QUIKSPIN: Suzuki Inazuma 250 - Lighting Strike

 

Finding an affordable and reliable bike is a good idea to start with for new riders looking to buy their first ride and Suzuki has answered the call with its new 250. At just $4990 plus on-roads, the fuel-injected, liquid-cooled Inazuma is a direct rival to brands like CF Moto and Megelli, which also offer inexpensive entry-level bikes to the Australian market. 

 

As soon as you sit on the plush, low 780mm seat it feels comfortable and the natural upright riding position could help nervous first-timers relax before even starting up the engine. 

The 37mm KYB inverted fork paired with the rear adjustable spring preload link-type suspension is well-balanced on the Inazuma, helping you feel exactly what the wheels are doing at all times. However, I found it less stable than I expected in high winds. 

The front 290mm disc with two-piston caliper and 240mm rear disc with a single-piston stopper are very dependable, bringing the Inazuma to a quick halt, pretty crucial on a learner bike. 

 

There had to be some concessions for the price when Suzuki built the engine, though, and it’s obvious when accelerating this isn’t the bike’s strong point. The Inazuma has very little grunt under 4000rpm, making it relatively leisurely to get ahead of the traffic when the lights go green, even for a 250. Its claimed 183kg wet weight also makes it a challenge to manoeuvre at really low speeds. 

 

On the open road once things get moving it’s a different story. The 55.2mm long-stroke engine helps produce a claimed peak torque figure of 22Nm at 6500rpm and the six-speed gearbox makes it a decent highway cruiser. 

 

Fuel economy on the Inazuma is very impressive, draining just 3.6L/100km, and you’ll find yourself making fewer stops thanks to the 13.3-litre fuel tank. 

 

The LCD display features a digital speedo and analogue tachometer, with a gear indicator and temperature and fuel gauge. Under the seat there’s hardly room for a pair of gloves, but there are a couple of handy hooks to strap helmets to, and your pillion (if you’re licensed to take one) will be pleased with the big seat and grab rail. The only downside of the ergonomics is the footpeg position which sit awkwardly for my legs when my feet are planted on the ground. It’s also unnerving to park, leaning excessively to the left due to its short side stand. 

The Inazuma – which means “lightning that strikes in a thunderstorm” – proves slow and steady can still win the race, giving its rivals a run for their money.

 

 

 

Protect your Suzuki. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.