Suzuki has updated the Gixxer for 2019 in India by giving the motorcycle a fresh styling, new features and a fuel-injected powerplant. Considering the naked styling and engine displacement of the Gixxer, it faces competition from the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the Yamaha FZ V3 in India. Now, let’s check out which among the three emerges as a better premium commuter in this on-paper comparison.
Design and Features:
Suzuki has redesigned the Gixxer 155, giving it a more modern styling. The most prominent change comes in the form of a new headlamp setup which is now an LED unit. The muscular fuel tank is accompanied by sharp extensions while the split seat and svelte tail section is similar to the new Gixxer SF 155. Besides the new-age styling, the naked bike features a redesigned instrument cluster which is now slimmer and gets white backlight, as opposed to the orange backlit unit on its predecessor.
Similar to the Gixxer, Yamaha’s FZ series – the FZ V3 and FZ S V3, had also received a major design overhaul in January this year. The motorcycles now boast of split headlamp comprising of LED light and DRLs. The fuel tank now looks bulbous due to a broad shoulder line while the sleek tail completes the design of the motorcycle. The FZ V3 also sports a white backlit LCD display. Coming to the Apache RTR 160 4V, this too features a fully-digital display but the headlamp unit houses a conventional bulb along with eyebrow-like LED DRLs on top. While the overall design of the motorcycle is similar to its elder sibling, the Apache RTR 200 4V, the presence of a single-piece seat and a straight handlebar make the ergonomics more commuter-friendly.
Engine:
Starting with the newest entrant, the Suzuki Gixxer continues to be powered by a 155cc, air-cooled motor. However, unlike the carbureted engine in its predecessor, the new model sports fuel-injection and churns out 14.6bhp and 14Nm. Now, the Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a 159.7cc, oil-cooled motor which is available in carbureted and fuel-injected versions both. Notably, this motor features four valves per cylinder, as against two valves in the Gixxer and FZ. Producing 16.1bhp and 14.8Nm, the Apache runs the most powerful engine of the lot. As for the Yamaha FZ V3, its 149cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected mill generates 13bhp and 12.8Nm. Transmission duties in all three bikes is handled by a five-speed gearbox.
Cycle Parts:
Starting with the suspension setup, all three motorcycles come equipped with telescopic forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. While braking hardware also remains common, comprising of a single disc at both ends, only the Apache features petal discs which aid in better heat dissipation and weigh lesser than conventional discs. TVS also offers the Apache with an option of drum brake at the rear. The braking setup on all bikes is assisted by a single-channel ABS. Talking about the kerb weight, the Yamaha FZ V3 is the lightest of the lot weighing at 132kg while the Gixxer and the Apache weigh 140kg and 143kg, respectively. Furthermore, the fuel tank capacity remains common for the motorcycles at 12 litres.
Pricing:
Suzuki has priced the new Gixxer at Rs 100,212 which is a hike of around Rs 12,000 over the previous model. Although marginally, it is expensive than both the competitors. The Yamaha FZ V3 and FZ S V3 sport similar features as the Gixxer with LED headlamps, DRLs and white backlit LCD display. However, the engine of the FZ is least powerful among the three. Yamaha has priced the FZ V3 and the FZ S V3 at Rs 96,180 and Rs 98,180, respectively. Coming to the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, the motorcycle is offered in three iterations including carbureted with rear drum brake, carbureted with dual discs and fuel-injected with dual discs. These models are priced at Rs 90,101, Rs 93,101 and Rs 99,101, respectively. While the Apache misses out on LED headlamp, it sports a powerful four-valve engine which makes it an enticing product.
