The Suzuki GN250 is a 250 cc four-stroke single-cylinder standard motorcycle that Suzuki has made since 1982. Simple, light and friendly, it became one of the best-known learner machines, and its engine and layout were reused in several relatives.
Suzuki GN250 at a glance
| Production | since 1982 |
|---|---|
| Type | standard motorcycle |
| Engine | 249 cc single, air-cooled, SOHC, four valves |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
| Length / width / height | 2,030 / 840 / 1,120 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,350 mm |
| Instruments | speedometer, odometer with trip, gear position indicator |
| Smaller relative | GN125, still built in Colombia |
| Bigger relative | GN400, Britain 1982–1984, six-volt electrics |
| Cruiser version | GZ250 |
| Modern evolution | TU250 with fuel injection |
History of the Suzuki GN250
A simple standard
The GN250 arrived in 1982 with a 249 cc air-cooled single overhead camshaft single with four valves, in a conventional street chassis. At 128 kg dry it was light, and the equipment was deliberately practical: a speedometer, an odometer with a trip meter, high-beam and indicator lights, and a gear position indicator. Later versions added a side-stand cut-out that stopped the engine if a gear was engaged with the stand down.
The family
The formula was stretched in both directions. The GN125 used a smaller 125 cc engine and is still produced in Colombia, while the GN400 was sold in Britain from 1982 to 1984 with an unusual six-volt electrical system. The GZ250 took the same drivetrain and added cruiser styling and dimensions, and the TU250 became the modern evolution of the bike with fuel injection and different styling.
Design and features
- Beginner-friendly: light, low and easy to ride, with a gear position indicator.
- Four-valve single: air-cooled SOHC engine of 249 cc.
- Side-stand cut-out: a safety touch on later versions.
- A whole family: GN125, GN400, GZ250 and TU250 all grew from it.
Suzuki GN250 versions
- GN250: the standard 250 cc model.
- GN125: the smaller version, still built in Colombia.
- GN400 (1982–1984): British-market model with six-volt electrics.
- GZ250: a cruiser-styled derivative.
- TU250: the fuel-injected modern evolution.
The cruiser version is the GZ250, and the modern descendant is the TU250. More Suzukis are in the Suzuki collection.
Video: Suzuki GN250 – Kleine Feierabendtour um Göttingen
Video by Detlef K. on YouTube.
Sources
- Suzuki GN250, English Wikipedia: engine, dimensions, relatives
