Suzuki Gixxer SP Road Test Ride Review

After giving a test ride and comparison review on the Suzuki's best selling Gixxer SF and SF Fi, we had a chance to test drive the special edition version of the Suzuki's naked beauty Gixxer. It is branded as Suzuki 'Gixxer SP', with minor cosmetic changes from the standard Gixxer. As we know, Gixxer stands as the first Suzuki model to succeed in the Indian market. Therefore, Gixxer SP itself showcases their confidence level with their popular model.

The Engine and Performance

There is nothing to be mentioned about the 'SP' Edition regarding its mechanical side. The same 154.9cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine found in the entire Gixxer clan is again used in this special edition.



The mill delivers a maximum power of 14.8 bhp @ 8000 rpm and a peak torque of 14 Nm @ 6000 rpm. The engine is mated to the 5-speed gearbox for optimum power transmission. It drives similar to the standard Gixxer and Gixxer SF. As I got a chance to drive a brand new machine, the gear shifting seems to be a bit tight at times. It isn't smooth and precise as the Gixxer SF Fi that I had test driven couple of weeks earlier. However, it drives equally good as the Gixxer SF and Gixxer SF and I felt little more comfortable and confident on driving the naked version.

The Cosmetic Changes

Aesthetically, the Gixxer SP looks stunning and more premium than the standard Gixxer. This may be a personal opinion as many of them are fond of standard Gixxer's MotoGP Blue livery model.



Well, the Gixxer SP comes in Matte Grey colour paint job, which makes the vehicle sporty and stylish. To make it even more fashionable, maroon seats are used. It has raised the bar of Gixxer to some premium customers who prefer a commuter which stands apart in the crowd. Another additional cosmetic change is the new chequered flag graphics on the top of the fuel tank and on the tank extension. It also bears the new 'SP' emblem to give an extra flavour to the bike in terms of looks.





The special edition also gets the same clear lens indicator, sharp LED tail lamp and the same trapezoidal headlamp with the smoke windscreen on the top.

The Features

Apart from the paint job, saddle and the 'SP' graphics no other extra outfits are added to this bike. It gets the same fully-digital instrument console with an orange lit up in the background. This TFT screen displays gear position indicator, RPM indicator, trip meter, fuel gauge and engine warning lamp as well. It is well positioned to read out every information for the rider in the most convenient way.



At the rear, split grab rails are designed in the most convenient way to suit the whole design of the vehicle. It gels very well with the rear fender. Moreover, the sporty dual outlet type exhaust kit gets the aluminium muffler covers for low noise and improved fuel efficiency. Like the Gixxer SF, it also features the flexible turn indicators.

Suspension, Braking and Riding Comfort

The Suzuki Gixxer SP gets a front telescopic fork and rear swing arm monoshock suspension. It fairly meets the requirements of a 150cc commuter designed for Indian road and riding conditions. At the braking department, disc brakes at both the ends do the job. The braking is excellent in all the Gixxer bikes.



Both the pillion and rider seats are well designed in this vehicle. The sculpted fuel tank provides a comfort knee position and it enables the rider to balance the vehicle in city and busy traffic as well. Steering the bike in hard turns seems to be easy and the full control lies with the rider.

The Verdict

As it is a special edition vehicle that comes with a new moniker 'SP', the addition of some premium features would have made this bike even better. According to me, it looks better than the standard Gixxer and all other fellow naked competitors in the segment. The Matte Grey paint job and those premium maroon seats have got the attention. An inclusion of a different console, body coloured rear view mirror or a change in the windshield would have been great additions.



Altogether, if you have a taste for naked bikes under 200cc with good mileage, solid performance, quality build and an extra notch in the looks, then Gixxer SP is your bike.


Photos By: Jithin Johnson

Test Vehicle Provided By: Aluva Suzuki

Full Details, Specification and Pricing of Gixxer SP