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Suzuki
GN250 The
Suzuki was bought as a commuter bike and served the purpose well. This chopper
styled 250 was not exactly my taste in styling, although it grew on me, and I
have to admit was very comfortable to ride. I was sorry to let mine go in the
end.
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The GN250 started life in 1983 on the back of the revival of the 250cc singles
and was given the custom styling. Despite it's limited appeal, it has stood
the test of time and is still in production in 2005. The engine is robust and
features a 4 valve head, where the two exhaust ports vent to a two-into-one
pipe with megaphone exhaust. The front down pipes comprise of a small bore
pipe running inside the larger chrome outer pipe, which can only be to reduce
noise, but does make the exhaust system expensive to replace. The
engine incorporates a gear drive counter balance device which reduces the
vibration to an acceptable level and to complement this device, the foot-pegs
and handlebars are rubber mounted. The frame is made of welded steel tubing
with a square section top tube and a single front down tube which incorporates
the engine as a stressed member. Available with either with spokes and chrome
steel rims or alloy comstar wheels, front disc or drum brake and in Red or
Black colours. The front mudguard is prone to rusting from the inside and the
rear mudguard is only half chromed steel, the other half that can not be seen
being plastic. The speedometer and tacho are clear and steady, a nice touch
being the gear indicator built into the unit. An ideal bike for someone of
small stature, but quite comfortable for a six footer. The fat rear tyre has a
tendency to white line, but you can ignore it as the bike is very stable. Hit
the front brake and the front will dive, but again, it is part of the
charm.
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Conclusion
An excellent commuting bike which does look
quite smart and stylish. You will either love the styling or hate it. A reliable
and comfortable work-horse.
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BRIEF SPECIFICATION |
| Engine Capacity |
249cc
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| Valve Mechanism |
OHC single with 4 Valves
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| Fuel Consumption |
70 mpg
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| Performance |
22 bhp @ 8,500 rpm
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| Top Speed |
70mph
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| Dry Weight |
283lbs
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| Transmission |
5 speed constant mesh gear box
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| Electric's |
12 Volt
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| Final Drive |
chain drive |
| Wheelbase |
53.1 in |
| Length |
79.9 in |
| Width |
33.1 in |
| Height |
44.1 in |
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Owners Comments:
Hello C/Bike
Was very pleased to read the on line above review. I
thought neat, someone who actually understands not all Bikes were made as rocket
ships. This was a commuter and as stated I fully agree 'an excellent one'. I've
owned mine now for 14 years now and is still used daily.
Only minus point really is that the UK spec machine got
a poor 45 watt tungsten Headlight. But Europe and Australia got a powerful 65
watt Halogen!! Suzuki obviously thought we had street lamps. Can be sorted easy
enough however, as the electrical systems are otherwise technically the same.
Whilst it was barely faster flat out than the 125 it
had better acceleration and pulling power respectively.
Regards Rob.
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