Honda CB Hornet vs. Suzuki Gixxer SF: Which One Reigns Supreme?

The Honda CB Hornet and Suzuki Gixxer are both popular choices among motorcycle enthusiasts. After thorough analysis and personal test drives, we can compare their features, performance, and overall riding experience.

The Honda CB Hornet

The Honda CB Hornet is a sleek and modern motorcycle that caught my attention during my recent test drive. There are a few notable aspects of this bike that made me reconsider its appeal:

Kick Starter and Foot Rest: The combination of kick starter and foot rest is awkward, requiring the rider to fold the foot rest when using the kick starter. Carbon Fiber Elements: Aesthetically, the tank scoops, top side panels, and other components are made of carbon fiber, which is lightweight and stylish. However, if the bike falls, such materials can sustain significant damage. Lighting: The headlight power could be better for nighttime visibility. Engine: The engine is smooth, yet its performance is yet to be tested in comparison to the Suzuki Gixxer.

The Suzuki Gixxer

I have a Suzuki Gixxer from the past two months. Based on my experience, the Honda Hornet is a better choice for the following reasons:

Mileage: The Gixxer provides only 30 km per liter, which is suboptimal compared to other motorcycles. Gear Shift: The gear shift is notably difficult, making it challenging to change gears comfortably. Engine: The engine is not as smooth and refined as expected. The vibration level increases as the RPM goes up. Design: The handlebar design is angled at 30 degrees on the left and 35 degrees on the right, leading to discomfort and shoulder strain. Lighting: The headlights are insufficient for night rides without street lights, compromising safety.

These issues are not unique to my Gixxer; they are common across all models. This bike seems to have cheated its customers with a subpar product, disappointing its brand reputation.

On the positive side, the Honda HORNET offers excellent mileage, a smooth engine, and a relatively smooth gear shift. However, the overall experience is marred by the design and performance shortcomings mentioned above.

The Suzuki Gixxer SF FI

The Suzuki Gixxer SF- FI represents an upgrade over the standard Gixxer, offering several improvements:

Forced Induction: The quantum leap in refinement with the full injection makes the engine performance cleaner and smoother. Weight: Despite the fairing, the Gixxer SF still weighs less than the Hornet, providing better maneuverability. Stability: The Gixxer SF demonstrates superior straight-line and corner stability, making it a more versatile city and highway machine. Speed: The top speed of 131 km/h is enhanced by its designed-for-performance fairing, contributing 10 km/h more than the naked Gixxer. This fairing has been tested in a wind tunnel, adding efficiency and speed. Altitude Performance: The fuel injection system compensates for high-altitude driving, offering consistent performance.

Conclusion

The Suzuki Gixxer SF FI is the clear winner in this comparison, delivering improved performance, greater stability, and advanced features. It is the better overall choice for both city and highway riding.

Key Takeaways:

Better Engine Refinement: The Gixxer SF FI has a smoother, more refined engine that performs exceptionally well, even at high RPMs. Better Fuel Efficiency: While the Gixxer has lower mileage, the SF FI improves this with a designed-for-performance fairing. Increased Safety: Better lighting and stability enhance the safety and confidence of the rider, especially during night drives. Weight Balance: Despite the fairing, the Gixxer SF remains lighter, translating to better handling and response.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering a new motorcycle, the Suzuki Gixxer SF FI is a solid choice. Its enhanced features and overall performance make it a valuable addition to the market, proving superior to the Honda CB Hornet and the standard Gixxer. Happy riding!