2013 Suzuki GW250 Test Ride

?2013 Suzuki GW250: A bike in a class of its own?

Suzuki?s motorcycle division has just introduced an all-new, affordable, fuel efficient and agile bike in the standard genre that is uniquely in a class of its own. It?s the 2013 Suzuki GW250.

Visually, the Suzuki GW250 displays the look of an aggressive naked bike, but in a manageable and civilized form, rather than an all-out sport bike style. Power comes from a 248 cc, SOHC 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, fuel injected, two-cylinder motor with wet sump lubrication, an electric starter and dual exhaust with sporty chrome mufflers on each side that meet strict emission regulations. A coupling-type balancer shaft is fitted to the engine?s crankshaft to enhance riding comfort. The bike?s power reaches the rear wheel via a chain final drive, through a six-speed constant mesh manual transmission.

The lightweight motor is compact, providing an ideal level of low and mid-range force and it nestles in a semi double cradle chassis that?s designed to serve up plenty of support for a variety of riding styles and levels of expertise. It subtly secures its more visible and prominent features. The GW250 is equally suited to cruising through urban scenarios or traversing open roads.

Back to the visual appeal of the GW250? It exhibits dynamic sculpting in its bodywork from the front composite fender, up through the mini-faired headlight housing that also contains the instrument panel, over the fuel tank and contoured dual saddle, with a raised passenger platform to the raised tail, and down over the rear mud-guard fender. Foot controls and rider pegs are positioned comfortably in the middle of the bike, and the handlebars are a clip-on-style that provides both good looks and optimum comfort and control. A silver-finished passenger grab bar serves as a secure hold for tandem rides or allows for stylishly securing cargo when going solo.

The GW250 features a bright dual lens and brake light with a striking design, and the instrument panel showcases stylish instruments including a digital LCD speedometer, an odometer, a twin trip meter, clock and fuel gauge readouts, a maintenance interval indicator and 3-mode rpm indicator (Normal, Eco mode and Off) on the right, plus LED icon indicators on the left. There?s also a gear indicator. The turn signals are boldly integrated into the bodywork and are quite prominent despite their low positioning.

Suspension componentry consists of oil damped, telescopic reverse forks with coil springs, and 4.7-inches of travel up front, and a rear swingarm monoshock system, coil spring, oil damped with 4.9-inches of travel and seven-way adjustable spring preload in the rear. Braking duties are taken care of by hydraulic single discs fore and aft.

The Suzuki GW250 rolls on IRC Road Winner tires: 110/80-17 M/C 57H up front and 140/70-17 M/C 66H rubber in the rear, mounted on three-spoke, black painted alloy wheels front and rear. It tips the scales at a very manageable 403 pounds.

My 2013 Suzuki GW250 was finished in Pearl Nebular Black (the only available color) with an extremely affordable base sticker set at $3,999. Dealer prep and handling can vary, but should average roughly $200. For a total out-the-door tag of $4,199.

SUMMARY: The 2013 Suzuki GW250 is truly a unique bike that seems to march (or roll) to its own drummer. It delivers an attractive, boldly styled naked type bike in a standard bike format, with a sensible powerplant that provides a fun to ride quality in an affordable and fuel-efficient package.

It is set up for outstanding low speed maneuverability as well as high-speed freeway travel. The balance and manageability are admirable at virtually any operational speed. A broad torque range provides power across a wide band.

The riding position is ergonomically ideal for a wide range of rider physiques from short to tall, thanks to the sound rider triangular arrangement, and whether riding in and out of urban situations or on the open road, the Suzuki GW250 may well prove to be the perfect choice for both recreational and transportational needs. Suzuki provides a 12 month unlimited mileage, limited warranty to sweeten the appeal of the GW250.

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?[wptabtitle] SPECIFICATIONS: 2013 Suzuki GW250 [/wptabtitle]
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Base Price:	$3,999.
Price as Tested:	$4,199. * Dealer prep & handling costs may vary.
Engine Type and Size:	248 cc, SOHC 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, fuel injected, two-cylinder with wet sump lubrication electric starter dual exhaust.
Horsepower (bhp):	Not listed.
Torque (ft./ lbs.):	Not listed.
Transmission:	Six-speed constant mesh manual.
Drive Train:	Final drive – Chain.
Suspension:	Front – Telescopic reverse forks with coil springs, oil damped with 4.7-inches of travel. Rear – Swingarm monoshock system, coil spring, oil damped with 4.9-inches of travel and seven-way adjustable spring preload.
Brakes:	Hydraulic single discs front and rear.
Tires:	IRC Road Winner 110/80-17 M/C 57H front / 140/70-17 M/C 66H mounted on three black painted alloy wheels front and rear.
Wheelbase:	56.30 inches
Length Overall:	84.45 inches
Curb Weight:	403 pounds (dry)
Fuel Capacity:	3.5 gallons.
Seat Height:	30.71 inches
0 – 60 mph:	Not tested.