Suzuki Djebel 250 – review of the legend of the Japanese ENDURO class

Suzuki rmz 250 2019
Fans have been waiting for the Suzuki rmz 250 model for quite a long time. At the presentation of this model in Japan, Suzuki representatives gave comprehensive information about the new cross-country motorcycle. A year after the debut of the new Suzuki RMZ 450 motocross bike, everyone was expecting a new 250 cc four-stroke motorcycle. Although it immediately became clear that this motorcycle would receive much more improvements than its older brother. And this is a very good sign.

Let's start with the fact that the 2021 Suzuki RMZ 250 received a new chassis, including a swingarm, subframe and the frame itself. Of course, the chassis was specially developed for the motorcycle, taking into account its purpose. It looks nothing like the 450 chassis. The most noticeable change is the raised central mounting point, which increases ground clearance and makes it possible to position the exhaust system centrally. Thanks to this design, the new motorcycle looks similar to the '18-'19 RM-Z450. Suzuki engineers have also equipped the new RMZ 250 with advanced KYB AOS suspension. But the most important thing, of course, is the engine.

Release Features

Suzuki Djebel 250 – (1992-1995).

Suzuki Djebel 250 – (1996-2008).

In 1996, it was restyled, the motorcycle received a tank twice as large, as well as cosmetic changes. But this is not the main difference between the generation. Starting this year, the bike becomes a separate model Suzuki Djebel 250 XC , and the DR250R .

Two years later, in 1998 the Suzuki Djebel 250 GPSver appeared . There is a built-in GPS navigator on the dashboard (though only with Japanese maps), but this development does not cause much interest and its production ceased in 1999 .

Production of the main model continues until 2000 . Due to the introduction of eco-standards, the carburetor is being changed on the model. Eight years later, in 2008 the tightening of the same standards put an end to further development. Even the updated carburetor could not meet the new requirements.

Price

The popularity of this motorcycle is due to its reliability. The current owners only list the disadvantages of this motorcycle as the rare high-quality tires for the rear wheel.
As already mentioned, production of the Suzuki Bandit with a 250 cc engine ceased in 2000. Therefore, it will no longer be possible to purchase a new motorcycle. But you can buy a used bike .

The price of a Suzuki Bandit depends on the mileage, year of production, installed engine and the condition of the motorcycle itself. A motorcycle produced in 1989-1995 can be purchased for $2000-3000. Motorcycles of later production years will cost more.

The Suzuki Bandit 250 is a good motorcycle option for a beginner. Despite the fact that it has not been produced for many years, the reliability of the motorcycle is recognized by the community.

Review and history of the development of the Yamaha YZF R6 motorcycle model on this page:.

Specifications

The DR250R, which is the basis of the new Djebel, was used by many users as a Dual Sport . (tourist + enduro). The developers took this possibility into account and, using the same motor, reconfigured it slightly.

But basically it remained the same 1-cylinder, 4-stroke air-cooled engine.

Engine – left view.

Engine – right side view.

Chain drive.

Transmission and clutch

Unusual for enduro was the installation of a 6-speed gearbox .

It worked well and did not cause any complaints from users. The only tribute to class was the short passes - I had to click often.

The main drive is standard - chain .

Brakes

Front brakes.

Rear brakes.

Despite the attempt to make a budget SUV, the motorcycle received disc brakes . One disc for each wheel.

Support for 2 pistons at the front, 1 at the rear . The diameter of the rotors is respectively 250/220 mm .

Suzuki GSR 250 (GW250, Inazuma 250) motorcycle review

The seating position is ok, but with a caveat, it’s not comfortable for me to ride in the saddle for a long time, the seat is made so that the body slides towards the gas tank with a large protrusion at the back (you can see in the photo) - this is good when on a goat or a sharp start..... but it was originally made for a calm driving..... because of this landing and the fact that the seat is wide, the butt is starting to get tired)) I set the regulator to the softest suspension. I’m going to the studio to make a 2-3cm backing (I tried to put a backing experimentally) under the front sedan and cover it with a large amount of leather (I don’t know how much they’ll take)) ..... gear shifting is clear, without sticking, from 5 to neutral you can switch already at 50 km \hour. The tidy is generally great during the day, the backlight is not visible and does not interfere with reading the instruments, but in cloudy weather and in the evening guuuuddd!!!!!! I braked urgently with two people SUPER!!! Didn’t throw, didn’t peck with a fork like rails…. It steers like a moped... when cornering it just demands....... put me down again)) even near the asphalt there is no discomfort... so far the consumption has been run in 5th gear up to 65 km/h (800 km) it turned out to be 3.7 liters in the city. The sound is good (serious) people don’t even understand that it only has 250 cubic meters. It leaves the place, I don’t have time to change the speed since it’s only up to 5500 rpm. for now)) I filled in 95 gasoline after 250 km one valve on the right cylinder knocks a little, I will do maintenance 1000 km will show the discrepancy and on which one... Yes..... no central footrest... not convenient. (I’ll look for some kind of Chinese one). I advise anyone who wants to buy!

The motorcycle is intended primarily for the city and near suburban trips. The tank is 13 liters, in the urban cycle a full tank is enough for 300 km, on the highway (quiet driving mode) - up to 400 km. My longest trip is 210 km. This distance can be easily covered in one sitting, although at the end of the journey you really want to get off and warm up as quickly as possible - the seat is a bit hard for long trips. An important point - at speeds above 80 km/h, wind pressure and noise begin to seriously interfere, it is highly advisable to purchase a windshield.

The gearbox has 6 gears, the cut-off speed is 11,000 rpm, the maximum speed is 151 km/h (I watched it on video, I only accelerated to 128 km/h). The motorcycle pulls very well from the bottom, confident acceleration can begin from 3500 rpm. When unscrewing the trigger all the way, no attempts are made to stand on the rear wheel, but it pulls forward very, very noticeably. You won’t be able to “shoot” sharply from a traffic light, but the acceleration dynamics are enough to leave everyone behind in 90% of cases. Dry weight 183 kg, at speeds above 90 km/h it is difficult to turn, it rushes in a straight line like a train (well, this is the personal impression of a person who has been riding a motorcycle for the first month).

I would also like to mention the suspension - in my opinion, this is the best quality of the GW250. Soft, with a long stroke, it forgives all the holes and bumps into which I inadvertently jumped. It’s no joke, at a speed of 60 km/h, fly onto a curb 7-8 cm high, and after landing, stay on your wheels (yes, I confess, the author’s attentiveness is still lame). This happened just on the day of the maintenance. According to the inspection results, the shock absorbers are not damaged and the disc is not bent.

Summarize. The motorcycle is very pleasant to drive, implies a rather calm riding style, and is perfect for a beginner due to its ability to forgive mistakes in control and route selection. The only stumbling block is the price. The new GW250 from an official dealer costs about $6,700, which does not qualify as “affordable” and “budget”. I bought it for a number of reasons - I only needed a new Japanese, 200-450 cc, and NOT a sport (CBR300 and Ninja 300 - right past).

At the moment I’m completely satisfied with the purchase, I don’t plan to increase the cubic capacity or change the class in the next two years, we’ll see.

My height is 173 cm, so we can say that the motorcycle is not suitable for tall people. Landing with a slightly noticeable tilt forward. The steering wheel is quite low. The mirrors are excellent, they don’t vibrate, everything is clearly visible, and I feel confident on the road. The suspension is moderately firm, there is an adjustable rear monoshock. Haven't climbed there yet.

The 13.5 liter tank lasts a long time. I still can’t detect the consumption, and for now it’s pointless - during the run-in I drove slowly and did not exceed the speed. Now about 1500 km have been covered, maintenance has been done. How much rushing... I only accelerated to 110 so far. The revolutions are about 8 thousand, the ride is comfortable, the engine does not strain and there is a reserve for overtaking. The wind should reach 140 :). My goal was 100 km/h with number two in cruise mode. In our area, cars rarely drive fast; on the highways, everything is mostly calm. There are very few pilots and therefore this speed is quite comfortable and safe.

The brakes are nothing special, but they are there. In our heat, always +35 in small traffic jams, it does not overheat, there is an indicator of increased temperature on the tidy. You can select 3 driving modes: eco, sport, norm. I'd like to think they change the engine tuning, but they don't. They just turn on another indicator that signals overspeed. Like, I exceeded 5 thousand in eco mode, the light came on. In short, complete nonsense, fortunately, it can be turned off. There is a clock, 3 odometers. (1 total mileage, 2 routes.)

Minuses:

1. The main disadvantage is the weight. 172 kg is a bit much for 250 cubic meters. I watch with envy as people spin their light mopeds around the kickstand in the parking lot. I can't do that yet. I can feel the weight, I can’t push back with my legs as easily as the previous Chinese.

By the way, this motor is also assembled in China. I would also consider it a psychological disadvantage. Although it is assembled with very high quality, everything is grown-up.

2. Lots of plastic, definitely expensive to drop. For me it's a minus. Overall the design is not mine at all. I'm more close to real naked kids, but it is what it is.

3. I touch the signal when turning the turn signals on/off.

4. The fuel indicator starts flashing annoyingly when it reaches a quarter of the tank. A quarter of a tank, I still have to go to work for a week. Flashing is annoying, causing you to refuel

I can't point out more negatives. Overall I like the bike, I really enjoy riding it.

I ordered and installed a shad case. In general, there are accessories for motorcycles on the Internet, after keeway it’s unusual. This is the first Japanese brand motorcycle I've ridden. In addition to my former Chinese partner, I rented a lot of different equipment from the Middle Kingdom. Honestly, I was shocked by the sensations after my first trip to Inazuma. From the feeling that you can drive for thousands of kilometers without problems, from the feeling of the integrity of the equipment, nothing rattles, as the gearbox so famously says.

Driving performance

The maximum speed measured in tests is 135 km/h . Users note that you rarely see such numbers. Only suicidal people can afford to drive one in the forest, and the “evil” stock tires won’t let you accelerate on asphalt. At the same time, a comfortable cruiser is 100-110 km/h .

Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h is not so important for enduro, but according to user tests it is around 5 seconds .

Fuel consumption

Consumption, according to the manufacturer’s documentation, is 2.13 liters per 100 km . It should be taken into account that these are Japanese indicators, since the model was not designed for export. Users from Russia say that the 17.5 liter 400 km or more on one fill .

Modifications

Since the bike lived a rather difficult life from modification to a separate model, they did not create other motorcycles based on it.

• Suzuki Djebel 250 GPSver, appeared in 1998 was distinguished by a tidy that was halved in width. A navigator monitor was installed in the vacant space. She had no other changes.

  Model Djebel 250 GPSver with new dashboard.

and competitors

But the bike did not escape the gaze of competitors. All the other Japanese presented their modifications, although no one could repeat the idea with a built-in navigator.

• Honda offered the XR 250 Baja , on the basis of which they later assembled a motard.
• Kawasaki exhibited the KLR 250 , which, like Honda, has been modified several times. Generations received indexes in the form of letters - from A to D.
• Yamaha supplied the TT250R the TT-R250 Raid for export , creating a certain confusion that did not at all contribute to the popularity of the model

Advantages and disadvantages

This motorcycle is called legendary for its simplicity and reliability.

Suzuki Djebel 250 is light, strong and simple, suitable for both riding around the dacha and serious long-distance treks.

• Power reserve , which not every classmate can boast of - large tank + economical engine = almost 500 km.
• Unpretentiousness to fuel - what is available at a nearby gas station.
• Suspension, which does not have much adjustment capabilities, is already configured from the factory in such a way that “you can jump over speed bumps, curbs or holes without slowing down.”

  The lower mount of the rear shock absorber allows you to make the motorcycle higher or lower by a couple of centimeters.

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• Light is usually the worst place in enduro, but here the engineers made a knight's move by screwing a 200 (!!!) watt .
• The presence of an electric and kick starter allows you to start even with a dead battery.
• Trunk (!!!) on which you can install case, turning the motorcycle into a road bike.

  Option of the maximum possible configuration with three (!) panniers and a bag on the gas tank.

As those who managed to ride say, everything is great , but I would like more dynamics.

Model overview

The Suzuki Bandit GSF 250 motorcycle was produced for only 11 years , its production ended in 2000, but even now it is the dream of many motorcycle lovers.

The GSF 250 belonged to the classic road motorcycles. And if we take this motorcycle in the modern classification, then it belongs to “naked”, since most motorcycles were not equipped with plastic body kits.

This motorcycle had a tubular frame on which the engine was mounted. The front suspension is made in the form of a telescopic fork. The rear suspension was pendulum with one central shock absorber.

Exhaust gases from each cylinder were discharged into one common exhaust pipe located on the right side of the motorcycle.

The engine design implied the presence of 4 cylinders arranged in a row. This unit had liquid cooling. The cooling radiator was attached to the frame under the tank.

The Suzuki Bandit 250 engine was constantly being redesigned , which affected its technical characteristics. Thus, the engine of the first GSF 250 could produce 45 hp. Later, the power of this engine was reduced to 40 hp.

In order to fully appreciate the Suzuki Bandit 250, you should look at the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, the technical characteristics of which are no less interesting.

It is worth taking a closer look at English-made motorcycles from Triumph. Get acquainted with the model range in our article.