Suzuki Gixxer SF 250: We are eight months into the calendar since I got my hands on the Suzuki Fixer SF 250 – what most enthusiasts formally recognize as the Gixxer SF 250 and while that’s fair, I would say I have ridden this motorcycle long enough and far enough to give it a nickname – the “Fixer” – fixer, because it has managed to “fix” most of the problems that enthusiasts tend to have with affordable sport bikes.
The purchase decision followed weeks of test riding in a variety of brands. Ultimately what sold me wasn’t the spec sheet bragging rights, but how everything came together to make one harmonious riding experience. With 5400 kilometers under my butt, I’ve really gotten a good feel for this bike.
My Racing Blue edition (a tribute to Suzuki’s MotoGP roots) still attracts compliments even though it’s a familiar site on Indian roads since 2019.
The full fairing, angry LED headlight, and angular tail section telegraph sporting intentions without going overboard. Likewise, build quality is for the most part impressive although the paint has picked up some minor scratches despite being well cared for.
The engine that drives the Fixer is at its heart – the 249cc oil-cooled single-cylinder unit which produces 26.5 PS and 22.2 Nm.
Suzuki’s oil-cooling system (SOCS) is a very clever way of handling thermal management without the complication and weight of liquid cooling, and the engine actually feels quite thermally neutral, even in the stop-and-go drains of Mumbai.
Delivery is linear and predictable – there are no neck-snapping thrusts here, but there’s more than enough punch for both day-to-day commuting and weekend getaways.
Anyway, what really separates this motorcycle is, the ergonomics. Clip-on handlebars are far enough up the front that they don’t leave my wrists aching after 45 minutes in the lanes on my daily commute, while the 800mm seat height and fairly rearward footpegs give a sporty, but not ball-breaking old-man-backache-inducing, riding position.
At 161kg wet, this feels quite nimble in heavy traffic and it is still planted at speed on highways.
The suspension – telescopic up front matched to a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear – soaks up typical road aberrations nicely, however, it does tend to talk to me a bit more on sharp bumps than I’d like.
Braking is achieved through disc brakes at both ends with dual channel ABS, which is decent if not exceptional.
Mileage has always remained consistently around the 36-38 km/l and that too depends on the kind of riding or where you use it and that means from the 12 liter fuel tank, it would give you easily over 400 kilometers which is impressive because this is not a street commuter.
And maintenance has been fairly okay, with the services every 3,000 kilometers costing around ₹1,500-2,000 a go.
Pros:
Very smooth engine with little or no vibes anywhere in the rpms
Universal ergonomics for optimal comfort whether commuting or on a long distance touring ride.
Super mileage of 36-38 km/litre!
Oil-cooling system keeps the heat at bay in the city
The quality of fit and finish way exceeded the price point believe me
Connective features from an instrument cluster which comes Bluetooth ready
Sensitive tranny that leaves little room for mistake
Excellent and confident handling for a new rider
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250: Cons:
The quality of paint begins to wear out faster than anticipated
Brakes stop okay but could use a little more initial bite
Smaller dealer network when you look at the more established manufacturers
Bike gets unsettled in pogoing over repetitive sharp bumps
Throaty stock exhaust note for Sport model too quiet for our tastes
Low-beam headlight spread is inadequate for dark, country roads.
Expensive compared to some similar rivals
Little customising available in the aftermarket
Despite not being as track prepped as the F, the Fixer SF 250 for ₹2.07 lakh (ex-showroom) is a good deal for riders who want a sportsbike without too many ergonomic sacrifices.
It might not be the best at any one thing, but as a complete package, it provides an enjoyable and manageable experience that straddles the line between all-out weekend fun and useful weekday running.
The unsung quarter-liter New reasons to love a surprisingly robust competitor in India’s quarter-liter ranks emerge, eight months later.