The Suzuki Gixxer SF , the fully faired derivative of the company’s top selling 150 cc motorcycle, has been launched to have a go at the Yamaha Fazer FI V2.0 which has been running without any direct challengers so far.
, the fully faired derivative of the company’s top selling 150 cc motorcycle, has been launched to have a go at the Yamaha Fazer FI V2.0 which has been running without any direct challengers so far. Based on the highly potent Gixxer naked bike, the SF promises to up the style quotient while retaining all the positive traits of its sibling. We managed a short spin astride the new motorcycle to bring you a quick first ride impression.
The Suzuki Gixxer SF manages to garner eyeballs, especially in its MotoGP livery.
Design
The full fairing has certainly enhanced the Gixxer’s road presence. With an apparent design inspiration from the mighty Hayabusa, the SF manages to garner attention effortlessly, especially in the special edition MotoGP blue livery. The shield shaped headlamp is flanked by stylish air vents. The fairing has smooth and curvy surface upfront and extends into sporty cowls which conceal the cylinder head. The fairing mounted mirrors are stylish as well functional.
The diecast aluminium muffler cover is exclusive to the fully faired variant.
The rest of the design comes from the naked Gixxer which itself is a handsome machine to boot with. The sculpted fuel tank, a comfortable single piece saddle, an LED taillight, a meaty silencer end canister with vertically arranged twin exhaust tips (muffler cover design is exclusive to the SF) are the noteworthy design elements.
The plastic quality on the fairing is poor and the fairing panels are flimsy.
While the net result is aesthetically pleasing, it has to be mentioned that the side panels of the fairing feel fragile and the plastic quality is low.
Engine and Gearbox
The 155 cc engine has a linear performance and the refinement is impressive.
The 155 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine continues to push out 14.8 PS at 8,000 rpm and 14 Nm at 6,00o rpm. Mated to a 5-speed gearbox, performance can be termed as sprightly. The carbureted engine stays refined for most part but the gear shift quality in our test bike was not as good as expected however, going by the good experience we had with the naked Gixxer, we think it is a one-off issue. The power and torque delivery is fairly linear and the Gixxer SF can cruise comfortably at decent speeds.
Ride, Handling and Braking
The riding posture is not very different from that of the naked Gixxer and hence SF feels and behaves the same.
Suzuki has employed a new bride-type handlebar mount in the SF. However, you would be disappointed if you get astride the Gixxer SF with an expectation of a more aggressive riding position, for there is no difference in the overall feel whatsoever, when compared to the street fighter variant.
For more details, read our comprehensive review of the Gixxer.
Suzuki Gixxer SF – Walkaround Video
That said, the regular Gixxer itself had a sporty riding stance for a naked bike. The fairing feels compact from the rider’s point of view and the steering is light, making for easy maneuverability in city traffic. At this point, we would like to reiterate that the SF feels and behaves very much like its donor model. You get a sorted suspension (front telescopic fork and rear monoshock), delightful handling characteristics, grippy tyres (100/80-17 front, 140/60R-17 rear) and novice-friendly progressive brakes (front disc and rear drum).
Brige type handlebar mount is claimed to have improved maneuverability.
The overall dynamics of the Suzuki Gixxer SF is nothing to find fault with but we would have loved a more aggressive, forward-biased riding stance to go with the full fairing.
Features
Apart from the stylish full fairing, the motorcycle receives special edition blue MotoGP livery with florescent green decals and rim tapes, a fully digital instrument console and an aluminium die cast exhaust muffler cover. The single piece seats get red contrast stitching. The vehicle tips the scales at 139 kg which is light for a fully faired motorcycle. Fuel tank has a capacity of 12 litres.
Verdict
If you don’t mind paying extra only for the full faring, you wouldn’t go wrong with the Gixxer SF.
At an asking price of INR 83,439 (ex-showroom Delhi), the Suzuki Gixxer SF undercuts its rival, the Yamaha Fazer FI V2.0. It has a sporty appeal but the quality of the fairing could have been better. Dynamically, the fully faired 150 cc motorcycle is as good as its street fighter model if not better. So, if you like the Gixxer SF’s looks and don’t mind paying a little extra only for the additional body panels, you wouldn’t go wrong with it since it is a mere extension of what was already a potent and attractive package.
Pros Sporty looks Easy to maneuver
Cons Poor plastic quality Not any different from its naked sibling in terms of feel and behavior
Rivals
Yamaha Fazer FI V2.0
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