~ Auto Buzz ~: 2018 Suzuki GSX250R Announced for US

Suzuki Motor of America announced it will bring the new GSX250R sportbike to the U.S. as a 2018 model. First introduced in China last month before again appearing at EICMA, the Suzuki GSX250R will arrive in showrooms in April 2017.

While we were hoping the mini-Gixxer would get upsized to a 300 for western markets, North America and Europe will get the same 248cc parallel-Twin as the one sold in Asian markets. This puts the GSX250R at a disadvantage against the likes of the KTM RC390, Yamaha R3 and the Honda CBR300R. Suzuki hasn’t announced pricing yet but it will have to be much lower than the MSRPs on these competitors to gain a substantial share of the small-displacement sportbike market.

The powerplant is the based on the one used on the Suzuki GW250, only refined for low- to mid-range torque. The camshaft profiles were designed to optimized performance at speeds between 15 to 55 mph. New intake valves have a slimmer stem profile near the heads to improve airflow into the combustion chamber while new rocker arms reduce mechanical losses from manipulating the valves. Further frictional losses were reduced by using a new oil pump design and using reshaped low-tension piston rings.

Though it maintains the GSX name (with the R tucked away at the end) Suzuki Motor of America sees the GSX250R as a modern interpretation of the Katana spirit, offering a more practical ride rather than a high performance supersport. Perhaps to further distance the GSX250R from the sportier Gixxers, Suzuki Motor of America opted against offering the MotoGP-inspired Triton Blue livery available in other markets.

The fairing takes its cues from several current and historic Suzuki sportbikes. The gaps in the bodywork are designed to draw cooling air toward the radiator while blowing hot air away from the rider. The headlight retains the familiar GSXR shape with a halogen bulb bookended by a pair of LED position lights. LEDs also illuminate the taillight.

The chassis consists of a semi double-cradle frame with a telescopic fork and seven-way preload-adjustable rear shock handles suspension duties. The ten-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels come equipped with IRC tubeless tires. Nissin supplies the two-piston front brake caliper and the single-piston rear caliper. ABS is absent.

Clip-on handlebars afford a sporty riding posture but the overall ergonomics are designed for comfort. The seat is 31.1 inches off the ground with a separate rear seat giving passengers a higher vantage point.

The GSX250R uses a reverse-lit multi-function LCD display with bar graph tach and gear position indicator. Other features include a 392 claimed curb mass and 4.0-gallon fuel tank. American consumers get a choice of Pearl Nebular Black or Pearl Glacier White No. 2. color schemes.

2018 Suzuki GSX250R Specifications
Engine	Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, parallel-twin
Displacement	248 cm3 (15.13 cubic in.)
Bore x Stroke	53.5 x 55.2 mm (2.10 x 2.17 in.)
Compression Ratio	11.5: 1
Fuel System	Suzuki Fuel Injection
Starter	Electric
Lubrication	Wet sump
Transmission	6-speed constant mesh
Clutch	Wet, multi-plate type
Final Drive	Chain, Sealed O-ring type
Front Suspension	Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Front Brakes	Single disc, Nissin 2-piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single-disc, Nissin 1-piston caliper
Front Tire	110/80-17M/C 57H tubeless
Rear Tire	140/55-17M/C 66H tubeless
Fuel Tank Capacity	4.0 US gal. (15 L)
Ignition	Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Headlight	12V 55/60W (H4 halogen) & LED position lights
Taillight	LED
Overall Length	82.08 in. (2,085 mm)
Overall width	29.13 in. (740 mm)
Overall height	43.7 in. (1,110 mm)
Wheelbase	56.29 in. (1,430 mm)
Ground clearance	6.29 in. (160 mm)
Seat height	31.1 in. (790 mm)
Curb mass	392.4 lbs. (178 kg.)
Colors	Pearl Glacier White No. 2 or Pearl Nebular Black
Warranty	12 month unlimited mileage limited warranty