Close Quarters!

An all-new Suzuki and a day on India's best racetrack. What do you think we did, then?

- Varad More

The winding left-right chicane on the Buddh International Circuit is a healthy mix of snappy directional changes, mid-corner braking, and going hard on the gas on the exit to make up speed for the uphill section ahead. On bigger machines, it entails one to be super-focused and committed to make good out-of-corner drive. But on smaller-capacity machines, the onus lies largely on how much corner speed one can carry which depends on a pliant chassis, able suspension and good traction. And that is where the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 really managed to charm a whole lot of riders present at the launch at BIC. From the first look at the bike, it was evident that Suzuki wanted a share in the growing quarter-litre class and wanted to re-enter the 250cc segment, where it took a hit last time with the rather quirky-looking and overpriced Inazuma.

And so comes in the approachable-looking Gixxer SF 250. In the flesh and up close, the 250 Gixxer feels a bit smaller and with the rather simplistic silver paint scheme it looks quite timid for a quarter-litre machine. Maybe bringing in Suzuki’s MotoGP-inspired blue livery will up the styling game on it, which Suzuki India tells us they will be doing pretty soon. The fully digital LCD display is clean and legible, showcasing critical information like tachometer, speedometer, fuel status, clock and gear-position indicator.

Once you are in the saddle, the frame and overall proportions feel small and unimposing for a 250. I would have liked it to look a little more beefed up and robust for a bike in this segment and also help distinguish it from its younger sibling – the Gixxer SF150. But then I had to eat my own words once we were out on the track, tackling corners. The slimmer frame and kerb weight of 161 kg instantly showed their worth on the circuit. The Gixxer gradually built up speed and confidence as we raced down the long sweeping bends of the track.