Suzuki Inazuma review, road test

Suzuki strikes again, with its first Indian quarter-litre, the Inazuma. Can the new bike tap into and electrify our 250cc segment?

Published on Apr 01, 2014 06:05:00 PM

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Suzuki Inazuma.

The Inazuma is powered by a 248cc four-stroke, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, and fuel-injected engine that comes to life effortlessly at the push of its start button. The 250 twin makes 24bhp of peak power at 8500rpm, while torque offered is 2.24kgm, arriving at 6500rpm. The Inazuma offers user-friendly power delivery that’s just right for crowded urban conditions. This long-stroke (53.5mm x 55.2mm bore and stroke) engine delivers a strong wave of low- and mid-range power, always feeling refined with smoothly delivered, vibe-free acceleration available from close over idle, all the way up to the bike’s 11200rpm rev limiter.

The Inazuma is a relaxed bike to ride, with adequate feedback from its light-action clutch. The six-speed transmission works well, shifting seamlessly in a one-down, five-up pattern. Don’t, however, expect the new Suzuki to bring you glory at the drag-strip, with practicality taking pride of place over outright performance. This isn’t the right choice for riders looking for a sportsbike-like feel, the 250cc motorcycle managing only reasonably quick figures when tested for acceleration. The Inazuma took 3.96 seconds to reach 60kph from rest, getting past 100kph in 11.50secs, which is significantly slower than far better priced single-cylinder rivals like the KTM 200 Duke and Honda CBR250R. Cruising at speeds of up to 120kph is possible, although the Inazuma starts to feel breathless when pushed beyond this. The Inazuma can climb to a true 136kph top speed, its exhaust note staying soothingly soft at all speeds.