Suzuki went aggressive this year and launched two quarter-liter bikes, Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF 250 in the country with two more to follow
Suzuki launched the much-awaited quarter liter naked bike in India. The Suzuki Gixxer 250 has been priced at Rs 1.6 lakh ex-showroom which makes it around Rs 10,000 cheaper than the SF 250. With this bike on the shores, you can now opt this one against the other naked bikes in the market.
Powering the Gixxer 250 is a 249cc single-cylinder engine with 4-valve head. The powerplant makes 26.1bhp at 9000rpm and 22.6Nm twisting force at 7500rpm. The fuel-injected engine is an oil-cooled unit and is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox. The performance of the bike is expected to be similar to that of SF 250 albeit a lower top speed. However, initial acceleration can be better than its faired sibling.
In the 200 to 300cc segment, there are many bikes on offer comprising of faired and non-faired motorcycles. Let’s have a look at all the naked bikes which poses a threat to the reign of new Gixxer 250 in the Indian market.
Yamaha FZ25
It’s been quite a time when Yamaha launched its first quarter-liter bike in India. Hoping for good numbers, Yamaha even launched a fared version of FZ25 called Fazer 25. However, Fazer 25’s bland design nearly killed the bike whereas the FZ25 gets some buyers from time to time. The numbers are not that great as the bike itself good quite dated in design. Also, there is not much to differentiate from a 150cc FZ and the quarter-liter one. The bike gets a very small instrument cluster which is a big let-down for the buyers.
Yamaha FZ25 is more of a city bike with an impressive engine. However, people do not like it as it lacks exclusivity. FZ25 is good on performance and easily takes on more powerful KTM 200 Duke. FZ 25 is priced at Rs 1.33 lakh ex-showroom which is Rs 26,000 less than the Gixxer 250. If you are looking at a no non-sense bike with a reliable engine, you can go with Yamaha FZ25. Both the bikes get a dual-channel ABS as standard.
KTM 200 Duke
KTM 200 Duke is one hell of a hooligan for just Rs 1.62 lakh ex-showroom. The Austrian motorcycle is so high on the performance that you will never find a faster 200cc bike in the whole world. Pumping out 25bhp from its 199cc mill, it is the direct competition for Gixxer 250. 200 Duke is Rs 2,000 more expensive than the Gixxer but offers top-notch components like liquid-cooled engine, USD forks as well as radially mounted calipers.
The performance difference is inevitable as Duke generates less torque of 19.2Nm against Gixxer’s 22.6Nm. Torque is also the reason why FZ25 wins over Duke. One more fact check is that whenever a Duke buyer goes out to he brings home only a Duke, no other options fill in for him.
Bajaj Dominar 400
Recently Bajaj launched the upgraded version of Dominar with more power and features. Dominar which makes around 40bhp is priced at meager Rs 1.8 lakh ex-showroom, after a recent price hike of Rs 6,000. If you are looking for pure performance and hyper riding, Dominar 400 can be your best bet for just Rs 20,000 more.
Also Read: Will you buy Gixxer 250 against Dominar 400?
Not only that, but the company has added every possible feature into the bike making it the best value for your money. There is trip computer now, double-barrel exhaust muffler, DOHC engine head, USD forks, radially mounted calipers to name a few.
KTM 250 Duke
Most expensive 250cc bike in the country is KTM 250 Duke. It is priced at Rs 1.95 lakh ex-showroom. Most important aspects of this bike are appealing design (like that of 390 Duke) and powerful 250cc engine. The liquid-cooled engine makes 29bhp and 24Nm twisting force. 250 Duke does 0 to 100 in about 8.5 seconds.
We are sure of the fact that 250 Duke will do the 0-100 quicker than the Gixxer. Top speed, however, is quite less at 142 kmph. It is yet to be seen what is the real top speed of newly launched Gixxer 250.
Final Words
Suzuki has placed the Gixxer 250 very well in the Indian market. It is priced more than the slowest 250, the Yamaha FZ25 and considerably cheaper than the most expensive 250, the 250 Duke. When we speak about the performance, the real-world differences cannot be told between these bikes. If you are looking out for a new naked bike do not afraid to take thorough test rides before finalizing the chosen one.
Ride Safe, Ride Hard, and always wear a helmet while riding. Stay Tuned for more from the world of motorcycling.
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