• Published On: 24 October 2017
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Has the addition of optional ABS made the Gixxer SF a better package?

The Suzuki Gixxer and its faired twin, the SF, offer a premium, sporty experience in the 150-160cc segment, and are an absolute joy to ride. The latter now comes with single-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as an optional add on, it’s now the only bike in this segment to offer this safety tech.

On the outside

There are no changes visually, but you do get the new SP special edition black-silver-red paint scheme for 2017. There’s now a little ABS sticker on the front mudguard to tell it’s got ABS tech. Overall, this is a decent-looking motorcycle. The engine is the same 154.9cc, single-cylinder air-cooled unit that makes 14.8hp and 14Nm. The ABS version, however, weighs 1kg more than the non-ABS bike but this doesn’t affect its overall performance at all. The bike doesn’t feel out of breath, even at speeds up to 110kph. The fuel-injection system afforded 47.5kpl in the city and 62.1kpl on the highway, which is great for this segment.

How does it ride?

The ride and handling package also is unchanged, it’s confident through corners and is easily the most fun bike in its segment. This bike is set up to be sporty, so ride quality isn’t plush, but it handles its share of bad roads with relative ease. The single-channel ABS and that hasn’t made much of a difference when it comes to how the bike brakes – from 80kph to a standstill on dry tarmac, it took the same time as the regular twin-disc equipped Gixxer SF. On loose or wet surfaces, though, the ABS offers a significant safety net and confidence boost to the rider - the bike pulled to a stop with no drama at all.

Should I buy one?

The ABS-equipped version is priced at Rs 98,928 (ex-showroom, Delhi), which is nearly Rs 6,000 more expensive than its non-ABS version. At that price, we’d recommend spending the extra money and getting the ABS-equipped version.