Bajaj Avenger 150 Street vs Suzuki Gixxer SF: Comparison Test

Design & Style

Suzuki Gixxer SF: 8/10

Bajaj Avenger 150 Street: 6.5/10

When it comes to styling, both the Suzuki Gixxer SF and the Bajaj Avenger 150 Street are a big departure from what we have seen in the 150cc commuter segment so far. The alloy wheels, flatter handlebar, rubber bellows on the front forks and the blacked out theme for the engine, frame and exhaust all give the Avenger 150 Street the undertones of a sports cruiser. The Gixxer SF on the other hand, is quintessentially a fairing version of the Gixxer streetfighter. The aerodynamic fairing has been developed using the same wind tunnel as the Suzuki Hayabusa, and the influence from Suzuki’s high-capacity motorcycles is clearly noticeable. This particular race-inspired blue livery makes the Gixxer SF by far the best-looking motorcycle in the segment.

Ergonomics & Quality

Suzuki Gixxer SF: 8/10

Bajaj Avenger 150 Street: 6.5/10

The Suzuki Gixxer SF steals the show when it comes to seating comfort and component quality. The rider sits upright with stretched out arms and a slight front lean. This riding position feels ideal not just for commuting, but also for some spirited corner carving. The switchgear and plastic quality is top notch too. The Bajaj Avenger 150 Street gets a laid back seating position thanks to a contoured seat, flat handlebar and forward set footpegs. The tear drop fuel tank however, doesn’t allow you to latch your legs onto it and this can turn out to be quite vexing on long rides. Bajaj has retained most of the bits from the previous Avenger, including the instrument console and the switchgear. Despite there being a marked improvement in quality, the Avenger 150 Street is still way behind its competition (and for that matter other Bajaj motorcycles) when it comes to overall fit and finish.

Feature & Technology

Suzuki Gixxer SF: 8/10

Bajaj Avenger 150 Street: 6/10

Both the Suzuki Gixxer and the Bajaj Avenger 150 Street are offered with conventional carburetted engines. The Gixxer is built around a new single downtube frame, while the Avenger 150 Street carries the same tubular double cradle type chassis. The Gixxer comes with a sophisticated digital instrument console, which displays a gear position indicator and a clock apart from the basic functionalities. The old-school single-pod instrument console in the Avenger 150 Street matches its character, and now integrates a small digital display for the odometer and the trip meter. The fuel gauge and the indicators are placed on the fuel tank, on the top of a plastic mount.

Both the bikes get conventional telescopic forks and a single disc brake at the front. The Gixxer gets a radial tyre in the rear while the Avenger 150 Street continues to get tubed tyres for both the wheels.

Engine & Gearbox

Suzuki Gixxer SF: 7.5/10

Bajaj Avenger 150 Street: 6.5/10

Of course the engineers at Bajaj were handed the chassis and the engine, but what they have done with these is commendable. The 150cc DTS-i engine gets a new configuration and incorporates the learnings from the past few years, and the end result is impressive. Churning out 14bhp and 12.5Nm of torque, the air-cooled twin spark engine has been tuned to offer a mild and laid-back character. The gear ratios are well spaced out and there is noticeable improvement in the NVH levels too. We were however let down by the clunky five-speed gearbox, which in true Bajaj fashion, felt vague and was haunted with false neutrals.

The Suzuki Gixxer SF is powered by a 155cc single-cylinder air-cooled carburetted engine. Delivering 14bhp and 14Nm of torque, the engine has been optimised to offer ample amounts of low and mid-range of power. The punchy engine and the throaty exhaust note encourage you to ride it hard, while the precise five-speed gearbox feels perfectly spaced out for a sporty motorcycle.

Performance

Suzuki Gixxer SF: 7/10

Bajaj Avenger 150 Street: 6/10

Despite being a cruiser, the Avenger 150 Street isn’t far off behind the Gixxer SF when it comes to outright performance. It is just marginally slower than the Gixxer SF in spite of its higher kerb weight and the power deficit.

The Suzuki Gixxer SF continues to suffer from the stuttering problem at speeds above 120kmph just like its naked sibling. This glitch not only restricts the Gixxer SF’s ability to cruise at high speeds during long hauls, but also renders the aerodynamic advantage of the motorcycle useless. This problem aside, the Gixxer SF had us impressed with its sprightly bottom-end and mid-range. It has a higher top speed and is quicker, which help it score higher than the Avenger 150 Street.

Ride Quality

Suzuki Gixxer SF: 6.5/10

Bajaj Avenger 150 Street: 7.5/10

Ride quality is an aspect in which the Bajaj Avenger 150 Street comfortably eclipses the Suzuki Gixxer SF, thanks to its long wheelbase and the softer spring rate. While the previous Avenger was notorious for bottoming out over unruly potholes, Bajaj has taken care of the issue by increasing the load bearing capacity of the rear springs. Even with a pillion on board, the Avenger 150 Street does a good job of offering a plush ride and insulating you from the undulations.

The Suzuki Gixxer SF might offer a good mix of comfort and sportiness, but its bias towards the latter makes it lose out to the Avenger 150 Street. The Gixxer SF’s rear monoshock does come with seven-step preload adjustability, though it is unlikely that tinkering with these settings will make a huge difference.

Handling & Braking

Suzuki Gixxer SF: 7/10

Bajaj Avenger 150 Street: 6/10

Its compact dimensions, a steep rake and the wide handlebar, make the Gixxer SF quite an agile motorcycle. The taut front suspension helps it hold the lines irrespective of the minor bumps you might encounter mid-corner, while the wide MRF rear radial also aids the Gixxer SF’s eagerness to be flicked into a corner. The Gixxer SF is no doubt the benchmark in this segment. However, given its supersports character, we wish Suzuki had offered clip-on handlebars and slightly rearset footpegs. Also, braking is a department which could do with some improvement.

As for the Bajaj Avenger 150 Street, the same aspects which aid its ride quality make it lose out in the handling department. The soft suspension and the raked front end hamper its agility. The front brake is progressive, though it tends to lock up very easily.

Fuel Efficiency

Suzuki Gixxer SF: 7/10

Bajaj Avenger 150 Street: 6.5/10

The Suzuki Eco Performance technology in Gixxer SF and a gentle wrist helped us extract an exceptional 54.1kmpl in city conditions. The Avenger 150 Street isn’t far off behind, as it returned an equally impressive 49.8kmpl under identical conditions.

Price & Warranty

Suzuki Gixxer SF: 6/10

Bajaj Avenger 150 Street: 8/10

The Gixxer SF is almost Rs 10,000 more expensive than the regular Gixxer, which makes it quite an expensive proposition. For the extra money, all you get is a sportier looking bike with additional plastic bodywork, because all the other components and even the riding ergonomics are identical. The Bajaj Avenger 150 Street on the other hand, with its competitive price tag of Rs 74,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi) gives you a fantastic value for money.

Desirability

Suzuki Gixxer SF: 7.5/10

Bajaj Avenger 150 Street: 6.5/10

The dark and sporty looks inspired by the Harley-Davidson Street 750 have given the Bajaj Avenger 150 Street a new lease of life. However, the Indian market’s affinity towards faired motorcycles pushes the Suzuki Gixxer SF ahead in terms of desirability. The fairing might not improve the Gixxer SF’s usability, but it notably boosts its appeal.

Verdict

Bajaj Avenger 150 Street: 2nd

Final Score: 66/100

While they might have different body styles, both the Bajaj Avenger 150 Street and the Suzuki Gixxer SF attract a similar set of buyers and essentially serve the same purpose. Bajaj has always been good at capitalising on the automotive segments that are in vogue, and Avenger 150 Street is one of the best examples of its adaptability.

Suzuki Gixxer SF: 1st

Final Score: 72.5/100

However, despite the advancements in the powertrain department, the Avenger still has a long way to go, especially when it has to lock horns with the likes of the Suzuki Gixxer SF. Suzuki might not have made a big impact in its first few years in the Indian market, but the Gixxer SF and the Gixxer have ushered the company straight into the big league. The Gixxer SF performs exceptionally in most departments, giving it a comfortable lead over the Avenger 150 Street. It is the ideal ride if you fancy a sporty-looking motorcycle which has the grunt to match its looks.

Photography: Kapil Angane

Final Scores

Specifications