2013 Suzuki GW250 First Look Review, Specs & Photos
Last November, Suzuki announced the remaining 2013 models that would be released throughout the 2013 year, including the GW250.
But due to undisclosed holdups in Japan, the quarter-liter naked motorcycle never made it to the American market. This changed this week, though, when Suzuki released for the first time its GW250 at the inaugural American International Motorcycle Expo in Orlando.
The 2013 GW250 is a direct competitor of the Honda CBR250R and Kawasaki Ninja 300, but was designed with standard styling that inherits looks directly from the B-King.
The GW250’s liquid-cooled, SOHC parallel twin, which is hooked to a six-speed transmission, features a long-stroke design for optimal low- and mid-range power to satisfy a wide range of riding conditions. The standard motorcycle is enhanced with the latest in fuel injection, which provides for crisp throttle response and improved fuel economy. Suzuki claims the GW250 can get more than 70 mpg. And with a 3.5-gallon fuel tank, long distances should not be an issue.
For reduced vibration, the GW250’s motor features a coupling-type balancer shaft fitted to engine’s crankshaft.
The GW250 features a double-cradle chassis to cater to various riding conditions, from sporty to commuting. Up front, suspension duties are handled by a 37mm KYB telescopic front fork. Out back, the GW250 features a KYB mono-shock system with seven-way adjustable preload.
Stopping the 403-lbs. (wet weight) GW250 is a single 290mm disc squeezed by a two-piston Tokico caliper, and a single 240mm disc squeezed by a single-piston Tokico caliper.
Keeping tire options easy, the 2013 Suzuki GW250 rolls on three-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels that are wrapped in IRC Road Winner rubber, which handle a wide variety of riding situations.
For comfort, the contoured seat is only 30.7 inches high, and cleanly unites with the slim-designed fuel tank, adding to the overall modern styling of the GW250. Also adding to the styling is a slim headlight, which features a bright 12V60/55W main build supported by position lamps on each side.
When piloting the GW250, a modern gauge cluster greets the rider. It features a large analog tachometer, digital gear indicator, digital LCD speedometer, odometer, twin trip meter, clock and fuel gauge readouts, maintenance interval indicator and adjustable rpm indicator on the right, plus LED indicators on the left.
The clip-on style handlebars provide a sporty appearance, and the brake lever features five-way positioning to enhance comfort while riding.
The Suzuki GW250 will be available in a 2013 model in Pearl Nebular Black, and for 2014 it will also be offered in a white/blue combo. And the best part for this entry-level motorcycle? The MSRP is $3,999, which beats all others in its class.
2013 Suzuki GW250 Specs:
- Engine: SOHC, 4V Parallel-twin
- Displacement: 248cc
- Compression ratio: 11.5:1
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Final Drive: Chain
- Horsepower: 24.1 bhp @ 8500 rpm
- Torque: 16.2 lb./ft. @ 2600 rpm
- Frame: Steel-tube double-cradle
- Front suspension: KYB 37mm fork, 4.7″ of travel
- Rear Suspension: KYB shock with adjustable spring preload, 4.9″ of travel
- Front brake: Tokico two-piston caliper, 290mm disc
- Rear brake: Tokico one-piston caliper, 240mm disc
- Front tire: 110/80-17 IRC Road Winner
- Rear tire: 140/70-17 IRC Road Winner
- Seat height: 30.7″
- Wheelbase: 56.3″
- Ground clearance: 6.5″
- Fuel capacity: 3.5 gal.
- Wet weight: 403 lbs.
Photos by Brian J. Nelson
