1980 Suzuki GSX250 ET review from United Kingdom

Big end failure at 10,000rpm at 50,000 miles. Bottom end replaced.

Head gasket blowing 53,000 miles. Replaced the engine with a 27,000 mile used engine, cost £125.

New rear shocks. Stock shocks were worn out (Because I took MARTIN on the back!).

Stator coil and regulator/rectifier unit burnt out at 54,000 miles. Replaced with Superdream regulator unit for £45, and a secondhand stator for £25.

Cosmetically has general wear and tear for this age bike.

Bought this bike in 2003 to replace a GP125. Reviews suggested the GSX250 had good handling and better than normal top speed and acceleration for its class (in 1980).

The bike does have VERY good handling with a Pirelli front tyre and a Metzler on the rear. I have had the exhaust pipe grind the road when taking sharp corners! Would be very hard to improve on considering the age, size and weight (175Kg).

I found the ride very comfortable, with the large seat ideal for carrying a pillion and the stock shocks provided a smooth ride until an oil seal blew.

Engine power peaks at 10,000rpm, which is pretty extreme for urban motoring! It will however cruise quite happily at 80mph. Despite the peaky power delivery, it will still quite happily roll along in 5th gear at 3,000rpm.

Reliability: I have given this bike N/A as it has never worked long enough for me to test that statistic! :) Common knowledge suggests that the engine should wave a little white flag around 30,000 miles!