2016 Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi review, road test

As with most aspects of this fuel-injected version, the mechanical bits that make up this bike remain unchanged. It uses a single downtube, steel tubular frame with the engine as a stressed member. At the front, it gets beefy 41mm forks and the back gets a seven-step adjustable monoshock. The ride is well-damped for the most part, especially at the front. However, the rear setup seems to be a tad too stiff even with the preload setting set to the middle. Decreasing the rear preload did make a noticeable difference in the ride quality, but it did make the rear wallow a tad bit under quick changes of direction. With the rear spring on its original setting, the handling on this Gixxer SF Fi, just like on the standard SF is remarkable. It’s quick to turn in, holds the line through corners very well and there’s no hint of drama at any point. In fact, the slightly weighted front end feel that the SF has compared to the naked Gixxer does wonders in terms inspiring confidence through the corners. The tubeless MRF rubber at both ends do an excellent job of providing grip and plenty of feedback, making the handling feel very intuitive and effortless, regardless of speed. We’d go so far as to say that barring the specialised mini-sportbikes such as the Yamaha YZF-R15 and the Honda CBR150R, this is the best handling 150cc bike in the Indian market.

Even when it comes to the brakes, the Gixxer SF does a great job with its 266mm front disc providing sharp bite and good feel. This new model ditches the drum for a disc brake setup at the rear. While on loose surfaces, the rear disc brake does tend to lock up the rear wheel more easily than the drum, when you’re on tarmac, you’ll appreciate the improved braking it provides. From 80kph, this bike can come to a standstill in 36.71 metres, taking 3.47sec to cover that distance. Not the most phenomenal braking, but the lack of drama when dropping the anchors is certainly appreciated.