Suzuki's GZ 250 K2 is a neat little machine on which to start your bikingcareer, writes John Wheeler.
This is the 250 cc version of Suzuki's Marauder-style cruisers. The layout is typical cruiser-style, a laid-back, feet forward riding position, low seat height and high level handlebars, very much following the "American" cruiser style.
As such it echoes, but on a much smaller scale, the "Harley" look. One nice touch - the ignition switch, instead of being hidden somewhere inaccessible, as is the American tradition, is where you would expect to find it: on the headstock.
The cruiser-style layout makes for a high degree of comfort. If this style appeals to you, it could be an excellent first bike if you qualify for the "A" licence.
It would suit those looking for something with a fair degree of performance, coupled with a reasonable price, low insurance and running costs. It is not, nor is it meant to be a high-performance machine.
Cruiser-style is more about pleasant, restrained progress, more "smelling the roses" than footpeg scraping, tyre shredding, canyon carving; a style that, though many appreciate it, is an anathema to the sports bike fraternity. This bike can cruise at 70 mph and, provided there is not too strong a headwind, can reach 80 mph, which is all many people want.
With only 250 ccs, the addition of a pillion passenger has a noticeable effect. Some owners report that it "feels light" above 60 mph; it is not a heavy machine and with more of the rider's weight on the rear wheel some lightness is to be expected.
On test we did not find this in any way disconcerting.
It has a deep valanced front mudguard which helps keep much of the rain spray off your feet. The fuel tank is wide enough to be easily gripped between the rider's knees.
The rectangular mirrors are very well placed, and give an excellent rearwards view. The pillion seat pad is fairly comfortable and there is a high pillion backrest and chrome grab-rails.
The rear suspension is five-way adjustable. The conventional switch gear includes a passing light switch. The general layout should make DIY maintenance relatively straightforward.
On the road we found the seating position to be relaxed and comfortable and much appreciated the well-placed mirrors.
The cruiser layout has a low centre of gravity which for many riders makes for user friendliness.
Performance is hardly earth-shattering. Acceleration is brisk enough for most conditions, though approaching the national, main road speed limit (60mph), overtaking needs to be well planned.
The gear change was smooth and clunk-free, brakes are well up to the machine's performance. In normal riding conditions outside the cities you could expect 75 to 80 mpg.
The finish is good, the looks attractive, lots of good quality chrome contrasting with the black paintwork.
There are lots of after-market accessories to customise these machines, saddlebags, screens and the like which also have the advantage of making it more practical for everyday use.
It is a machine that would mainly appeal to those wanting solo transport with economy, reliability, comfort and low adrenaline rush.
Not the best choice for a two-up world tour, but well able to meet most everyday and commuting needs and at, if anything is, an "affordable" price.
TECHSPEC
ENGINE: 249 cc, single cylinder, four-stroke, 9:1 compression, SOHC, five-speed, 20 bhp
DIMENSIONS: Weight 137kg, seat height: 680 mm, fuel capacity: 14 litres.
CHASSIS: Front wheel / tyre: 110/90 - 16", single disk brake, Rear: 130/90 - 15', single drum brake.
INSURANCE: Group 4
PRICE: €4,850