I have ridden many bikes over the past 5 years, ranging from the small 80cc class bikes right up to the big 1100 sportsters. Of all these bikes, the 250cc class of bike would have to be my favorite.

In most countries, a learner rider is restricted to ride a bike no larger than 250cc, hence why the 250cc class of bike is actually the largest selling type of bike in Australia and New Zealand.

Irony would have it, that there are not that many 250cc bikes available on the market, most bike companies choosing to specialise in larger bikes rather than these small, agile machines.

This brings me to the Suzuki GZ250.

Generally speaking, most new riders will choose the classic style of bike over the sports style of bike when it comes to there first bike. The Suzuki GZ250 is probably the leading classic style 250cc bike on the market.

Suzuki have kept their traditional 1980's GN250 style engine, a 249 cc, four-stroke, SOHC, single cylinder with Mikuni carburetor. This single cylinder powerhouse has been driving Suzuki 250cc bikes since the early 1980's, about the time the GN250 made it's way onto the scene. The single cylinder engine gives enough power for this bike. I had the GZ I was riding up to 160km/h, on a straight stretch of road. At the time of braking, the speed was still increasing.

The GZ250 is probably one of the most attractive small engine class bikes available. Like it's larger brothers, the Savage 400 and the Intruder series, the GZ250 has all the marks of a classic cruiser bike.

Low seat height, only 27.8 inches gives a low-rider, relaxed feel to the bike, and with the footpegs out front, sitting on the GZ could be compared to sitting in a comfortable lounge chair.

The 5 speed, wet sump gearbox, is of course, of the expected Suzuki quality and style. Changing gears is simple, effective, and almost fun. The clutch is nice and soft, so changing gears seems next to nothing compared to other bikes in its class.

If you are looking at a first bike, or are just after something small, cheap to run and extremely fun to ride, this could be the bike for you.



Recommended: Yes