Suzuki Gixxer launched at Rs 72,199

It's definitely quite a looker, with its chiselled tank, bikini fairing, short stubby chrome tipped exhaust and chunky 140 section rear tyre. The bike employs an all-digital instrument panel with a gear indicator and customisable rev limiter. Powering the Gixxer is a 155cc, air-cooled single-cylinder carburetted engine making 14.8PS at 8,000rpm and maximum torque of 14Nm at 6,000rpm and mated to a five-speed gearbox. The engine is equipped with Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology, which, the company says reduces mechanical losses and maximises combustion, leading to fuel economy figures of 63.2kmpl. (Also read: Suzuki Gixxer: First Review)

Fuel capacity is 12 litres and the bike tips the scales at 135kg. Braking is taken care of by a single disc unit from Bybre at the front and a drum at the rear. The Gixxer is available in give colour options - Metallic Oort Grey, Candy Antares Red, Glass Sparkle Black, Metallic Triton Blue and Pearl Mirage White. The Gixxer, Suzuki Motorcycle India says, has been designed by the same team of engineers who have been working on the Suzuki MotoGP and superbike programs - more specifically, the GSX-R series of sportbikes from where the name 'Gixxer' has been derived. And it's this racing technology which has been incorporated in the Gixxer, says Suzuki.

With a light, rigid frame and technology which promises to provide both performance and fuel economy,  Suzuki Motorcycle India says the Gixxer outperforms all its competitors in any speed range. And at that price range, the Gixxer will be taking on the likes of the Yamaha FZ FI V2.0, Hero Xtreme and the Honda CB Trigger.

Yes, the Gixxer has all the qualities to turn around the fortunes of Suzuki Motorcycle India. It certainly has appeal - looks, power, performance and efficiency. What it will need is value for the rider - over the ownership period and that means better service network and availability of spares. This is something Suzuki says it is looking into - to increase its dealer network and improve its after sales service.