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Old 7th November 2022, 22:43   #76
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Ride to Valparai with TBHPians

This past weekend, I joined the usual Bangalore based TBHP motorcycle group, for an overnighter at Valparai. While going, I took the Athirapilly - Malakkappara route. The road from the Vazhachal falls checkpost till the Thottapura resevoir view point was in good condition. From there on, all the way till the other checkpost, the average speed that you could do was only 20 kmph. Fortunately, this section of the road is better than what it was in the past. However, be prepared to crawl at low speeds for an extended duration, while your spine takes a constant battering. Oh, how I wished I was on a Royal Enfield Himalayan, while suffering through this part of the day's ride.

Bad roads or not, the ride through the forest area was both therapeutic and exciting. I was kept on my toes by the fear of encountering a herd of wild elephants. All in all, I had 1 massive snake slithering, 3 chameleon crossings and 22 fresh out of the oven, elephant dung sightings.

The road from Malakkappara (Tamil Nadu) to the resort was in great condition. If I wasnt so easily mesmerized by the stunning views, I could have focussed more on some hard cornering with the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250. The fabulously winding road made the suffering of the 2nd part of the forest ride, well worth it.

The next day, I returned with the others till Pollachi and then took the Kollengode - Vadakkencherry - Trichur route back to Cochin. I had done the same route recently, while returning from my solo Tamil Nadu trip. Barring 15 kilometers in which I rode through a heavy downpour, the rest of the ride back home, was a breeze.

The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 really proved its mettle on this 390 kilometer weekend ride. With the Apollo Alpha H1 tires, the cornering grip was top notch. There was some minor brake fade from the front, when I started to get lazy with the engine braking, and depended more on the brakes. The engine is in its sweet spot while cruising at highway speeds, which made my return an uncomplicated affair. The mileage of 37.33 kmpl for this trip, meant that I did the whole ride in one tankful of petrol!

Overall, the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is proving to be a very likeable , no-nonsense workhorse that can frugally munch miles. I crossed the 6,000 kilometer mark, somewhere on the return trip. The mileage since day 1 stands at 36.62 kmpl. Here's to more exciting adventures with my friends and the plucky little Suzuki.

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221105_093923.jpg
Charpa waterfalls

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221105_104412.jpg
Thottapura resevoir view point

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221105_114004.jpg
Malakkappara tea plantations

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221105_115212.jpg
Sholayar dam bridge

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221105_120149.jpg
Sholayar dam view point

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221105_121855.jpg
en route

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221105_123300.jpg
Couldnt resist clicking this picture

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221105_130714.jpg
At the homestay

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221105_131427.jpg
Waiting for the others to arrive

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221105_140644.jpg
Everyone's here. The silver XUV is out of the frame.

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221105_171103.jpg
Mist trickling in at 05:00 PM

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221106_065655.jpg
Morning dew on the motorcycle

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221106_071416.jpg
A short walk past tea plantations

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221106_073310.jpg
If only all morning strolls blessed you with such views
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Old 14th November 2022, 16:30   #77
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Washed Out Weekend Update !

After making exciting riding plans for this past weekend with fellow TBHPians krishnaprasadgg and deepfreak15, the Weather Gods decided to spoil the party. Our plans were completely washed out, thanks to the awful wet spell in South India. An increasing number of my friends, rather strangely I might add, seem to suggest that the sudden inclement weather is closely tied to me making grand motorcycling plans. I deny all such accusations and insinuations!

Quote:
Considering that we went through a spell of 2 weeks with near zero rains and the rain Gods have been merciless ever since I started packing in earnest, my friends have now aptly named the Gixxer SF 250 - the Rainmaker.
Anyways, we collectively made the most of the unfortunate situation. I turned it into a 400+ kilometer round trip on the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250. Once again, the motorcycle made the entire riding experience completely effortless, while returning a mileage figure of over 36 kmpl.

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-.jpeg
krishnaprasadgg admitting that the GSXRRR 250 looks better than the current generation ZX10R. Or not. I had my earplugs in.

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221112_102731.jpg
Top choices for mile munching

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221112_144415.jpg
Good desserts. Even better company. What more can you ask for?
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Old 14th November 2022, 19:46   #78
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Re: Washed Out Weekend Update !

Attachment 2379434
Quote:
Originally Posted by neil.jericho View Post
An increasing number of my friends, rather strangely I might add, seem to suggest that the sudden inclement weather is closely tied to me making grand motorcycling plans. I deny all such accusations and insinuations!
Just putting this out there
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-track.jpg

I had dreams of watching and hearing a Street triple and an R1 tearing up Kari motorspeedway but instead had to put up with these two
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-img_2217.jpg
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-img_2251.jpg

Jokes apart, was a privilege to meet them and had some amazing food in Cochin.

French Toast is a lovely cafe (spoilt by some riding gear in the frame)
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-img_2238.jpg


Definitely made the trip from Bangalore - Coimbatore - Cochin -Coimbatore ~ 12 hours totally worth it.
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-img_2242.jpg


Thanks for turning a dark day really bright with your company. Actually, forgot we were meant to be at a track day and that's saying something!
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-whatsapp-image-20221113-08.25.19.jpg

Last edited by deepfreak15 : 14th November 2022 at 20:04.
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Old 17th November 2022, 20:27   #79
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Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review

Quote:
Originally Posted by neil.jericho View Post
Kottayamkaran, yes, that was me. P.S - nice handle!



Welcome back to motorcycling, Passatman. Do share some pictures of your motorcycle. Can you share images of the mask and visor combination that you are referring to? I can check with my friends here. From what I hear, the visor of the Apache RR 310 is the most effective option for those looking at wind management.
Hi Neil! Here's a pic of the bike in all it's glory ( with yours truly perched on it) ! Took a day off work for a ride to Nandi. Got an amazing mileage of 51 kmpl ( full tank method) . Theres a story behind this.
Bikes done 2 free services and i was billed for engine oil ( ecstar) and filter. I usually get oils changed for my cars in my presence. But somehow, I missed doing this for my bike . Probably the thought that oil filter costs a mere 40 bucks and oil about 500 and ASC wouldn't stint on this ; How wrong I was! Suzuki needs to crack the whip on their service centers. The service guys haven't changed the oil filter at all since the date on filter matches the date of mfg of my bike! It's been running with the factory fitted oil filter .

I just got the oil changed a week back along with the filter and the bikes a new animal. Checked mileage on the 200 odd kms ride and got 51kmpl . I have never seen such figures from anybody. Will change air filter as soon as stocks are available with the dealer.

I have some pics of the high visor and mask . Will post
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Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-img20221117wa0008.jpg  

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Old 17th November 2022, 22:20   #80
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Re: Ride to Valparai with TBHPians

Quote:
Originally Posted by neil.jericho View Post
This past weekend, I joined the usual Bangalore based TBHP motorcycle group, for an overnighter at Valparai.
My favourite shot of the Gixxer from that trip -

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221106_110759.jpg

Last edited by CrAzY dRiVeR : 17th November 2022 at 22:22.
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Old 18th November 2022, 21:26   #81
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Re: Ride to Valparai with TBHPians

Quote:
Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR View Post
My favourite shot of the Gixxer from that trip -

Attachment 2380610
Looks smashing
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Old 19th November 2022, 15:32   #82
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Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review

Quote:
Originally Posted by neil.jericho View Post
Kottayamkaran, yes, that was me. P.S - nice handle!



Welcome back to motorcycling, Passatman. Do share some pictures of your motorcycle. Can you share images of the mask and visor combination that you are referring to? I can check with my friends here. From what I hear, the visor of the Apache RR 310 is the most effective option for those looking at wind management.
Hi! Located the screenshot of the mask and visor mod for the SF250. Of all the mods I have seen, this seems to me the most appealing! The tall visor looks capable to handle the wind blast away from rider, but looking for anyone here who has actually tried it.
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Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-img_20221112_145024.jpg  

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Old 21st November 2022, 12:31   #83
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Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review

I'm looking to swap my CB350 with a Gixxer 250.

Will the Gixxer 250 feel faster than the CB350 when working through city speeds (30-90kmph)?

I don't really care much about top speeds as I want a pure city bike.

I was also considering the Interceptor as an option since it is really fast in those speeds, but it wont be that snappy to manoeuvre around the city.
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Old 21st November 2022, 13:25   #84
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Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review

Quote:
Originally Posted by nutcracker View Post
I'm looking to swap my CB350 with a Gixxer 250.

Will the Gixxer 250 feel faster than the CB350 when working through city speeds (30-90kmph)?

I don't really care much about top speeds as I want a pure city bike.

I was also considering the Interceptor as an option since it is really fast in those speeds, but it wont be that snappy to manoeuvre around the city.
Autocar test numbers:
Name:  CB350 vs Gixxer 250.PNG
Views: 790
Size:  9.8 KB

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-cb350-vs-gixxer-250-2.png

Note: 30-70kph and 50-80kph were tested with different gears on both bikes.
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Old 21st November 2022, 13:54   #85
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Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review

Thanks @amvj
Seems the Gixxer is more agile in the streets.

Somehow I don't want to end up feeling I downgraded by swapping a CB350 with a Gixxer 250.

I think for commute and city purposes a 250cc is the most convenient and fun bike. Higher capacity bikes for the same purpose feels unnecessary. Even when working with city speeds of 30-80kmph the 250cc bikes run faster than 350s and maybe even 650s, correct me if I'm wrong?
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Old 23rd November 2022, 15:41   #86
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Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review

Quote:
Originally Posted by Passatman View Post
Hi Neil! Here's a pic of the bike in all it's glory ( with yours truly perched on it) ! Took a day off work for a ride to Nandi. Got an amazing mileage of 51 kmpl ( full tank method) . Theres a story behind this.
Bikes done 2 free services and i was billed for engine oil ( ecstar) and filter. I usually get oils changed for my cars in my presence. But somehow, I missed doing this for my bike . Probably the thought that oil filter costs a mere 40 bucks and oil about 500 and ASC wouldn't stint on this ; How wrong I was! Suzuki needs to crack the whip on their service centers. The service guys haven't changed the oil filter at all since the date on filter matches the date of mfg of my bike! It's been running with the factory fitted oil filter .
Passatman, the motorcycle looks stunning that paint scheme! I still feel that the Metallic Triton Blue colour is the best one for the Gixxer SF 250.

Yesterday, I got my highest ever mileage of 40.01 kmpl on my GSXRRR and then I see that you got 51 kmpl !!

Which is the Bangalore based Suzuki service center that you are referring to? Do share more updates and pictures of your bike.

Quote:
Originally Posted by nutcracker View Post
I'm looking to swap my CB350 with a Gixxer 250.

Will the Gixxer 250 feel faster than the CB350 when working through city speeds (30-90kmph)?

I don't really care much about top speeds as I want a pure city bike.

I was also considering the Interceptor as an option since it is really fast in those speeds, but it wont be that snappy to manoeuvre around the city.
nutcracker, in terms of a pure city bike, the Gixxer 250 is very underrated. Its light weight makes filtering through traffic a breeze and you will get 35+ kmpl while you are at it. The lack of outright power isnt going to be felt in city commuting. The engine is always unstressed and the linear power delivery makes life easy. You will never have to worry about heat management, either.

Do consider other options like the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and the Yamaha FZ25.

Between the Interceptor and a lighter bike like the Gixxer / SF 250, for city commuting, its a no brainer. Get the lighter, more nimble bike, eight days a week.
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Old 23rd November 2022, 18:22   #87
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Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review

Quote:
Originally Posted by nutcracker View Post
I'm looking to swap my CB350 with a Gixxer 250.

Will the Gixxer 250 feel faster than the CB350 when working through city speeds (30-90kmph)?

I don't really care much about top speeds as I want a pure city bike.

I was also considering the Interceptor as an option since it is really fast in those speeds, but it wont be that snappy to manoeuvre around the city.
You can't go wrong with the Gixxer 250 twins, either the SF250 Or it's naked sibling ! Nimble footed in city traffic and pretty good on the highway too. And pretty frugal supping fuel makes it wallet friendly to buy and own too.
The only factor you may need to consider is rider size. The gixxer, and specifically the SF250, is as someone rightly out it 9/10 on size. If the rider is healthy proportioned, the bike will look dwarfed
Otherwise it's a no brainer, just go for it!
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Old 23rd November 2022, 19:29   #88
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7,000 kilometers up!

Recently, I did a solo ride to the hill stations of Munnar and Kodaikanal. My plans of riding on to Yercaud were thwarted by the predictions of rains (stop snickering!!!). I took the Kochi - Muvattupuzha - Pothanicad - Oonukal - Adimali - Munnar route. The ride from Munnar to Mattupetty Dam was so brilliant that I did it again on the following morning. Unfortunately, Top Station was all misted out.

I followed the usual Theni route to get to Kodaikanal. It certainly was cold! The time that I spent at the Mannavanur lake was unforgettable. There wasnt a speck of trash anywhere! Terrible mist ruined the possibility of too much sightseeing at Kodaikanal's more popular locations.

The return to Cochin was through the Palani - Udumalaipettai - Pollachi - Vadakkencherry route. The Palani Ghat road is something else! It is narrow (1.75 lane rather than a narrow 2 lane) and constantly has you on going from side to side. In the last 8 odd kilometers, the road becomes akin to what you expect to find on a mainstream ghat road but everything before that is special. A hidden gem of a road.

While this short hill station ride was great, a couple of thing about the Gixxer SF 250, werent. For one, it had a tough time dealing with high altitudes. I checked with fellow Gixxer SF 250 and VStrom 250 owners. They confirmed that the motorcycle loses a bit of its crisp acceleration at high altitudes. It isnt the end of the world but yes, it is noticeable.

Secondly, the engine has become rather vibey from the mid-range onwards. I was rarely relying on the front and rear brakes, focussing instead on engine braking everywhere. The moment I dropped a gear, the engine would get buzzy until the revs settled down. A fellow Gixxer SF 250 owner mentioned that his bike also has vibrations and buzziness after 6,000 RPM, which get more pronounced after 8,000 RPM. His feedback matches my experience, down to the T. I need to drop into Aluva Suzuki to get the foundation bolts checked.

The other issue that I faced last week was with an unexpected oil leak on the side. It turned out to be a slightly displaced O-ring. The matter was sorted out in 5 minutes.

Now that the bike has crossed 7,000 kms, Ill put up a detailed breakdown of the ownership experience, in a few days time.

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221120_102834.jpg
Munnar is unmatched when it comes to such views

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-alexrinsmotogparagon2019hdwallpaper.jpg
Me riding to the Mattupetty dam

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221119_153453.jpg
Top Station

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221119_154628.jpg
Garden fresh carrots

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221120_093156.jpg
Exploring the Mattupetty dam

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221120_111619.jpg
Lockhart Gap waterfall

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221120_104059.jpg
Inhaled a lot of red dust

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221120_123029.jpg
On the way to Kodaikanal

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221121_072538.jpg
Is he the unwanted guest or am I ?

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221121_113124.jpg
Mannavanur lake

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221121_133719.jpg
Spooky!

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221121_175541.jpg
Kodaikanal lake in the evening

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review-20221122_111840.jpg
The Palani ghat road
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Old 25th November 2022, 10:04   #89
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Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review

Great ride and snaps, this inspired me to take on a solo ride somewhere in western ghats now.

Just wanted to know as you have another big bike in your garage, do you feel small 250/350cc bike feels more comfortable while on such rides in terms of riding/handling/parking and of course easy on pocket?
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Old 27th November 2022, 12:30   #90
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Re: Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ownership Review

The palani road is phenomenal. I travel to Kodai via palani from Erode all the time. Past 35 years I have been doing this stretch and it always brings a smile on. Nice clicks.
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