Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF-FI vs Pulsar AS200 vs Others

Query Approved

How did you drag the Benelli into your budget!

Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF-FI vs Pulsar AS200 vs Others

I was eagerly waiting for the Suzuki GSX-R250 to be showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo as it would've been the perfect bike for my requirements, but it was not to be. I've no idea if and when the bike would be launched in India.

I want a tall-geared bike mainly for highway use which should be capable of maintaining highway cruising speeds at relatively low RPMs without stressing the engine. A fairing for improved aerodynamics and protection from windblast would be a welcome addition. The bike should also offer good value for my (rather my parents' ) money and be attractive looking as well

The bikes I've shortlisted:

Suzuki Gixxer SF-FI (₹1.15lacs On-road)
The Fuel-Injected variant of this bike would be launched in April. It looks absolutely gorgeous, has a wind-tunnel tested aerodynamic full fairing and the new FI system would ensure crisper throttle response, high refinement and a great fuel economy. The terrific looks of this fully-faired beauty alone made me shortlist it. The Top Speed is over 125kph so I guess I'd be able to cruise at around 100kph without stressing the engine.
But the 155cc engine produces only 15bhp of Power and might run out of steam on highways and the lack of a 6th gear (for under-stressed cruising) is a huge disadvantage.

Pulsar AS200 (₹1.11lacs On-road)
This 200cc is a great VFM offering from Bajaj, costing less than the Gixxer SF! This bike looks good especially in black and has adequate power (23bhp) for the highway and also a 6th gear for smooth highway cruising. It also uses a Perimeter Frame.
The thing going against this bike is that it uses a Carburetor and not a Fuel Injection system (which would've resulted in crisper throttle response, higher refinement and better fuel economy). Also, most of the Power and Torque is made at higher RPMs. Also, would it be difficult for someone of my height to handle this bike?

Pulsar RS200 (₹1.42lacs On-road)
The absence of FI in the AS200 brings me to this bike. But does just the FI and the full fairing justify the premium of ₹31K that this bike commands over the AS, since both models share the same engine? I don't think so. I find the Demon Black variant decent-looking but the fugly tail-light disgusts me. Also, this bike is on the heavier side at 165kgs.

Benelli TNT 600iAll xBhpians' input would be appreciated.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF-FI vs Pulsar AS200 vs Others


If this is not your first bike, the gixxer may seem inadequate after some months of riding. Everything else is great on this bike

The as200 is known to give many annoying problems(check swaying of handlebar problem within xbhp). Also a more complicated engine means more parts to be checked and serviced. Also the handling feels heavy in city traffic. Its only worth it if you are tight on budget and need something to rev the hell out of it.

Have'nt ridden the rs200 or the benneli so cannot comment on that.

If cruising and commuting is your priority, why not consider the TB500 or TB350.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF-FI vs Pulsar AS200 vs Others

Personally I have test driven this bike for a good amount of time to tell you it has good highway cursing speed and a 6th gear the 1.42 lacs you would be spending would be for a single channel abs version which might save your life someday but the rear wheel can still lock but the brakes are good in the back so locking is really hard unless you instantly press the brake which is a no no for disc brake bikes. The gixxer sounds good for city and highway but lacks 6th gear to save costs on the bike but it also has a better engine then Bajaj. So personally I'm going with RS 200 as my bike of choice. What's yours?

Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF-FI vs Pulsar AS200 vs Others

Strech your budget a little further and get the TNT25. Mix of both the worlds. Or else, have a look at CBR250(ABS) for its time tested capabilities.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF-FI vs Pulsar AS200 vs Others

Always go for the biggest bike you can afford, especially if your parents will foot the bill.

I own a cbr250r, and use it to buy milk and veggies. Why did I buy it? Coz the lust for power never really subsides. Once in a while, taking a big bike out on the highway or empty road, and letting her roar, gives you that feeling which can only be surpassed by getting a bigger bike and letting her rip! 😜

Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF-FI vs Pulsar AS200 vs Others

There'd is a counter argument to that running a lower capacity bike at a higher speed is more fun then running a higher capacity bike at a lower speed.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF-FI vs Pulsar AS200 vs Others

Not for cruising or if you want a relaxed ride .... its only for people who like living on edge sipping tea with Raggedy Ann and dreaming of dragons taking over the world all day.

If you want to travel distances then get a relaxed bike ... I'd suggest the CBR250R or the Mojo. TNT25 is also a contender ... but 'personally' didn't like its brakes.

I don't think a sports fairing really protects you from wind blast on the open roads. They are actually more susceptible to those crazy crosswinds which is why most of the touring motorcycles have a half fairing. I'd rather have a naked with a tall windscreen over a sports faired motorcycle so I can use in the city and highway runs.

I absolutely love the 600i ... but prepare for a single life. As wonderful as a Soprano is ... no one wants their eardrums shattered all the time. And its pillion is going to be hot ... not like PC ... like human torch hot after a 100 km ride. A Ninja 650 might be a better option and a proven platform. Its a different life requiring a lot of commitment these super-bikes. Understand what you are getting into.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF-FI vs Pulsar AS200 vs Others

I would suggest Gixxer as you have mentioned riding our Ghats would offer better control .
Else wait for the Apache rtr 200 , test drive that and take a call.
You need to consider the EMI + the bike maintenance cost if you go for 600i .

Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF-FI vs Pulsar AS200 vs Others

I'm not really into the styling of Royal Enfields and other Cruisers (that's why I didn't consider the Avenger twins). I feel they're more suited for middle-aged peoples than for someone of my age.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF-FI vs Pulsar AS200 vs Others

Then why not go for the dukes! Also if you are going to ride calm all the time then the gixxer may after all suite you.

Else throw in some more cash and just duke it!

Ride safe.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF-FI vs Pulsar AS200 vs Others

I have test ridden the RS200 as well albeit for a short distance of 3kms only. And nope, the 1.42lacs is for the Non-ABS and the Single Channel ABS-equipped variant costs 1.56lacs here. Karnataka taxes suck ass. You guys are lucky in that regard.

Right now, it's between the Gixxer SF-FI and the AS200 for me. Do you think the RS200 justifies the 31K premium that it commands over the AS after taking into consideration the Bosch Fuel-Injection, Full-Fairing and better exhaust? I also find the AS better-looking.

BTW, what color in RS200 is your preference?

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Yes, the SF would be better in the City and around the Ghats but may feel underpowered on the highways.

The Apache being a Street naked lacks a 6th gear for relaxed highway cruising. And its a totally newly developed bike so may have some niggles and issues in the initial production batches.

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I would've considered the Dukes were they not being phased out this year. And I like faired bikes more than naked ones. Also I feel the AS200 is more VFM considering it has the same 199.5cc engine as the Duke 200 but costs 60Ks less here.

And no, I don't ride calm all the time - I do like to rip it often. That's where I feel the SF-FI may lack on the road.

Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF-FI vs Pulsar AS200 vs Others

I like the black color but the extra money is giving you extra goodies

Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF-FI vs Pulsar AS200 vs Others

To those who've suggested the CBR250R, Honda hasn't updated this bike since its launch years ago in 2011 - doesn't it feel outdated now? I would've loved to have the CBR300R as a bike to choose from.

On another note, what speeds can the Gixxer SF-FI and the AS200 hold on the highways at relatively low RPMs without stressing the engine?