2019 Suzuki Gixxer Review
Bike Tested: 2019 Suzuki Gixxer; Road Test No. 1170; Test Location: Mumbai
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 1,21,795/-
The Suzuki Gixxer 150 is the motorcycle that kick-started the Gixxer lineage in India
Coming from the pedigree of GSX-S1000, the Suzuki Gixxer 150 was a sure shot hit when it was launched back in 2014. Just like the Yamaha FZ, the Suzuki Gixxer was full-blown taking inspiration from a superbike. A first sports-commuter motorcycle by Suzuki in India, the bike went flying off the sales charts after its debut. Ever since its launch, the bike remained essentially unchanged apart from updated paint schemes and graphics from time to time. The bike finally got its major update in 2019. It has got a total design makeover and a minor mechanical upgrade.
Motor Quest: The Gixxer 150 was launched by Suzuki in 2014. The name Gixxer is derived from the most iconic superbike by Suzuki, the GSX-R 1000. Suzuki Gixxer, when launched was the flagship motorcycle by Suzuki in India as the Inazuma sales had already stopped.
All LED headlamps have increased the aesthetic appeal of the bike
Styling – The design of the new Gixxer gets a complete makeover, which is totally different from its predecessor. The bike now looks muscular and meatier than before. New bodywork on the bike has sharp, chiseled lines flowing throughout the motorcycle. Also, the beefed-up fuel tank remains intact. The cuts and creases in the design make the bike look stealthy and the overall styling is much more appealing now. Complementing the new looks are the all-LED headlights and tail lamp set up. The headlamp now has a sportier and sightly look, but, the alloy wheels get the same ‘Y-shaped’ design as before. It gets the same dual-port exhaust canisters, however, the chrome accents at the tip have a new design.
Fully digital instrument cluster is loaded with information
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The Instrument cluster was always a fully digital unit but this time around the console has been updated. The digital console has a fairly big LCD screen and the information is easily readable. It displays speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, twin trip meters and a gear position indicator. This Gixxer over here has a white backlight unlike the Gixxer 250. The tell-tale lights are placed around the LCD and they are quite bright too. The quality of switchgear is now better as the plastic used feels solid and premium.
Split seat setup that gives an upright seating position
Ergonomics – The seating posture on the Gixxer is upright while you slightly lean forward. It is quite comfortable for the rider. With the seat height of 795 mm, placing your feet on the ground would not be an issue. The centre set foot-pegs and wide handlebar sets perfect ride geometry and makes for a comfortable ergonomic triangle. The Gixxer now gets a split seat setup and the cushioning on the seats is hard than before. While the space on the pillion seat is less but it is better than before. The dual-piece grabrails are now sleeker and comfortable for pillion too.
Superior acceleration with good fuel economy
Performance – The motor that powers the Gixxer is a 155cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine which produces 14.1 BHP at 8000 RPM and 14 Nm at 6000 RPM. The bike is capable of doing 0-100 km/hr in under 16.5 seconds. The Gixxer redlines at 10,000 RPM and the performance at the top-end is very engaging. The motor stays punchy and responsive till 100 km/hr, post which it struggles quite a bit. This motor has a sweet spot at 80 km/hr making it a good cruising speed. Earlier the gearbox of the Gixxer was quite hard, after the update the 5-speed gearbox is now much smoother.
The Suzuki Gixxer is nimble and has good performance
Dual-port exhaust on the Gixxer look good while being quite bassy
It has a throaty exhaust note which sounds good. Pinning the throttle is bound to give a splurge of an adrenaline rush, and short rides within the city are fun. The performance is adequate enough as the bike is now standard with FI, the improper fueling issue with the carb variant has been nicely taken care of. It comes with Suzuki Eco Performance(SEP) technology, which offers good fuel economy with superior acceleration. The bike will return a mileage of 45 km/l under normal riding conditions.
Excellent stability at high speeds
Riding Dynamics – The Gixxer is a lightweight fun to ride motorcycle as it gets 41 mm telescopic forks at the front and adjustable mono-shock at the rear. Throw it into the corner and the bike would glide through it with ease while it firmly holds the line too. The bike is very nimble; filtering through heavy traffic won’t be much of a problem due to its short wheelbase. It misses out on a belly pan however it won’t be much of an issue as the chances of bike scraping the bottom is quite less due to its excellent 160 mm ground clearance.
Gixxer’s firm ride inspires confidence in the rider
The bike has a quick reaction to the direction changes by the rider
The stiff suspension gives the bike a stable ride at high speeds, however; it can be a bit uncomfortable on a bad patch of a road and while going through potholes. Tyres are the same as before and the grip on offer is brilliant. The braking setup is the same as before it gets 266 mm front disks and a 240 mm disc at the rear. This time around, the bike gets a single-channel ABS which inspires even more confidence for braking hard.
It offers smooth performance with good fuel economy
Verdict – The 150cc segment is populated with myriad of bikes. Each motorcycle has something unique to offer, be it in terms of looks, fuel efficiency or performance. The Suzuki Gixxer is a package that excels in all three. It has a sharp and aggressive design, fuel consumption is light on the pocket and the performance of the bike is drool-worthy. The service network of Suzuki isn’t as vast as its competition and a price tag of 1.22 lakh makes it the most expensive of the lot, but the Gixxer as an overall package is quite appealing and makes up for the price.
This street fighter is capable for your everyday street commutes and short highway rides
What’s Cool
* Excellent fuel efficiency
* Looks that would make heads turn
* Engine performance is impressive
What’s Not So Cool
* Expensive than its competition
* Suzuki’s service network isn’t vast
* The split seat setup lacks cushioning and isn’t spacious
The Suzuki Gixxer is a peppy sports commuter
Suzuki Gixxer Specifications
* Engine: 155cc, Air-Cooled, Single-Cylinder
* Power: 14.1 PS @ 8000 RPM
* Torque: 14 Nm @ 6000 RPM
* Transmission: 5-Speed
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Fuel Consumption: 60 km/l
* Frame: Diamond Frame
* Tyres: 110/80-17 (Front), 140/60-17 (Rear), MRF Tyres
* Suspension: Telescopic Forks 41 mm (Front), Adjustable Monoshock (Rear)
* Brakes: 266 mm Disc (Front), 240 mm Disc (Rear)
Suzuki Gixxer Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2020 mm x 800 mm x 1035 mm
* Wheelbase: 1335 mm
* Seat Height: 795 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 12-litres
* Kerb weight: 140 Kg (dry)
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