2019 Suzuki Gixxer SF: What To Expect?

A recently leaked brochure gives us a fair idea of what to expect from Suzuki’s upcoming faired 160cc bike

Just a few days ago, brochure scans of the 2019 Suzuki Gixxer SF leaked online. Going by the leaked pictures, the 2019 Gixxer SF seems to have received a complete design overhaul. What’s even more interesting is that it is likely to be launched along with the Gixxer SF 250! We analyse the different aspects of this upcoming motorcycle to give you a fair idea of what it could be all about:

A comprehensive design makeover:

The 2019 iteration of the Suzuki Gixxer SF comes with a new bodywork that’s similar to the one in the Gixxer SF 250. The front fascia and the fairing looks sharper and more aggressive than its predecessor. Even the high-set tail section appears to be stubbier. The single-piece handlebar has been replaced by clip-ons. This coupled with the new split seats should result in sportier ergonomics. Interestingly, this is in contrast to Yamaha’s approach, where the brand has gone for more commuter-friendly ergos in the new FZ-FI Version 3.0.

The dual-exit exhaust appears to be unchanged but the heat shield is longer than its predecessor. Suzuki has also incorporated a tyre hugger at the back, and we feel it takes out the sportiness factor a little bit. That said, the hugger will be very useful in minimising dirt and water splash during monsoons. Another aspect that has been carried over from its predecessor is the alloy wheel design, which isn’t a bad thing. 

Will get new features:

We expect the new Gixxer SF to be equipped with LED headlight and tail lamp. The indicators are the same bulb units as the one at present. The current-gen model comes with full LCD instrument cluster with gear position indicator and shift light, apart from the regular trove of information. We believe Suzuki might offer a negative backlit unit with the same set of details like its predecessor. This should give the bike a more modern feel.

The engine may be more powerful:

The 154.9cc single-cylinder air-cooled SOHC 2-valve engine already comes with fuel injection as an optional variant. We believe Suzuki will do away with the carb variant for the 2019 model and retain just the fuel injected version. So technically, it shouldn’t be too difficult for Suzuki to scale the engine to comply with BS6 emission norms in the future. Also, expect Suzuki to offer a slightly sportier state of tune, with a minor bump in power.

For reference, the current fuel-injected motor makes 14.8PS at 8000rpm and 14Nm at 6000rpm. Expect the upcoming bike to come with the same 5-speed transmission as the current model.

Possibly the same underpinnings too:

The new Suzuki Gixxer SF is most likely to retain the same 41mm telescopic fork and rear 7-step preload-adjustable monoshock as the current-gen bike. That said, the rear monoshock could be tweaked towards a more softer state of tune to enhance comfort. Even the front and rear discs will most probably be unchanged. Just like the Gixxer SF at present, the new bike is also likely to come with single-channel ABS, and this should help keep costs under control.

Will get a moderate price hike:

Considering all the aforementioned updates, we expect the upcoming Gixxer SF to command a premium of about Rs 5000 over the current bike’s pricing. At present, the FI variant of the Suzuki Gixxer SF retails at Rs 1,01,906, ex-showroom Delhi. When launched, it will go up against the Hero Xtreme 200S which costs Rs 98,500 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Images of the current-generation Gixxer SF used for representation only.

2019 Suzuki Gixxer SF image credit: DCV