixxer almost Rs 6000 cheaper than FZ-S with equally stylish bike if not more and Gixxer is definitely more powerful machine and value for money. The "Lord of the Streets" are being dethroned by the "Street Sport Bike" Now it is to be seen as after the launch of Honda 160 the scenario of this premium 150-160cc segment would remain same or the history will repeat itself and another bike is going to be dethroned. BikesIndia is thankful to Ms. Manya Vaswani, Director M.P.Nagar Suzuki, Bhopal, M.P. for her kind support and co-operation.