When the new Gixxer 250 was announced in India back in May 2019, I became restless as I counted down the days before its arrival in Nepal. I knew the capability of the smaller Gixxer 155 and I knew the bigger bike will be better in all aspects. I had been riding the popular Gixxer 155 since 2015 as a daily commuter to college and work, and completed over 26,000 km without any issue. When I got the chance to test the new Gixxer 250, I suited up and hit the streets of Kathmandu.

Is the new Gixxer 250 everything that I expected? Let’s find out.

DESIGN AND FEATURES

Inspired from its elder sibling, GSX S1000, the new 2019 Suzuki Gixxer 250 has a bold, sporty look. It is one of the best looking quarter-litre naked sports bikes in the Nepali market. The new Gixxer 250 looks striking at first glance with the sculpted fuel tank and unique looking LED headlamps.

The bike also comes with the Gixxer’s ever-popular dual muffler exhaust. The new Gixxer also gets new split seats and LED taillight, adding sportiness to the bike. The matte silver paint job with a black tank finish along with a bronze coloured mid-section looks great. The front end of the bike has been revised compared to the fully-faired Gixxer SF 250, though the entire tail section the same.

The 17-inch brushed alloy wheels go well with the muscular stance of the bike. The quality of the fit and finish of the bike is good and the materials used also feel premium.

Talking about the features, the Gixxer 250 comes equipped with a new all digital instrument cluster which is easy to read even under direct sunlight. The console shows the gear position indicator, fuel gauge, clock, speed, rpm and even an oil change interval reminder. It is also packed with features like low battery indicator, fuel warning indicators, one-touch start and an ABS indicator but the bike misses out a side stand indicator, hazard lights and Bluetooth connectivity.

ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE

The new 249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine on the Gixxer 250 churns out 26.5hp at 9,000rpm and 22.6Nm of torque at 7,500rpm. The new engine delivers a very linear power output. Suzuki claims that the all-new motor is designed to maximise output and improve engine durability. The 249cc engine feels very peppy and doesn’t lack in terms of power delivery. You don’t have to shift gears frequently as you can cruise at low speed even in a higher gear. The best thing about the new engine is the punchy mid-range which makes city commutes easy and fun. The maximum power is delivered after 4000-5000 rpm up to the redline. Suzuki has made the new engine very capable and is as smooth as butter. The oil cooling system also works well on the new Gixxer. You won’t feel any heat radiating from the engine even after a long ride. Once you are in the saddle, pull in the clutch and press the ignition. The engine springs to life instantly even in freezing morning conditions, thanks to its capable fuel injected system. While the six-speed gearbox doesn’t struggle with shifts, the gear-box could be smoother.

COMFORT AND HANDLING

Gixxer 250 has a fairly upright seating position and the footpegs are set slightly rear set, making the bike feel sportier with a very comfortable riding posture. You can easily go for a long ride without any wrist or back pain. While the seat of the Gixxer 250 is soft, the suspension is on the stiffer side.

Getting on the rear as a pillion can be a climb and the seat may feel small. Being a naked sports bike, it is very suitable for city commuting and the occasional highway ride as well. You will feel very confident riding through busy traffic or entering a corner at speed. The bike feels light and is very easy to handle, thanks to its single handlebar and its naked body.

You won’t feel much vibrations even at high speed so it feels relaxing while cruising fast. The bike feels confident going fast and you can ride knowing that stopping safely won’t be an issue thanks to its capable braking system. The Gixxer 250 comes with dual-channel ABS and disc brakes on the front and rear.

The brakes have a sharp bite and you do not have to worry about locking the wheels when you pull the brake lever hard.

VERDICT

The new Gixxer 250 is a very capable and fun bike. As an owner of the original Gixxer 155, the new Gixxer 250 is an outstanding bike with extra features and power. Though Suzuki entered the quarter litre segment late, they have produced a great bike that in all likelihood, be well-liked by many riders and enthusiasts. The new Gixxer 250 is a versatile bike, perfect for city commuting and occasional highway rides. It surpassed all my expectations and with a sticker price of Rs 461,000, I might upgrade to the newer Gixxer 250.

Contact: VG Suzuki 4233281