Suzuki has introduced ABS for its premium commuter motorcycle – the Gixxer SF. Priced at Rs 95,499 (ex-showroom), the Gixxer SF ABS is Rs 6,280 more expensive than the standard variant.
ABS, or anti-lock brakes, is a safety feature which kicks in whenever the rider brakes too hard causing the wheel to lock up. The locking up makes the bike ‘skid’, and usually leads to a crash. The ABS though, prevents the lock up by momentarily releasing the brakes. The ABS system available on the Gixxer SF is a single-channel system, like the one offered in the Bajaj Pulsar RS200. As such, the system works only on the front wheel.
A single-channel ABS system has allowed Suzuki to price the Gixxer SF very competitively. Suzuki is also offering the ABS in the fuel-injected version of the Gixxer SF, priced at Rs 99,312 (ex-showroom). The regulation requiring ABS to be standard on all motorcycles above 150cc will be enforced in India from April 2018. But for now, the Gixxer is the only 150cc motorcycle to be offered with this safety feature.
