Bikes

Gallery: Suzuki Enters the Lightweight Sportbike Class With the 2018 GSX250R

New model features liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine and Katana-like styling

November 18, 2016

The 2018 Suzuki GSX250R will be in dealers in April of next year, in black or white. List price has not yet been released.Courtesy of Suzuki

Suzuki has announced that the GSX250R will be available as an early-release 2018 model in the United States. The new model is an "approachable street-sport bike" powered by a liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine similar to that used in the GW250, and boasts 76 mpg fuel economy. Wrapped in full bodywork, the GSX250R also features new-style 10-spoke wheels with petal-type brake rotors, and KYB suspension.

The GSX250R's counterbalanced engine has been refined to better suit its intended use, with camshaft profiles that maximize performance between 15 and 55 mph. Updated from its GW form, the engine now features new roller-type rocker arms for reduced mechanical losses, intake valves with a slimmer stem profile for better airflow, and reshaped piston rings, a new cylinder honing pattern and new oil pump to reduce friction. A different exhaust includes a high-flow catalyzer and a more stylish single muffler.

Chassis features include a 31.1-inch seat height, clip-on handlebars that give an easy reach and upright ergonomics, and a five-way adjustable front brake lever. A new reverse-lit multi-function LCD panel provides a variety of information to the rider, including a bar-graph tachometer and gear position indicator. The 2018 GSX250R will be in dealers by April 2017, and available in Pearl Glacier Nebular White or Pearl Nebular Black colors. MSRP has not been released.

Scroll through the gallery below to learn more about the new Suzuki GSX250R from Suzuki's press material.

Featuring sporty good looks, responsive yet easy-to-control performance, nimble handling, and a comfortable riding position, the GSX250R is equally at home on the daily commute as it is when touring for long distances.Courtesy of Suzuki

The new GSX250R/ABS is a perfect choice for a wide range of riders. That includes those who are looking to buy their first sporty street bike, or who are returning to the world of two-wheeled riding pleasure later in life.Courtesy of Suzuki

The GSX250R/ABS adopts the sporty styling of independent seats for the rider and passenger. Even so, each seat provides plenty of cushioning to make long rides comfortable. The slim design of the fuel tank also helps the rider easily plant their feet on the ground when stopped.Courtesy of Suzuki

The GSX250R/ABS features a reverse-lit LCD instrument panel with displays that include: Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, dual trip meters, gear position, driving range, average fuel consumption, fuel gauge, rpm indicator, and a clock.Courtesy of Suzuki

The sporty flair of newly designed 10-spoke wheels pairs with IRC tires that provide a solid grip on the road.Courtesy of Suzuki

The relatively low mounting point of the separate left and right handlebars is sporty, but at the same time designed to provide a comfortable riding position around town or when touring.Courtesy of Suzuki

Enhancing the sporty, aggressive look and futuristic flair of the GSX250R/ABS are newly designed surface-emitting LEDs employed by the position lamps up front and the taillight in the rear. Their smooth edge-to-edge illumination and the chevron-like shape that flanks the headlight create a truly distinctive and highly appealing lighting scheme.Courtesy of Suzuki

The 248cm3 parallel-twin engine that powers the GSX250R/ABS underwent thorough analysis and optimization to maximize low- to mid-range torque and provide a powerful ride that features ease of control. The overall efficiency achieved also helps realize class-leading level of fuel economy*1 and clean performance that satisfies the stringent Euro 4 emission regulations. With a full tank of gasoline, the GSX250R/ABS has a riding range of approximately 480km.Courtesy of Suzuki

The cam profile for the GSX250R/ABS delivers maximum acceleration performance at speeds between 20km/h to 90km/h, as this is the range that is used most often. As an additional benefit, the cam profile also suppresses noise generation to deliver a smoother, more pleasant ride. The honing pattern used for the cylinder barrels maintains lubrication for the pistons in a manner that helps minimize any loss of performance due to friction. The cylinder head adopts roller type rocker arms that minimize friction loss. The port sections on the intake valves are designed to optimize airflow into the combustion chamber. This helps achieve a high level of thermal efficiency for improved performance and reduced emissions. Thin, low tension piston rings were adopted to reduce friction and the shape of the piston ring grooves was also optimized.Courtesy of Suzuki

The two-into-one exhaust system for the GSX250R/ABS features an optimized shape for the chamber in front of the catalyzer. This maximizes acceleration performance at mid-range speeds, while the efficiency of the system also reduces exhaust emissions. The muffler adopts a shape that contributes to better engine output and torque by reducing power loss. It delivers a pleasing sound while its design also contributes to better cornering.Courtesy of Suzuki

Stopping power is provided by Petal-type front and rear disc brakes.Courtesy of Suzuki