Suzuki Motorcycle India has launched the new Gixxer SF 250 at Rs 171,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The motorcycle marks Suzuki’s entry into the fully-faired, 250cc segment in India and the new bike, along with the Gixxer SF 150, debuts a new design language for the company in the country.

The large headlight, which hangs off the front end of the motorcycle, is certainly the talking point of the new design. The sharp edges tie in nicely with the cuts and creases over the rest of the motorcycle. The fairing, tank and tail appear proportionate and feature a smooth flowing design that is not overly aggressive. Other design touches are the short windscreen, gold-coloured finish on the engine casing, clip-on handlebar and chrome-tipped double barrel exhaust. While the chrome tip has a different design, the muffler looks very similar to the ones we have seen before on the 150cc Gixxers.

The Gixxer SF 250 is powered by a 249cc, single-cylinder, SOHC oil-cooled engine that develops 26.5hp at 9000rpm and 22.6Nm of torque at 7500rpm. The fuel-injected engine will come mated to a 6-speed gearbox. In comparison, the Gixxer 250's most direct rival, the Yamaha Fazer 25, produces 20.9hp at 8,000rpm and 20Nm of torque at 6,000rpm.

Suspension on the new Suzuki is taken care of by a telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear, while braking will be handled by a disc brake at both ends. The bike comes equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard. Other interesting details are a fuel tank capacity of 12 litres and a kerb weight of 161kg – 4kg more than the Yamaha Fazer 25.

At Rs 171,000, the Gixxer SF 250 sits between its direct rivals – the Yamaha Fazer 25 (Rs 144,000) and Honda CBR250R ABS (Rs 195,000). Other similarly priced motorcycles are the KTM RC 200 (Rs 190,000), Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 (Rs 139,000) and the Bajaj Dominar 400 (Rs 174,000).

Suzuki bullish on FY2020 sales
Suzuki Motorcycle India, which recorded sales of 668,787 units in FY2019,is targeting 29 percent YoY growth in FY2019. It expects the new Gixxer to contribute a fair share to that growth. FY2019 saw a reversal of trends with a decline in commuter motorcycle sales (<150cc), with a strong interplay of scooters and motorcycles. "We expect motorcycles to make a comeback in this fiscal," says Devashish Handa, vice-president, Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.

Meanwhile, the company also introduced the new BS IV Gixxer twins – Gixxer SF150 and new Gixxer SF250 – priced at Rs 170,655 and Rs 109,870 respectively (ex-showroom).

Also Read:
Maruti Suzuki pushes for hybrid vehicles in India
Harley-Davidson launches three new bikes