Suzuki Motorcycle India sold over five lakh motorcycles in India last year. However, the growth mainly came from the Access 125 and the Burgman Street scooters. To maintain its growth and be competitive in the domestic market, the company is expected to focus more on the motorcycle segment by introducing at least four new bikes in the sub-250 cc engine category. The list includes new Gixxer twins, Gixxer 250 and possibly the Gixxer 250 SF.
2019 Suzuki Gixxer
We reported earlier this week that Suzuki Motorcycles India is planning to launch the 2019 Gixxer (facelift) in India later this year. The new Suzuki Gixxer could benefit from cosmetic updates and feature additions. The facelift will help Suzuki to compete with rivals like Honda X-Blade, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Yamaha FZ V3.0 and the Bajaj Pulsar NS160.
Reports suggest that the 2019 Suzuki Gixxer will feature a sharper design that could be inspired by its elder siblings. As far as equipment is concerned, it is expected to come with LED headlights, updated instrumentation and the likes. Prices are likely to go up by up to INR 5,000-10,000.
The 2019 Suzuki Gixxer could debut with BS6-compliant fuel-injected engine to meet the new norms that come into effect from 1 April 2020. The new powertrain is likely to generate higher output figures. In its current form, the 155 cc air-cooled motor draws 14.8 PS of power and 14 Nm of peak torque. It is wedded to a five-speed gearbox.
2019 Suzuki Gixxer SF
The Suzuki Gixxer SF is a fully-faired touring version of the Gixxer naked motorcycle. The new Gixxer SF is likely to feature slightly sportier ergonomics along with an updated design. Since the bike shares most of its components with the Gixxer, expect it to get LED headlights and the other new elements mentioned above.
We expect the 2019 Suzuki Gixxer SF to be launched alongside its naked sibling. Trial production of the new Gixxer siblings is said to have commenced, and it won't be too long before the company introduces the production-spec models. With the new safety guidelines on the anvil, single-channel ABS will be standard. The facelift will also debut the new SP edition of the Gixxer SF. The 2019 Suzuki Gixxer SF will compete with the Yamaha Fazer and the Bajaj Pulsar 180F.
Suzuki Gixxer 250
According to a report dated 10 January, the Suzuki Gixxer 250 is expected to be launched in India in June 2019. The Gixxer 250 will be a direct rival to the Yamaha FZ25, and will most likely debut a faired derivate in Suzuki Gixxer 250 SF.
Engine design patents of the Suzuki Gixxer 250 were leaked in December last year, which reveals it to be a single-cylinder motor. To keep the costs low, Suzuki has reportedly opted for a SOHC, four-valve head layout with oil-cooling instead of liquid-cooling. Fuel injection will be standard, and the motor is expected to produce around 22-25 bhp of power.
While there are no leaks or design sketches available of the Suzuki Gixxer 250, the motorcycle is expected to carry design cues from the Haojue DR300, which could spawn a Suzuki GSX-S300 for the Indian and other emerging markets. Expect the Gixxer 250 to feature sharper styling, LED lighting all around, digital instrumentation and much more. We can expect it to be priced around INR 1.40 lakh (ex-showroom).
Suzuki Gixxer 250 SF
The Suzuki Gixxer 250 SF will be the fully-faired touring version of the Gixxer 250. Apart from the addition of the full fairing, the motorcycle is likely to share most of its components with the naked streetfighter. That said, the Gixxer 250 SF could receive slightly sportier ergonomics and taller gearing to aid touring. The Suzuki Gixxer 250 SF will share its engine with the Gixxer 250. As it will compete with the Yamaha Fazer 25 and the Honda CBR250R, it is not likely to come with top-shelf components.
Also Read: New Suzuki DR Big model could arrive by 2020 - Report
The Gixxer 250 SF will feature conventional telescopic front forks, while the swingarm will be suspended by an adjustable rear mono-shock. The motorcycle is expected to feature dual-channel ABS with the braking force coming from disc brakes at both the ends. As for the pricing, it is likely to carry a premium of around INR 10,000 over the Gixxer 250.
