Suzuki has recently ventured into the quarter-litre segment with the Gixxer SF 250 in India. Sporting a full-fairing, the motorcycle looks track-ready while also offering decently comfortable ergonomics to justify its sports tourer tag. Priced at Rs 1.70 lakhs, the Gixxer SF 250 sure is an appealing product but we look at alternatives which you can consider around this price range.
Considering the touring character of the Gixxer SF 250, the Bajaj Dominar 400 emerges as its closest rival given that it is also a new-age touring machine. However, it features a naked street bike styling with muscular body panels. With a price tag of Rs 1.74 lakhs, the Dominar is just slightly more expensive than the Gixxer but it is also powered by a more powerful 373.3cc, liquid-cooled motor which churns out 39.4bhp and 35Nm. Moreover, the six-speed gearbox in the Dominar 400 is assisted by a slipper clutch. For a more detailed comparison of both the bikes, head here.
Moving on to the modern-classic motorcycles in this segment, Royal Enfield is pretty dominant as it stands with three offerings including the Royal Enfield Bullet Trials 350, Thunderbird 350X and the Classic 350 Signals. The motorcycles are similarly priced at Rs 1.62 lakhs, Rs 1.63 lakhs and Rs 1.63 lakhs, respectively. Among the three, the Thunderbird 350X has a character which is quite similar to the Gixxer SF 250. The combination of a flat handlebar and forward-set footpegs offer ergonomics which make it suitable for city as well as highway riding. Powering the motorcycle is the same 346cc, air-cooled motor which does duty on the Classic 350 and the Bullet Trials 350 as well. This powerplant makes 19.8bhp and 28Nm and comes mated to a five-speed gearbox.
The modern-retro aficionados can also consider the Jawa Standard which has an old-school styling with several chrome-finished components. Powering the Jawa is a 293cc, liquid-cooled motor which produces 27bhp and 28Nm. This unit comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. The Jawa Standard is available in two variants; one with single-channel ABS and another with dual-channel ABS priced at Rs 1.64 lakhs and Rs 1.73 lakhs, respectively.
Lastly, for those planning to go adventure touring, the Royal Enfield Himalayan should be your go-to choice. Equipped with long-travel suspension, dual-purpose tyres, easy-to-reach handlebar and a tall windscreen, the Himalayan is a capable ADV. On top of that, the bike is powered by a 411cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected motor which produces 24.5bhp and 32Nm. Priced at Rs 1.80 lakhs, the Himalayan is one of the most affordable adventure tourers in India.
(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)
