Suzuki Gixxer SF India review, test ride

The engine is identical to the naked Gixxer, displacing 155cc, an air-cooled and carbureted unit. Maximum power of 14.6bhp is produced at 8,000rpm, good to trot in the city and 1.43kgm of torque is produced at 6,000rpm. The Gixxer SF has the same, slightly gruff sounding engine when hard on the throttle, now just slightly more resonant due to its fairing. Power delivery is smooth yet assertive, right from idle spread across the wide powerband. Due to the addition of the fairing, the Gixxer does feel easier to ride at high speeds, properly cocooning the rider when crouched out of the wind blast. It feels most comfortable cruising at an indicated 90kph, almost all wind safely deflected away from the rider. We managed to clock an indicated top speed of 120kph astride Suzuki's Gixxer SF. 

The Gixxer SF's engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox, each gear slotting with a precise feel in a one-down, four-up pattern. Its clutch is well weighted and operates with a light feel that helps keep the bike easy to ride in crowded city traffic.

As on the Gixxer, the SF also uses a single downtube, steel tubular frame that holds the engine as a stressed member. Also, beefy 41mm front forks and a seven-step adjustable rear monoshock give the Gixxer SF an advantage over most segment rivals. Ride quality, as on the naked Gixxer feels just right, absorbing rough roads and potholes well, with neither too harsh nor soft a set-up. The seating posture is upright, no more than a slight lean into the handlebars, comfortable for long distances; as is the plush riding saddle.

Tubeless MRF rubber is provided front and rear on the Gixxer SF, both providing ample grip with abundant traction available to tackle all surfaces.