GW250 Suzuki

[MJH]

Coming Autumn 2012 to the UK is the new Suzuki Inazuma 250 (GW250)




"Introducing the all new Suzuki Inazuma 250, the latest in our ever evolving range to meet the increasing demand for reliable and cost effective motorcycles.

The Inazuma 250, taking design inspiration from the B-King is an extremely user friendly and fuel efficient model wrapped up in a high-quality finish providing the ideal solution for riders looking for a top quality commuter, those returning to motorcycling or new riders looking for a steppingstone before moving on to something bigger.

Boasting a newly design liquid cooled SOHC in-line 2-cylinder engine with 6 speed transmission, the Inazuma 250 has been optimized for low to mid range speeds ideal for city and town traffic, whilst still being able to comfortably deal with any open roads.

The high-quality finish is carried throughout the bike using aluminum parts which not only makes the bike look good but also keeps overall weight down helping to increase performance, agility and economy.

To compliment this great performance, the Inazuma 250 comes with hydraulic disc brakes both on the front and back as well as a comprehensive instrument panel including a gear indicator, service reminder and 3-mode RPM indicator allowing you to select the gear change prompts that suits the type riding you require, including an economy mode for changing gear to achieve optimal fuel consumption."

[Nuhaus]

Wondering if anyone has seen this bike in Shanghai or the nearby area yet. I'd really like to see a side by side comparison of this & the YBR 250

[Steve_Halt]

Suzuki/Haojue started the nationwide distribution of GW 250 in China in the beginning of March this year (2012). I have actually been thinking about being this bike. The quoted price in Nanjing city is 23800 yuan (without the plates). The bike's big. Very big. Too big for 250 cc engine. Weighs 183kg dry. Must feel like a mighty chunk of metal on the road. Apparently YBR 250 will be more agile (I think it has more aggressive steering geometry too).
This bike is sort of Chinawise "adventure cruiser". Would look good with a couple of saddlebags or panniers. Would be too dull for the city.
Rear disc brake...YBR 250 is a drum...
Comfy seat...
Suzuki quality...
Gives you something to think about.

[MJH]

You do not think that is curb mass the 182kg, then it would be about 19kg more then a CBR250R curb mass of 161kg or about 40lbs difference.

[MJH]

401 lbs GW250 /24hp (power to weight ratio is 0.06)

355 lbs CBR250R/26hp (power to weight ratio is 0.073)

304 lbs YBR250/20hp (power to weight ratio is 0.066)

[Steve_Halt]

401 lbs GW250 /24hp (power to weight ratio is 0.06)

355 lbs CBR250R/26hp (power to weight ratio is 0.073)

304 lbs YBR250/20hp (power to weight ratio is 0.066)

Looks like they're pretty much in the same class then. Different gearing, most likely. Different geometry as well. BTW, can I get a CBR 250R in China Mainland? I went to the local (authorized) Honda dealer last month and the top of the line he had was a fuel-injected 幻影150 (half-fairing, nothing fancy). Said he heard of CBR250R, but was doubtful if he'd ever have it.

[ZMC888]

Steve, CBR250R is made in Thailand and India. I wonder if China realize that with their red tape. ownership issues and poor quality they are losing and money.

[Steve_Halt]

Steve, CBR250R is made in Thailand and India. I wonder if China realize that with their red tape. ownership issues and poor quality they are losing and money.

Don't think they do. China's jumped forward one too fast. Motorbike market is still considered cheap/rural. Most of my Chinese friends (who ride everything from Yamaha scoots to HDs) aren't even aware of things like "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" or "HOG". Here motorbike's not a culture. Customizing bikes? Even less so.
I asked my students what they thought of the bikes. 99.9% said they were a symbol of poverty. That's a stereotype that'll be hard to eradicate. And they meant any bike, no matter if it's a CBR or some JialLing.
I never really looked into this question, but I think that the local authorities don't even take motorbikes as a serious market. Examples of those countries like Spain or Italy where it's a full-fledged industry aren't telling enough, I guess.
And still with the better half of Mainland China in subtropical-tropical climate riding here could've easily become something more of a hobby than of a shame.
Just hoping.

[MJH]

I bet that the twin is real smooth and pulls well from a stop light and up to road speeds. The red looks real good to me, its a very handsome bike. I also think it would be OK at high speeds were the extra weight would be appreciated when a draft hits you from the side.

I looked at the CBR250R three times since it came out, but have not felt that compelled to buy one, but bet it is a lot of fun to ride, but I would rather have a twin and the GW250 is better looking in my opinion, but Suzuki has no plans to offer it here.

[culcune]

This bike is definitely about style vs. performance.

Steve_Halt--interesting perspective that has been discussed here but never quite summed like you stated it. I think that is why there has been alot of frustration, at least here in the US, with Chinabikes. Carl (owner of this site) had mentioned another issue when he visited companies, such as Qingqi...the companies, from what he found, are not 'into' their product--they just make them in the same way that a company might make lamps or clocks--no real passion.

It has taken several years of humdrum bikes coming to the US, but I think bikes are improving. One can pick up a TMEC motard in the same way one used to pick up a standard GY200; they are a step up, yet the price range is about the same. Qingqi introduced us to the Suzuki-engineered enduro lineup, with Pioneer soon to follow. We briefly had the Loncin water-cooled enduros/dirt bikes via Pitster Pro, and one can still get a Galaxy dirt bike through them.