Suzuki Gixxer SF review, test ride

Our expectations of Suzuki and its motorcycles blew up dramatically with the arrival of the Gixxer. The naked 155cc motorcycle lived up to its name and gave its segment rivals a proper wake up call. Now, the fully faired Gixxer SF is taking the story forward. We got our first taste of the Gixxer SF on a very rainy day in Japan.

It didn’t strike me right away, but the front fairing is wrapped around the very same headlamp as on the Gixxer. Flanked by the angular mock air-intake slots on either side, it didn’t seem all that familiar. While it is being touted as a sportsbike when viewed head on, the SF looks more closely related to the Hayabusa sports-tourer. The SF’s best angle has to be its profile as the new fairing maintains the Gixxer’s characteristic light and athletic look.

Suzuki says that the fairing was designed in the same wind tunnel where the Hayabusa, GSX R and GSX RR were tested. The new fairing is said to improve aerodynamic efficiency for better downforce.  The SF also has a more front weight bias as the new attire adds more weight to the front. Other changes include a geometric design for the end cap of the twin-port exhaust, a new single-piece clamp for the handlebar and chrome finish for the Suzuki logo on the key.