Suzuki's New 'Fairy' Tourer Gixxer SF Review

The touring segment was unknown to Indian market until Yamaha unveils their new Fazer in 2009. And it took another 6 years for Bajaj to launch it’s competitor Pulsar AS150 based on 150cc pulsar engine. And by 7th April 2015 Suzuki introduced the faired version of their 155cc Gixxer the Suzuki Gixxer SF. The trump card of rebooted Suzuki in India was their gear less scooter Access 125. And like we say, “an ace in the hole” the arrival of new touring bike shifts the momentum from Access to the all new Gixxer SF. As they expected, Suzuki’s new born full faired touring bike is now setting new market standards for them.

SPECIFICATIONS

Nothing has changed from the Gixxer to the new SF, apart from the full faired kit and the side running ‘SUZUKI’ badging. Like the naked Gixxer, it is also built on the single downtube frame. The 155cc engine delivers a maximum power of 14.6 bhp @ 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 14 Nm @ 6,000 rpm. With an optimum ground clearance of 160 mm, it is well suited for bumpy Indian village roads as well. The kerb weight of the vehicle is 139 kgs and it has a wheel base of 1330 mm. The 12 litre fuel tank is only what engine requires hence the fuel consumption is 1 litre for every 54 km. The 5-speed transmission box can take the vehicle to a maximum speed of 125 km/hr and can hit 0-100 km/hr under 17 seconds.



The wow factor of the Gixxer SF lies on the instrument cluster. Both the fuel gauge and speedometer is digital. Apart from that, a clock, Eco/Power indication, twin trip meters and a gear position indicators are arranged in a such a way that, it looks like a modern day gadget. The new clear lens indicators, and rear-view mirrors have moved from handle bar to the fairing are other notable changes from Gixxer to the new SF. The full fairing of new SF stands apart from other alternatives like Fazer and Pulsar Adventure. It gives an extra element of MOTO GP kind of feel when compared with other mid-sports bikes.

PRICING AND PERFORMANCE

Suzuki Gixxer SF is the cheapest full faired motorcycle available on Indian roads. The 155cc engine produces the same 14.6 bhp of raw power. But the difference of Rs 10,000 lies on the fairing which gives a slight advantage over the naked sibling in the aerodynamics department, results to an extra 10 km/hr on a steady tarmac. The rear mono suspension and front telescopic suspension gives a smooth ride over bumpy terrains. The engine response is quiet brilliant, which exhibits all the DNA of a Suzuki.

FINAL WORD

Technically nothing has changed from the base model Gixxer, apart from some styling features. The lack of split seats and rear-disc brakes are some of the drawbacks when compared with other sports bikes in this class. Look wise it is more appealing than the naked Gixxer as well as the alternatives available in the market. It is not engineered up to the mark, as we all expected from Japanese giants. The engine cooling system too is disappointing. Liquid cooled system would be slightly better.

After all, one thing is sure that new Gixxer SF is worth every penny. Priced around 95,000 the new SF offers an outstanding handling and riding comfort and we can say that it is one or two step ahead of other competitors.