Cheap and stylish two-wheeled transport from Suzuki
Suzuki was so overcome with excitement at the thought of the NEC Motorcycle Show it decided to launch its first 2013 model (yep, that's over a year in advance...) in Brum - the new Inazuma 250.
Ok, this parallel twin may not set your pulse racing like the new GSX-R1000, but you have to admit it looks pretty cool. So what's the deal with it?
Basically, Suzuki Europe has been badgering Suzuki Japan to make a small capacity bike that will appeal to riders who are looking for budget two-wheeled motoring. So they created the Inazuma, which is Japanese for, er, lightning. The little liquid-cooled 248cc motor promises to offer superb fuel economy and reasonable performance and all for a bargain price of around £3,500. Which is tremendous value for money.
Poking around the bike it looks to be pretty well built and has some neat features such as a gear indicator and fuel economy display. There is no official word on performance or weight but Suzuki says the bike will be in the UK late 2012. Not a headline grabber, but a bike that is certain to sell well and is just what the struggling UK bike market needs. When it is launched Suzuki say it will have developed the usual range of aftermarket extras such as a screen and crash bars to ease commuting pain.
250cc is good for running costs and insurance
Stuck for something to do this week or next weekend? Why not pop along to the Motorcycle Live Show at the NEC? The show runs until Sunday 27th November and as well as all the latest models there are stunt shows, loads of interactive events like off-road and trials riding activities and even various biking celebrities to annoy.
Find out more information at www.motorcyclelive.co.uk and check out this video of British GP rider Cal Crutchlow revving his M1 race bike on stage from the Show's opening day for a small taster of the action.