CLOSE QUARTERS

Both these Suzukis have to teach you, something and it all depends on which class you're in.

- DHRUV PALIWAL

Everyday motorcycles that promise to be great at one thing are one of the biggest compromises ever! Don't get me wrong. All motorcycles are fun, and they teach you E something, but if you want to sharpen up your skills, an everyday motorcycle often runs out of breath. Or so I thought. You see, recently, I had the pleasure of riding a couple of Suzuki bikes for a few days, and they were very persuasive in changing my opinion. The two motorcycles in question are the Gixxer SF 250 and the V-Strom SX. Both these motorcycles are priced under the Rs 2 lakh mark, with the V-Strom SX being slightly more expensive. After riding these motorcycles for a few days, I was left wanting more. Here's why...

HEART OF THE MATTER

At the core, both the Gixxer SF 250 and V-Strom SX use the same 249cc single-cylinder engine, which makes about 26bhp and 22Nm. Interestingly, this motor uses neither liquid cooling. Instead, it's aircooled but with a twist. A small radiator cools the oil, which flows into the engine, but the engine has no visible fins to dissipate heat. Suzuki has been extremely clever in this case, as they not only managed to have a good engine but also to keep the costs down. As for the engine, it is one of the best 250cc motors out there - not in terms of power or torque but ride experience. Twist the throttle open from a standstill, and it simply darts for the red line. And you quickly find yourself shifting into second. It's all so linear (read 'friendly') that someone upgrading from a smaller displacement motorcycle can easily extract all that power even while riding it for the first time.