Suzuki Motorcycles has developed an all-new 249 cc single-cylinder motor with advanced oil-cooling system exclusively for India. So, the best way to take advantage of the new motor is to use it in multiple new products, and it looks like that what the Japanese brand has in mind.
At the launch of the new Gixxer SF 250, Suzuki hinted that more quarter liter models are to follow. The naked version of the 250 cc Gixxer is confirmed to be ready in a few months but that’s not all. Zigwheels reports that Suzuki is likely working on the Intruder 250 cruiser. Given the Intruder 150 shares its powertrain with the Gixxer series, the idea of a 250 cc variant is not far fetched.
The Suzuki Intruder 250, if on the anvil, is expected to be ready for Auto Expo early next year. The cruiser is likely to adopt a design which is considerably different from the 150 cc version. Design cues could come from the premium Intruder M1800R.
Going by the Gixxer 250 SF, it is reasonable to assume the Intruder 250 to be equipped with LED headlamp with DRLs, fully digital instrument console, dual-channel ABS, LED taillight and alloy wheels. The quarter liter cruiser is expected to borrow its frame and suspension from its smaller engined sibling but the downtube would be strengthened to carry the heavier engine.
Speaking of the engine, the all-new 249 cc single-cylinder employs an oil-cooling system, one that is efficient enough not to warrant cooling fins on the cylinder head (Suzuki managed to shave significant weight off the engine, thanks to the oil-cooling system). The motor is tuned to deliver 26.5 hp and 22.6 Nm of torque on board the Gixxer. We expect the Intruder to borrow the engine as it is but the 6-speed gearbox may witness a few tweaks to its ratios for more relaxed character.
The Suzuki Intruder 250, if launched, will be the only 250 cc cruiser in the market but it will competing with the likes of Bajaj Avenger 220, Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350, and UM Renegade Commando. The price tag is estimated to be around INR 1.80 lakhs (ex-showroom). The Intruder 250 would make a compelling case for itself among riders who are looking for a well-equipped tourer at an affordable price.