Has Suzuki Inazuma GW250 Got enough to Challenge its Rivals?

It's been a long way since we have been talking about the arrival of the much awaited quarter liter motorcycle from Suzuki in India. Rather than scribes, no confirmation has been made yet apart from the company. Well, is it worth waiting? Is the Inazuma 250 installed with all necessary stuffs in a 250cc motorcycle? Is enough to challenge its competitors? Let's check it out.



Looks
A sports class motorcycle must have a dashing look. The people should follow the bike for its sporty design and craftsmanship. Do you really think that the Inazuma 250 is looking great? I know, it depends upon each individual's mind. However, for me, it's not at all an amazing machine by appearance. I love fully-faired motorcycle more than semi-faired and naked machines. That migh be the major reason inmy case.



Well, checkout the other stuffs in the same class- Honda CBR 250R, Kawasaki Ninja 300, Hyosung GT250R, and KTM Duke 390. We all know how aggressive these machines are. The way they look. They are something just belong to the next generation sportsbikes. Some have got got dual headlight, though some haven't there have been installed a different look. And among with these guys, the Inazuma 250 looks nothing. The Inazuma is still equipped with a single long seat, which is of course outdated and its bulgy headlamp never impresses any hardcore sportsbike rider. So is the tail lamp. Only if Suzuki lands a total face-lifted Inazuma 250, the Japanese company can win riders.



Engine and Performance
The Inazuma 250 comes with a 248cc, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC engine. It delivers a maximum power of 26 Bhp @ 8500 rpm and a maximum torque of 24.2 Nm @ 7000 rpm. It's mated with a 6 speed transmission. Its top speed is just 154 kmph.

Look at the other stuffs. Kawasaki Ninja 300: it's powered by a 296cc, Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin engine, which is assisted by a max power of 39 PS @ 11000 rpm and a max torque of 27.0 Nm @ 10000 rpm. Its top speed is 177 kmph.



Meanwhile, the CBR 250R is equipped with a 296cc, Liquid cooled, 4 stroke, DOHC 4 Valve, SI engine with a lesser peak power of 25 bhp @ 8500 rpm and a lesser peak torque of 22.9 Nm @ 7000 rpm. But, it has a top speed of 165 kmph.

The GT250R on the other hand comes with a 249cc, Air / Oil cooled DOHC 8-valve 75° V-twin engine, with a max power of 28 bhp at 10000 rpm and a max torque of 22 Nm at 8000 rpm. And it has a top speed of 175 kmph.



Last but not least, the Duke 390 is powered by the biggest engine in its class, 373.2cc, Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, spark-ignition, liquid-cooled. It generates a gorgeous power of 43.5 Ps @ 9000 Rpm and a stunning torque of 35 Nm @ 7000 Rpm. Its top speed is 160 kmph.

Analyzing the above mentioned numbers, one thing is clear that the Inazuma stays only behind these motorbikes. And what else Inazuma has got over them?



Features
At least features should compensate for its weaknesses. Still, how long is it possible? Anyway, additional and unique features can bring in some colorful moment for the rider and pillion. Let's go through it.

Seven-way adjustable spring preload rear suspension: It's hidden from views to expose a sporty look. It is handled with a mono-shock suspension and ensures a very smooth and comfortable ride.



Semi double-cradle chassis: It supports the bike in every riding angles. It delivers a naked look too. At the same time it's reliable too.

Tail lamp: It is mixed up with a bright dual lens tail and brake light.

Exhaust: It is mated with a chrome finished exhaust muffler that meets strict emission regulations.



Instrument cluster: It is compromised of a digital LCD speedometer, odometer, twin trip meter, clock and fuel gauge readouts, maintenance interval indicator and 3-mode rpm indicator (Normal mode, Eco mode and Off) on the right, and LED indicators on the left.

Indicators: The front turn indicators are attached on the body. That is just below the fuel tank. It gives a uniqueness to the bike.

Exhaust: It is mated with a chrome finished exhaust muffler that meets strict emission regulations.



Riding Manoeuvre
You will definetely feel easiness and freedom while you are on it. The bike looks so easy to be ridden. It had great ergonomics. The seat position, foot rest, handle bar, switches, and everything is placed just in favour of a rider. The Inazuma GW250 also considers pillion riders. That's why the single seat rather than a long one. So if you consider pillion rider, the Inazuma might be worth buying.



Verdict
The Inazuma GW250 is nothing but an entry level budget sports bike. The bike certainly lacks so many stuffs. When it is compared in terms of numbers to its competitors, it fails many times. And even there is nothing to highlight to proclaim that the Inazuma is a must choice. It badly lacks ABS too. Suzuki should have installed ABS at least as optional. Pricing is the another thing which will decide the fate of the motorcycle. Remember, the Duke 390 with ABS costs only Rs. 2.10 lakh on road. So how much down Suzuki can go further to get paid attention? It's a big question to Suzuki. And Suzuki will have to answer that. It's rumored that the Inazuma will be priced around Rs. 2 lakh. Then, for sure it will be a flop. The current cheapest 250cc model available in India is the CBR 250R. It starts around Rs.1.75 lakh. So, it is very clear that Suzuki needs to tag the Inazuma somewhat behind the CBR 250R with a good margin difference in pricing. And it is all depended upon its pricing.



Rivals
Kawasaki Ninja 300, KTM Duke 390, Hyosung GT250R, and Honda CBR 250R.