Welcome to the ownership review of my Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 or as I like to call it, the Suzuki GSX R250. From being absolutely nowhere on my radar, Suzuki’s faired 250 cc offering caught my fancy, with just one uneventful test ride. Thankfully, its extremely capable, if unexciting sibling, the VSTROM SX did a lot of the heavy lifting, beforehand. After a few frustrating weeks of dealing with Suzuki’s incompetent dealers, I gave up on them and almost booked a TVS Apache RR 310 BTO, instead. Luckily, I stumbled upon an excellent dealer (Aluva Suzuki) that got me the Gixxer SF 250 in this gorgeous 100th Year Anniversary Edition paint scheme, while also offering me a substantial price discount. That's right, in 2022, a year in which the automotive industry has gone off its rockers on the subject of vehicle pricing, Suzuki dealers are / were offering discounts on this motorcycle.
1 month and 2,500 kilometers later, I am extremely happy with this highly underrated, quarter litre sports tourer from Suzuki.
Thumbs Up
- Your better half will not approve of the lingering glances that come your way.
- While your neighbours assume that you are street racing with squids on KTM motorcycles, the comically comfortable ergonomics allow you to easily commute and tour.
- The high revving engine has a linear power delivery that is as exciting as stamp collecting.
- The headlight is so bright that it has the potential to be an IAS topper.
- The mileage leaves you with money to buy IOCL and BP shares, rather than emptying your wallet at their petrol pumps.
- Affordable service costs make you wonder if Suzuki is secretly running a charity service.
- Suzuki’s gross negligence in the marketing department, guarantees you exclusivity.
Thumbs In The Middle
+/- The 9/10 size of the motorcycle makes it look as though you have grown taller and gained weight.
+/- That front brake is spongier than a chocolate cake from your favourite artisan bakery.
+/- The rear tire takes the touring in the term ‘sports-touring’ a little too seriously.
Thumbs Down
- Suzuki’s engineering team misplaced the actual large windscreen, minutes before signing off on the final product.
- Strong crosswinds will make you cancel your plans of intermittent fasting.
- Short service intervals of 6 months and / or 5,000 kms will keep you on a first name basis with everyone at the SVC.
- Other owners complain about spare parts availability. No laughing matter, this.
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