Getting around the city these days is a chore all on its own. The traffic, heat, and lack of parking make for a genuinely frustrating experience. Once in a while though, we come across vehicles that make the daily commute more than bearable. The Suzuki Gixxer is one such ride.
Design: 4/5
To be honest, I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of standard motorcycles. They tend to be visually unexciting to me. The Gixxer, however, has made me rethink this outlook. With a more mass-forward layout and sporty look than other bikes in its class, the Gixxer is a bike that wants to go fast, not haul passengers. The narrow, wasp-like waist, and raised tail section, along with dynamic lines along its length give it a streamlined look not present in other bikes like it. It’s actually quite a nice bike to be seen riding.
Wide wheels, and a stubby, single-side exhaust, as well as the guard holding the tail lights, all contribute to the look, and add a significant amount to the two-wheeler’s “cool” factor.
Hardware: 3.5/5
The Gixxer is powered by a single-cylinder, 154.9cc naturally aspirated engine that’s mated to a five-speed manual transmission. This gives the bike 14.8ps at 8,000 RPM, and 14Nm of torque at 6,000 RPM. Stopping the bike are a single disc up front, and drum brakes at the rear. The Gixxer comes with 100/80-17 tires up front, and 140/60R tires at the rear. The tank holds 12L of fuel, so you can go a long way before topping up.
User Experience: 4/5
The Gixxer arrived at the house late one night, and I thought nothing of it. Parked in the garage, it seemed like another tame bike that would give a nice ride, and that would be that. Come morning though, and my feelings did a full 180. It’s a nice-looking bike.
Getting on the seat and hitting the starter brought the bike to life on the first try. Idling, the engine is docile, and purrs along quietly. Once you’re in the saddle and going, though, it’s a whole different beast.
The 155cc engine goes from zero to fast in very little time. The throttle responds quickly to inputs, and more than once I was pinned back because I wasn’t expecting it to react so quickly. It’s quite high off the ground, with 160mm of clearance, and a seat 780mm from the pavement. This gives it enough room to comfortably traverse roads, without being too high for smaller riders such as myself. The engine is happy plugging along at the lower end of the tach, but really comes to life at the 6000rpm mark. A little twist while around there sends it flying forward, so you’d best be ready. The height does leave you slightly disconnected from the street, but not so much as to feel like you’re just floating along. You just have to be aware of where everything is. Brakes are nice and bitey. More than once I had to grab a fistfull, and I was brought to a standstill almost immediately. It would be nice, however, if we got a little more feedback.The suspension on the bike is a little stiff, but not overly so. You won’t have to raise yourself off the seat for the most part, but you do know when you’re on a rough patch of road.
Shifting through the gears is painless and sure, with no popping into the wrong gear, or neutral, at any point. The clutch is light, and constant, so moving precisely until it bites is not difficult at all. It’s a great package throughout, and very pleasant to ride, even in the city.
Value/Price: 4/5
At under PHP 90,000, the Gixxer is a bike that looks good and delivers as well. With the suzuki marque behind it, and great styling to boot, it’s great value for money.
Bottomline:
Looking for daily driver that racks up the style points, this is the bike for you.
What’s Hot:
- Nice styling
- Comfortable
What’s Not:
- Naturally aspirated engine
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE May 2016 issue.
Review and Photos by Ren Alcantara