Suzuki GW 250 INAZUMA 2013 — Specifications

The 2013 Suzuki GW 250 Inazuma is something of a paradox on two wheels. On one hand, a name that evokes muscular retro roadsters from the 2000s, on the other, a sober and economical proposition for beginners or city dwellers. So, has this machine retained the soul of its predecessors? The answer is no, and that’s perhaps a good thing. Suzuki has instead opted for a modern roadster with the look of a mini B-King, with pronounced shoulders and a double exhaust outlet that gives it a surprising presence for a 250. On forums dedicated to the Suzuki GW 250 Inazuma, the design often enjoys unanimous approval, a rare quality in this utilitarian segment.

Under the 13-liter fuel tank, one discovers an engine that fuels much debate. The 248 cc twin-cylinder engine delivers 26 horsepower and a torque of 24.5 Nm, figures that clearly place the machine in the category of serene learning and daily commutes. Many wonder, before buying a used Suzuki GW 250 Inazuma, if the engine is in good condition. It is reliable, flexible, and economical, but one shouldn’t expect fireworks. With an announced weight of 183 kg fully fueled, the Suzuki GW 250 Inazuma has a significant torque and weight for its category, which makes it stable but a little cumbersome in tight turns. It can reach a top speed of 150 km/h, enough to keep up with highway traffic without stress, but without thrills either.

Facing the competition, such as the Honda CBR250R, which is more track-focused, or the Kawasaki Ninja 250, the Inazuma plays a different card. It focuses on comfort, an upright riding position, and simple mechanics. The steel tubular frame, basic suspension, and single disc brakes do the job without embellishments. It is a motorcycle that assumes its status as a tool, reliable and economical in use. For a test ride of the Suzuki GW 250 Inazuma, one should therefore expect an easy machine, one that forgives errors and consumes little, not a sportbike.

On the saddle, the experience is reassuring. The 780 mm seat accommodates most riders, and the complete dashboard, with its eco-riding indicator, recalls that one is here in a logic of sobriety. It is the ideal motorcycle for the novice who wants a reassuring first machine, or for the urban rider looking for a frugal and distinctive two-wheeled vehicle. Videos on YouTube of the Suzuki GW 250 Inazuma show this well: it moves with ease in the city and on secondary roads.

Ultimately, at 3999 euros new at the time, it positioned itself as a serious option. Today, on the used market, a 2015 Suzuki GW 250 Inazuma or an imported version from Japan represents an excellent value for money for those looking for a simple, robust motorcycle with a refined look. It will not revolutionize the segment, but it fulfills its mission with a disarming honesty. It is a machine without pretensions, but not without character.