My first bike: Suzuki Gixxex: The first experiences

So, I recently bought my first bike Suzuki Gixxer. My friends here on TDF helped me decide it for me.

I did a lot of research, watched hours of videos on YouTube learning about different concepts of bike. I wanted to learn the theory before I buy myself a bike. So I did a lot of reading and research. I will try to document my learning in this thread. Hopefully this thread can serve as a good read for some newbie who would want to get started riding.

*i.imgur.com/LiWodYo.jpg

Here I go, my experience about getting a new bike:

First things first:
Riding on public roads is a responsibility. When you have an upwards of a 100 KG state of the art machine, that can go in motion with the twist of your wrist, it's kinda obvious that if handled incorrectly can hit anyone like a bullet. You don't want that. If you value your life and other's, be cautionary on roads.

Riding a bike demands a discipline. An alertness, that requires understanding of your environment. You need to be focused all around you on roads. You need to be prepared for anything on the road, notice traffic lights, and also have an understanding of traffic behind you, using mirrors. It's something that will come with experience, as I am told. I myself have just been 2 weeks riding. So I would leave more advice for the experts. I would learn as I go along and document it here as my understanding grows.

Before I buy a bike:
I needed practice. In USA, there's something called MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) which for every new rider is a must to attend. In India, people learn motorcycles from their dad, or mostly from there friends. Had such course available in India, I would have jumped on it. But I didn't learn riding up until I completed my post graduation. In my heart I always wanted to get my own bike, but I never felt I needed it because of the abundance of public transport and since my workplace provides commute facility. Secretly though, owning a bike was one of my dream that only grew as time went by. One day I decided I had enough. One day I got up, went to a showroom and got out with a brand new Suzuki Gixxer!

Nah. Although partially true, it was not that simple. That one day I finally bought my bike, was a culmination of years, months and then weeks of research, practice and brainstorming.

Some basic concerns which I had for choosing a bike:
Height was the single most important factor. Being around 5.4", I didn't want to overwhelm myself with a bike I couldn't even reach my toes. I wanted something I can control easily.
Horsepower and weight, was the second factor. I was willing to get a 100cc bike if it was lightweight and easy to maneuver. I always thought more CC means more weight. More the weight, less controllable it will be.
Mileage was something my dad wanted from a bike. I was concerned more with above factors, but mileage was something that was important too.

Learning to ride, before buying deciding to get my own bike:
I had a friend with Yamaha FZ version 2, a 150cc bike that was a rage when it was launched few years ago. It was a superb bike of its time, and even today rules the roads. While never following a fixed schedule, I managed to practice on his bike whenever we both had time. He use to take me to open roads with less traffic and asked me to ride it while not sitting on the pillion seat. He didn't want to take a chance, in case I do something crazy. It was up only recently that I he manage to get courage to ride behind me. I didn't disappoint. I was doing good. The only thing I was not able to manage was shifting gears smoothly. While in motion, riding was not an issue for me at all.

While my friend proved very instrumental for me to learn riding, I was feeling bad for his bike since I was abusing it way too much. It was obvious that if I wanted to be a pro rider I needed my own bike. While I could have tried to get a used bike for cheap, to learn, I was apprehensive that it might prove fatal for me in few cases. One part failure was enough for a big accident on road. I just wasn't confident going on road with an "old" bike. So I finally decided to buy a new bike altogether.

Choosing a bike:
It was this time around when in August, I created a thread on this forum and discussed with fellow members about the best bike I could get for my needs and confidence. Since I had practiced on a 150cc bike I knew a mere 100cc bike couldn't satisfy me anymore. Moreover I knew the importance of wide tires in maintaining balance on high speeds and in wet conditions. So after going through many options I finally settled on Suzuki Gixxer which satisfied following features:

> 155cc bike
> Street bike with less height than most other 100 or 125cc bikes like Discover.
> Disc brakes both in front and rear (for all the goodness of braking power)
> Tubeless Tires (for being safe even after puncture)
> Features like clock and Gear indicator (that isn't even in more priced Yamaha FZ 2 sold me)
> Sporty look to die for! It has a personality!

The only con about this bike was the pillion seat. It seemed too high. But then other features made up for it. And I bit the bullet and decided to go for it.

Online research:
On weekends I use to practice on my friends bike and on weekdays I use to read and watch hours of videos on YouTube. Being a geek I wanted to know every chemistry and physics of bikes. One of the most popular video which I was recommended numerous times and which I would recommend now to everyone else is this:

The above video was hard to find and it was recently uploaded too. So I would suggest to download the video for future reference or contact me in case this video is taken down (I can arrange for you). But it's a must watch video for anyone who wants to get good in riding. This video introduces lots of concepts that is important for safe and efficient riding. I am planning to watch it a second time, once I get more comfortable with riding bikes.

Below I am dumping all the important videos from my YouTube history, that I watched over the course of a month to learn more about riding:

Top 5 Sportbike Motorcycles for Short People, New Riders, Women

Top 5 Mistakes about riding motorcycles

Common Mistakes of New Motorcycle Riders:

Consequences of not understanding Counter-steering on a motorcycle

Helmet Crash Test | Local Vs. Branded
Helmet Crash Test | Local Vs. Branded | Special Feature | Motown India

HOW NOT TO RIDE A MOTORCYCLE
HOW NOT TO RIDE A MOTORCYCLE ⚡️

Top 5 Common Mistakes on a Long Motorcycle Trip - How to avoid it?
Top 5 Common Mistakes on a Long Motorcycle Trip - How to avoid it?

5 Things You Didn't Know Motorcyclists Do!
5 Things You Didn't Know Motorcyclists Do!

front brake use demonstration
front brake use demonstration

Clutchless Vs Quickshifting Explained
Clutchless Vs Quickshifting Explained

Man Saves Girlfriend From Fatal Motorcycle Crash
Man Saves Girlfriend From Fatal Motorcycle Crash

How to use BRAKE PROPERLY - Motorcycle Braking Technique
How to use BRAKE PROPERLY - Motorcycle Braking Technique

Debunking the Motorcycle Kill-Switch Mystery
Debunking the Motorcycle Kill-Switch Mystery | MC Garage

Delete Tinder, Buy a Motorcycle
Delete Tinder, Buy a Motorcycle

Final day of buying the bike:
So finally after doing so much research, reading, watching videos and practicing on my friend's bike, I went on to the Suzuki's showroom and got the bike after a test drive. It costed me around Rs 87k. It was unbelievable for me to finally be an owner of a bike. My joy has no bounds. Since then on, I have driven about 80 KM and with every ride my confidence is increasing. I still haven't been to a long ride, but I intend to do that soon. Will keep you posted.

My Suzuki Gixxer album (where I will keep adding pics):
Suzuki Gixxer -Vyom

I want to end this post by posting this video:

THIS IS WHY WE RIDE 2 (best among all 4 video with this title for me)
This Is Why We Ride 2

Enjoy and safe riding!

~ Reserved ~

Im in a similar boat, I havent had a bike of my own, gonna buy soon, might even go for the Suzuki Gixxer. Im not that acquinted with heavy traffic roads, the fear of losing the start in the crowded road still haunts me from the early practicing days. Now that im here in bangalore i havent had a chance to practice for 8 months,

Nerevarine said:
Im in a similar boat, I havent had a bike of my own, gonna buy soon, might even go for the Suzuki Gixxer. Im not that acquinted with heavy traffic roads, the fear of losing the start in the crowded road still haunts me from the early practicing days. Now that im here in bangalore i havent had a chance to practice for 8 months,

You will get it. It's not that difficult. Here's some inspiration, which I just came across:

All the best!

Nerevarine said:
Im in a similar boat, I havent had a bike of my own, gonna buy soon, might even go for the Suzuki Gixxer. Im not that acquinted with heavy traffic roads, the fear of losing the start in the crowded road still haunts me from the early practicing days. Now that im here in bangalore i havent had a chance to practice for 8 months,

Riding a bike is a piece of cake on highways, real deal is in crowded streets filled with morons and idiots, who would want to beat the shit out of you at the first hint of accident/graze.
Advise : Start with a Light Sports bike that's easy to maneuver and Brake. Don't go for RE, Avenger, etc.

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

Congratulation on your new bike purchase. :clap2:

I dropped my idea for buying bike. Thanks to Bangalore traffic.

@Vyom Can you share your views on Gixxer V/S FZ-S/16 Ver 2.0 ?

Stormbringer said:
@Vyom Can you share your views on Gixxer V/S FZ-S/16 Ver 2.0 ?

Both bikes is very similar. The seat heights, design, rear wide tires, disk brakes all are similar. With the exception that Gixxer have some more features like kick starter, Gear indicator and time on display. I am not an experienced rider to make a lot of differences.

Vyom said:
Both bikes is very similar. The seat heights, design, rear wide tires, disk brakes all are similar. With the exception that Gixxer have some more features like kick starter, Gear indicator and time on display. I am not an experienced rider to make a lot of differences.

Thanks. I know it's too early how is the fuel efficiency on Gixxer ?

Stormbringer said:
Thanks. I know it's too early how is the fuel efficiency on Gixxer ?

Yes, it's quite early to tell. I have been told that the fuel efficiency will be better after 1st service. My 1st service is due in a week. But lets calculate how my bike have given me in terms of mileage:
Liter of petrol: 7.14
KM rode: 291 km
KM per liter = 40.7 km.
I say not bad! :shock:

Vyom said:
Yes, it's quite early to tell. I have been told that the fuel efficiency will be better after 1st service. My 1st service is due in a week. But lets calculate how my bike have given me in terms of mileage:
Liter of petrol: 7.14
KM rode: 291 km
KM per liter = 40.7 km.
I say not bad!

So how is your experience so far in terms of comfort and fuel economy ? I'm on the lookout for a bike which both me and my dad can use. He is on on the shorter side of 5'3" while i'm 5'10" in height.

Stormbringer said:
So how is your experience so far in terms of comfort and fuel economy ? I'm on the lookout for a bike which both me and my dad can use. He is on on the shorter side of 5'3" while i'm 5'10" in height.

The bike's been awesome to me. One of the best thing I believe I bought. Not so much for my dad tho. He rides my bike better than me, but doesn't like the pillion seat. And I agree. The pillion seat isn't for family use. Mother for example have a hard time climbing on it. Had the pillion seat a little lower it would have been perfect bike. But if you ask me I myself like seating on it. But it would be a pain in arse for long trips tho.

So first access the purpose of bike for you. If it's city needs this bike can be an option. Not so much for long trips if you want to ride with a passenger.

I would have to get back to you after calculating mileage. Last I calculated before 1st service it was around 40kmpl.

Vyom said:
The bike's been awesome to me. One of the best thing I believe I bought. Not so much for my dad tho. He rides my bike better than me, but doesn't like the pillion seat. And I agree. The pillion seat isn't for family use. Mother for example have a hard time climbing on it. Had the pillion seat a little lower it would have been perfect bike. But if you ask me I myself like seating on it. But it would be a pain in arse for long trips tho.

So first access the purpose of bike for you. If it's city needs this bike can be an option. Not so much for long trips if you want to ride with a passenger.

I would have to get back to you after calculating mileage. Last I calculated before 1st service it was around 40kmpl.

The bike will primarily be for City use (Daily commute is approx 40km and will increase once my company relocates to a different location). I would use it for long trips too but not frequent. My dad will be using the bike when I go on long onsite trips. I currently use the Suzuki Access which is no longer comfortable. And bike will be mostly used without a pillion rider.

Stormbringer said:
The bike will primarily be for City use (Daily commute is approx 40km and will increase once my company relocates to a different location). I would use it for long trips too but not frequent. My dad will be using the bike when I go on long onsite trips. I currently use the Suzuki Access which is no longer comfortable. And bike will be mostly used without a pillion rider.

I guess, then Gixxer is a good choice. If you have the budget (cause this bike ain't cheap), then surely go for it. Be sure to do a test ride and make you dad do it too. This bike is superb due to following reasons:
1. Low seat height for rider (although not lower than cruiser bikes like Avenger)
2. Awesome looks (believe me, whenever I see the bike I feel proud. It's damn sexy curves :wub:

)
3. The exhaust: An extension of above point, the dual exhaust looks DAMN good
4. Fat rear tires (provides good grip on road)
5. Disc brakes in front and rear both)
6. Gear indicator (not many bikes have it, and although one shouldn't keep looking at the dashboard and eventually you need to get use to changing gears without looking, but gear indicator is there in case you need to).
7. Time (not many bikes show time on dashboard)
8. Personality: I recently bought a phone with a personality (LG G6) and Gixxer is also a bike with a personality.

Be wary tho, that service cost might be more than say of Yamaha, but that should be obvious.

But, if you have been riding scooter I don't know how much better a bike would be for you in terms of functionality (you can carry stuff on scooter)

Vyom said:
I guess, then Gixxer is a good choice. If you have the budget (cause this bike ain't cheap), then surely go for it. Be sure to do a test ride and make you dad do it too. This bike is superb due to following reasons:
1. Low seat height for rider (although not lower than cruiser bikes like Avenger)
2. Awesome looks (believe me, whenever I see the bike I feel proud. It's damn sexy curves )
3. The exhaust: An extension of above point, the dual exhaust looks DAMN good
4. Fat rear tires (provides good grip on road)
5. Disc brakes in front and rear both)
6. Gear indicator (not many bikes have it, and although one shouldn't keep looking at the dashboard and eventually you need to get use to changing gears without looking, but gear indicator is there in case you need to).
7. Time (not many bikes show time on dashboard)
8. Personality: I recently bought a phone with a personality (LG G6) and Gixxer is also a bike with a personality.

Be wary tho, that service cost might be more than say of Yamaha, but that should be obvious.

But, if you have been riding scooter I don't know how much better a bike would be for you in terms of functionality (you can carry stuff on scooter)

1.The only thing preventing me from outright buying the Gixxer is the after sales service. The place I got my Access is not good, they only finds ways to bill unnecessary parts replacement.
2. Scooter seating gets uncomfortable for longer distances(Bangalore traffic makes it worse), plus the smaller fuel tank compared to bikes means more frequent stops for refueling. I carry a spacious bagpack for my work laptop anyway. So I would gladly sacrifice the storage functionality of the scooter.
3. Also I won't be selling my current scooter as my dad will be using it for his daily commuting. So the plan is I get a bike and dad uses the scooter. And when I'm not using the bike, my dad can use it.

Ways to bill unnecessary parts replacement is a mechanism adopted by many service centers not just Suzuki.
I think rest is ok. Do look for more bikes too, since Gixxer is among the top models. Like Yamaha FZ RR. Although it's seat height is little more than Gixxer.

Vyom said:
Ways to bill unnecessary parts replacement is a mechanism adopted by many service centers not just Suzuki.
I think rest is ok. Do look for more bikes too, since Gixxer is among the top models. Like Yamaha FZ RR. Although it's seat height is little more than Gixxer.

Ya .I will look around before deciding

Congrats Vyom.
Suzuki Gixxer is an excellent bike.
But you should have gone with the SF ABS version

Yeah the SF ABS version especially the black one, it will turn heads

Zangetsu said:
Congrats Vyom.
Suzuki Gixxer is an excellent bike.
But you should have gone with the SF ABS version

I didn't choose ABS for a reason. First I don't want to start of from an ABS bike, where even braking is "automated". I want to learn braking for good. I may have an ABS bike after few years.
Secondly, of course the price. 10k extra for ABS. 10k more extra for SF. No, thanx, ok.

Nerevarine said:
Yeah the SF ABS version especially the black one, it will turn heads

My current non SF red bike turns enough heads.

Vyom said:
I didn't choose ABS for a reason. First I don't want to start of from an ABS bike, where even braking is "automated". I want to learn braking for good. I may have an ABS bike after few years.
Secondly, of course the price. 10k extra for ABS. 10k more extra for SF. No, thanx, ok.

This is not a wise choice. A beginner should choose ABS more than an experienced rider, but that being said, ABS is a mandate for both experienced as well as newbies.
And besides ABS can be switched off, as well afaik. So there is simply no sense in buying Non-ABS variant unless it's the budget factor.

No offense to you, but your comment needed a contradiction because it was conveying a wrong thought and approach.

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

Hrishi said:
This is not a wise choice. A beginner should choose ABS more than an experienced rider, but that being said, ABS is a mandate for both experienced as well as newbies.
And besides ABS can be switched off, as well afaik. So there is simply no sense in buying Non-ABS variant unless it's the budget factor.

No offense to you, but your comment needed a contradiction because it was conveying a wrong thought and approach.

Thanks for your input. Yes, it's the budget issue. I would probably upgrade to ABS in future. But right now, I am fine with what I have and understand the risk that comes with it.

@Vyom - the video " Twist of the Wrist 2 " has been removed from youtube - can you upload it somewhere and Pm me the link ?

topgear said:
@Vyom - the video " Twist of the Wrist 2 " has been removed from youtube - can you upload it somewhere and Pm me the link ?

Damn. I think that video should now be in public domain. Atleast since its very old now.

I will do the needful later tonight.

Sent from my LG-H870DS using Tapatalk

Thank you.

topgear said:
Thank you.

Here you go, at the risk of copyright strike:

Hrishi said:
Riding a bike is a piece of cake on highways, real deal is in crowded streets filled with morons and idiots, who would want to beat the shit out of you at the first hint of accident/graze.
Advise : Start with a Light Sports bike that's easy to maneuver and Brake. Don't go for RE, Avenger, etc.

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

What? How ? Piece of Cake ? Have you ever driven in high speed traffic on highways, filtering between four wheelers?

Vyom said:
I didn't choose ABS for a reason. First I don't want to start of from an ABS bike, where even braking is "automated". I want to learn braking for good. I may have an ABS bike after few years.
Secondly, of course the price. 10k extra for ABS. 10k more extra for SF. No, thanx, ok.

Braking is not automated. It only ensures you don't lock your brakes so that you have traction to maneuver the bike and not skid and ram into something.
10K will save your life. I feel pity that your life is so worthless.

Also what riding gear did you get for the bike ?

thatsashok said:
I feel pity that your life is so worthless.

You can't judge others life by a single comment. Not everybody has money to buy the things, they wished for.

B

Kya chut**a comment kiya yaar upar. BC.
Vyom yaar teri bike par gedi lagani hai, very good looking bike.

thatsashok said:
What? How ? Piece of Cake ? Have you ever driven in high speed traffic on highways, filtering between four wheelers?
Braking is not automated. It only ensures you don't lock your brakes so that you have traction to maneuver the bike and not skid and ram into something.

10K will save your life. I feel pity that your life is so worthless.

Also what riding gear did you get for the bike ?

Riding on highways you don't need to use clutch and brakes much. Not every 2 seconds atleast. So that's what he meant.
I know the worth of my life. And yes, it's worthless.
What Riding gear? You mean Helmet, gloves, disc lock? Yes got them. Still to get tho are, biker jacket, bike fall guard, a carry bag, mobile holder, go pro etc.

billubakra said:
Kya chut**a comment kiya yaar upar. BC.
Vyom yaar teri bike par gedi lagani hai, very good looking bike.

Thanks. But gedi? I can deduce it's "riding".

B

Vyom said:
Thanks. But gedi? I can deduce it's "riding".

Punjabi term for the same.

thatsashok said:
Braking is not automated. It only ensures you don't lock your brakes so that you have traction to maneuver the bike and not skid and ram into something.
10K will save your life. I feel pity that your life is so worthless.

Also what riding gear did you get for the bike ?

ABS gives a extra layer of protection while riding bike/car. It doesn't mean that ABS vehicles are 100% prone to accidents and mishaps.

same goes for Helmet and other protection gears.

Zangetsu said:
ABS gives a extra layer of protection while riding bike/car. It doesn't mean that ABS vehicles are 100% prone to accidents and mishaps.

same goes for Helmet and other protection gears.

What I implied in my reply was that spending 10k is not worthless in getting riding gear and ABS option.

thatsashok said:
What I implied in my reply was that spending 10k is not worthless in getting riding gear and ABS option.

It's alright but u don't have to feel pity about that, as its a personal choice.

thatsashok said:
What? How ? Piece of Cake ? Have you ever driven in high speed traffic on highways, filtering between four wheelers?

Braking is not automated. It only ensures you don't lock your brakes so that you have traction to maneuver the bike and not skid and ram into something.
10K will save your life. I feel pity that your life is so worthless.

Also what riding gear did you get for the bike ?

First, you don't drive but ride a bike.
Second : No man, I don't know how to ride a bike.

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

Vyom said:
Here you go, at the risk of copyright strike:

Many thanks for the same.

Hey Vyom, I will join the Gixxer club today. rode it around, man the engine is smooth as fuck.
Loved the feeling man, like you, this is my first bike as well.

I bought the SF ABS FI variant (black)

Nerevarine said:
Hey Vyom, I will join the Gixxer club today. rode it around, man the engine is smooth as fuck.
Loved the feeling man, like you, this is my first bike as well.

I bought the SF ABS FI variant (black)

:clap:

Congrats man! Yes, it's smooth. Even after one year, with proper on time servicing, when my friend (who is an experienced rider and driver since a decade) rode my bike, he exclaimed, "damn, it's running smooth, did you do service recently?". I love my Gixxer. It leaves everyone behind (except rash riders and ones who have Dukes). I LOVE my Gixxer. I don't regret. I only regret not getting the ABS version.

Looking forward for the imgur album.

@Vyom

Im in love with the bike, its so goddamn smooth, rode for 14 kms today. I never had much road confidence but after taking this baby for a spin, its so easy to control and turn, even with full fairing.
I have yet to recieve proper riding gear, I ordered on amazon, so not taking taking it on highways.

congratulation! Bike is good,but not suitable for me. Cannot run away on it after looting a bank.

Thanks buddy

jhatwo said:
congratulation! Bike is good,but not suitable for me. Cannot run away on it after looting a bank.

I guess you would need a Duke for that. Isn't it?

Vyom said:
I guess you would need a Duke for that. Isn't it?

Well if anyone has a duke, why would he rob a bank

Vyom said:
I guess you would need a Duke for that. Isn't it?

No not at all interested in micromax of bikes (sorry but that's my thinking).

Anyways my thread is deleted thus I repeat I want to rent a suzuki GSX-1300R hayabusa in red and black colour with atleast michelin pilot road 4 tyres. If anybody knows any reliable shop in delhi let me know.