Earlier this year, Suzuki unveiled the all-new Gixxer SF 250 and Gixxer 250 for the Indian market. The small-displacement sport bike and naked roadster share the same newly-developed, oil-cooled single-cylinder engine. This power plant was previously used in Suzuki’s “Feel Free Go!” concept model of 2015. It has now made its way into the new Gixxers. The small-displacement motorcycles have been exported by the subsidiary, Suzuki Motorcycle India, into the Japanese market — as seen at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show.
The new Gixxer SF 250 is a fully-faired sport bike, built around a chassis updated from the Gixxer 155 and powered by the newly oil-cooled, reduced-friction, 249 cc SOHC single-cylinder engine. In terms of power, the all-new engine has achieved similarity with the water-cooled parallel twin of the GSX250R, claiming to make 26.5 PS at 9,000 rpm — more than the latter’s 25 PS at 8,000 rpm. It offers a tad less torque of 22.6 Nm at 7,500 rpm compared to the GSX250R’s 23.4 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Suzuki Motor India has also stated that the fuel-efficient engine will be updated to meet tighter emissions regulations for 2020.
Suzuki Global has designated this sporty street bike as the GSX250F in a technical presentation video. As a 2019-2020 model, the Indian Gixxer SF 250 has a power-to-weight advantage. The GSX250F has one cylinder less than the GSX250R’s twin, and is therefore 20 kg lighter than the GSX250R. The Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS) also ensures adequate cooling during prolonged high revs. The six-speed Gixxer SF 250 boasts sharp, sleek styling as well as clip-on handlebars for an aggressive riding position.
The Gixxer 250 is effectively the naked sibling of the sporty SF. It shares the same oil-cooled single, its tuning, and specs — while offering an upright riding position via a higher, wider single-piece handlebar. Sans the fairings, the 2019-2020 Gixxer 250 weighs 5 kg lighter. Both little Gixxers offer LED lighting, digital dashes, alloy wheels, and dual-channel ABS. Telescopic front forks and rear mono shocks make up the suspension systems, while 300 mm single discs and smaller rear units take care of braking.
According to Indian Autos Blog, a team from Japan visited Suzuki Motorcycle India to examine the new Gixxers. The dealer network of Bikers Station SOX then began bringing in the Gixxer SF 250 into Japan as completely built units (CBUs) in August, priced at ¥399,000. Since Suzuki is displaying both Gixxers at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, it is expected that the brand will be officially offering the bikes to the Japanese market.
“Today, we are thrilled to launch a stylish and powerful biking experience to our patrons in the form of Suzuki Gixxer 250. This product is a true reflection of Suzuki’s legacy in developing high-performance motorcycles of superior quality backed by cutting-edge technology. With this addition to the Gixxer portfolio, we look forward to ride upwards and continue the growth momentum,” said Koichiro Hirao, Company Head of Suzuki Motorcycle India.
