The 150cc motorcycle segment is seeing a lot of action, right from the entry-level to the premium offerings. Just recently Yamaha launched the FZ Version 2.0 while Bajaj Auto will launch two versions of the Discover 150 next week. Soon Suzuki will launch the much awaited Gixxer motorcycle and the details of the same have been revealed by the company on its website. The Suzuki Gixxer uses a new engine which isn’t the same unit that powers the GS150R. The 155cc mill is a air-cooled, 2-valve SOHC unit but gets higher output. It also gets Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) tech which will boost mileage of the bike.
The Suzuki Gixxer produces 14 HP (14.13 PS) of power at 8000 RPM and 14 Nm of torque at 6000 RPM. Not only is the Gixxer more powerful than the GS150R (13.8 HP and 13.4 Nm), it also makes it peak power at 500 RPM less. However the Gixxer is matched to a 5-speed gearbox, while the GS150R uses a 6-speed unit. Suzuki should have taken the game forward from the GS150R by taking the good bits of that bike and making them better on the Gixxer. The fuel tank capacity on the Gixxer is 12-litres (the GS has a capacity of 15.5 litres). Some inspiration from the Yamaha FZ is also seen, like in the tyre size which is 100/80/17 and 140/60/17 at the front and rear respectively.
Disappointingly though, Suzuki has followed Yamaha too much by not offering a rear disc brake on the Gixxer, not even as an option. Even the instrument consoles on the Gixxer and FZ V2 are quite similar but Suzuki showcased their bike first. Still, the Gixxer is a light bike with a kerb weight of 135 kgs and when one factors the output, this should be a motorcycle with slick performance. One can expect Suzuki to position the Gixxer aggressively as the GS150R has failed to sell well in the Indian market, in spite of being one of the best bikes in the segment. In the month of June 2014, Suzuki sold a mere 150 units of the GS150R in the domestic market.
