1982 Suzuki GSX250E

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.

Suzuki GSX 250E