2019 Suzuki Gixxer vs 2018 Suzuki Gixxer [Spec Comparo]

Suzuki India is on a roll. First, they brought in a power-packed fully-faired duo in the form of the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 and the Suzuki Gixxer SF. Now, they have updated their naked 155 cc challenger - the Suzuki Gixxer. The Suzuki Gixxer has been one of the most value for money motorcycle in the 150-160 cc motorcycle market. However, after a price hike of nearly 12,000 greenies, it has become one of the most premium products in its segment. Let’s find out what you get for the extra cash you are shelling out now.

Design: Japanese bike gets a Euro-centric beauty treatment

While designs are a bit subjective, in our opinion, this is where the 2019 Suzuki Gixxer has scored a home run. From an edgy mass-market focused, graphics-heavy look, the new Gixxer has a more sombre attitude. The all-new LED headlamp unit has a trapezoidal approach. While the form adds a classic touch, the change is more functional as the new LED setup in addition to putting the 2019 Suzuki Gixxer at par with the competition, will allow riders to see more during night riding.

The small visor guarding the instrument console has parted ways with the Gixxer. The fuel tank in the 2019 Gixxer retains the design philosophy of the outgoing version but looks sportier. The Suzuki badging has been moved a bit backwards. The tank extension has been made bigger and gets a small Gixxer badging. Going with the overall sporty theme, the unibody seat from the 2018 Gixxer has made way for split seats in the 2019 Suzuki Gixxer.

However, the engine crankcase cover and fins for air-cooling remain largely unchanged. Suzuki engineers have removed the fuel knob on the left side of the bike as it offers it with only with fuel injection now. The tail section has been redone and has a fresh look, right from the new LED taillamp unit to the new rear tyre hugger. The instrumentation console is different and uses the unit from the 2019 Suzuki Gixxer SF.

Colours and dimensions: Makeover time

Colour options are limited to only three. However, they look much flashier in the flesh, and this adds to the glamour of the 2019 Suzuki Gixxer. Thanks to the new styling, the new 2019 Suzuki Gixxer is 30 mm smaller in length and 15 mm wider. Also, the overall height and wheelbase have been increased by 5 mm. The latter will increase straight-line stability. However, the seat height has been increased by 15 mm (to 795 mm).

Besides that, the exhaust canister gets a new X-shaped chrome tip which adds to the sporty aura of the bike. Alloy wheels have remained unchanged, while the brake callipers are now painted black.

Also Read: 5 most affordable fully faired motorcycles on sale in India

Cycle Parts: A game of blink and you miss

Okay, now this is where the fun part starts. The 2019 Suzuki Gixxer is suspended over 41 mm conventional telescopic fork up front. There is, however, been no confirmation whether it has been re-tuned like in case of the 2019 Gixxer SF. More on that when we ride the bike. The rear is also the same 7-step adjustable (preload only) monoshock.

Giving safety a priority, the 2019 Suzuki Gixxer is retailed only with a rear disc brake. With careful use, a rear disc brake can help in reducing the braking distance during regular riding conditions. A tip for beginner riders – practice and find the sweet spot in amount of pressure needed to brake appropriately without the rear wheel locking up. Also, use a combination of front and rear brakes with more emphasis on the front lever. ABS continues to be a single channel unit, available only in the front wheel. The swingarm is the same box-type unit.

As for the tyres, like in the old model, there's a 100/80-17 tubeless unit in the front and a 140/60-17 radial tubeless in the rear. Besides that, all the changes have increased the kerb weight of the 2019 Suzuki Gixxer by 4 kg to 140 kg. Much of this can be attributed to the fuel injection system and a new, larger tank extension.

Engine: The best part of Suzuki Gixxer

Suzuki Gixxer has been known for its butter smooth engine. Even its 5-speed gearbox has been praised by many. However, we do remember hitting false neutrals once after a long 6-hour ride on a 2016 model. The powerplant is the same 155 cc, SOHC, air-cooled unit. The fuel-air mixture is now fed inside the combustion chamber by a fuel injection system instead of a carburettor. The engine, however, continues to be a BS-IV compliant unit.

Suzuki engineers have already commenced work towards making this engine BS-VI compliant, hence the shift to fuel injection. The power output has fallen a wee bit to 14.1 PS from 14.8 PS, but that is not a drop which will be felt in real-world conditions. A similar drop was seen in the Suzuki Gixxer SF with the facelift recently. However, the peak torque remains unchanged at 14 Nm.

The 2019 Suzuki Gixxer also does away with a kick starter and utilises only an electric unit.

Also Read: 2019 Suzuki Gixxer SF vs 2015 Suzuki Gixxer SF

Price: Love it or hate it

Well, here comes the hard part. Do these changes justify the near 12,000 bucks price hike? Some may prefer the looks of the old Gixxer. It had a sense of raw appeal. However, behind all the new looks the 2019 Suzuki Gixxer gets several significant mechanical upgrades. Fuel injection puts it at par with competition like the Yamaha FZ FI and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V.

Also Read: 5 Suzuki motorcycles we wish to see in India: From GSX-R125 to SV650

Also, the bike is available in only one trim level, with a rear disc brake as standard. That might have reduced options for customers but is a significant step towards road safety. So, it all boils down to one question. Should you buy the 2019 Suzuki Gixxer at INR 1,00,212 (ex-showroom, Delhi)? Yes, it's an big thumbs up from us.

2019 Suzuki Gixxer 155 vs. 2018 Suzuki Gixxer 155 - Specifications