Re: Gixxer sf or Pulsar RS 200?

Query Approved

You really shouldn't make up your mind before test riding the Gixxer. See if you can phone a friend who will allow you to ride the bike!

Re: Gixxer sf or Pulsar RS 200?

Definitely Gixxer, none of bajaj bikes are as good as this suzuki masterpiece!

Speaking from experience. I have drove all of bajaj motorcycles, while RS ones are better than all other bajaj bikes, it's still no match for superb bikes like gixxer, cbr 150, R15 etc.
My cousin had bought the gixxer SF last year. We keep exchanging our bikes for fun. I have driven his gixxer at least for 3000 kms within this time period.

My reasons why gixxer is the best in 150/160 cc category:

1. Looks: It looks well designed, even better than yamaha FZ 2.0! I haven't seen a gixxer SF which looks bad on road, whatever be the color combination. People will ignore R15 and cbr 150/250 once BUT most of them do notice the gixxer, since it's an eye catcher.

2. Butter smooth engine: The engine doesn't feel stressed in all conditions (assuming 1-2 average weight persons riding). The engine is rev-friendly and sounds AWESOME at high revs. Low end torque is also considerably good.

3. Handling and braking: I was surprised at how good it handles. It's handling is best amongst all Non-racing bikes in this category, i.e. other than R15, cbr's and dukes. Even though the handlebar is street styled, it feels nimble and turn friendly. I am an avid user of COUNTER STEERING technique in cornering. While all hero's, bajaj, fz feel sluggish and ressist counter steering, gixxer feels more at home while leaned it. The tyres are also grippy, which add to further confidence in turning and braking. The bybre brakes have excellent bite and feedback. It's not as spongy as others in this category. Even though the rear is drum brake, it feels almost as efficient as a disk brake, minus the sudden locking!

In comparision, RS 200 is too front heavy, like there's a hippo sitting on the handle bar! It's really tiring and irritating. It feels like a powerful version of the old pulsar 180, all other aspects are almost the same.

4. Seat and comfort: The single seat is too good for both rider and pillion comfort. I hate split seats, though they look cool but are highly impractical. First of all, single seat has got maximum padding/sponge in the middle of the seat, that's where the rider puts the most weight. That's not the case with split seats. And god-forbid if a lady needs to sit as a pillion, split seat makes it awkward and highly uncomfortable for ladies. Single seats are great from this point of view.
Suspension is on a softer side, but not too spongy. It is optimally dampened for everyday needs. It doesn't feel rock hard like those race-oriented R15, cbr's and dukes.

Conclusion: You don't even have to test ride a gixxer, trust my words and just book it! There is no merit in booking a Bajaj just for the sake of availability.


NOTE: I own a karizma ZMR (best in comfort for tall guys like me) and I am not biased towards any brand. My suggestions are based on merits and demerits only.

Re: Gixxer sf or Pulsar RS 200?

I suggest you to take a test ride of both bikes. Choose the one you liked more.
PS: Suzuki's service network is very poor and eventhough bajaj has service centres in every nook and corner spares wont be an issue but the quality of work in most of the service centres are bad.

Re: Gixxer sf or Pulsar RS 200?

If you have the budget, go for Pulsar RS200, it has bigger engine(more power 24 bhp), liquid cooled engine, fuel injection system, ABS, proper clip on handle, projector headlamps, LED DRLs, wide and vast Bajaj service network.

Gixxer has less power, air cooled, carbureted, no ABS, no clip on handle bars, no projector headlamps, no LED DRLs, and very less service centers and spare parts are very hard to find.

Take test rides of both the bikes and choose the one that suits you the best.

Re: Gixxer sf or Pulsar RS 200?

Bro, please take both bikes for test ride.
Suzuki after sale service is very poor and spare parts of Suzuki is kinda costly.
My suggestion would be Rs 200.

Re: Gixxer sf or Pulsar RS 200?

Go for rs 200 it's far better than others u mentioned..

Re: Gixxer sf or Pulsar RS 200?

Pointers in favour of Gixxer SF:
Smooth engine
better mileage
light weight --> Better maneuverability in traffic.
Pillion comfort
more reliable
Cheaper

Pointers in favor of RS200:
Better power, torque --> more fun
braking in general and ABS in particular
Better availability of spares
Cheaper spares/maintenance
Better technology (FI, Oil cooled, projector lamps)
IMO, better value for money

Since you have already owned RS200 in past, I think Gixxer will feel very underpowered to you. If I were in your position, I would chose RS200 (in fact, I already do! ). Main reasons are power and ABS.