Suzuki Gixxer SF Review: First Ride

For 2019, the Suzuki Gixxer SF gets a new design, a clip-on handlebar, a revised chassis and a few other tweaks. But do these updates add up to make a real difference? 

Since its launch in 2015, the Gixxer SF hadn’t received any substantial updates. But now, Suzuki has launched not only the Gixxer SF 250 but also a new, updated Gixxer SF. Although it still has the same heart, it features a whole bunch of other changes. We did a few laps on board the motorcycle at the Buddh International Circuit to find out if all these changes make a material difference to how the bike rides. 

Look alike 
It’s true that the Gixxer SF shares the same design as the 250, however, there’re a few differences to set them apart. The most obvious one, of course, is the decals on the fairing and the gloss black paint. In comparison to the outgoing model, however, there are a lot of noticeable differences. The 2019 Gixxer SF gets an LED head and taillight, split seats and a clip-on handlebar – just like the 250. The instrumentation has been updated too – it now gets a white backlight instead of orange. 

Although the Gixxer SF is powered by the same motor as before – a 154.9cc single-cylinder unit – it makes marginally lesser power. Torque, however, remains unchanged at 14Nm. Suzuki says that they’ve tweaked the engine to make BSVI ready – hence, the drop in power. This also means that post implementation of the new norms, the Gixxer 155 twins will not have to undergo a lot of changes. 

The Gixxer SF is based on a revised version of the older chassis – just like the SF 250. With the revised, strengthened chassis and the new clip on bars, the bike now weighs 146 kilos – 6kgs more than its predecessor. The difference, however, is barely noticeable on the road. 

The engine remains as peppy and crisp as before. It still has a strong bottom and mid-range, which should make it incredibly fun to ride out on the street – just like the model it replaces. While we managed to clock 127km/h on the back straight of the BIC, we did feel the need for more power – especially during corner exits. In all fairness though, this could also be due to the vastness of the track. On public roads, it should surely feel sufficient, especially for novice riders. The 5-speed transmission remains unchanged and continues to shift with precision. 

All the changes to the chassis may have added weight to the new Gixxer SF, but it has also made it that much more confident and engaging. The agility with which the bike leans into corners is pleasantly surprising. In fact, owing to the fact that it weighs 15kgs less than the Gixxer SF 250, it feels even more responsive. 

With the revised design also comes a marginally more committed riding position. It still isn’t as aggressive as the Yamaha YZF-R15 but just enough to offer a balance of sportiness and comfort. 

Change, for the better
Little things can often cause big changes! That essentially is the story of the 2019 Gixxer SF. The first-gen model was already an impressive motorcycle, but with the small changes, Suzuki has managed to make it better in almost every aspect. 

At ₹1.09 lakh, it does demand almost ₹11,000 over its predecessor – a cost that, for many, may not be entirely justified, especially given that it features the same components underneath. But, then, there are those like us who’d pay the premium just for the engaging ride that it offers – its easily amongst the most fun 150s 
out there!   

Also Read: 

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Review: First Ride