The quarter-litre segment balances performance, efficiency and affordability. India does not have many options in this class, but KTM, Suzuki, Bajaj and others still offer strong competition.
The Suzuki Gixxer 250 BS6 is an underrated 250cc street bike with enough performance to appeal to both newer and experienced riders. Suzuki has fewer performance-oriented models in India than in some overseas markets, but the Gixxer remains a compelling option here. Let’s look at the Suzuki Gixxer 250 BS6 in detail.
Key Features
- Refined engine
- Linear power delivery
- Good mileage
- Fit and finish
- Ergonomics
1. Refined Engine
This bike has a very refined engine that does not feel stressed while opening up the throttle, and 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 km/h. It can catch up to 140 km/h, but it is better to ride it in the range of 90-110 km/h as it is the most comfortable range for this bike. Higher speeds will cause windblast, as this bike does not 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 will not 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
The most popular question is here. The answer is simple: kaafi deti hai. The actual figures are 30-35 km/l in the city and 35-40 km/l 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 does not have a huge tank capacity, good mileage compensates for that and one can expect a tank range of somewhere around 350-380 km.
4. Fit and 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 does not feel like a cheap bike. I have never been a fan of the looks of the 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 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 the KTM Duke 250 and can accommodate pillions of different body types.
Suzuki Gixxer 250 Specifications
Colour Variants
Suzuki Gixxer 250 is available in two colour options: Metallic Matte Black and Metallic Triton Blue.
Engine Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 249 cc |
| Power | 26.13 bhp @ 9,300 rpm |
| Torque | 22.2 Nm @ 7,300 rpm |
| Engine cooling | Oil cooled |
| Emission standard | BS6 |
| Number of cylinders | 1 |
| Fuel delivery 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
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Max speed | 147 km/h |
| Fuel tank capacity | 12 litres |
| Fuel tank range | 350-380 km approx. |
| Mileage | 33-35 km/l, may vary |
Wheels, Tyres and Suspensions
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| 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
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Front brake | Disc |
| Front brake size | 300 mm |
| Rear brake | Disc |
| Rear brake size | 220 mm |
| ABS | Dual-channel ABS |
Electricals
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Headlight type | LED headlamp |
| Tail light type | LED tail lamp |
| Battery | Maintenance-free, 12V 6Ah |
| Speedometer | Digital |
Dimensions
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| 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 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 help in long rides and make the bike comfortable without unnecessary back pain or wrist pain.
- Fit and finish are strong. The build quality is superb, and you will not find loosely fitted components.
- Mileage is among the best in the segment. At around 35 km/l in mixed city and highway riding, it is among the most fuel-efficient bikes in the segment.
- Linear power delivery ensures that this bike is forgiving and new riders will be able to learn on this bike. Torque is available throughout the rev band, more prominently in the lower and mid rpm range.
- Suspension is on the stiffer side, which suits its character.
- The exhaust note is better than expected and sounds good.
Cons
- The visual appearance of this bike does not look very appealing to me. It is similar to its younger sibling, the Gixxer 155cc. The overall design could have been better to give it a more premium look.
- This motorcycle has no windscreen. Being a street bike, the windscreen might not be of much use for daily riding, but when you are touring, you need protection from windblast. Aftermarket options are available, but Suzuki could have offered a windscreen option at the showroom itself.
- The instrument cluster could have been better. It is similar to the one available in the younger Gixxer 155cc. Being a 250cc performance bike, the cluster should have details like distance-to-empty, average speed and average mileage.
- The side-stand indicator is missing, which might be a problem for a few riders.
- The brakes are good, but they lack the bite that KTM offers. It is a con for mature riders but not for beginners. That is also a good thing considering this is a beginner-friendly motorcycle and new riders should 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 view of what is behind you.
Conclusion
Suzuki Gixxer 250 is a good bike, especially for beginners who want to learn to ride a bigger bike after upgrading from a smaller capacity motorcycle or a scooter. This bike will forgive you for your mistakes, but do not push it 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 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 the budget allows. Otherwise, it is better to look for other options, preferably a fuel-efficient bike for daily commute.
The bike is lightweight, so you might experience crosswinds, making the bike less stable on highways.
So, that’s all for the Suzuki Gixxer 250. What are your thoughts on this bike?
