Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 vs. KTM RC 200: mid-size sport bike scuffle

Not too long ago, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated rolled out its middleweight sport bike, the Gixxer SF 155.

The arrival of the said model expands the Japanese brand’s lineup while giving Filipino motorcycle enthusiasts a new option when choosing a mid-size two-wheeler with a big bike attitude.

Looking to hold the fort for KTM is the RC 200. The Austrian recognizes the potential of the newcomer and so looks to show the Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 a warm welcome.

Today, we pit together the two motorcycles to help buyers make a better decision on which model to pick. Without further ado, let’s start our mid-size sport bike scuffle.

Looks, aesthetics

It’s no secret that the Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 puts out track-ready vibes with its sporty design and aggressive character.

At its fore is a pointed cowling with a decent-sized windshield. It also houses the motorcycle’s LED headlamp and holds its two side mirrors.

To its sides are large fairings that wrap around the front cowling and extend to the flanks of the fuel tank. The smooth finish of the claddings gives an aerodynamic appeal. Found also on the sides are metal footpegs, the chain housing, and its (short) dual exhaust pipe.

Its rear is equipped with a tapered fairing, an LED taillamp, a two-part grab bar, a rear fender, and a plate holder, which also happens to hold the motorcycle’s two turn signals.

On the other hand, the KTM RC 200 wants to do more than just look fast. It dons appointments that are geared specifically to make the model live up to its nickname, the “everyday racer.”

The fascia of the KTM RC 200 is equipped with a cowling that has more angles. Here, one can find a decent-sized windshield and a pair of side mirrors.

Its side fairings look broader and appear to cover a larger part of the motorcycle’s midsection. There are also vent-like features that could help airflow during fast-paced riding conditions. The KTM RC 200’s side profile has less cladding towards the rear. Fitted here are metal footpegs, a linear-looking chain cover, and a neatly-tucked muffler.

At the back, the KTM RC 200 gets a very pointed end. It gets a taillamp and a plate holder with turn signals. The rear fender — pretty much like the tailpipe — is tucked close to the center of the motorcycle.

While both bikes exude sportiness, we have to give this round to the KTM RC 200 for having a sharper, more snappy design overall.

Chassis, powertrain

The Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 shares the same chassis specifications as its street-oriented brother, the Gixxer Fi 155.

Below are their features:

• Telescopic front fork, coil spring, oil damped
• Swing arm-type, coil spring, oil damped, spring pre-load
• 17-inch wheels
• 100/80 tires (front)
• 140/60 tires (rear)
• Disc brakes (front and back)

As for its engine, it is equipped with a 155 cubic centimeter (cc) motor paired with a five-speed manual constant mesh transmission system. The said setup makes up to 18 horsepower (hp) with 10.4 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque.

On the other hand, the KTM RC 200 uses more purposeful components.

We’ve listed them below:

• WP Apex 43 front suspension
• WP Apex monoshock rear suspension
• Cast aluminum wheels
• Front disc brake (with four-piston radial fixed caliper)
• Rear disc brake (with single-piston floating caliper)
• Bosch 9.1 MB two-channel anti-lock braking system

For its powerplant, KTM endowed its middleweight sport bike 199.5 cc of displacement, which is mated to a six-speed transmission. Per the motorcycle company, it makes some 25 hp with 19.5 Nm.

With a larger displacement, the KTM RC 200 packs a more powerful punch than its rival. That said, it earns the win for this round.

Pricing

Now here’s where the Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 has the edge. At the time of writing, the said model comes with a sticker price of only just P114,900. To show motorcycle buyers just how affordable it is, here is a table comparing its price tag with some of its Japanese competitors:

Suzuki Gixxer SF 155	P114,900
Yamaha YZF-R15M	P203,000
Honda CBR 150R	P183,900

The KTM RC 200 is priced on our website at P162,000.

Due to its more attainable price, this round goes to the Suzuki Gixxer SF 155.

Verdict

With more rounds won than its rival, the KTM RC 200 rises as the victor of this matchup. However, that is not to say that the Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 is in any way inferior to the former.

In fact, it makes for a good pick for many motorcycle buyers who want a sporty-looking ride without breaking the bank.

Also read:

Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 vs. Suzuki Gixxer Fi 155: brotherly battle

Suzuki Gixxer SF155: 2 available colors

Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 vs. Yamaha YZF-R15M, Honda CBR 150R