Review: Yamaha FZS vs Suzuki Gixxer vs Bajaj Discover 150F

By AutoX

1 mins read

Published on June 1, 2015

Highlights

Yamaha rolled out the FZS FI 2.0 - the latest variant of the FZ - a few months ago, while the Suzuki Gixxer is a comparatively more recent entrant. This was then followed by Bajaj adding more power and displacement to its Discover range, thus making it more desirable. Before you conclude that this piece is a direct comparison, you ought to know that the Bajaj Discover caters to a different segment - its customer base includes slightly more mature folks looking for a powerful, and yet efficient, bike. The Gixxer and the FZS FI, on the other hand, target a younger audience who want both, good looks and speed. Also Read: Suzuki Eyeing 150cc and Above Bike Segment in India The new FZ looks quite refreshing as compared to the older model - the new body panels, split seats, a new tail and the sporty exhaust make it look a lot edgier than before. It gets 4cc and 1bhp less than its previous avatar. With that being said, you must know that it also gets Blue Core technology that helps it strike a balance between fuel-efficiency and performance. Now about the most good looking of the lot - the Gixxer; its 155cc engine delivers 14.6bhp along with 14Nm of torque. The Gixxer's power delivery is so linear that it barely asks for gearshifts while riding in the city. Though, unlike the updated FZ, the Suzuki Gixxer is not fuel injected, which causes the throttle response to suffer a little. Interestingly, when revved, the Gixxer's loud grunt can be music to one's ears. Moving on to the Bajaj Discover 150F - the motorcycle that needs no introduction. It looks bigger and more polished than its smaller sibling, the Discover 125, but is not enough to compete with the likes of the Yamaha and Suzuki. The Discover 150F sports half front fairing and features an LED tail-lamp. Honestly, I think it would be unfair to compare the Discover with the FZ 2.0 and Gixxer since the price difference between them is almost Rs. 25,000. One glance look at the bikes makes that quite apparent - the Discover 150F has stuff that's needed, not necessarily desired. The Discover, as expected, has the smallest engine of the lot - a 144.8cc unit that delivers 14.3bhp at 8,500 rpm. Surprisingly, instead of noticeably less power, it's refinement that the Bajaj Discover lacks. Go over 60Km/h, and the rattling and vibration becomes evident. Though the Discover's throttle response is fairly crisp, its Japanese competition feels much better north of 60Km/h. Riding posture of the Yamaha FZS is the most aggressive amongst the three, and it lets you remain in control in most riding conditions, including while negotiating city traffic. The seat is wider than both, the Gixxer and the Discover, and hence provides much more comfort. The posture of the Gixxer, on the other hand, is far too relaxed for my liking. The seat, however, is quite comfortable - and the 41mm shocks at the front, along with the 17-inch MRF tyres and a monoshock at the rear, make city-riding a breeze. The fuelling on the Gixxer is via a carburettor, and this is where the Yamaha FZS supersedes it in terms of throttle response. The instrument cluster tells you almost everything you need to know - it is quite easy to read, and looks a bit like a new-age mobile phone. The Discover's instrument cluster is also partly-digital, but it's nothing fancy. The 110mm monoshock at the rear provides adequate comfort to the rider and the pillion. The riding position, however, was a little cramped as the handlebar is a little narrow. What the Discover has going for it is the fact that the 150F is the most fuel efficient in the entire segment - it returns 72Km/l, if you believe the company. Also Read: Suzuki Gixxer 155cc Review The Gixxer, however, would be my pick, thanks to its very distinct appeal. It not only looks good, but also performs well. If it was my money, I would happily spend Rs. 80,000 on this machine. Source: AutoX