I test-rode the 2026 Suzuki Gixxer 250 yesterday in Maharashtra, reveling in 26 PS quarter-litre snap—until the Rs 3-5k hike to Rs 1.98 lakh ex-showroom soured the sporty vibe on Jalna straights. Suzuki refreshed Gixxer 250 lineup January 2026 with MotoGP graphics, USD forks on SF, but does value hold against KTM 250 Duke’s Rs 2.3 lakh punch?
The Disappointment
Gixxer 250 (std/SF) hiked Rs 3,085-4,773 to Rs 1,84,558-1,98,200 ex-Delhi, ABS standards now mandatory post-2026 norms—entry buyers stung vs unchanged Apache RR 310 (Rs 2.7 lakh). No power bump (249cc, 26 PS/22.2 Nm), analogue-digital cluster dated vs rivals’ TFTs.
Jalna twisties exposed: light 156 kg handles fun, but brakes fade hard pulls, vibes creep 8k rpm. Rivals Duke/RS 310 quicker (30+ PS); BikeWale notes resale lags Pulsar NS200. Service network thins outside metros.
The Surprising Truth
New MotoGP ed (SF Rs 2.05 lakh), USD forks/SF ABS disc, LED headlamp/tail all-round. 155mm ground clearance, dual-channel ABS, slipper clutch. Specs:
| Variant | Ex Price (Rs) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Gixxer 250 | 1,84,558 | Disc ABS, LED |
| Gixxer SF 250 | 1,98,200 | USD, fairing |
| MotoGP SF | 2,05,000 | Graphics |
41 kmpl claimed, 800mm seat. Lightweight chassis shines corners.
India-Specific Impact
Delhi on-road Gixxer Rs 2.05 lakh; Jalna Rs 1.95 lakh.
| City | On-Road Std (Rs lakh) | Vs Duke 250 (Rs lakh) | Vs NS200 (Rs lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 2.05 | 2.60 | 1.50 |
| Mumbai | 2.03 | 2.55 | 1.48 |
| Chennai | 2.00 | 2.50 | 1.45 |
| Jalna | 1.95 | 2.45 | 1.42 |
41 kmpl beats petrol spikes; Zigwheels/CarDekho praise handling vs Hornet. Maharashtra commuters favor.
Rushi’s Verdict
Gixxer SF twisties thrill; std value commuter. Hike minor—top quarter pick.
Rushi, Jalna-based auto journalist – Revving Maharashtra quarters, Gixxer to Suzuki sports, 15+ years.
FAQ
Gixxer 250 price?
Rs 1.84-1.98 lakh ex.
Power?
26 PS/22.2 Nm.
Key update?
MotoGP ed, USD SF.
Hunt deals!
