The Indian two-wheeler market is heating up these days especially the 200cc+ category, which has had latest additions like the Honda CB 300R, the Yamaha Fazer 25 and the recently launched Suzuki SF 250.
The Suzuki two-wheeler looks like hot property, but it has the Yamaha Fazer snapping at its heels which leaves us with an important question: Which of the two should you go for?
How about we help you figure this out? So, here’s a quick comparison between the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 and the Yamaha Fazer 25.
Design
The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250’s design is a breath of fresh air and it looks like a well-proportioned piece of machinery. It’s sporty and definitely a head turner. Something you’d definitely want in your motorcycle.
Though Suzuki has used a lot of plastic to make the bike lightweight and agile, the subtle embellishments and sharp graphics make it look butch.
The Yamaha Fazer is a tried and tested design and works well with the Indian audience. The bike doesn’t go overboard with the design and manages to pull off a good look with the subtle insertions of graphics.
Though both look good on the road I’d be slightly inclined towards the Suzuki purely because of its sporty riding stance and overall design philosophy.
I would have preferred more colours with the Gixxer SF 250, but sadly Silver and Black are the only options available. Yamaha on the other hand have played a lot with colours and give more options with the Fazer 25.
Performance & Handling
We rode the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 at the Buddh International Circuit and on the track it handles very well. As a rider I was able to transfer my weight easily from one side to the other while making turns and the bike has enough power to give it a good start off the line.
The fuel injection system makes the bike punchy and the air-cooled engine keeps the engine heat to a minimum. The clip on handlebars not only give it an aggressive sporty look but also help negate sharp turns better. The foot pegs could have been better placed I felt.
Suspension is still a mystery as we still have to ride it on the streets, but overall performance and handling of the SF 250 is good.
The Fazer 25 delivers lesser power than the Gixxer 250 not to mention it only comes with an air-cooled engine. Due to a higher riding stance, long distance commutes are going to be relatively easier.
The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 and Yamaha Fazer 25 deliver claimed fuel economy of 30 kmpl and 32.9 kmpl which isn’t a big difference.
If you’re looking for power with the looks to compliment, the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is the perfect bet for you. However, if you’re willing to compromise power for comfort, the Yamaha Fazer 2 serves the purpose.
Features
The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is loaded with specifications like all-LED lighting, dual channel ABS and a digital instrument cluster.
The LCD instrument offers good readability of the speed, tachometer, gear position indicator and even a clock. Overall, a good package.
The Fazer 25 too has most of the specifications covered but nothing out-of-the-ordinary which makes the whole offering kind of underwhelming.
Which One to Buy?
While the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is fresh out of the oven we really can’t say how the bike will perform on the streets. On the track it’s a stellar performer, but can’t really say that it would be the same on the street so hold on for the full reviews and then only make the final buying decision.
It’s got the looks, it’s got the features, but a price tag of Rs 1.70 lakh (ex-showroom) might make people swing away especially when you have options like the Bajaj Dominar 400 around the same price range.
The Fazer 25 is a veteran in the Indian market. It is a tried and tested machine by Yamaha. Yes, it does miss out on engine power and yet it is no bunny when it comes to conquering corners. At Rs 1.44 lakh (ex-showroom), the Fazer 25 is a good option to consider if you’re not looking to chip in the extra buck. It’s the ideal 250 cc motorcycle at the right price point.
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