Remember when there used to be a dearth of entry-level bikes in the US? Thankfully, the small-displacement market is now teeming with options, and
Suzuki has added another 250 to the mix. The Japanese marque will introduce the GW250 to its 2013 model lineup.
(UPDATE: This column reported an MSRP listed on the Suzuki website of $4099. Suzuki has since announced that MSRP is to be announced.)
The GW250 was earlier introduced by Suzuki as the Inazuma – PR citing the Japanese name means “lightning that strikes in a thunderstorm.” Suzuki announced the 250 would join its 2013 US lineup at its annual dealer meeting this past weekend (which will be featured in an upcoming story). The new bike joins the TU250X as Suzuki’s entry-level standard.
The naked GW offers up much sportier lines than its TU sibling. And despite the near identical displacement it is powered by a completely different engine. Instead of an air-cooled Single, the GW gets its power from a liquid-cooled Parallel Twin. The SOHC design is fuel injected, and makes use of a balancer shaft to keep things smooth. Suzuki PR promises “perfect low- and mid-range punch for powering through urban areas and open roads.”
Suspension is comprised of a conventional, non-adjustable fork with the rear shock offering seven-position preload adjustment. Braking is handled by a single-disc arrangement, front and rear. Claimed curb weight is 401 pounds, with the GW250 packing a 3.5 gallon fuel load.
2013 Suzuki GW250 Specs:
Engine: Liquid-cooled SOHC Parallel Twin
Displacement: 248cc
Bore x Stroke: 53.5 x 55.2mm
Compression: 11.5:1
Fueling: EFI
Transmission: Six-speed
Front Suspension: conventional fork
Rear Suspension:
Rake/Trail: 26 degrees/4.1 inches
Front Brake: Single disc,
Rear Brake: Single disc
Tires: 110/80-17, 140/70-17
Wheelbase: 56.3 inches
Seat height: 30.7 inches
Curb weight: 401 pounds
Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.5 gallons
MSRP: TBA
