Suzuki have launched their 155cc muscle bike, the Gixxer!

The new Gixxer, whose name is derived (obviously) from its bigger siblings, the GSX-R600, R750 and R1000, who are popularly referred to as ‘Gixxers’. (That’s akin to Kawasaki naming one of their bikes the ‘Kwacker’.) However, that’s not a bad thing at all. The Gixxer resembles a scaled down GSR750 (which makes it a GSR150, we think). The bike is rather compact, but appears extremely well put-together, with chiselled exterior details, like that gorgeous tank, and proportions to take on the best of the competition.

At the heart is a 155cc SOHC two-valve motor, carburetted to produce 14.8 PS at 8,000 RPM and 14 Nm of twist at 6,000 RPM. Unlike the GS150R, it makes do with a five-speed gearbox. The good news for those who prioritise styling is that to go with the sculpted exterior, Suzuki have opted for fat front forks and a monoshock rear, grippy MRF Revz tyres: 100-sec up front and 140-sec at the rear and gorgeous 17” 3×2 spoke alloy wheels, not unlike its bigger siblings. Obvious competition in the crosshairs? You know what we’re on about…

We had a sample of the bike in the hills and it is truly a great overall package. It is comfortable, nicely finished, has good suspension and brakes and handles very well indeed. It pulls cleanly and lets you enjoy the ride on account of its sweet packaging. The digital console, with the fill-up rev counter doles out the info you need on the move in an easy-to-read manner.

The asking price is a rather reasonable Rs 81,900 (on the road, Pune).

Story: Jim Gorde