2019 Suzuki Gixxer SF: All You Need To Know

Planning to buy the newly-launched 2019 Suzuki Gixxer SF? Here’s everything you need to know before you make that decision

Suzuki has launched the 2019 iteration of the Gixxer SF at Rs 1,09,870 (ex-showroom Delhi). Compared to the older model, it is evident that the Japanese bikemaker has taken the sporty route with the new bike, complete with a more aggressive design. Here’s everything you need to know about this faired motorcycle.

Gets a complete design & ergonomics overhaul:

The 2019 Suzuki Gixxer SF comes with a completely new bodywork. It is sharper than its predecessor and there are quite a few angular elements on the fairing. Even the headlamp is aggressively styled this time around. Suzuki has also replaced the wide, single-piece handlebar with raised clip-ons. This coupled with the split seats (as opposed to single-piece unit in the older model) is bound to offer a more aggressive riding stance. However, since the clip-ons are raised, we believe the everyday usability won’t be compromised too much. Compared to the older model, the new bike gets a 15mm taller seat, at 795mm. 

Packs modern features:

The 2019 iteration of the Gixxer SF is offered with a full-LED headlamp. While the tail light continues to be an LED unit, its design is a lot sleeker than before. As far as instrumentation is concerned, it still uses an LCD unit, albeit a different one. Also, the red backlight has been replaced with a white one, making it relatively easy on the eyes. It houses the speedometer, gear position indicator, odometer, dual tripmeters, clock, fuel gauge and other tell-tale lights apart from a gear shift indicator.

Engine slightly less powerful in favour of emissions:

While the new Gixxer SF continues to be powered by the all-aluminium 154.9cc SOHC air-cooled fuel-injected engine as its predecessor, it makes slightly less power. The older model produced 14.8PS at 8000rpm whereas the new one makes 14.1PS at the same revs. Suzuki has made the engine in the new model BS6-ready, and that could be the reason for the drop in power. That said, the peak torque output remains the same at 14Nm arriving at 6000rpm. The new bike is equipped with the same 5-speed gearbox as the older model.

All-new chassis, similar underpinnings:

Interestingly, both the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 and the 2019 Gixxer SF share the same chassis. While both bikes employ a diamond frame, the difference in engineering has resulted in a 6kg weight gain, at 146kg kerb. Although both bikes use the same underpinnings - telescopic fork a up front and monoshock at the rear - the front unit in the new bike has been slightly stiffened for better handling. This along with the relatively sportier ergonomics should make the bike more fun around corners. The wheels and tyres are unchanged though. It rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 100-section front and  140-section rear (radial only for the rear) tubeless tyres. Disc brake on both ends bring the bike to a halt, and Suzuki offers a single-channel ABS as standard.

Commands a small premium over the older model:

Considering all the comprehensive changes, the new Gixxer (Rs 1,09,870) commands a premium of only Rs 7,964 over the previous model. That said, it is no longer the most affordable faired bike as the new Hero Xtreme 200S undercuts it by a whole Rs 11,370! It offers a bigger, more powerful engine and slightly better features in the form of a Bluetooth-compatible instrument cluster.