2015 Suzuki Swish 125 facelift: Review

So, what’s the big change in the 2015 Suzuki Swish 125, you may ask. And honestly, there isn’t one. But instead, it gets plenty of neat embellishments and features which make this 125cc scooter a much more compelling option, if you are on the lookout to buy one. Launched recently at Rs 61,547 (on-road Mumbai), it is definitely a significant improvement over the outgoing model.

Design: rating_3.0_rating

The first gen Suzuki Swish has been a decent looker, but not one that stands out. To improve on the first impression, Suzuki Motorcycle India has tweaked the styling to make the 2015 Suzuki Swish 125 facelift more appealing. It gets a more pleasing face with a tad more personality, added by the new parking lamps and the cool blue tinted headlamp. 

But what really make an impact are the trendy dual tone body colour options, along with flashy new graphics - like our test scooter’s Sonic Silver and Glass Sparkle Black colour with florescent yellow graphics. This actually adds dollops of character to the 2015 Suzuki Swish 125 facelift, aimed squarely at the youth.

Features: rating_3.5_rating

Some users were unhappy with the fibre front fender of the last generation Suzuki Swish, as it was prone to getting damaged in bumper to bumper traffic and over badly maintained roads. Taking note, Suzuki has replaced it with a sturdy steel one in the 2015 Suzuki Swish 125 facelift.

Other new bits include a large analogue speedometer with a new digital instrument console, which comes with useful features like service reminder, trip meter and a digital clock. There’s interesting use of faux carbon-fibre finish which hopes to add a premium touch. The quality of the switches and the overall finish is good, and feels built to last.

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The scooter already came with telescopic front forks and a single rear shock absorber, and now the 2015 Suzuki Swish 125 facelift is also equipped with tubeless tyres and a maintenance free battery. The large 20-litres under seat storage and fuel tank of 6 litres are carried forward, adding to the practicality of day to day use. The only thing missing is a disc brake option.

Engine and Performance: rating_4.0_rating

Suzuki has not altered the Swish mechanically. And the 2015 Suzuki Swish 125 facelift retains the proven 125cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, with power rating of 8.7PS at 7,000rpm and maximum torque of 9.8Nm at 5000rpm that comes mated to a CVT.

For most part, the 2015 Suzuki Swish 125 facelift remains vibration free and effortless to use. Though there is some shudder at idling, it irons out with throttle input. The scooter feels quick off its feet and thanks to the CVT the power delivery is seamless and it is relentless till close to 80kmph - which is ample for city use, anyway. It’s a mechanically sound scooter, and the 125cc engine being the Suzuki’s strongest aspect.

Ride, Handling and Brakes: rating_3.0_rating

The 2015 Suzuki Swish 125 with its telescopic forks can take more abuse than the old-school trailing link front setup. However, on the Swish, the suspension setup is on the firmer side, which is great news for the handling, causing bigger bumps and ditches to filter through. In terms of handling, the 125cc scooter feels neutral and holds on to the desired line. It’s light and easy to use, though we are left desiring a slightly more pliant ride.

The new 10-inch tubeless tyres are better suited for city use, and offer decent grip. The only weak link are the 120mm drum brakes, which are not on par to some of its competition as the Suzuki does not offer a great bite.

Verdict: rating_3.5_rating

This is a well built scooter with ample storage, good finish and a proven 125cc engine. Moreover, it’s competitively priced, undercutting the segment benchmark Honda Activa 125 (priced at Rs 65,024 on-road Mumbai) by Rs 3,500. With its new found spunk, the 2015 Suzuki Swish 125 should be able to attract more takers now.