New Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Vs Used Kawasaki Ninja 300: Which One To Buy?

We compare a brand new Suzuki Gixxer SF250 against a used Kawasaki Ninja 300 to find out which one offers better value for money

The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is the newest entrant to the entry-level faired segment. It offers good performance and features and makes for a good buy if you want an all-round faired quarter-litre motorcycle. However, at an on-road price close to Rs 2 lakh, there are a lot of powerful options to the Gixxer SF 250. For example, you could be looking at a used Kawasaki Ninja 300. A 2014-2015 model could cost you anything between Rs 1.8 lakh to Rs 2.2 lakh. Here’s why we think you should consider a used Ninja 300 over the Gixxer SF 250 and why you should not. 

First off, you get a lot of modern features with the new Gixxer SF 250. It has an LED headlamp, LED tail lamp and a full digital instrument console that also includes a gear position indicator. In comparison, the Ninja 300 gets halogen-lit twin headlamps and an analogue instrument console with a digital insert. We feel the Gixxer SF 250 looks more modern and premium of the two. While the Ninja 300’s graphics do make it look sporty, it does little to hide the dated design. 

Where the Ninja 300 shines is in the engine department. Its 296cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor revs all the way up to 13,500rpm! It makes 39PS and 27Nm of torque and accelerates from 0-100kmph in 7.18 seconds. While the motor performs best at higher revs, it is quite tractable in the city as well and you can ride at speeds as low as 30kmph in 5th gear. 

The Suzuki Gixxer SF gets a 249cc oil-cooled single-cylinder motor that delivers 26.5PS and 22.6Nm of torque. This motor offers better tractability than outright performance. It is no slouch either and does the 0-100kmph run in 9.57 seconds. It also offers 37.5kmpl in the city and 40.95kmpl on the highway which is higher than the Ninja 300’s fuel efficiency of 32.16kmpl in city and 31.10kmpl in the highway. However, the Ninja 300 has a larger 17-litre fuel tank compared to the Gixxer SF 250 and offers better range. 

The Ninja 300 has a sporty chassis setup that matches the sporty motor. Its sporty riding position feels natural on the track and is comfortable enough to tour in. The 785mm seat height is lower than the Gixxer SF 250’s 800mm seat height. 

In comparison, the Gixxer might not have the sporty dynamics of the Ninja 300 but feels light on its feet. Its 161kg kerb weight is 11kg less than the Ninja. Its suspension setup feels planted in corners. It also gets MRF REVZ radials which are superior compared to the Ninja 300’s MRF Zappers tyres. 

Now the Ninja 300 might offer a sportier riding experience, a used motorcycle means you miss out on things like warranty and in some cases even insurance cover. The Ninja 300 comes to India via the CKD route. Kawasaki has extensively localised the Ninja 300 but some parts are still imported and if these break down, you might end up looking an expensive repair bill. Also, Kawasaki dealerships are few compared to Suzuki’s massive dealer reach.