Suzuki Inazuma 250

More and more often, on weekends, we notice crowds of maxi-scooters on routes that, until a few years ago, were exclusive to sports bikes. The sales data says it all: scooters dictate the law in Italy, the home of historic brands, as well as the passion for engines and related competitive competitions. “Real” motorcycles are relegated to small percentages, moreover a market in sharp decline due to the economic crisis. Few enthusiasts remain faithful to their passion, without giving in to the "compromise". In the city, in daily use, the scooter has a thousand advantages compared to a motorbike, it protects a lot from the weather, it can be practically driven with one hand, it is easy to handle and, almost always, has management costs that are significantly lower than a motorbike. Thus, apart from a small group of purists, who brave the cold, the rain and the left shoe marked by the gear shift, the two-wheel "population" is now substantially divided into two groups: scooter riders and those who are luckier and can afford the luxury of a scooter for the week and a motorbike for free time. The first group is then divided into those who merely use the scooter in the city and those who, instead, perhaps opting for a more powerful scooter, replace its use with a sports one, also using it for trips out of town or to join motorcyclists in Saturday and Sunday tour. As a two-wheel enthusiast I understand all this, but giving up the charm of the real two-wheeler, with the tank in front and the taste of motorcycling, it's still a small suffering. Suzuki has thought of a solution for those of you who don't want to give up all this, but without going into debt to buy and maintain your motorbike. It's called Inazuma 250, is designed above all for those approaching the world of two wheels for the first time and for the female public, but, we are sure, it will also win back some old-fashioned motorcyclists, who had had to settle for a scooter until now. The Suzuki Inazuma represents a novelty on the market. Small yes, but twin-cylinder and more aggressive than the data suggests, it costs only 3.990 euros.

Aesthetics and finishes:

rating:  

Inspired by its big sister B-King, with good quality finishes

The little girl from the Hamamatsu house takes a cue, admittedly, from the larger B-King 1300However, here the dimensions are obviously smaller and the weight is 172 kg, just over 180 in running order. The front indicators are integrated into the conveyors, located at the front on the sides of the 13,3 liter tank. I like the style, even if the price and displacement are low, we are not faced with a "I would like but I can't" motorcycle. On the contrary, some solutions are truly excellent, such as LED instruments or the chrome collectors. The first is more than complete and also integrates the gear indicator, the odometer with total and double partial, the clock and the classic fuel level indicators, speedometer and rev counter. Even present a spy, configurable in standard, normal or eco mode, to “call” the shift to a higher gear. Being a naked, the engine has a central role from an aesthetic point of view, the twin-cylinder is in fact on display in the middle of the double cradle frame. To complete a “big” look the 2 into 1 into 2 exhaust, with chrome mufflers and collectors. The only flaw, in our opinion, is the slightly disproportionate front mudguard, but Suzuki is preparing a smaller version as an accessory. The clip-on handlebars, on the other hand, are beautiful, with forged supports and dedicated mirrors, simple and economical but still with a pleasant appearance.

Engine and performance:

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Silent and functional, excellent for newbies or returning motorcyclists

The engine is all new. Liquid-cooled parallel twin, it is equipped with a refined electronic injection which, together with the ECM control unit, avoids any waste of petrol. To ensure silence and keep vibrations to a minimum, a countershaft has been provided. 24,45 Horses delivered, at 8.500 rpm, and 22Nm of torque at 6.500. The limiter is high, above 11 thousand rpm, even if it is useless to change beyond 10 thousand, 10.500. Self up to over 7 thousand it is very quiet, then it makes itself heard with a pleasant buzz, also thanks to the two exhausts. The power delivery is very electric, there is no jolt when engaging the torque and, which is not trivial for a bike to be used mainly in the city, it picks up well even in sixth gear from just over 30 km/h. The maximum speed is over 140 km/h, on the motorway a speed of no more than 120-125 is recommended, also due to the reduced aerodynamic protection.

Ride and handling:

rating:  

At ease in the city like a scooter, it doesn't mind a few bends

The chassis is simple but effective. A classic telescopic fork at the front, monoshock with adjustable preload at the rear. Double disc brake, 290 mm front and also at the rear we find a second disc, 240mm, not the drum that other low-end motorbikes still fit today. ABS is missing, to probably keep costs down, but it would have been desirable to have it at least as an optional, given its usefulness especially for beginners, to whom this product is aimed. The possibility of adjusting the front brake lever is excellent, a solution rarely adopted on the "small" ones. The saddle is comfortable and rather low to the ground, 780mm, therefore also ideal for smaller statures, and some of you will be happy with it. It is easy to drive, also Clutch control is smooth and fluid, ideal for continuous restarts in the city. The gearbox is excellent, with always precise shifts, even if, when stationary, it is not easy to find neutral. Without a tap of gas it is almost impossible. When cornering you get satisfactions that a scooter cannot give. Sincere in the reactions of the suspensions, it allows you to dare without the fear that larger bikes could inspire in less experienced audiences. Easy to handle and light, it is ideal for less physical driving, therefore also suitable for women. In the city the engine is more than sufficient, with the clutch and the classic six-speed gearbox at traffic lights it allows for more brilliant acceleration than a "banal" scooter. Using it on extra-urban routes and on some mountain climbs, making full use of the engine, you will get some satisfaction, obviously if you then get a taste for it the power and chassis could begin to no longer be enough for you.

Price and consumption:

rating:  

Reduced consumption and low costs

Overall the Inazuma 250 is really an excellent product, especially in light of the price, contained in just 3.990 euros. Consumption is close to 30 kilometers per liter, so many! L'autonomy it is therefore of about 400 km. Of note, if you are considering purchasing one, also i reduced management costs. Tires, brakes and chassis are much less stressed even than a scooter. The small dimensions therefore help to contain maintenance costs. The name means "lightning", it seems a contrast with the performance of a small "two and a half", but in oriental culture it also represents the arrival of a storm, therefore of water and fertility. Who knows if Inazuma, with his name, will be a good omen for Suzuki's sales!

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
A real motorbike that costs less than many scooters, even in maintenance

We do not like it:
If you get a taste for it, it might no longer be enough for you...

Suzuki Inazuma 250: the Motorionline Report Card

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