Suzuki GN250 wins with plenty of chrome but sensible features

Press, 3 May 1984, Page 6

Suzuki GN250 wins with plenty of chrome but sensible features

(By

PETER BRITTENDEN)

In the context of value for money, the Suzuki GN2SO rates very highly as a motor-cycle. At ?2375, the GN is far cheaper than any other four- or two-stroke road machine.

People looking for a bike as town transport, who can cope without disc brakes, mag wheels, a tachometer and a few other bits and pieces, need look no further than the GN2SO.

Do not expect anything fancy from the GN, it is your original basic Japanese motor-cycle — plenty of chrome but sensible features as well.

Most impressive was the single-cylinder 16.5 kW motor. This starts well but, more to the point, performs comfortably under any situation.

The motor’s performance will in no way stir the blood of any boy racer. In fact, it is quite bland. The design aims of the GN call for an engine which performs reasonably sedately and imposes no stress on its operator. Enough power to easily cope with traffic would have been another design requirement, and here the engine wins. The GN comfortably pulls awayifrom ISfr

most cars from a standing start. '

Lack of vibration, clean carburetion and quiet running are other features of the engine.

It was “business as usual” in the transmission department. Both clutch and gearbox were smooth and easy to operate.

The American low-rider effect has been incorporated in the GN’s design. This means the seat is lower than usual (only about 725 mm off the ground), making for extremely comfortable operation in tight traffic. No balancing the bike with the feet on tiptoes — the low height allows for both feet to be placed firmly on the ground. As a bonus, the seat was extremely comfortable as well.

Only, drum brakes are used on the GN but these are perfectly adequate for the bike. Both front and rear brakes are progressive and stop the machine in an acceptable distance.

The fact that these “discount” GN’s have originally been destined for the United States market reveals itself in several ways. The lights are permanently on — there is no on-off light switch. The starter only engages when the

clutch lever is pulled in, and the speedometer is in oldfashioned m.p.h. (with km/h under the main figures).

What Suzuki offers for the $2375 sale price is an extremely competent machine which is more than adequate for commuting and day trips on the open road. It is comfortable, economical and should be very reliable.

For those looking for something more sophisticated, there are plenty of bikes available but mag wheels, tachometers and disc brakes come at a price.

The test machine was provided by Doug Cresswell Suzuki, Tuam Street.

Specifications: Length, 2035 mm; width, 835 mm; height, 1120 mm; wheelbase, 1350 mm; ground clearance, 160 mm; dry weight, 129 kg; maximum power, 16.5 kW at 8500 r.p.m.; maximum torque, 19.5 Nm at 5500 r.p.m.; engine, single-cylin-der, overhead camshaft; bore and stroke, 72mm by 61.2 mm; compression ratio, 8.9:1; starting, electric; transmission, five-speed, constant mesh; front suspension, telescopic; rear suspension, oil dampened; brakes, internal expanding; front tyre, 300 by 18; rear tyre, 4.60 by 18; fuel tank capacity, |j).3 litres.