Even I too had such dilemma while buying a bike for me.
I was not concerned about the quality ride much coz there is not much difference in them. Mileage difference is not more than 5 kmpl. Even tyre, suspension are almost the same. You need to decide it base on its look.
Though suspension looks same, tuning may be different. For me 5 km/ltr difference is a big difference. As per my experinace, in our indian Suzuki vs yamaha bikes,
At the time of a sudden acceleration, Yamaha will given outstanding performance, but you may feel
when you look at the milage differnce.Suzuki will not show you a huge difference even though you done a sudden rip.I am not sure about this is the case with FZ vs Gixxer.
Suzuki Gixxer
+ Powerful than FZ
+ better torque
Yamaha FZ
+ proven engine
+ multiple options [FZ, FZ-S, FZ-fi, FZ-S fi]
+ Better comfort on back seat [well this was the point I decide to buy FZ]
If you are not worried about the back seat then go for Gixxer.
I dont agree that FZ had good back seat comfort. FZ rear mono shock is too hard compared to unicorn or other monoshocks. I cant even sit for 5 km distance in FZ back seat in local roads.My GS 150r back seat is 10 times better than Fz even after it is running more than 73K KM. Though i didnt ride in Gixxer back seat, i can tell you that it will be better than FZ from my experiance on all other suzuki bikes like Gs,zeus,hayate and gixxer riding.
GiXXer is better than FZ-S in almost every aspect.One biggest problem is the After-sales service and Spare Parts availability and prices.They are quite difficult to get and the very limited Dealership Network and also Parts cost and even Normal Service will cost a Bomb.I can also recommend your friend to look at the Up-Coming Hero Xtreme with 15 Bhp which will be launched in a Few Days.Why I recommend this is because of Awesome Honda Reliability and Great Fit and Finish including Great Build Quality.Very well refined 150cc mill will also be coming with new feautures to give a tough fight with the FZ-S and the GiXXer.
Suzuki spare parts are not that costlier and it has good quality too. Service charge is also way too less compared to Hero & Honda. The problem is availiblity of ASS and service quality.Though xtreme sports and these 2 bikes are in 150 cc segment, In looks, Xtreme is a commuter bike and FZ and Gixxer are naked bikes which had better stability and brakes due to the wider tires and design. In case just a 150 cc commuter bike is the requirment, then it is worth waiting for the new unicorn 160, which will be launched very soon.
May be but in real world conditions, I believe its almost negligible.
Thanks for the info about back seat comfort levels, will convey this to him.
Yeah, after sales service is still a mystery.
Service costs a bomb?
I hope it will cost similar to other 150cc rivals.
Suzuki bikes are built to last and Gixxer is no different i guess. It will give better milage and better back seat comfort. Service/spare parts charges are less compared to Hero/honda and even yamaha too. I heard for FZ & R15 yamaha ASS charging premium rates for service and spares too. Check out Suzuki has a good ASS near by your friend's area. If available go for Gixxer. You dont have to worry about that later.
I would highly recommend to go in for the Yamaha FZ-S, but if your friend likes to stand out from the crowd then Suzuki Gixxer would be a better choice.
Also please Test drive the 2014 Hero Xtreme as it has many features like mobile charging point under the seat, digital console, engine immobilizer, side stand warning light, etc. or wait for the Hero xtreme sports.
I agree to stand out from crowd go for Suzuki Gixxer, When you see gixxer on th road from rear it looks like some imported bike going ahead.
In case milage matters and need only a commuter bike there are better options in the market.
BTW this is my 1000nd post in TAI