The quarter-litre segment is the blend of performance, efficiency and affordability. The Indian market has not many options for this segment, but there is still tough competition among a few big brands like KTM, Suzuki, Bajaj etc., which have amazing machines on offer.
Today I will talk about Suzuki Gixxer 250 BS6; An under-rated 250cc street bike that has the potential to perform well and win hearts with its performance alone. Suzuki has fewer performance-oriented models in the Indian market(specifically), although the world markets enjoy a wide variety of motorcycles from Suzuki. Well, without wasting much time, let’s begin our today’s discussion on Suzuki Gixxer 250 BS6:
Key Features:
- Refined Engine
- Linear power delivery
- Good mileage
- Fit & finish
- Ergonomics
1. Refined Engine:
This bike has got a very refined engine that doesn’t feel stressed while opening up the throttle, this refinement results in fewer overall vibrations. At very high speeds, vibrations are felt on the footpegs, which is not a big issue considering this is a single-cylinder motorcycle. Ride quality is amazing and the sweet spot of this bike is somewhere between 90-105 KMPH. It can catch up to 140KMPH but it’s better to ride it in the range of 90-110KMPH as it is the most comfortable range to ride this bike(higher speeds will cause windblasts, this bike doesn’t have a windscreen).
2. Linear Power Delivery:
For beginners, it is a plus point. They can start with this bike to better understand performance-oriented motorcycles and how to control them. This bike won’t punish you for your mistakes and is not as aggressive as a KTM. Power delivery is linear throughout the rev band, resulting in better overall ride quality.
3. Mileage(KITNA DETI HAI?):
The most popular question is here. The answer is simple, KAAFI DETI HAI. The actual figures are 30-35 KMPL(in the city) and 35-40 KMPL(on highways). Considering a 250cc performance motorcycle, the figures are superb and it is also a leader in the segment in terms of mileage. Although it doesn’t have a huge tank capacity, good mileage compensates for that and one can expect a long tank range of somewhere around 350-380 KMPL.
4. Fit & Finish:
One thing which I genuinely love about Japanese manufacturers is that the build quality of their bikes is very good and one can rely on these brands for good quality spare parts as well. There were certain issues with Yamaha’s R15 some time back, but later on, the issue was resolved.
The overall build quality of the motorcycle is awesome and doesn’t feel like a cheap bike. I have never been a fan of the looks of Gixxer, but the fit and finish are worth praising.
5. Ergonomics:
The practicality of a motorcycle is incomplete without proper ergonomics. Let me tell you that this bike is very comfortable, nimble and lightweight making it a better street motorcycle. Doing long rides on this bike is not a problem. One can use it for touring with a few necessary modifications like adding a windscreen and auxiliary lights.
The pillion seat is also decent when compared to KTM Duke 250 and can accommodate pillions of different body types.
Suzuki Gixxer 250 Specifications:
Colour variants:
Suzuki Gixxer 250 is available in 2 colour options i.e., Metallic Matte Black & Metallic Triton Blue.
Engine Specifications:
| Displacement | 249 cc |
| Power | 26.13 bhp @ 9,300 rpm |
| Torque | 22.2 Nm @ 7,300 rpm |
| Engine cooling | Oil Cooled |
| Emission Standard | BS-6 |
| Number of cylinders | 1 |
| Fuel delivering system | Fuel Injection |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Bore | 76 mm |
| Stroke | 54.9 mm |
| Transmission type | Chain Drive |
| Gearbox type | 6 Speed Manual |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
Performance and Fuel Efficiency:
| Max speed | 147 KMPH |
| Fuel tank capacity | 12 Litres |
| Fuel tank range | 350-380 KM(approx.) |
| Mileage | 33-35 KMPL(may vary) |
Wheels, Tyres and Suspensions:
| Tyre (front) | 110/70R17M/C 54S |
| Tyre (rear) | 150/60R17M/C 66S |
| Front Wheel Size | 17 inch |
| Rear Wheel Size | 17 inch |
| Tyre type | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy Wheels |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
Brakes:
| Front Brake | Disc |
| Front Brake Size | 300mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc |
| Rear Brake Size | 220mm |
| ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
Electricals:
| Headlight Type | LED Head Lamp |
| Tail Light Type | LED Tail Lamp |
| Battery | Maintenance-free, 12V 6Ah |
| Speedometer | Digital |
Dimensions:
| Dry Weight | 156 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
| Chassis Type | Diamond |
Suzuki Gixxer 250 BS6 Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- It is lightweight, nimble and easy to handle inside the city traffic. You can flick this bike easily and have better control over the bike in day-to-day traffic conditions. New riders will also be comfortable handling this bike.
- Engine refinement is amazing. Because of its refinement, overall vibrations are less and the ride quality is smooth.
- Upright ergonomics for comfortable riding. Better ergonomics help in long rides for a comfortable ride without any back pain or wrist pain.
- Proper fit and finish. This is one of the best parts of this bike. Its built quality is superb, you won’t find any loosely fit components.
- Mileage is among the best in the segment. At around 35 KMPL(city + highways), it is among the most fuel-efficient bikes in the segment.
- Linear power delivery ensures that this bike is forgiving and newbies will be able to learn on this bike. Torque is available throughout the rev band, more prominently in the lower and mid RPMs.
- Suspension is on the stiffer side, which suits its character.
- The exhaust note is better than I expected it to be, it sounds amazing and one will like it.
Cons:
- The visual appearance of this bike doesn’t look appealing to me. It is similar to its younger sibling Gixxer 155cc. The overall design could have been better to give it a premium look.
- This motorcycle has no windscreen. Well, being a street bike, the windscreen might not be of much use. But, when you are touring, you need protection from windblasts. Although aftermarket options are available, I still feel that Suzuki should have offered a choice of installing a windscreen at their showroom itself.
- The instrument cluster could have been better. It is similar to the one which is available in its younger sibling Gixxer 155cc. Being a performance bike of 250cc, the cluster must-have details like “Distance to empty fuel tank”, “average speed”, “average mileage” etc.
- The side stand indicator is not there, might be a problem for a few.
- The brakes are good, but they lack the bite which KTM offers. It is a con for mature riders but not for beginners. Well, that is a good thing considering it is a beginner-friendly motorcycle and newbies have to learn proper braking before experiencing sharp bite braking.
- Mirrors are not good enough. If you are buying this bike, make sure you replace them with a set of better mirrors to have a better visual of what’s behind you.
Conclusion:
- Suzuki Gixxer 250 is a good bike, especially for beginners who want to learn to ride (if you are upgrading from a smaller capacity motorcycle or a scooty) a bigger bike. This bike will forgive you for your mistakes, but don’t push the bike beyond its limits in the initial learning stage.
- For mature riders, you can consider this bike if you want a performance-packed daily commute motorcycle with a good fit and finish.
- This is a street motorcycle, but with a few modifications, you can use it for touring as well. So anyone who wants a bike for the daily commute and occasional touring can opt for this bike.
- College students can also look forward to buying this bike if your budget allows, else look for other options(preferably a fuel-efficient bike for daily commute).
- The bike is lightweight, so you might experience crosswinds, making your bike less stable on highways.
So, that’s all for the Suzuki Gixxer 250. What are your thoughts on this bike? Do let me know in the comment section.
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