Suzuki GT250
1971—1983

I have tried to tell the model history of the Suzuki GT250 as I know it. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

Suzuki GT250 was an upgraded version of the T250. In fact, the very first models (released in Japan) were exactly the same bike, only the model name was different. When the model was presented in the rest of the world, the additional ”G” in front of the T250 model name was to show that the model has been modernized with a disc brake at the front and with a new Ram Air cylinder head. If we take a closer look at Suzuki's 250 models before the T250, we will find out that the T20 Super Six (X6 Hustler in the USA) had very much in common with both the T250 and GT250. Many parts from the sixties' T20 (and even the T10 from the early sixties) will fit to them. When the GT250 model came (1971 in Japan, 1973 in Europe), it was still, despite of its roots from the sixties, a very competetive machine. It was as large as many 400 models and even performed like one, or better. In many countries, among them the Great Britain, it was the best selling motorcycle until the mid seventies. Unfortunately the enviroment rules that came along in the seventies made it harder to make any significant impovements to the two-strokers and a developement of four-stoke engines became the main concerne of Suzuki's engineers. Already the 1965 T20 had a 30 hp two-stroke engine, automatic oiling, six speed gearbox, rev counter and a twin leading shoe brake at the front — very hot stuff for the era but not as revolutionary at the seventies. The T20 was ahead of its time, but the GT250, that used the same technics, was outclassed by a number of its contemporaries already in the late seventies. The T250 had a slightly more powerful engine than the GT250. The enviroments and noise regultaions of the early seventies forced Suzuki to redesign the exhausts, somewhat poorer performance as a result. Just a quick bit of info on the differences that between the Ram Air J-K-L-M (1973—1975) models and the later A-B-C (1976—1978) variants: Ram Air motors are quite closeley related to earlier T250's and share the three main bearing crankshaft arrangement, and the carbs are bolted directly to the barrels. A-B-C variants have a revised crankshaft using four main bearings and different lubrication arrangements, also the barrels are different in construction using different stud spacing, and rubber inlet stubs which mount the carbs.

1971 Suzuki year code: R

Looking very much alike the T250, Suzuki Motor Company released the GT250 in Japan in '71. The model was developed from T250-III. The basic structure was the same, but its tank, side cover, rear suspension and the engine's cooling fins were redesigned. Also, the was no grab rail on the new model. Color options: Candy Yellow, Candy Lavender, Candy Turquoise Intitial frame number: GT250-10001

1971 Suzuki GT250, Candy Yellow with Black stripe on the fuel tank (Japan)

1971 Suzuki GT 250 Overall Length: 1 985 mm (78.1 in) Overall Width: 870 mm (43.3 in) Overall Height: 1 065 mm (41.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 290 mm (50.8 in) Dry Weight: 154 kg (339 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 247 cc inline-2, 2-stroke. 30.5 hp @ 8 000 rpm, 2.82 kg-m @ 7 000 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1971 Suzuki GT 250 Overall Length: 1 985 mm (78.1 in) Overall Width: 870 mm (43.3 in) Overall Height: 1 065 mm (41.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 290 mm (50.8 in) Dry Weight: 154 kg (339 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 247 cc inline-2, 2-stroke. 30.5 hp @ 8 000 rpm, 2.82 kg-m @ 7 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1971 Suzuki GT 250 Overall Length: 1 985 mm (78.1 in) Overall Width: 870 mm (43.3 in) Overall Height: 1 065 mm (41.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 290 mm (50.8 in) Dry Weight: 154 kg (339 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 247 cc inline-2, 2-stroke. 30.5 hp @ 8 000 rpm, 2.82 kg-m @ 7 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1972 Suzuki year code: J

In 1972, still not presented in the Western world, the Japanese GT250 got a disc brake at the front and a new paint job. The engine's cylinder head was redesigned for better cooling, it was named Ram Air System cylinder head. The model was also equipped with a helmet holder and a kill switch. The colors available were Blue, Red and Green. If you find better pictures, please send them to me.

1972 Suzuki GT250, Bright Blue Metallic with a Black/White stripe (Japan)

1972 Suzuki GT 250 II Overall Length: 1 985 mm (78.1 in) Overall Width: 870 mm (43.3 in) Overall Height: 1 065 mm (41.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 290 mm (50.8 in) Dry Weight: 154 kg (339 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 247 cc inline-2, 2-stroke. 30.5 hp @ 8 000 rpm, 2.82 kg-m @ 7 000 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1972 Suzuki GT 250 II Overall Length: 1 985 mm (78.1 in) Overall Width: 870 mm (43.3 in) Overall Height: 1 065 mm (41.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 290 mm (50.8 in) Dry Weight: 154 kg (339 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 247 cc inline-2, 2-stroke. 30.5 hp @ 8 000 rpm, 2.82 kg-m @ 7 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1972 Suzuki GT250 II photographed outside the Suzuki factory




1973 Suzuki year code: K

Restyled model. The Ram Air cylinder head forced the cool air to pass through the cylinders and behind the block. A simple but working innovation, although some poeple call it just a gimmick. The same Ram Air system was introduced in all of the air-cooled GT models (the GT750 was liquid-cooled). The model was equipped with a single disc brake at the front and a double-leaded drum brake at the rear and slightly wider wheels. The GT250 was now introduced in Europe and Northern America. Apart from the engine update in 1976 (see the text in the beginning of the page), the model remained technically unchanged and didn't see any major updated until 1978, when it was replaced by the RG250, also known as the X-7 or GT250 X7. It was a completetly new bike, not just a GT250 with new looks. Colors available: Red/White or Green/White.

1973 Suzuki GT 250 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1,130 mm (44.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 310 mm (44.5 in) Dry Weight: 146 kg (321 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled aluminum 247 cc parallel twin, 2-stroke, Ram Air cooling system. 31 hp @ 7 000 rpm, 3.18 kg-m @ 6 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1974 Suzuki year code: L

Only minor (mainly cosmetical) changes were made to the 1974 and 1975 year's models of the GT250. Intitial frame number: GT250-52355

1974 Suzuki GT 250 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1,130 mm (44.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 310 mm (44.5 in) Dry Weight: 146 kg (321 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled aluminum 247 cc parallel twin, 2-stroke, Ram Air cooling system. 31 hp @ 7 000 rpm, 3.18 kg-m @ 6 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1975 Suzuki year code: M

Intitial frame number: GT250-52355

1975 Suzuki GT 250 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1,130 mm (44.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 310 mm (44.5 in) Dry Weight: 146 kg (321 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled aluminum 247 cc parallel twin, 2-stroke, Ram Air cooling system. 31 hp @ 7 000 rpm, 3.18 kg-m @ 6 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1976 Suzuki year code: A

The Ram Air cylinder head, unique to Suzuki 2-strokes, was no longer used on the 1976 year's GT250A (some early 1976's still had it), new cylinder finning was supposed to make up for its benefits. The model got cleaner lines, thanks to the dropping of the rather large Ram Air device. Adoption of the new 28 mm carburetor and the four port SCAV engine (the earlier had only two ports), change in compression ratio gave a little more power. GT250 also got washable air filter, revised second and third gear ratios and a four (instead of three) bearing cranckshaft. The new crank also meant sligthly different oilways for the two-stroke feed. Also the barrels are different in construction using different stud spacing, and rubber inlet stubs which mount the carbs. Passanger footrests were moved from the swinging arm to the frame. The side cover lost its fake air intakes. Bike tests at the time said the A model was faster with more punch at the top end but suffered from a lack of power below 4,000 rpm, compared to the earlier models.   Intitial frame number: GT250-80025

1976 Suzuki GT 250 Overall Length: 2 045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1 130 mm (44.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 310 mm (44.5 in) Dry Weight: 146 kg (321 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled aluminum 247 cc parallel twin, 2-stroke. 32 hp @ 7 500 rpm, 3.25 kg-m @ 6 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1977 Suzuki year code: B

Only cosmetical changes were made to the 1977-year's GT250B. The headlight seem to be black intead of chromed and the side cover is also black. Slightly different graphics on the fuel tank.   Intitial frame number: GT250-97426

1977 Suzuki GT 250 Overall Length: 2 045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1 130 mm (44.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 310 mm (44.5 in) Dry Weight: 146 kg (321 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled aluminum 247 cc parallel twin, 2-stroke.32 hp @ 7 500 rpm, 3.25 kg-m @ 6 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1978 Suzuki year code: C

The 1978-year's GT250C is a rather rare model. In many countries the GT250 became X7 in 1978. The new model was also known as RG250 (Japan) or GT250 X7 - or X7E (Germany). The new X7 was 20 kg (45 lbs) lighter than the GT250, making it super lightweight. Despite sharing the same 54 x 54 mm bore as allthe previous Suzuki 250s (and the Yamahas) the X7 was a completely different bike.   Color options: Candy Florida Blue, Scarlet Medium, Eaglet White (GT250C) Intitial frame number: GT250-114559

1978 Suzuki GT 250 Overall Length: 2 045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1 130 mm (44.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 310 mm (44.5 in) Ground Clearance: 160 mm (6.3 in) Dry Weight: 146 kg (321 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled aluminum 247 cc parallel twin, 2-stroke.32 hp @ 7 500 rpm, 3.25 kg-m @ 6 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1978 Suzuki GT 250 Overall Length: 2 045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1 130 mm (44.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 310 mm (44.5 in) Ground Clearance: 160 mm (6.3 in) Dry Weight: 146 kg (321 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled aluminum 247 cc parallel twin, 2-stroke.32 hp @ 7 500 rpm, 3.25 kg-m @ 6 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1978 Suzuki GT 250 Overall Length: 2 045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1 130 mm (44.5 in) Wheelbase: 1 310 mm (44.5 in) Ground Clearance: 160 mm (6.3 in) Dry Weight: 146 kg (321 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled aluminum 247 cc parallel twin, 2-stroke.32 hp @ 7 500 rpm, 3.25 kg-m @ 6 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1978 Suzuki GT 250 X7E Overall Length: 2 005 mm (78.9 in) Overall Width: 740 mm (29.1 in) Overall Height: 1 065 mm (41.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 310 mm (51.6 in) Ground Clearance: 160 mm (6.3 in) Dry Weight: 128 kg (282 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 247 cc 2-stroke inline-2, piston reed valve. 29 hp (21.5 kW) @ 8 000 rpm, 25.5 Nm (2.61 kg-m, 18.9 lb-ft) @ 7 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1978 GT250 X7 specifications

Overall Length: 2 005 mm (78.9 in)
Overall Width: 740 mm (29.1 in)
Overall Height: 1 065 mm (41.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 310 mm (51.6 in)
Ground Clearance: 160 mm (6.3 in)
Dry Weight: 128 kg (282 lbs)
Maximum speed: 155—160 kph (96—100 mph) solo riding
Maximum horsepower: 29 hp (21,5 kW)/ 8.000 rpm SAE, NET
Maximum Torque: 25.5 Nm (2,61 kg-m, 18.9 lb-ft)/ 7.500 rpm
Engine: Air-cooled two-stroke twin
Bore x stroke: 54,0 x 54,0 mm (2.126 x 2.126 in)
Cylinder volume: 247 cc (15.1 cu in)
Compression ratio: 6,7:1
Air cleaner: Polyurethane foam element
Starter system: Kick starter
Lubrication system: Suzuki CCI
Clutch type: Wet multi-plate
Transmission type: 6-speed constant mesh
Gearshift pattern: 1-down 5-up
Front suspension: Telescopic, oil dampened
Rear suspension: Swinging arm, oil dampened, spring 5-way adjustable
Front brake: Single disc
Rear brake: Internal expanding drum brake
Front tire size: 3.00S18-4PR
Rear tire size: 3.25S18-4PR
Ignition type: Suzuki PEI (Pointless Electrical Ignition)
Fuel tank capacity including reserve: 15 liter (4.0 US gal/ 3.3 Imp gal)
Reserve: 2 liter (2.1 US gal/ 1.8 Imp qt)




1979 Suzuki year code: N




1981 Suzuki year code: X

In West Germany the GT250 was sold under the model name X7E. The model was discontinued in 1981 but as far as I know, the model was sold in many countried until 1983.

1981 Suzuki GT 250 X7 Overall Length: 2 005 mm (78.9 in) Overall Width: 740 mm (29.1 in) Overall Height: 1 065 mm (41.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 310 mm (51.6 in) Ground Clearance: 160 mm (6.3 in) Dry Weight: 128 kg (282 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 247 cc 2-stroke inline-2, piston reed valve. 29 hp (21.5 kW) @ 8 000 rpm, 25.5 Nm (2.61 kg-m, 18.9 lb-ft) @ 7 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

More: Suzuki RG models

More: Suzuki GT models

More: Suzuki T models

More: All Suzuki models

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