2023 Suzuki GSX-250R | Honest First Ride Impressions

[@evanmcknight2566]

For the right price it’s a good bike. I own one and even though I have a bigger bike now I’m keeping it as a commuter/back road touring bike. I’m in a country where you can’t ride on primary highways. At the time and in the market I got it the bike was just over $3000 usd and that was about half the price of the Ninja 400 where I live. At a similar price I would go with the Ninja 400 soon to be 500 (450) all day, but for what I paid I really like this bike.

[@MotorcycleDemoRiders]

3k is a great deal for this bike. Solid commuter bike at that price. I've loved seeing the low displacement bike segment get better and better in the past few years and it doesn't seem to be slowing down. I'm not sure how I feel about the Ninja "500" (Terrible name) due to the price point it falls well short of the CFMoto 450 for me. On top of that my most anticipated bike to try in 2024 is the Triumph 400's because the price point is exceptional at 5k and 5.7k for the scrambler. Exciting times! Appreciate you for sharing your thoughts and experience with this bike. Any time you want to share please do! Stay safe

[@CaptainVelveeta]

I just moved to a beach town and bought a 2018 like-new GSX250r with less than 5000 miles on it for $2500. Best purchase I've ever made

[@MotorcycleDemoRiders]

$2500 isn't a bad price at all. I would be more than happy to have this bike to get around. Comfortable and plenty of power. Thank you for sharing your purchase and experience. I am sure you are enjoying the ride, the weather and the scenery!

[@Pipsqueak2352]

Totally agree with the 69yo guy. I'm 72yo been riding since 18yo also, and this bike fits the rider group we belong to. We need lighter bikes, less speed and excellent cornering ability- you will get it when your your reaction time and balance are compromised with age. Mate at 220 pounds you shouldn't even be reviewing it, I'm 152 pounds and can get to 85mph on calm days and 70+mph into a head wind. Horses for courses scenario. Why would anyone in their right mind compare a 250cc bike with a Hayabusa at 1340cc? Sold my Triumph Daytona 675SE & bought 2023 Suzuki GSX-250R, no comparison but I'm satisfied to be out and about- 300 mile ride recently and I felt great and so did the GSX250R.

[@MotorcycleDemoRiders]

Appreciate you for taking the time to share you feelings. That said the sarcasm I was displaying in the video I felt was very evident but was apparently missed. I didn't compare it with the Hayabusa it was a joke. My only issue with this bike was its price versus the compilation.

[@murraylaird2737]

Thanks for explaining. I should have been more balanced myself. The review itself was enjoyable. Keep up the good work. Incidentally I got $1000 off new price, otherwise I wouldn’t have bought it … so you’re correct in your price concern.

[@BruceForster-k9n]

I bought a 2018 GSX250R in 2023. I'm 69 Years Old, and have been Licensed since I was 18. The ONE thing I will agree with you is that the out the door price IS too high, all things considered. I bought mine with 2800 miles on it for $3600.00. I bought it as a commuter to my part-time job (which no longer exists, (THANK YOU MISTER BIDEN!) Your dissatisfaction with it not being able to keep up with those bigger bikes is unjustified-it's ONLY a 250 for Pete's Sake. On US Hwy 30 just East of Clatskanie Oregon is a 3 Mile Hill with a pretty good slope to it. If I drop down into 5th Gear, I can climb it at 70 MPH with no problem. If want the "thrill" of a Bigger Bike, BUY A BIGGER BIKE! The 250 perfectly fits the niche of us older riders who no longer feel "the need for speed", but still enjoy being on Two Wheels. That being said, I AM now considering buying a used Versys 650. I'm planning a couple of 600 Mile Road Trips, for which I would NOT want to be on a 250, LOL! The Baby Gixxer DOES serve an albeit small niche, but it does that very well.

[@MotorcycleDemoRiders]

I appreciate you for taking the time to share your experiences with the 250r. I didn't expect to be able to keep up with the larger bikes on the ride but I found the performance fine on the bike. Reminded me of my 89 ninja 250 on the performance side. My only issue was the price. Way to many bikes are in 4.5k to 5.5k price point that this model doesn't hold a candle against. But for 4k its more correctly priced and isn't fighting a losing battle with the competition. That said did Suzuki listen? No they make it $5099 in 2024. This is a never buy new bike only buy used and cheap. 3600 for yours is a great deal for a commuter without question.

[@BruceForster-k9n]

Drop the Rear Sprocket to 39 Teeth, and you'll get 95 MPH out of it.....

[@louplay]

I'm getting it for fuel economy, don't need to go fast, just need to get there ;)

[@MotorcycleDemoRiders]

I can respect that comment! True it's not all about speed. I don't fault anyone for getting any motorcycle even if it isn't the one I would personally choose. Ride whatever you like, serves your purpose and makes you happy. Thank you for taking the time to share your feelings on it and what you are looking for!

[@soaringeag1392]

This is Suzuki trying to get an EU A2 compliant bike. Its main use case would be learning/training without getting a 10k+ bike. Edit: this was one option that was offered at my MSF course, it was better than the dual sport and mt03, in terms of clutch feel, though the R3 was a bit better and more natural

[@MotorcycleDemoRiders]

I can understand that point but after speaking with a Suzuki rep I asked why the price went up in 2024 to $5099 and the response was these bikes just don't sell in any volume. My return question was why you think you're going to sell this bike in volume when the public can spend just a few hundred more on a much better bike or you can spend 600 less for a 300ss to learn to ride and keep it for a season and then sell it. My mindset for bikes in this category would be to make it really low cost to get new riders that don't have money yet to start riding and then as they get money the will continue to buy bigger bikes from your brand in the future as they move up. The 250r is a great little motorcycle to ride and even if Suzuki broke even on every 250r they sell at 4k to 4.3k it would help to create more riders which will build the pool of riders in the future for the bikes that have better margins. If you price people out they won't even start. Got to hook them in for cheap and then they will always come back when your trying to sell something that people don't actually need.

[@soaringeag1392]

@@MotorcycleDemoRiders you definitely have a point regarding the severe price difference, especially when competitors are absolutely spanking them in the pocketbook and volume departments.

[@IcedFastDragon]

Do you recommend this bike for a 20 year old? Does it have a upright seating position?

[@MotorcycleDemoRiders]

The rider position is in the middle. Not upright but not an extreme committed position. I would say it is a fine bike for anyone wanting to learn to ride. There are a few bikes that I would check into also. The 300ss is very similar to this bike. The 300nk is a little more comfortable to ride. Just a few options.

[@IcedFastDragon]

@@MotorcycleDemoRiders what’s your opinion on the Yamaha R3? With a 300cc engine? Do you think it is safer than the 250cc?

[@MotorcycleDemoRiders]

R3 is a good bike but is pricey vs the competition. It would be nearly the same experience but with just a little more power. If the 250r is less than 4k then it would be a great bike for the money. If not I would look at a used ninja 300/400, the r3, or the 300ss as they all share the same overall riding position.

[@MotorcycleDemoRiders]

@@IcedFastDragon Sorry bud I could have sworn you had another comment but I can't find it. Ultimately if the 250 is what you can get to at least be on 2-Wheels and start your journey its all good. I'm 5'9 and started on the OG Gen 1 Ninja 250 and I still to this day wish I still had it. Because that bike started my journey. As a parent of 19, 18, 18 and 16 year old boys I have taught them on a Honda Nighthawk 250 because it was a great teaching tool. They all learned and 2 have decided it wasn't for them and thats ok. You will be fine on a 250 to learn and you will experience so much with it. Just be safe and enjoy the journey.

[@IcedFastDragon]

@@MotorcycleDemoRiders I did have the other comment i can’t find it either now, but thank you for replying! I appreciate it!

[@evanmcknight2566]

I agree it does not make sense in the North American Market at that price or just in general unless you only want to ride in the city or can get one at an amazing deal.

[@dargoonius]

Found a beautiful 2023 Suzuki GSX-250R near me for $3,999. It's brand new, never ridden. It'll be my very first bike, I'm very beginner. I'm looking at it next week, should I buy it? Also, what are some questions I should ask when seeing it?

[@MotorcycleDemoRiders]

Is this at a dealership or a private sale?

[@dargoonius]

@@MotorcycleDemoRiders Dealership

[@MotorcycleDemoRiders]

I have been seeing the 24 model at that price recently may be able to get them down to 3500 since its a 23 model. This is a fine motorcycle to learn on so just try and get it as cheap as possible. Don't get a bunch of addon coverages for it.

[@dargoonius]

@@MotorcycleDemoRiders Alright, I’ll try my best to talk it down. All the charges and fees are unavoidable right? Since it’s a new bike and not used.

[@rollthers3157]

It should be at least 100 cc more.

[@craigxfleming8806]

It a cheap fuel efficient bike with a 4 gallon gas tank and 294.4 miles of range you can go from San Francisco to Las Vegas for 48 dollars with gas at 6 dollar a gallon you said your self you weigh 220 pounds it's top seed is 85

[@MotorcycleDemoRiders]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You won't get any argument from me! All valid points! I still feel like it is too expensive. 4k and its the best fully faired starting motorcycle. As it stands now the competition at 5k is to good for it. Still its ripped on by alot of people unnecessarily. Its a good bike. Stay safe and again I appreciate you taking the time to share your feelings and knowledge.

[@dolohall8459]

Hey! Is buying this bike for $3500 2022 worth it?

[@MotorcycleDemoRiders]

Depends on the condition of the bike? Is it used and in good condition? How many miles?

[@rx2joshuagaming674]

Jesus loves you so much ❤

[@michaeldavis2531]

I think the Ninja 400 comparison is slightly unfair. Because this bike is only a 250, would be better comparing it to a Ninja 300, of you're comparing them in terms of power and performance and stuff…

[@MotorcycleDemoRiders]

You are correct in terms of power but looking at it from the price standpoint its a few hundred less when it should be a $1000 less than the ninja 400/500. Since I rode this I rode the CFMoto 300ss which would compare with the 250R better in terms of performance and it is only $4499. I really enjoyed riding the 250R and as I said it would be a great little bike but it just isn't priced correctly to me. And for 2024 they increased the price to $5099. I always look at the value for money and I can get a better value than the 250R for just a little more money.

[@torevenheim9607]

It has to be a joke 😂

[@MotorcycleDemoRiders]

I was the only person to ride that bike at the demo. I have a love for all things 2 wheels and had to try it.