Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV E85 real world test reveals higher running costs

Recent real-world testing of the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) reveals that E85 fuel’s lower price is offset by reduced fuel efficiency and higher running costs. The test comes as India expands E85 fuel availability, which contains 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent petrol.

Key Highlights

• E85 fuel is priced about Rs 20 lower per litre than E20 in Delhi
• Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV showed 24.4 percent lower efficiency on E85 compared to E20
• Running costs per kilometre are higher on E85 despite its lower price
• Flex-fuel vehicle models carry a price premium of nearly 5 percent
• Government targets 5,000 E85 or E100 fuel stations by end of 2027

Fuel Price and Energy Content Comparison

In Delhi, E85 is priced at Rs 82.12 per liter, about Rs 20 less than E20 petrol, the standard nationwide fuel. However, E85 has a lower energy content, with 23.5–24 MJ/liter compared to E20’s 30.5 MJ/liter. This difference raises concerns about E85’s impact on real-world fuel economy for flex-fuel vehicles.

Controlled Fuel Efficiency Testing

To measure the impact, testers used a Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV and compared fuel consumption on both E85 and E20. The motorcycle’s tank was fully drained before each run. Tyre pressures were set to manufacturer specifications.

The test route covered 80 km in Delhi, mixing open roads and urban traffic, at an average speed of 29 kph. Testing occurred on consecutive days under similar conditions. Fuel was measured using the brim-to-brim method from the same dispensers.

On E85, the Gixxer SF 250 used 2.79 litres to complete the 80 km route, resulting in a fuel efficiency of 28.81 kpl. After draining the system, the same test with E20 required 1.93 liters, yielding a higher efficiency of 38.1 kpl.

Running Cost Analysis

The test showed a 24.4 percent drop in fuel efficiency with E85 compared to E20. While E85 is 19.58 percent cheaper than E20 in Delhi, the efficiency loss outweighs the price benefit. Calculations show that running the motorcycle on E20 costs about Rs 2.68 per kilometer, while E85 costs Rs 2.85 per kilometer. Over 10,000 km, this means an extra Rs 1,711 spent on fuel when using E85.

Vehicle Price Premium and Infrastructure Expansion

The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV is priced at Rs 1.98 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), nearly 5 percent higher than the standard E20-compatible model at Rs 1.89 lakh. Similar price differences are seen in new flex-fuel motorcycles from Hero MotoCorp.

The government is expanding E85 and E100 fuel stations, with 50–100 stations in Delhi-NCR and the Mumbai-Pune-Nagpur corridor initially. By December 2026, about 500 stations are planned, increasing to 5,000 by the end of 2027.

Implications for Consumers

While E85 offers a lower pump price, its reduced energy density leads to higher fuel consumption and running costs. The current price structure does not fully offset the increased consumption. As flex-fuel vehicles and ethanol fuel stations become more common, future pricing will influence consumer choices.

Also Read: Suzuki Gixxer SF price increased by Rs 3800 in India

CarBike 360 Says

Despite the lower price of E85 fuel, the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV does not deliver the expected cost savings in real-world conditions. Reduced fuel efficiency offsets the price advantage, leading to higher overall running expenses. While the flex-fuel technology is a step toward sustainability, buyers should carefully evaluate long-term practicality before making a decision.