Suzuki Gixxer 250 2020 Review - Prices, Specs, Variants, Features and Mileage

What is the power source for this Gixxer?

How well-balanced is performance and efficiency in Gixxer 250?

Suzuki Gixxer 250 shares the same engine as found in its fully-faired brother, the Gixxer SF 250. This oil-cooled unit is a fine-tuned specimen that has ample of low and mid-end torque which makes the Gixxer 250 a very energetic ride. It provides a very fine blend of linear curve with on-twist aggression. The fueling is precise and doesn’t make the gixxer jitter in tight urban conditions.

Suzuki uses “SEP” which focuses on providing the rider with a perfect balance of performance and mileage figures. It is similar to Yamaha's “Blue Core '' technology. It's just a common case of Japanese engineering at its best! The Gixxer 250 manages to provide a range of 462 km, which is not the class-leading but impressive for an offering of such performance figures.

Suzuki slots in perfectly between both the competitors, not only in pricing but also the performance characteristics. It isn’t as abrupt as the orange monster and also not as subtle as the dark lord. It has an equal mixture of both the worlds and therein lies its supremacy, its flexibility.

How progressive is the acceleration from 0-60 kmph?

Acceleration is linear with ample mid-end torque. The slick 6-Speed gearbox will make you fall in love with shifting. It also helps the Gixxer 250 sprint to 60 kmph in a swift 3.62 seconds. It is also due to lower kerb weight and grippy tyres.

It is not a top speed run machine as top speed is confined to 123 kmph which is well below the segment average. The sweet spot is in the 90-100 kmph range that makes it a very good cruising machine. Triple speeds do come in quick but this Gixxer is more comfortable below it.

KTM is undoubtedly the winner here, and it is made for extreme thrill. It is, however, not the quickest to the 60 kmph mark. That title goes to the smart Yamaha FZ25 which with its strong low-end torque achieves better sprint speeds.

How strong are the brakes in Gixxer 250?

Suzuki has equipped the Gixxer 250 with disc brakes at both ends and the rotors are one of the biggest in this segment. But braking suffers here due to lack of bite and is more evidently felt during spirited rides. The pedals are well-modulated but it has a slight lag in, activation. This might, thus,  need you to recalibrate your braking technique.

Dual-channel ABS improves on the safety front but the unit tends to activate a bit early. It takes away from the natural braking feel of the motorcycle. But the prefix is minor and you can get used to it, if willing.

The braking is sluggish in Gixxer and can be seen from the braking distance required for it to come to a complete standstill from 80 kmph. The heaviest one of the lot, 250 Duke, stops in much quicker than the Gixxer 250 due to its gripper brakes. Dual-channel ABS units are better incorporated into the FZ25 and 250 Duke.

How good is the handling and how comfortable is the seating?

This is the Gixxer 250’s forte. The Gixxer was known for its flexible and nimble nature in its first iteration and it is still its highlighting zone. The short wheelbase helps it zip through traffic with ease. The handlebar is wide and coupled with the well-damped suspension setup makes up for an involving riding experience.

The suspension setup is on the stiffer side and you will feel a few jerks on the roads, but nothing that will break the back. Rider seat is wide and provides ample area to move around but a thicker padding would have been better, as long riding hours will result in a sore bottom. The riding posture makes up for the seating, as it is relaxed and doesn’t put pressure on your shoulders and wrists. Shorter riders, however, might need to tilt a bit forward but it still stays in the “relaxed” radar.

So, long rides would require a second thought or a very strong will! But it is of no hindrance for short sprints and the linear power band makes for a very competent urban companion. The Duke would struggle at it and FZ25 would feel at home. Suzuki is a mixed bag, here as well as the suspension setup and seating are best suited for short sprints, but the engine and riding posture motivate touring.

How different does the Gixxer 250 look from its sibling?

Suzuki has introduced a completely new design language for its quarter-litre lineup. Gixxer 250 flaunts a minimal streetfighter look and is highlighted with the muscular shrouds on the tall and carved tank. The engine and most of the mechanical components are blacked out to give it a contrasting look.

The horizontal triple split LED headlight is an eye-catchy feature that will make people notice it from afar. The instrument cluster is exposed and sits on top of the headlight unit. The chromed tipped double end muffler is also unique to the Gixxer line-up and is carried forward from the older generation. The rear end flaunts a clean look with the wide LED taillight being the object of focus.

Aesthetic Features

• Triple split LED headlight

• Double barrel muffler

• Belly cowl

• Split seat

• Signature LED taillight

• Muscular tank and shrouds

Gixxer 250 is a short motorcycle and it acts as a boon for it, in handling. Yamaha FZ25 is the longest of the lot and looks the part as well. You sit high and have a commanding view of the road ahead. The 250 Duke has a low slung seating position and demands you to be aggressive unlike the other two.

What are the safety and class-leading features available in 2020 Gixxer 250?

The notable safety feature on this Suzuki is Dual-channel ABS which helps you have control of the Gixxer even in out-of-hand situations. The bright and always-on LED headlights and taillights help you stay visible for oncoming and trailing motorists.

The list of features on offer include a multi-informative LCD instrument cluster and Suzuki’s “Suzuki Eco Performance” technology that helps you have fun without burning a hole through the wallet. Suzuki also has an array of accessories on offer that are focused on protection and touring.

The various features on offer include:

• Bumper bracket

• Skid plate

• Knuckle cover

• Tank pads

• Wheel tape set

• Terminal power source

• Knee grip pads

• Saddle bad

KTM also offers an array of accessories in the form of power parts and those are not confined to just utility and protection, but also performance enhancements. KTM also provides a much wider list of standard feature lists. Yamaha FZ25 has most of its features confined to the engine, to make it more efficient.

How does the competition stack up against the Gixxer?

Suzuki Gixxer 250 vs Yamaha FZ25

Yamaha FZ25 is a motorcycle that looks aggressive but is a very composed cruiser. It is Yamaha’s take on the quarter litre-class, and they chose the subtle route. Suzuki Gixxer 250 is more inclined towards the sporty side and has the flexibility to change riding dynamics at will. FZ25 is the cheaper one of the lot but this comes with a considerable drop in performance figures. We will happily take Gixxer 250 over FZ25 for the added performance it provides with the flexible riding character, still, and the premium is well worth it.

Suzuki Gixxer 250 vs KTM 250 Duke

KTMs have always been the loud ones of the lot. 250 Duke has the same set of explosive characteristics and will suit only those, who are prone to surprises, lots of them! The riding is more demanding and power delivery abrupt. We will choose Gixxer 250 over 250 Duke here, not because it is any better, but it is easier to live with. The almost Rs. 40,000 premium is also a very strong pointer here.

Whom is the 2020 Suzuki Gixxer slated for?

Suzuki has managed to keep the flame burning, of the Gixxer line-up, with the quarter-litre offering as well. It emphasises more on handling and riding dynamics and will keep the rider involved in the saddle. Being a Suzuki, you are assured of a hassle-free experience with a no-bummer engine that will seldom give you a hard time. It has the perfect blend of performance, riding dynamics and build quality. All of this in a not so premium package makes it one of a kind and slots it right in between “linear” and “explosive” and thus will cater to that bunch of individuals who want that perfect blend, not too much and not too less.