When the new Gixxer 250 was announced in India back in May 2019, I became restless for its arrival in Nepal. I knew the bike would be better in all aspects because I had been riding the popular Gixxer 155 since 2015 as a daily commuter to college and work, logging over 26,000km with no issues. When I got the chance to test ride the Gixxer 250, I hit the streets of Kathmandu and the surrounding hills. Did the bike meet my expectations? Let’s find out.

Inspired by its elder sibling, GSX S1000, the 2019 Suzuki Gixxer 250 has a bold, sporty look. With its sculpted fuel tank and unique LED headlamps, it is undoubtedly one of the best looking quarter-litre naked sports bikes in the Nepali market.

Gixxer 250 also comes with the Gixxer’s ever-popular dual muffler exhaust and gets new split seats and LED taillight, adding sportiness to the bike. The matte silver paint job with a black tank finish along with a bronze coloured mid-section looks stunning. The front end of the bike has also been revised compared to the fully-faired Gixxer SF 250 but the entire tail section remains the same.

The 17-inch brushed alloy wheels go well with the muscular stance of the bike. The quality of the fit and finish of the bike is good and the materials used also feel premium.

As for its features, the Gixxer 250 comes with an all-new digital instrument cluster which is easy to read even under direct sunlight. The console displays the gear position, fuel gauge, clock, speed, rpm and even an oil change interval reminder. It also indicates low battery but the bikes misses out on the side stand indicator, hazard lights and Bluetooth connectivity.

Gixxer 250 has a fairly upright seating position. Its footpegs are set slightly towards the rear, making the bike feel sportier but without compromising on a comfortable riding posture. You could easily go for a long ride without any wrist or back pain. And while its seat is soft, the suspension however is on the stiffer side. Getting on the rear as a pillion could be a climb and the seat may feel small.

The Gixxer 250 is also great for city commuting and for occasional highway rides. It feels light and is easy to handle, thanks to its single handlebar and a naked body. You will feel confident riding it in rush hours or entering a corner at speed. And stopping safely won’t be an issue, thanks to its capable braking system. The Gixxer 250 comes with dual-channel ABS and disc brakes on the front and rear. The brakes have a sharp bite and you needn’t worry about locking the wheels when you pull the brake lever hard.

The 249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine on the Gixxer 250 churns out 26.5hp at 9,000rpm and 22.6Nm of torque at 7,500rpm. Suzuki claims that the all-new motor is designed to maximise output and improve engine durability. The 249cc engine feels peppy and doesn’t lack in terms of power. You don’t have to shift gears frequently, as you can cruise at low speed even in a higher gear. The best thing about the new engine is the punchy mid-range which makes city commutes easy and fun. The maximum power is delivered after 4000-5000 rpm up to the redline.

The oil cooling system also works well on the new Gixxer. You won’t feel any heat radiating from the engine even after a long ride. Once you are in the saddle, pull in the clutch and press the ignition. The engine springs to life instantly even in freezing morning conditions, thanks to its capable fuel injected system. While the six-speed gearbox doesn’t struggle with shifts, the gear-box could have been smoother.

Despite Suzuki’s late entry in the quarter-litre segment, they have come up with an outstanding bike, which will likely be appreciated by riders and enthusiasts. The bike is versatile and perfect for city commuting and weekend rides on the highway. It surpassed all my expectations and with a sticker price of Rs461,000, I might upgrade to the newer Gixxer 250.