Suzuki’s entry-level performance twin bikes, Gixxer and Gixxer SF, are very popular in the Indian market. There have been rumours about Suzuki launching a 250-cc fully faired bike for many years now, but the failure of the high-priced Inazuma, in India, has caused multiple delays in the launch.
Suzuki offers the Inazuma, a 250-cc naked model, and a fully-faired version of the GSX-R250, in international markets. However, in India, a different model can be launched that will cater to the price-sensitive market. Suzuki is planning to launch a new naked model in India that will compete with bikes, such as the Yamaha FZ25. After the success of the Gixxer moniker in India, Suzuki will continue to use the name with the new model.
The naked motorcycle will be launched next year. It will first be launched as a naked bike, followed by a fully faired model of the bike, just like the Gixxer SF was launched after the Gixxer naked bike. The bike is expected to get a very muscular design and the styling will be inspired by the GSX-S750 and the GSX-S1000. Both the bikes are already on sale in India, but are very expensive due to import taxes. The two bikes are imported as Completely Built Units (CBU), which increases the costs. However, the upcoming 250-cc Gixxer will be built in India, which will allow Suzuki to price it aggressively.
It is expected that the Suzuki Gixxer 250 will share its platform with the upcoming Suzuki GSX-S300, while it will be similar to the Chinese-spec Suzuki Houje 300, in terms of looks. The India-spec changes can include an LED head lamp and tail lamp with an all-digital instrument cluster.
The engine details are not known as yet but speculations are rife that the bike will be powered by a single-cylinder 250-cc engine with four valves. To keep costs in check, Suzuki may offer an oil-cooling system instead of a liquid-cooling system. The output is expected to be around 25 Bhp and it will get a six-speed transmission to keep the engine relaxed on highways. However, for quicker acceleration, we can also see a five-speed transmission similar to the Yamaha FZ25.