Re: Suzuki Gixxer 155


Hello.

I will tell you why it is not always advisable to use full throttle on public roads.

It's always exciting and fun to keep the bike in it's power band and rev higher. The sound's great, the pull from the bike is also very thrilling. But consider a emergency scenario where you should stop the bike all of a sudden. Just consider the fact that large vehicles or other bikers are splitting lanes or some animal crosses the road and you spot it at a distance. Now you'd hit the brakes hard. Physically, it would slow down the bike or road speed. Perhaps even it could lock the wheels. But the engine still keeps running. It's definitely not going to stop the bike unless and until you shift down quickly. You can very well feel the rush in doing so. In such cases, it is always good to have the revs lowered. If you're coming down from the red line, you might need more time in actually slowing down the bike to a standstill. This is important to avoid any imbalance or collision. Remind yourself that at a given road speed, the revs are higher in a lower gear. So you need to actually concentrate on both engine and road speeds and retard both of them simultaneously for an effective stop. Please refer to engine braking on the web.

On the contrary, if you are riding at comparatively lower revs following the speed limits in the right gear and at a safe distance from other vehicles, then you'd have lots of control and time to not only physically reduce the bike's speed but also engine's speed. Engine speed is important in holding the traction at the tyres too. Let it revv high, you're going to slide or have a wheel spin. It's better to prevent than to cure. Because you do not know the intensity of the consequence that needs to be cured.

From the engine's point of view, it can manage full throttle inputs. But it might be strained later and result in poor fuel economy. Make sure, you do it safely without harming yourself and others and also do it gradually. Don't give sudden throttle inputs. While the brakes on this bike are good for city rides, they're not adequate for highway speeds, I personally feel. It would have been great if they gave us ABS as an option in all bikes.

Suzuki Gixxer 155

That was a good answer brother! Thanks for taking time to reply.

I certainly loved the rush of riding at full throttle. But I did make sure I was safe away from others, as it was a open highway. But If it affects the engine, then I'm worried. And yes, I too feel the brakes aren't the best. Good for city though.

What rpm do you generally ride at on long rides? I mean what speed do you maintain? And how much mileage do you manage to pull off?

Suzuki Gixxer 155 SFZ or Gixxer 155 SFZ FI with Rear Disk?

Hi fellow bikers,

I finalized Gixxer SFZ (blue) and paid the booking amount of Rs.1000 8 days ago.

But Today, March 25th, International Business Times quoted Suzuki's National Head Marketing, Mr.Suresh's statement that they'll be launching Gixxer (SFZ) in Fuel Injection (FI) variant including rear disk brake anywhere starting next financial year, that is 1st April, 2016. The engine/design/power, etc. will be same as the old gixxer SFZ/gixxer model. There is only slight difference made by adding aggressive looking sharp graphics to SFZ model than the current variant.

I knew reading old post from Feb,16 that Suzuki will be launching FI and rear disc brake variant models when they showcased it in Feb, Auto Expo. Just the launch dates weren't announced at that time.

I need your advice as should I go with the carburetor based variant with only front disk OR wait for FI and rear disk based on my following needs/usage of the bike and the following point to be considered:

1) I am not into stunts/racing and neither in throttling too much on highways
2) I stay on highway and ride to Pune city (10kms) and then in Pune traffic (5-6kms)
3) On highway I keep my speed in between 60-70 kmph, whereas in city its between 30-40kmph.
4) Twice a year I go for a bike trip on highway to Goa, Solapur, Nashik, etc. (approx. 500-600 kms)
5) What I read on few biking blogs/forums that FI technology is useful ONLY if you ride at fast speeds (80kmph +) / racing, etc. where this technology benefits towards more fuel efficiency. (Is that true: Please give your inputs If I read something wrong)
6) I don't require a rear disk brake as I feel drum are sufficient considering my usage/traveling/speed.
7) Dealer informed me that the new price will be at least 10K more as it will include both rear disk and FI. (Well, pricing is not an issue, but SFZ variant will come with rear disk as standard plus FI option).

For all those who need to know: I choose Gixxer for its mileage (company's claimed; 64, users claimed: 52-62), its sporty, hunk looks, as well as a best fit for daily use as a commuter.

Considering all the above which variant should I buy? The current one or the FI one? Does FI variant gives more fuel efficiency/mileage than carburetor based bikes? If, yes, then generally how much is the fuel efficiency difference between the both in realistic use?

Note: In Mr. Suresh Babu's Suzuki's National Head Marketing, statement he did not stated that in FI variant the mileage (company claimed) will be same/more than their current 64kmpl as advertised.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer 155 SFZ or Gixxer 155 SFZ FI with Rear Disk?

As far as I know, naked won't be coming out with FI.

FI helps deliver right AFR to engine across most part of the RPM range, FI engine will have crisp response to throttle input from none to full. Carburettor setup burns lean in low RPM ranges and hence in most cases carburettor gives out more mileage. Here an excerpt that goes in detail :

Carburetor - Wiki
So, Carb or FI?
As Gixxer-155 (naked/SF) was meant for daily urban commuting, I would recommend FI version.
However, I don't like motorcycles with fixed headlights(most fully faired); but that's me.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer 155

I maintain RPM range in between 5.5k to 6.5k. Last mileage log on long trip showed 47-48 km/l. You can hover over mentioned RPM range but don't be surprised if mileage falls drastically.

Anything but ride safe.

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

FI > Carburettor
Dual disc > Single disc

Rest: Affordability > Requirements

If you can shell extra moolah, buy better else buy current stock. Do post pics and ride safe.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer 155

You're welcome. Do not make it a practice to go flat out even on open highways. You definitely don't know what's there ahead to shake the bike's balance. Trust me, no amount of justification can make up for this fact. We are all lucky to be alive if we had ridden the bike at full throttle and still typing replies to each other. haha.

Only in second and third gears I have red-lined the bike so far. But that was just to test it. Only once. Lucky to have caused no harm to anyone. I come from a bike which had great working ABS. I feel nervous with this bike. So I do not increase speeds beyond 75kmph or at the maximum 80kmph. I do not exactly remember the tachometer reading. But once in fourth gear, I was able to overtake lorries well below seven thousand rpm. That is all I need and I don't think much about it. Lately, my style of riding has inclined more towards relaxed cruising. Outright acceleration does not excite me much. But if I'm on a proper sportsbike, then yeah I'm in for the speed.

I wish to upgrade to an adventure tourer or a sportbike with cruise control :P you know what I mean :P

Re: Suzuki Gixxer 155

I won't touch those chrome parts , for now, after painting, if it looks gawky I might use carbon fiber tape to hide the chrome part, but for silencer, I need to think as it looks best from rear but after painting , side wise it would be different.
Rossi fan? Hell yeah, He's a legend for us 😁 , after Dhoom it's him that makes me twist the wrist and go full throttle😀.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer 155 SFZ or Gixxer 155 SFZ FI with Rear Disk?


Aright, I am now as confused as you are :P

Okay, just kidded. You've mentioned everything except affordability. When I bought the bike, I had only carburetor option and single disc. If FI had been there, then I would have test ridden it to decide which I liked.

I feel nothing bad about having a bike with carburetor. I think even the ones who take it to Himalayas are okay with it. In fact, getting stranded on a remote area with a bike using carburetor is better than a bike using FI. You see, local mechanics have plenty of screws, screwdrivers, nuts and bolts but no laptop or advanced equipment compared to the former :P It might sound funny but it's as practical as it can get. Also, tuning a carburetor is easy. I don't think even svc would agree to re-tune FI even if you requested for it. Since stunting and racing is not important for you, let's not go deep into that. Moreover, you should also wait to see how reliable the suzuki FI is. Let some people buy it and share their experience or you can be one of them too.

Even on maintenance front, I feel carburetors on a bike are easy to live with. You can remove and clean it on your own with required experience. Service costs are low too. Again goes back to your idea of affordability which you haven't mentioned. Initially, I felt the throttle had this on-off response. It was a spoilsport in traffic when you have to mildly give throttle. But by simply adjusting the cable, throttle play and having a steady wrist, I was able to get over that problem. It was trivial. Now I have also learnt smooth throttle transitions which aid cornering and overtaking.

Now coming to the braking part. Please wait and buy gixxer or gixxer sf with rear disc. If they release some variants with ABS then please wait and buy that if you can afford. I don't force it on anyone but I urge everyone to get the best possible safety features on a bike. I think when you can afford a premium motorcycle and riding gears you can afford double disc brakes too.

On the fuel economy front, my bike gives better fuel economy than a FZ with FI :P I do not know how it is for others but a random gixxer rider on road, yesterday,told me that he is getting 50kmpl after riding the bike for 8 months, 11 000 km and having lots of fun. I was like T_T
A version 1 fz which my friend bought recently gives more mileage than a Fz-FI which another friend owns. I can only say, FI alone does not determine the mileage.

So this brings us to the next part which I realised that you haven't mentioned too - time of purchase. You haven't mentioned how badly you need it and how soon. Since you've fixed your mind on SF, I'd ask you to wait for the disk brake version and if the motogp edition comes with a carburetor, then straightaway buy it! If motogp edition comes only with FI, then I'd ask you to think if the fancy paint job is all you really need too. Again, affordability counts along with this. When you're upgrading to a bigger bike, look for FI. It's worth it then.

For others who haven't fixed their minds on anything, I'd suggest a naked gixxer with double discs and a carburetor. It's a complete pleasure for commuting, ownership and weekend rides.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer 155 SFZ or Gixxer 155 SFZ FI with Rear Disk?

Thanks for the suggestion bro.

But I have heard people saying that dual discs without ABS is dangerous compared to disc drum combo. Can someone throw some light on this claim? What about wheel locking on both wheels?

Is dual discs without ABS safe than disc drum combo?

Re: Suzuki Gixxer 155 SFZ or Gixxer 155 SFZ FI with Rear Disk?

The concept is simple. Disc brakes are a lot more powerful than Drum brakes. When you jam on the brakes of a wheel with discs, the wheel will stop immediately ABS prevents this lockup by monitoring wheel speed and applied brake force. If you have mastered the skill of modulating the brakes properly even in situations of Emergency, then you are essentially doing a better job than ABS.

ABS is an assistant not a replacement for Brake Modulation.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer 155 SFZ or Gixxer 155 SFZ FI with Rear Disk?


Thanks for the clarification bro.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer 155 SFZ or Gixxer 155 SFZ FI with Rear Disk?

No, It is not dangerous. But that's not how old folks would have taught you. They ask newbies to use rear brake the most, be it bicycle or motorcycle. They reject bikes with front disc, fat rear tyre and high tail end. But don't you think manufacturers having top class engineers know better?

We go for disc brakes for better bite, stopping power, durability(better heat dissipation) and reliability. Maintenance is not much. Very affordable.

ABS is used to prevent wheel lock and stoppies( often called rear wheel lift-off protection). You know, when wheels lock, the rear fishtails, front wobbles and skids. It becomes hard to control such movements, especially at high speeds. If the wheel is spinning, you can at least manipulate the bike and the direction in which it's going when there's an emergency. There will be stability to some extent.

In short, to answer your question, dual discs without ABS is safer than disc drum combo provided you learn to used them properly without locking the wheels.

In the end, skills and your fate matter the most.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer 155 SFZ or Gixxer 155 SFZ FI with Rear Disk?

Having ridden several bikes with dual discs, I can say that its way better than disc drum combo. Main reasons are better braking feedback and lesser brake fade. Rear brakes are for balancing during braking scenarios and once you're accustomed to the braking capabilities of the brakes, you'll find better control than disc drum setup. If the budget allows, go for dual discs rather than disc drum combo.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer 155

Thanks for the clarification guys

Re: Suzuki Gixxer 155

Guys, my bike's engine gets heated up real quick. Even for a 5-10 km ride. 4000 on odo and done with 3rd service. I can feel the heat on my legs. Is it normal considering the weather, or is that an issue? Since it's my first bike I might be paranoid too. Any help appreciated. :-)