Suzuki GSX 250F Across

What makes this particular bike special is it integrated storage area which is located where the fuel tank is normally located on a bike. The tank has the capacity to carry a XL full-faced helmet with space to spare and a max load of 10kgs. The tank lid is electro-magnetically opened via the ignition switch, turned fully to the right. In essence it's a lockable boot. The tank is fully lined and rubber sealed to prevent water from getting in. Believe it or not there's also a compartment light ! which comes on when you open it !
There are other features on this bike that are not even found on other more expensive bikes. For starters there's full instrumentation, excluding a fuel gauge, but there is a 2 stage fuel light. Although only one bulb ? it lights up when its nearing empty and even brighter when you really should be seeking out a fuel station (orange and then red). My particular version also had a parking light which is activated or turned off again only with the key. The instrumentation also includes a neutral light. There's also a 4 way span adjusting brake lever.
The bike has a manual fuel tap with a reserve setting. Believe it or not I've actually run out of petrol a couple times ! When you do fill up the Across, it also has a electronic fuel lid opener. It's a big red button on the right of the fairing. The fuel lid is on the tail of the bike above the rear brake light and because its very well integrated you'd never know it was there unless you were familiar with the bike. The fuel tank is under the set. The seat is locked down and is unlocked with the usual key.

Quality
The Across is one of the more expensive 250s (when available new) in Australia. Justified by the level of equipment. My bike was second hand and despite that it still looked 'new'. Looking at new ones the quality is reasonable. It certainly needs an update in certain areas soon, as the instruments for example are dating pretty badly, apart from that it still looks up to date. The full fairing is thick and hard wearing. The frame is tabular steel. The headlights are still made of glass. The bike weighs in at 163 kgs. Thus it would take much to make it lighter that's for sure.

Comfort
The Across is a big comfortable 250. Upright riding position, however the seat is a tad hard. It's a large 250 and many who don't know what it is will ask what capacity it is. First time riders will think is feels big. It's a reasonable low bike and shorter people will have no problems sitting on it. It's even got room for a pillion, however I would hesitate to guess the drop in performance. I never had a pillion on the Across.

Performance
Mechanically, the Across is robust. It even has a electronic controlled (CDI) carburetors. Very unusual for its time. Performance is leisurely especially under 7500rpm. Yes 7500rpm. The bike revs out to 16,500 rpm.

Handling
Soft but grippy.
The Across is easy to ride !
It handles corners very fast but a bit wollawy.
I never once thought I'd loose it around a corner.
Brakes as I can recall worked well.
Very flickable after riding bigger bikes.

Problems
Any problems with the Across? The good thing about the bike is it's parts compatibility with other Suzuki models. Like the switch gear and the levers which are interchangeable with the 2-stroke RGV ! Rear mirrors can even be sourced from any GSX-R ! So parts can be very cheap. Eg. New clutch lever for under $10. There are no known consistent mechanical problems with the bike.
Note that the speedo cable can come off quite easily even whilst riding. The headlights including high beam are feeble. Essentially it's very reliable if you look after it.