Suzuki launched the Gixxer SF 250 in India recently. In terms of its character, it competes against the Yamaha Fazer 25 and Honda CBR 250R but in terms of price, it has an unusual rival; the 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400.
How does the Gixxer SF 250 fare against a motorcycle with a promise of being touring friendly, similar to itself? We find out and help you decide which one to buy.
Styling and character
As far as character goes, the Dominar 400 and Gixxer SF 250 are touring-focused motorcycles as they offer mildly rear set foot pegs, a slightly upright riding position and wide seats. However, they convey this purpose in different body styles. While the Dominar 400 has street bike styling, the Gixxer SF 250 sports a full-fairing with sharp lines and creases.
Features
The norm of the modern world when it comes to basic features includes LED-lighting. And both motorcycles sport an LED headlamp and tail lamp. Furthermore, the Dominar 400 also offers LED turn indicators.
The instrument cluster on the Suzuki is an inverted colour display which shows a neatly designed tachometer along with speedometer, two trip meters, a gear position indicator, fuel gauge, odometer and clock.
On the other hand, the 2019 Dominar 400 gets two displays. The primary display shows current fuel economy, average fuel consumption, a distance to service indicator along with basic information like speed, odometer and tachometer. Meanwhile, the tank-mounted unit shows time, trip info and gear position indicator. To further make the Dominar 400 touring capable, Bajaj also offers bungee cord hooks under the pillion seat.
Performance
The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is powered by a 249cc, single-cylinder engine that is fuel-injected and oil-cooled. This motor churns out 26.1bhp and 22.6Nm and comes mated to a six-speed gearbox.
Comparatively, the Bajaj Dominar 400 has a much bigger and better spec engine. It uses a 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled and fuel-injected motor. This unit produces 39.4bhp of power and 35Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch.
Cycle Parts
Here too, the Dominar has an upper hand as it features better braking and suspension hardware. The motorcycle uses inverted forks upfront and an adjustable monoshock at the rear. Meanwhile, the Gixxer SF 250 rides on telescopic forks along with a monoshock at the rear. Dropping anchors on both motorcycles are disc brakes at both ends with a dual-channel ABS.
The Gixxer SF 250 and Dominar 400 share the same tyre and wheel sizes. They both ride on 17-inch wheels shod with a 110/70 section front tyre and a 150/60 rear tyre sourced from MRF. The fuel tank capacity of a touring motorcycle is an important aspect and the Dominar offers a slightly bigger 13-litre tank while the Gixxer gets a 12-litre unit. We have tested the Dominar 400 for fuel efficiency and it returned an average of 31.7kmpl. For the Gixxer SF 250, Suzuki is claiming 38.1kmpl although we expect the real world figures to be lesser.
Price
Now let’s get to the most important part; price. Suzuki has pegged the Gixxer SF 250 at Rs 1,70,655 while the 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 costs Rs 1,74, 125 (both prices are ex-showroom, Delhi). Apart from the different body style, for the extra Rs 3,500 you get higher-spec brakes and suspension, the feel of riding a big motorcycle and obviously, a much more powerful engine.
Both motorcycles are different and also cater to different audiences but can serve a similar purpose. So if you want a fully-faired motorcycle with a sporty stance, there is the Gixxer SF 250. But if you would want to opt for a motorcycle that offers cruiser-like riding ergonomics in a naked body style, you have the 2019 Dominar 400.
