2011 Suzuki GSR750 and TU250X

Suzuki Motorcycles has taken the wraps off two new 2011 models at a media launch in Australia – the GSR750 street fighter and TU250X retro.

The “chiselled” GSR750 is powered by a Euro 3-complied derivative of the mill found in the 2003 model GSX-R750K3, with Suzuki engineers following the standard path of manipulating the power curve with a greater emphasis on low-end torque and mid-range. The K3 engine was also chosen for the naked bike-friendly angle of lean on its bank of four cylinders.

Suzuki doesn’t quote performance figures, but the original K3 produced around 141hp and 86Nm. We’d expect that power figure to be reduced in GSR mode, and torque to go the other way and be punching around the 100Nm mark. She certainly won’t be a shrinking violet anyway you look at it.

Other features include upside-down KYB forks, complete with gold-coloured anodised upper tubes, four-piston front calipers griping 310mm discs, a 1450mm wheelbase, 815mm seat height, 145mm ground clearance and 17-5-litre fuel tank. Wet weight is 211kg, and the rubber is 129/70 and 180/55.

“We have been looking forward to the arrival of the GSR750 as it provides riders with an aggressive naked Suzuki street bike option,” said Perry Morison, General Manager Motorcycles, Suzuki Australia.

Available in Australia around May or June, the GSR750 comes in a choice of two colour schemes -- Glass Sparkle Black/Pearl Mira Red or Pearl Glacier White, and is backed by Suzuki’s two-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.  Pricing information will be announced closer to the arrival date.

The GSR750, which will replace the GSR600 in Suzuki’s middleweight naked bike line-up, is entering a hotly contested market which includes the Triumph Street Triple, recently launched Yamaha FZ8 and Kawasaki Z750.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the intensity meter comes the single-cylinder, air-cooled five-speed TU250X, which will go on sale in April for $5990.

The TU is all about ‘old’ styling blended with modern engineering, such as Keihin fuel injection and Euro 3 compliance, and Suzuki reckons it’s identified a void in the 250cc market for such a timeless machine.

And we reckon it’s onto something, as the there is an abundance of scooters, sports machines and cruisers in 250cc guise, but not a machine with TU-like qualities.

Braking on the TU is a combination of disc (front) and drum, the wheels are spoked, the seat height is just 770mm, and the riding position is quite upright. Kerb weight is 148kg.

"The TU250X is the ideal motorcycle for a wide range of riders who are seeking a timeless and classic machine," said Morison.

"We've complemented our range with a retro looking, value-packed bike with broad appeal. The TU250X has proved very popular in other markets and I am pleased that we could introduce it into Australia."

An earlier version of the TU250X, complete with carburetor, was on sale in Australia from 1996-1998 for $4899.

The Bikesales Network will be reviewing both the GSR750 and TU250X in coming months.