The Gixxer SF is Suzuki’s most affordable fully-faired motorcycle in India that recently underwent a major overhaul. Compared to the outgoing model, the motorcycle carries a premium of Rs 8000 and is now priced at Rs 1.09 lakhs (ex-showroom, Mumbai). It has a completely fresh design that resembles the larger Gixxer SF 250 model. Besides that, the company has also equipped the motorcycle with new features like an LED headlamp, clip-on bars, split-seat and new colour shades. Now, for that kit, the Gixxer SF faces direct competition from two motorcycles in India (click here to know more). And if you were wondering about the other options that you could consider instead of the Gixxer SF, then read on to find out.
Lets begin with the options from the lower end. There are two bikes from TVS, the RTR 160 4V and its elder sibling, the RTR 200 4V. Priced at Rs 91,985 and Rs 1.12 lakhs (ABS models), respectively, these street bikes are popular for their striking design, peppy nature and agile handling properties. Based on the 200, the 160 features the same motor but with lesser displacement which is a 159cc single-pot oil-cooled mill with 4-valve technology registering 16.1bhp and 14.8Nm. The 200, on the other hand, has a displacement of 197.7cc and is capable of producing 20.7bhp and 18.1Nm. Transmission duties on both motorcycles is handled by a 5-speed gearbox.
Next, in the list, we have the recently launched Hero XPulse 200T priced at Rs 95,000. The motorcycle is a touring version of the off-road based XPulse 200. Powered by a 200cc single-cylinder motor it produces 18.1bhp and 17.1Nm and comes mated to a 5-speed box. The highlights of the motorcycle are long suspension travel, LED lights and a Bluetooth enabled instrument console for navigation assist and attending calls.
Further up the ladder and offering a displacement similar to the Gixxer SF is the Yamaha FZ S V 3.0 in the form of a street bike. Retailing at Rs 97,680, the FZ S V 3.0 is the latest version of the FZ series. It is highly popular as a sporty commuter due to attributes like centralised body mass, refined Fi system and beefy looks. In terms of powertrain, it continues to be powered by the same 149cc air-cooled mill registering 13bhp and 12.8Nm mated to a slick 5-speed gearbox.
Now if you want to consider cruisers around the same price point, there is one bike available in two versions from Bajaj, the Avenger Street 220 and the Cruise 220. Both motorcycles carry exactly the same price tag, that is, Rs 1.02 lakhs. While the former carries a street styling with blackout components, the latter is designed for highway use with chromed accents. Powering both bikes is a 220cc single-cylinder motor equipped with Bajaj’s DTS-i technology registering 19bhp and 17.5Nm. The motor comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
Mid-way through the list and on the premium side of the price bracket, we have the Yamaha YZF R15 S. What you get here is a fully-faired bike with clip-ons and a twin-headlamp that makes for a great handling package topped off with a sweet-revving motor. And for a comfortable ride, Yamaha has also retained the single-piece seat from the first-gen owing to customer demand. Coming to the sticker price, Yamaha retails the YZF R15 S at Rs 1.17 lakhs (non-ABS).
Bump up the budget a bit and you can even consider KTM’s smallest offering, the 125 Duke. Using the same setup as the 200 Duke, it offers premium components like a trellis frame, inverted forks, liquid-cooling, DOHC setup, aluminium swingarm and a better braking system. For motive force, the 125 Duke is powered by a 124.7cc unit that delivers 14.3bhp and 12Nm. Transmission duties are handled by a slick 6-speed gearbox.
Topping off the list on the other end of the price spectrum is the Bajaj RS 200. The motorcycle offers a mild touring stance that’s comfortable in spite of its fully-faired design. The main highlights of the bike include projector lamps, dual-tone colour schemes and aggressive styling. The RS 200 is powered by a 199cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder mill that registers 24.5bhp and 18.6Nm. The motor is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox. Price-wise, the Bajaj retails the RS 200 at Rs 1.38 lakhs.
(All models in the list are ABS versions except YZF R15 S. All prices are ex-showroom, Mumbai)
