Suzuki gixxer. Review on Suzuki Gixxer

I had been looking for a bike in the 150 cc naked-bike segment since August 2014. I was planning to upgrade from Caliber 115(popularly known as "Hoodibaba"). Till August 2014 the crown of the 150 cc segment was worn by Yamaha FZ/FZ-S. But now that crown belongs to the Gixxer. After observing its performance and reviews by experts and then its sales trend from September to December, I finally decided to buy this piece of beauty!

I am happy with the way my Robin(that's the name I have given to my blue Gixxer) performs on streets and even off-roads. I got it from Tanishq Suzuki, Behala, Kolkata for Rs. 86996/-(on-road) on 15th December 2014. My feedback in a nutshell:

PRO's

1. Best in class performance: She builds up speed very easily and deceptively. Within no time, I am cruising at 85-95 kmph with no vibrations at all. It's only beyond 95 kmph that I feel some vibrations in the foot pegs. My top speed is 112 kmph.

   
   




2. The instrument cluster is the best in class. Besides the usual meters and tell-tale lights, I really appreciate Suzuki for providing gear indicator, shift indicator and a handy clock

   
   




3. My Robin looks beautiful with her sculpted tanks, slim tail and the superbike-like dual exhaust pipe.

   
   




4. She's got a great pair of tires. The front MRF Zapper 100/80-17 is good, but it's the rear MRF RevZ-M 140/60-17 that demands special attention. Paired with a stiff suspension, they give me the confidence to lean the bike around corners without the fear of either slipping or bouncing(like in pulsars). I cannot comment on the longevity of the tires as I have only clocked 1500 km so far. Any estimated longevity from the service center's end will be appreciated.

   
   




5. The riding position is awesome. She has enough space for the rider to move around, to sit upright and ride like a commuter and even to scoop back and duck and ride like a racer.

   
   

CON's:

1. Brakes: The front brake is absolutely fine, good feedback, but rear drum brakes is a downer. When Suzuki went on to snatch the crown from the FZ-S they should've done everything better than the latter. REAR DISC BRAKES ARE A NECESSITY for this peppy performer. AT LEAST INTRODUCE A REAR-DISC VARIANT OF GIXXER IF NOT PROVIDING IT AS STANDARD.

   
   




2. Illumination: Even if an experienced biker manages without rear disc brakes and rides fast, he can only do it at daytime. The illumination is just not up to the high expectations this bike has set for itself. I am surely getting a projector headlamp in future.

   
   




3. The exhaust pipe chrome metal cover is loosely fitted. Even a slight push from the hand dislocates it and spoils the looks. It's fitted with nuts and bolts but only on one side. That's a disappointment.

   
   




4. PLEASE GET ME 6TH GEAR! Enough said. Suzuki totally know they should have given 6th gear.

   
   

Overall verdict Good value for money. A game-changer in its class.