The internet has been abuzz with speculations regarding Suzuki’s plans of launching a new, more powerful Gixxer, packing a newly developed 250cc engine. While Suzuki hasn’t confirmed this as yet, we believe that this new quarter-litre bike might also serve as the base for a new entry-level adventure touring model, rumoured to be christened the V-Strom 250.
While an entry-level adventure motorcycle might not have seemed feasible till a few years ago, the rapid growth in Asian markets has made manufacturers sit up and take notice of this segment. Though Suzuki already has the Inazuma 250 platform at its disposal, building an adventure bike based on this frame might make it too expensive for emerging markets. As such, we believe Suzuki might employ the new quarter-litre bike’s platform for this purpose.
Currently, the V-Strom 650 is the most affordable adventure touring motorcycle in Suzuki’s line-up. In case the V-Strom 250 does end up entering the production lines, we think that it will be a perfect motorcycle for the Indian market. A different set of rumours going around the internet have also suggested the possibility of a Kawasaki Ninja 300-based adventure tourer, which should rival the V-Strom 250.
