Suzuki GW 250 INAZUMA 2014 — Specifications

Who still remembers the Inazuma name, those retro-style roadsters from the 2000s? Suzuki decided to revive it, but not where we expected. Out with the large displacement engines, here's an entry-level 250 cm³ model. The gamble was daring: to create an economical roadster without looking like a punishment. And it must be recognized that this Suzuki GW 250 Inazuma, launched around 2013, has a striking appearance. With its squared shoulders and aggressive headlight, it looks like a mini B-King, an aesthetic far more convincing than the dull competition of the time. It's also a recurring topic on forums dedicated to the Suzuki GW 250 Inazuma: its look is its first asset.

But let's get to the heart of the matter, the engine. This 248 cm³ twin-cylinder engine delivers 26 horsepower and 24.5 Nm of torque. The figures are modest, and the stated weight of 183 kg fully fueled doesn't help. As a result, acceleration is not lightning-fast, and the top speed is around 150 km/h. For a beginner looking for a reassuring machine for the city and small roads, this is very correct. But if you dream of dynamism, you will quickly feel lacking. Many people ask online: "Is the Suzuki GW 250 Inazuma engine good?" The answer is nuanced: it is reliable, flexible and economical, but it lacks punch compared to a more vigorous single-cylinder engine. That's the price to pay for the smoothness of a twin-cylinder.

On the used motorcycle market, the Suzuki GW 250 Inazuma positions itself as an interesting alternative. Its chassis, simple with its tubular frame and basic suspension, is predictable. The braking system does the job and nothing more. It's a motorcycle that doesn't surprise, in a good way or a bad way. It clearly targets the novice or urban rider who wants a roadster look without mechanical hassles. Alongside it, a Honda CB300F or a first-generation Yamaha MT-03 offer a more lively character. But the Suzuki has its niche: those who want a visual presence and a seat height of 78 cm.

So, success or failure? Reviews of the Suzuki GW 250 Inazuma often praised its calming approach and successful design, but regretted its lack of power. It did not revolutionize the segment, but it offered a valid option for a few years, until around the 2015 models. Today, if you come across one used at a good price, it's an honest mount to learn on. It won't bite you, nor will it make you vibrate like an Italian, but it will transport you from A to B with a certain class. That's the spirit of this discreet Japanese motorcycle: efficient without being exuberant.