Riding the Gixxer SF 250 feels like driving a well-tuned middle-shafted balance between everyday usability and sporty flair. Under its sleek fairing lives a 249 cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, oil-cooled engine with SOHC and fuel injection. With a bore and stroke of 76 mm by 54.9 mm, this engine generates about 26.5 PS at 9,300 rpm and around 22.2 Nm of torque at 7,300 rpm. What this translates into on the road is a friendly yet spirited ride — you don’t get a sudden, harsh surge of power but a smooth, linear and predictable pull once you twist the throttle. That makes city commutes relaxed and manageable, and when you open it up on highways or open roads, the engine responds eagerly enough to keep pace comfortably.
Paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and electric start, the Gixxer SF 250 makes everyday usability straightforward. Shifting through gears is light and intuitive, which helps in stop-and-go traffic as well as during overtakes. The oil-cooling keeps engine temperature under control, which means you can expect stable performance even when traffic snarls or you’re riding under Indian weather conditions.
Physically, the bike has a compact yet sporty stance. With an overall length of 2,010 mm, width of 740 mm, height around 1,035 mm, and a wheelbase of 1,345 mm, it’s nimble enough to weave through city lanes yet stable enough for open roads. Seat height at 800 mm offers decent ground reach for many riders, while the kerb weight of about 161 kg strikes a balance — light enough for urban handling, but heavy enough to feel planted at speed. Ground clearance is 165 mm, which helps in dealing with broken patches, speed-breakers or uneven surfaces common on many Indian roads.
The suspension setup — telescopic front forks and a rear swing-arm monoshock — brings a comfortable ride over a variety of surfaces. On city potholes or rough patches, it absorbs most of the bumps without transferring harshness to your seat. On smoother roads or while cruising, the suspension doesn’t feel floaty; the bike remains stable and confidence-inspiring when you push a little harder.
Stopping power comes from disc brakes on both ends, supported by dual-channel ABS. That gives a usable level of braking confidence — whether you’re slowing down in traffic or braking suddenly on a slippery surface, the bike stays composed, and ABS helps prevent wheel lock-up, adding a layer of safety many riders appreciate.
The tyres — 110/70-17 at the front and 150/60-17 at the rear, on cast alloy wheels — deliver a balanced grip/play between city and open-road riding. They help the bike stay agile at lower speeds yet stable when leaning a bit during spirited riding. The ride feels planted and predictable, not twitchy.
Practical touches add to the everyday value of the SF 250. The 12-litre fuel tank may seem modest, but given the engine size and its reasonable fuel demand, it’s adequate for city-to-highway rides without making the bike heavy. The electricals — including LED headlamp and tail-light — give modern looks and better visibility at night. The presence of a digital instrument console adds convenience for riders wanting clear readouts without fuss. In short: the bike doesn’t pretend to be over-equipped, but gives you the essentials done right.
What emerges from the combination of all these details is a motorcycle that doesn’t force you to choose between practicality and fun. For daily commuting, traffic weaving, and city errands, it stays light, nimble, and easy. For weekend rides, open roads, or spirited bursts, it has enough in reserve to keep things engaging. It doesn’t carry the bulk of a heavyweight tourer nor the ferocity of a high-end sportsbike — but therein lies its charm: it’s a genuine “do-it-all” middle-class street-sport machine that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for performance.
For a rider in real-life Indian conditions — where you might deal with crowded city streets, potholed roads, occasional long stretches and mixed traffic — the Gixxer SF 250 behaves like a well-rounded companion. It’s not an extreme performer, but a balanced, sensible machine that gives you flexibility, reliability and enough thrill for a variety of riding situations. If you want a bike that feels at home in traffic, yet doesn’t shy away from open roads — the Gixxer SF 250 delivers exactly that.
