2019 Suzuki Gixxer SF 155- Test Ride Review

Following the launch of Gixxer SF 250, Suzuki also gets an opportunity to update the dated Gixxer SF 155 with new looks and features. The Suzuki Gixxer 155 was first launched in India back in 2015. The mid-life update gave the fully-faired sports bike a new life, especially in terms of design. The updated Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 demands Rs 8,000 more over the dated Gixxer model, which means the motorcycle carries a price tag of Rs 1,09,870 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The updated Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 demands Rs 8,000 more over the dated Gixxer model, which means the motorcycle carries a price tag of Rs 1,09,870 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Suzuki has invited us at BIC to test ride the 2019 Gixxer SF 155 and find out is the new Gixxer model worth for money and is it better than the older model.

Design

The all-new Gixxer SF 155 carries a sharper and aggressive look which is inspired by the newly launched 250cc model. The features which are employed in the all-new Gixxer are all-LED headlamp, split seats, body fairing, V-shaped LED tail light. If you pay a bit of attention, you'll find out that the company has made a few minor tweaks in the bike. The things which are different from the previous model are unique graphics on side fairing, colour shade and 6-spoke alloy wheels (10-spoke alloys in the 250cc Gixxer). Both the 155 and 250 cc models look almost identical to each other.

The digital instrument cluster provides all the information regarding the gear position indicator, fuel indicator, speed, rpm, odometer and much more.

Moreover, the Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 is around 25mm narrower at 715mm than the 740mm Gixxer SF 250. To find the difference between dimensions is quite hard to notice. Because of the Matte Black paint scheme, the bigger Gixxer looks quite husky, which also highlight its sharp and edgy design. While in terms of appeal, the Glossy colour of Gixxer looks very regular and conventional. KTM has implemented the same philosophy on its RC range of bikes.

With an inverted shade layout, the Gixxer SF 155 gets the same LCD instrument cluster which also comes equipped in its bigger sibling. The digital instrument cluster provides all the information regarding the gear position indicator, fuel indicator, speed, rpm, odometer and much more.

Engine

Powering the 2019 full-faired Gixxer SF is a 154.9, air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder unit which now produced 0.7 Ps of more power. The retuned motor now churns out 14.1 Ps of power at 8,000 rpm and 14 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. The power is delivered to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox (one gear less as compared to 250cc Gixxer).  The engine is fuel-efficient to provide a mileage of 31 kmpl. Just After riding the bigger Gixxer, it took some time for us to get back to our sense before riding the Gixxer SF 155. We can clearly follow the differences in the power delivery, gear ratios, clutch action brakes and much more. As the bike was felt a bit underpowered, we asked Suzuki about the same issue and, they said this is the mid-result of BS6 emission upgrade process. This 155cc motor is still BSVI compliant. The engine feels less powerful, but it is undoubtedly a fun riding motorcycle. The lower power is not visible with bare eyes and the bike still pounce forward with similar creamy push.

 As the bike was felt a bit underpowered, we asked Suzuki about the same issue and, they said this is the mid-result of BS6 emission upgrade process.

The power delivery is completely accurate in the lower and mid-range, but the engine starts losing steam when it reaches redline. We have spent most of the time of top gears at BIC. We are very much impressed with the fuel-injection system as it does an outstanding job of managing the fuelling straight and uniform. The Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 can touch a top speed of 126 km/h, which I guess is best in its segment.

Ergonomics

The Suzuki Gixxer SF is not that agile like its elder 250cc sibling but, it is a clever handler and always ready to get examined. The bike sits on the same frame which was utilized on the previous Gixxer SF model and, some subtle tweaks are made and, the centre tube is thicker by 0.3mm. The bike feels more fluidic than is bigger sibling because it gets a shorter wheelbase of 1,134 mm, 146 kgs of curb weight and lighter tyres. But the bike does not have that good cornering abilities or stability.

The suspension system comprises of the same conventional telescopic forks at the front along with a monoshock at the rear, which performs pretty well. The suspension system has been tuned to cater to a comfortable and hassle-free riding experience. It feels delicate, which will help everyday commuters to counter the uneven surfaces easily. The split-seat setup is cushioned well and offers an ample amount of comfort. The overall riding posture remains comfortable as well as sporty at the very same time.

The bike feels more fluidic than is bigger sibling because it gets a shorter wheelbase of 1,134 mm, 146 kgs of curb weight and lighter tyres.

A 266 mm disc does braking duties up front along with a single-channel ABS as standard for added safety. The 250 Gixxer SF gets 300 mm disc at the front. The brakes do an efficient amount of job of keeping the check over the speed of the motorcycle. But, sometimes you need to push the brake lever a bit hard to make the brakes work. It'll take some time for the bike to come at a halt if you are cruising down at higher speeds. On the other hand, the rear brakes work decently and efficiently.

Verdict

The chances are high for the Suzuki Gixxer SF to get more likeable customers as compared to its predecessor. The new model offers an aggressive design language, clip-on and LED headlamps. The motorcycle has become a more ethical contender in its segment. The Suzuki Gixxer SF competed against the likes of fully-faired Yamaha R15 V3.0. The Suzuki Gixxer SF offers two different colour shades, namely Metallic Sonic Silver and Glass Sparkle Black. This bike meant for those who are looking for a sporty looking bike which can be used for touring purposes too. For more updates and review from the Indian biking space stay tune to BikesPyaar.