A recent report from ZigWheels hints that Suzuki is developing a 250cc cruiser that will fall under the Intruder nameplate. Expected to be known as Suzuki Intruder 250, the motorcycle will use the recently developed 249cc, single cylinder engine that is good for 26.5 HP of power and 22.6 Nm of torque.
The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox and offers a great value for money option for Suzuki where sharing parts can keep the development cost as low as possible. The platform will also spawn a streetfighter (Gixxer 250) in the coming months and the launch of the Intruder 250 by Auto Expo 2020 is equally possible.
The power production of the 249cc, oil cooled engine falls within the 7500-9000 rpm range, offering a decent amount of push that sport cruisers generally need in everyday riding conditions. The engine will just need the BS6-compliant emission status over the current setup and that would mean a slight increase in price for the upcoming product.
Like the setup seen on the Intruder 150, which is based on the Gixxer SF 150, one can clearly imagine the same components as Gixxer SF 250 on the bigger Intruder 250. This means that the upcoming motorcycle would be getting dual channel ABS, big disc brakes, thick tires (110-front and 150-rear), updated instrument console, and revamped suspension setup.
The Intruder is already wide enough to accommodate the tire setup and moreover, the 250cc model’s design will also serve as the update for the 2020 model of the Intruder 150. Suzuki plans to minimize component exclusivity as that brings an increase in price. The 250cc Intruder is expected to get an ex-showroom price tag of around INR 1.80 lakh.
The upcoming Suzuki Intruder 250 will be a direct rival to Royal Enfield and Jawa bikes, although these have more displacement and focus on torque than the sporty tune of the 249cc engine. The lack of cruisers around this segment can bring direct benefits to Suzuki and start a new war between the Japanese brands (Yamaha, Honda, and Suzuki). Kawasaki India has no focus on a single cylinder product at present.
