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Suzuki GSX 250E

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Make Model

Suzuki GSX 250E

Year

1982

Engine

Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Capacity

249 cc / 15.2 cu in
Bore x Stroke 60 х 44.2 mm
Compression Ratio 10.5:1
Cooling System Air cooled

Induction

2 x 30mm Mikuni BS30SS carburetors

Ignition

Electronic

Starting

Electric

Max Power

21.6 kW / 29 hp @ 10000 rpm (dyno: 12 kW / 16.1 hp @ 10000 rpm)

Max Torque

21.6 Nm / 2.2 kgf-m / 15.9 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm (dyno: 12.3 Nm / 1.25 kgf / 9.1 lb-ft @ 8500 rpm)

Transmission

6 Speed

Final Drive

Chain

Front Suspension

Telescopic forks

Rear Suspension

Swinging arm, dual dampers, 5-way spring preload

Front Brakes

Single 275mm disc

Rear Brakes

Drum

Front Tyre

3.60-18

Rear Tyre

4.10-18

Dimensions

Length: 2100 mm / 82.7 in
Width:     755 mm / 33.1 in
Height:  1115 mm / 43.9 in

Wheelbase

1410 mm / 55.5 in

Dry Weight

157 kg / 345 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

12 Litres / 3.2 US gal / 2.6 Imp gal

Consumption Average

4.3 L/100 km / 23.4 km/l / 55 US mpg / 66.1 Imp mpg

Standing ¼ Mile  

16.2 sec

Top Speed

137 km/h / 85 mph

A rather pizzazzy and diminutively flashy looking bike, the 250 is the lightweight of the GSX range - a similar carry-on style and finish to the GS450. The photographic session involved a brisk 50km stint to Wisemans Ferry through varied terrain and traffic conditions where the bike proved to be easily manoeuvrable and nimble footed.

Maintaining a constant speed on hills required a two gear drop to third which was also the case for overtaking. Although the machine revs out easily it wails above 7000 rpm due to the intricate head design and valve and cam gear.

Switchgear is well laid out except for the clumsy highbeam switch. The petrol cap, while neat, takes a while to master and the steering lock is not as well located as other GSX models.

Lighting is good for a 250 but the toolkit is a toy, as is the pubescent horn which needs replacing with something more gutsy.

Stability and line holding of the GSX250 were good and the bike has been designed to suit round town running and weekend jaunts. Two-up touring could be slow and painful but the choice between the GSX250 and the Honda RS250 single would be difficult.

Source Witch Bike 1981