2018 Suzuki GSX250R First Look
Cycle News Staff | November 21, 2016
2018 Suzuki GSX250R First Look: Suzuki says that its new GSX250R is “built to deliver Suzuki’s sportbike heritage to a new generation of riders,” adding, “this new street bike has appealing performance and comfort features that will appeal to a broad base of enthusiasts.”
2018 Suzuki GSX250R First Look
The GSX250R features a twin-cylinder, fuel-injected engine wrapped in full-fairing bodywork, drawing its design and performance inspiration from its line of Suzuki Katana sport bikes.
A low seat height, slim fuel tank and overall light weight will appeal to the entry-level and novice riders. It has ten-spoke aluminum wheels and KYB suspension and a four-gallon fuel tank, which Suzuki says will buy you up to 250 miles per tank.
The GSX250R will be available in Pearl Glacier Nebular white or Pearl Nebular black colors.
Despite being called a 2018 model, the GSX250R will be available by April 2017.
2018 Suzuki GSX250R First Look
Engine Features
- The 248cc parallel-twin engine that powers the GSX250R has been refined to maximize low- to mid-range torque to deliver a power characteristic that emphasizes ease of control.
- Intelligent engine design and fuel-injection (EFI) tuning yields class-leading fuel economy while satisfying world-wide emission requirements.
- The EFI also stabilizes the engine idle and helps provide nearly linear throttle response for clean, exciting performance.
- The camshaft profile maximizes engine performance when riding at road speeds between 15 to 55 MPH. This helps the GSX250R deliver true, practical performance.
- The valve train employs new, roller type rocker arms for valve actuation to reduce mechanical losses.
- New intake valves have a slimmer stem profile near the head to optimize airflow into the combustion chamber.
- Reshaped, low-tension piston rings are used to reduce friction while a special honing pattern on the cylinder wall increases oil retention for additional friction reduction.
- A coupling-type balancer shaft fitted to the engine’s crankshaft reduces vibration and enhances rider comfort.
- A new type of oil pump is used in the GSX250R to reduce frictional loss while providing excellent engine lubrication.
- Dual head-pipes effectively route the exhaust through a high-flow catalyzer and into a new, stylish solo muffler covered with a buffed stainless-steel shield.
- Designed to get the most out of the engine’s mid-range performance and emit a pleasing sound, the GSX250R’s new exhaust is lightweight and stylish.
- A six-speed transmission, with gear ratios well mated to the engine output, further improves low- to mid-range power delivery.
Chassis Features
- The Katana essence is present in the GSX250R’s full bodywork that features a sporty and aggressive style with a futuristic flair. Select styling cues from historic and current Suzuki sportbikes appeal to both new and experienced riders.
- The fairing routes cooling air to the radiator while moving hot air from the engine away from the rider.
- The front of the motorcycle features unique dual LED position lights, angular fairing-mounted mirrors and an effective sport windshield that incorporates slots to reduce wind buffeting.
- The sharp tail has styling and a LED taillight reminiscent of a GSX-R1000R.
- The stylish and trim fuel tank holds 4.0 US gallons (15.0 L) of gasoline for excellent riding range. With a full tank of gasoline, the Katana 250 has a riding range of approximately 280 miles.
- The comfortable contoured rider’s seat has a low seat height of 31.1 inch (790 mm).
- The separate rear seat is set higher so the passenger has a better view over the rider’s shoulder.
- The semi double-cradle frame provides exceptional support for the GSX250R’s effective running gear and exciting bodywork.
- The well-tuned telescopic front fork soaks up bumps for smooth tracking up front – whether riding irregular city streets or faster open roads.
- Rear suspension action is handled by a mono-shock system that stays hidden from view to augment the bike’s performance style. With seven-way adjustable spring preload, the rear suspension can be tuned for a passenger or cargo.
- The clip-on handlebar’s design and reach were developed to provide a comfortable riding position.
- The 5-way adjustable front brake lever allows the rider to position the lever for comfort and confidence.
- Hydraulic, petal-style disc brakes front and rear provide consistent and controlled braking whether commuting on city streets or roaming the open road.
- New-style, ten-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels hold road-grabbing IRC tires that provide sporting performance through a variety of road conditions.
Electrical Features
- The GSX250R is equipped with a new, reverse-lit multi-function LCD instrumentation panel that displays a variety of information.
- At the top of the display is a bar-graph tachometer and in the center is large digital speedometer with a convenient digital clock and digital gear position indicator.
- Also present in the panel is an odometer, twin trip meter, fuel gauge readouts and a service reminder. A bright, programmable shift light is joined by LED alert indicators for the turn signals, engine functions and high beam.
- The bright halogen headlight is bracketed by a pair of distinctive position lamps using new tech, surface-emitting LEDs.
- The rear taillight also uses surface-emitting LEDs for excellent visibility to traffic.
- The turn signals feature amber incandescent bulbs with clear lenses and are well placed to not interfere with a passenger or luggage.
- New, projected tip style spark plugs speed up the rate of combustion, improving throttle response and fuel economy.
- The GSX250R uses an open type regulator/rectifier to reduce charging system draw that can rob power from the engine. A maintenance-free battery makes sure the motorcycle starts quickly each time.
Other Features
- 12-month limited warranty with unlimited mileage. Longer coverage periods with other benefits are available through Suzuki Extended Protection (SEP).
- Three dimensional “S” badges on the fairing and upper fork bracket celebrate the Suzuki brand and its heritage of technological and styling excellence.
- A variety of Genuine Suzuki Accessories for GSX250R owners are available including a large selection of Suzuki logo apparel.
Specifications: 2018 Suzuki GSX250R
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Engine:
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Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, parallel-twin
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Displacement:
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248 cm3 (15.13 cubic in.)
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Bore x Stroke:
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53.5 x 55.2 mm (2.10 x 2.17 in.)
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Compression Ratio:
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11.5: 1
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Fuel System:
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Suzuki Fuel Injection
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Starter:
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Electric
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Lubrication:
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Wet sump
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Transmission:
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6-speed constant mesh
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Clutch:
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Wet, multi-plate type
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Final Drive:
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Chain, Sealed O-ring style
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Suspension, Front:
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Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
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Suspension, Rear:
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Single shock, coil spring, oil damped
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Brakes, Front:
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Single disc, Nissin 2-piston caliper,
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Brakes Rear:
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Single-disc, Nissin 1-piston caliper
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Tire, Front:
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110/80-17M/C 57H tubeless
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Tire, Rear:
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140/55-17M/C 66H tubeless
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Fuel Tank Capacity:
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4.0 U.S. gal. (15 L)
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Ignition:
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Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
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Headlight:
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12V 55/60W (H4 halogen) & LED position lights
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Tail light:
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LED
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Overall Length:
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82.08 in. (2,085 mm)
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Overall width:
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29.13 in. (740 mm)
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Overall height:
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43.7 in. (1,110 mm)
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Wheelbase:
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56.29 in. (1,430 mm)
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Ground clearance:
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6.29 in. (160 mm)
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Seat height:
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31.1 in. (790 mm)
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Curb mass:
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392.4 lbs. (178 kg.)
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Colors:
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Pearl Glacier White No. 2 –or- Pearl Nebular Black
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Warranty:
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12 month unlimited mileage limited warranty; coverage extension and additional benefits are available
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