Re: Bajaj RS200 or Suzuki Gixxer SF

What bike query approved!

Do let us know your height and build too. Are you able to seat comfortably on both bikes?

Re: Bajaj RS200 or Suzuki Gixxer SF

am 5 feet 8 athletic built, I was able to sit comfortably on both bikes, felt Gixxer a little softer whereas RS a little firmer, going through ownership threads for both, seems like common Gixxer has issues with engine paint peeling off, hard gear shift, exhaust note losing depth after sometime and choke not working whereas RS has issues with vibrations, finding neutral and higher cost

Re: Bajaj RS200 or Suzuki Gixxer SF

RS200 is probably more suitable for highway stints. You have fuel injection for good fuel economy, projector headlamps and most importantly higher power. NS had a weak bottom end, but the RS is slightly shorter geared + fuel injected, so city rides shouldn't be a problem. The RS pillion seat is slightly narrower than that of the SF. Cruising speed of RS should be around 100-110kmph easily. At 5'8" RS shouldn't be a problem for you.

SF with its under square engine should do justice in the city and surprisingly revs freely to the redline also. Cruising speeds should be around 85-90kmph. So if you are a powercraze rider who needs superb acceleration and higher cruising speeds, go for the RS. Else if you can settle at 80-90kmph when touring SF will do good. Remember at the end of the day there is no replacement for displacement. So it depends on your riding style. RS is obviously has the better value for money aspect(non-ABS). One other factor you need to consider is service. Bajaj service is better than Suzuki in most places. So do make sure you have a good one if you are going for the SF. Both will give you almost the same fuel economy.

Re: Bajaj RS200 or Suzuki Gixxer SF

Thanks Man, this really helps, pretty straight and clear comparison, is the single channel ABS of RS200 going to make a real difference or is the non-ABS good enough ? saw in a review that the back tyre still locks up and skids in the single channel ABS, should a single channel ABS be a deal breaker ?

Re: Bajaj RS200 or Suzuki Gixxer SF

Yes I did see several reviews and ownership testimonies on the same rear lock up thing. Sadly I can't comment on if it is a deal breaker. I have not ridden the bike. But I will tell you this. Rear locking up can be controlled to some extent by the rider on any bike. Most of the time the bike will fishtail but if your tires are good and you are experienced, you should be able to manage and come out of it. But if the front locks up, eating dirt is assured. A lot of two wheeler accidents happen due to front wheel locking up. So in theory, I think the front single channel ABS should still be a life saver in some situations. But in reality I don't know how this pans out. Better post a query on the RS200 ownership thread.

I believe ABS is a great feature but if it is out of reach in terms of budget leave it. We have been riding non ABS bikes in a long time and in my opinion if you are a good rider you won't face many situations with need for ABS. But still if I can afford it I would get the ABS version. The RS200 ABS costs about 1.42l and 1.30l for the non ABS version, both on road. On the other hand the SF will cost you a little under a lakh on road. Since you plan on touring, consider the money you would be spending on riding gears also. A decent set of gears will cost you at least 15k. If you already have riding gears ignore. And don't mistake me for pushing you towards RS. Gixxer SF is still a great product. Do take test rides of both bikes and let us know how you feel.

Re: Bajaj RS200 or Suzuki Gixxer SF

Unless you perform stunts, that should not be a deal-breaker. Though you can't switch the ABS off. AFAIK, RS200 has its ABS only for the front wheel.
Coming to your choices, both of the bikes are good enough for short as well as long distance. The SF is a bit low on power but makes up for it in the build quality and engine smoothness. Personally I feel the pillion seat is a little high and short. As far as the issue with gears is concerned, some users have reported it. Automobile co.s tend to gather feedback from the initial lots and try to rectify them. So, try and pick your bike up from the latest batch available. RS is a powerful bike and touring capabilities should be good. But, vibration issues are there.
Comfortable cruising speed for SF - 80-90 kmph; for RS - 90-110 kmph.
Weight your pros and cons and see where your priorities lie. Best of luck!