Suzuki Inazuma review, test ride

Acceleration is quick enough for a 250 twin, though don’t expect this new Suzuki to be ahead of the pack at the local drag meet day, with practicality and a vibe-free character taking precedence over outright performance. Look at its sportier arch enemy, the Kawasaki Ninja 300, if speed is that much more your thing. Having said which, 100kph is pretty effortless on the Inazuma, 7,000-odd revs in top gear while top speed is respectable too, the Suzuki readily running up to an indicated 145kph, chin plastered close to its tank, and engine humming frantically close to its 11000rpm redline in sixth.

 

The Inazuma runs telescopic front forks and a hydraulic monoshock at the rear, separated by quite a long wheelbase, 1430mm. Its kerb weight is a portly 183kg, so it came as no surprise when we found the bike doesn’t steer or turn in with much urgency. Handling is nevertheless good, with ride quality likewise feeling pliant and comfortable as well. Speaking of which, the Inazuma scores big brownies over its direct rival, the Kawasaki Ninja 300, to provide a commuter friendly and back upright riding position. We found the new Suzuki offers excellent traction as well, thanks to a set of IRC footwear at both ends, relatively less spoken off and often underrated in the motorcycle tyre world. 

 

In keeping with its overall soft nature, the Inazuma brakes with solid reassurance, providing a not so aggressive, more progressive feel at both levers, these controlling single discs at both ends. ABS, that would have added so much value, is sadly lacking on the quarter-litre Suzuki.

 

The famous Japanese maker and its Indian arm have worked to ensure the Inazuma has come to India as a practical, easily mastered and comfortable to ride everyday quarter-litre bike. Although priced competitively, at Rs 305,958 (ex-showroom, Pune), versus its direct rival twin-cylinder bike from Kawasaki, there’s still several more affordable single-cylinder options in the same market today, including the superbly priced and capable KTM Dukes and Honda CBR250R, which could work against the Inazuma climbing the ladder to ride the premium bike boom. We'll have a more detailed report up soon. Watch this space.