2019 Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 review, road test

Our spell with the Gixxer SF at the racetrack revealed that it manages a speedo-indicated top speed of 154kph without too much of a struggle. While we didn’t get an opportunity to see that number again on the road, we did manage to put it through our regular test cycle, albeit in wet conditions. The Gixxer SF did 0-60kph in 3.55sec and 100kph in 9.21sec, and it comes to a stop from 60kph in 16.99m. These figures are respectable, but not groundbreaking in any way. This doesn’t come as a surprise, as this 250 is not an all-out performance machine. The oil-cooled motor is quite happy to rev and delivers power in a manner that is accommodating, even to new riders. It lacks the same smooth and free-revving feel of the 150cc Gixxer engine at higher revs. Nevertheless, it has enough grunt to enable a cruising speed of 100-110kph. Interestingly, riding it out on the road also revealed that the bike has a healthy mid-range, where the bike just picks up and goes from anywhere above 3,000rpm. Fuel-efficiency figures are 31.2kpl in the city and 37.9kpl on highway, which is average, at best.

Suzuki’s new 6-speed gearbox is a little clunkier than the ones you’ll find on some other bikes in the segment, but it works well. While the rear wheel doesn’t lock up (even with heavy downshifting) a slipper clutch would be welcome, especially at this price, just for a lighter clutch lever pull.