Suzuki Inazuma, a commuter bike... for 2.98 lakh!

After paying such a whopping amount you would perhaps dream of racing with the wind. And that is where it fails. In the ultimate analysis, it is just a commuter bike, says Arup Das

Suzuki's new Inazuma is its first in the 250 cc category. But the motorcycle lacks the power of its rivals

Suzuki, the Japanese motorcycle maker, has finally decided to join the 250 cc party.

Coming from a stable that has the Hayabusa and the GSX-R range, the new Inazuma does not really make your heart skip a beat.

It is bigger than most of its rivals in the segment but costs a lot more.

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The Inazuma's design is quirky with the Optimus Prime-like headlamp and the muscular 13.3-litre fuel tank hogging the visual attention. It is quite obvious the styling cues have been inspired by the company's popular B-King motorbike, only that chipping off the rough edges of a 2007 look doesn't really make it a modern design.

The three-spoke alloy wheel looks dated and the alloy grab rail reminds us of the original Hero Honda CBZ. The twin chrome exhausts do, however, catch the eye.

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Though one can criticise the one-step seat design, at a practical level it provides a lot of comfort to the rider.

The riding stance too is slightly straighter due to the taller handle bars, while the foot pegs are placed slightly forward at more or less the same position as in most commuter bikes.

The key here is to remember that the Inazuma is about comfort and ease and should not be compared to a 250 cc performance-oriented bike.

So, the bike covers all the bases for everyday needs -- side view mirrors, for instance, to give you a clear view without your elbows blocking your vision.

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Though the Inazuma is a bit heavy, it remains steady and gives you confidence of holding its line while taking a turn.

With the unpredictable road conditions in our country, the Inazuma makes its rivals eat dirt when it comes to the ride quality. The telescopic front forks and the hydraulic monoshock at the rear cushion every bump.

It easily sweeps past most of the booby traps found on the roads and lets you enjoy a stress-free ride even over a long distance because your arms, back and legs are in a comfortable posture.

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Performance is where things go downhill for the Inazuma.

At such a premium price, one has all the right to expect some serious power, but with a mere 24 bhp and torque peaking at 21.9 Nm, it surely is dwarfed by the more affordable KTM 390 Duke.

The Inazuma is happy at low and mid-range speed. You can push it a bit to overtake the traffic and there won't be signs of protest.

The six-speed gear box is extremely smooth as is the clutch lever, ensuring no strain is put on the biker.

The fit and finish of the bike are top class with no uneasy vibrations to discomfort the rider.

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Now comes the golden question, why is the Inazuma so costly?

The bike is a completely knocked down (CKD) kit which comes from China and is assembled here. Since none of its parts is localised, it comes with a hefty price tag.

So is the Suzuki Inazuma worth the buy?

Well, it is the most practical 250 cc bike in the country -- it is big, has a comfortable and spacious seat, provides stress-free riding posture, has excellent fit and finish and, most importantly, you can't feel any vibrations and its suspensions are perfect for Indian conditions.

It is also a fairly fuel-efficient bike as it returns an economy in the 30 kmpl region in city traffic.

Having said that, after paying Rs 2.98 lakh you would perhaps dream of racing with the wind. And that is where it fails. In the ultimate analysis, it is just a commuter bike.

Suzuki Inazuma Specs

• Engine: 248 cc
• Power: 24 bhp @ 8500 rpm
• Torque: 21.9 Nm @ 6500 rpm
• Weight: 183 kg
• Price: Rs 2.98 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)