2017-2021 SUZUKI GSX250R review - Suzuki’s first racy 250 since the two-stroke RGV250

In bone-stock form, the bike is best in an urban environment: It simply isn't geared for dual carriage ways. Fix the gearing and it will handle both settings, but don't be expecting to pass anyone if the pace of traffic picks up. The stock fairing and windshield is really just for show. I replaced the windshield with a taller windshield (California Scientific in the USA) which, whatever you think of the looks, is a God-send on a longer ride. If you want one, note that It isn't compatible with bar risers by default, but if you ask, I'm sure they'd modify it for you.The handling is also fine for any normal riding -- which is the only kind of riding I do with it. To put it kindly, it isn't really a track bike anyway given the bulk and lack of power (some might point out, less kindly, that it couldn't win in its own racing series). The steering gets heavy as the speed picks up -- a bonus for long drives in the real world, but I suppose that would also suck on a track.As I've said, the comfort is fair. Even a broken old man like myself can manage an hour or so of riding without any long-term effects. It is not a rack like a dedicated sport bike, but it is also not quite as upright as a typical standard, and this does wear on you after a while. The rear suspension doesn't have much travel, so if you want to be standing if you hit a bump.The brakes perfectly adequate for normal riding on this bike. The extra weight of the bike is generally offset by the fact you aren't likely to be going at triple digit speeds unless you flying down the side of cliff. Later models can have ABS (mine doesn't, so I can't comment on it).

Unfortunately there really is no top end in the conventional sense ... everything drops like a stone after 9200 rpm (redline is 10500, which actually is down 500 rpm from the GW250), and best power it can muster (yes ...yes ... not much) is made before 8300 rpm. However, the engine is actually fairly smooth, and the torque is spread well through the low and mid range, and as I said the fuel economy is great. GW250 reviews seem to suggest it is mostly bomb-proof.

The headlight failed with less than 2000 miles on the ODO. Changing the bulb was surprisingly difficult due to a stuck connector (tip -- pull the dust-cap off first, then release the bulb, and pry the freed bulb off the connector with a screwdriver.) If you think you'll keep a spare and just change it on the side of the road think again. I replaced it with an LED in hopes it will out-last the bike. This has been the only real issue I've experienced in about 7000 miles so far.The bolts already show some surface corrosion and this bike is stored indoors and only driven on sunny days. So while the built quality seems good -- I'm less sure about the metallurgy. Devoid of plastic the frame (very close if not identical to the one used for the GW250) looks positively ancient, but also looks like a frame meant for a larger displacement bike (as does the swinging arm). For the amount of power, it is probably if anything, over-built.

As I mentioned, the valve adjustments are far more frequent than, say the CBR 250 - 300, so this bike is way more practical if you can do your own servicing (otherwise, the Honda wins here by a mile). Fuel economy is great though -- and even better with the gearing change!

The dash well featured and has good visibility. It has the expected speedometer (units configurable) and tachometer, it has a fuel gauge, twin trip meters, a gear indicator and shift light, and a clock. It also displays your trip fuel economy and will track your oil changes if you trouble yourself to read the manual. Not bad for a price. Unfortunately the speedometer is 8% optimistic at any speed which I find tremendously annoying.The bike also has a button to flash the highbeam light. I'm fairly certain it's main purpose on the GSX is for expressing ambition and optimism, but I'm told this is for signaling you intend to pass on other machines. There is lots of space under the seat, but only if you modify it by ripping out the pointless plastic 'tray' that otherwise barely leaves room for a small pair of gloves. Unfortunately there are absolutely no little store spaces front, but sadly that is the norm outside of scooters and tour bikes. Maybe it is just me, but wouldn't a cup holder and place for sandwich be brilliant? After all drive through fast food has been around for decades now. I'd trade a few horsepower for that.As you'd expect given the price level, there aren't many other things you can call a 'feature'.

I fitted a 41 rear sprocket of a sv650 and it so much better, it will now happy sit a 70mph and goes about 7mph faster than the original sprocket as it was geared far to low

Very well buit for a small bike. Not let me down yet

£3000. For a new bike 80 plus to the gallon

The bike has sporty looks and snap-on bars, but is actually very comfortable to ride - bars are higher than a sportsbike and pegs further foward, seat is comfortable also. Brakes are good but need decent amount of pressure. Would have given it 5, but the IRC Road Winner tyres it comes with are not fantastic - made for long life as opposed to performance.

The engine is a decent step up from a 125cc, and it has a suprising amount of torque from mid revs and short gearing, which makes it a lot of fun sub-50mph. Motorways are doable, as it'll happily cruise between 60-70, but not ideal, as it runs out of poke past this point to it's ~85mph max. Suzuki should have tuned this engine for another 5-10 horsepower, or shedded 10-20kg of weight, given the competition from the CBR250R, Ninja 300 and R3. However, the power/weight is reflected in the price - it's a fair bit cheaper to buy and also insure than the alternatives.

No complaints so far, appears very well put-together. ACF50'd all exposed metal through winter and no rust.

Get 90mpg out of it and I don't ride it sedately - refuelling is few and far between! Servicing as you'd expect for a small bike with not much to go wrong.

LED instrument panel is great. ABS as standard. Nothing bad to say apart from the stock tyres not being great.

Brakes excellent.

Nice ride well planted.

Feels a quality product.

MPG superb even riding hard its returning 70+.

Great screen - especially at night.