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The T250's engine was a development of the earlier the earlier T250, which had been introduced in 1966. The 180° [[Two-stroke engine#Piston-controlled inlet port|piston ported]] two stroke twin was of [[unit construction]] and had alloy [[Cylinder head|head]] and alloy [[Engine block|barrels]] with cast iron liners. [[Bore (engine)|Bore]] and [[Stroke (engine)|stroke]] were {{convert|54|x|54|mm|abbr=on}} and the claimed power output was {{convert|31|bhp|abbr=on}} @ 7,000 rpm.<ref name="Motorcycle Classics" /><ref name="ridermagazine.com" /> In 1971 the ''Ram Air System'' cooling duct, as used on the [[Suzuki GT380|GT380]] and [[Suzuki GT550|GT550]], was added to the cylinder head. It is debated whether the Ram Air System improved cooling significantly or was a cosmetic addition.<ref name="www.classicbikehub.uk">{{cite web |last1=Hewitt |first1=Sam |title=Flattering Ram {{!}} Suzuki GT250 Ram Air |url=https://www.classicbikehub.uk/Features/article/flattering-ram-suzuki-gt250-ram-air |website=www.classicbikehub.uk |access-date=18 September 2021 |date=28 January 2019}}</ref>
The T250's engine was a development of the earlier the earlier T250, which had been introduced in 1966. The 180° [[Two-stroke engine#Piston-controlled inlet port|piston ported]] two stroke twin was of [[unit construction]] and had alloy [[Cylinder head|head]] and alloy [[Engine block|barrels]] with cast iron liners. [[Bore (engine)|Bore]] and [[Stroke (engine)|stroke]] were {{convert|54|x|54|mm|abbr=on}} and the claimed power output was {{convert|31|bhp|abbr=on}} @ 7,000 rpm.<ref name="Motorcycle Classics" /><ref name="ridermagazine.com" /> In 1971 the ''Ram Air System'' cooling duct, as used on the [[Suzuki GT380|GT380]] and [[Suzuki GT550|GT550]], was added to the cylinder head. It is debated whether the Ram Air System improved cooling significantly or was a cosmetic addition.<ref name="www.classicbikehub.uk">{{cite web |last1=Hewitt |first1=Sam |title=Flattering Ram {{!}} Suzuki GT250 Ram Air |url=https://www.classicbikehub.uk/Features/article/flattering-ram-suzuki-gt250-ram-air |website=www.classicbikehub.uk |access-date=18 September 2021 |date=28 January 2019}}</ref>


In 1976 the engine was revised; the [[main bearing]]s were increased in number from three to four and two extra transfer port added, increasing power to {{convert|32|bhp|abbr=on}} @ 7,500 rpm.<ref name="Bonhams" /> The ram air was removed and the fins on the head enlarged to compensate.<ref name="Motorcycle Classics" />
In 1976 the engine was revised; the [[main bearing]]s were increased in number from three to four and two extra transfer port added, increasing power to {{convert|32|bhp|abbr=on}} @ 7,500 rpm.<ref name="Bonhams" /> The ram air was removed and the fins on the head enlarged to compensate.<ref name="Motorcycle Classics" /><ref name="ridermagazine.com" />


[[Ignition system|Ignition]] was by twin [[Ignition coil|coils]] with [[Contact breaker|points]] mounted on the end of the [[crankshaft]]. Fuel was delivered by twin 26 mm [[Mikuni (company)|Mikuni]] [[Carburetor|carburettors]], which had restrictive slides to reduce intake noise.<ref name="ridermagazine.com" /> The carbs were increased to 28 mm in 1975 and were rubber mounted. The engine was lubricated by Suzuki's ''CCI'' system.<ref name="Motorcycle Classics" />
[[Ignition system|Ignition]] was by twin [[Ignition coil|coils]] with [[Contact breaker|points]] mounted on the end of the [[crankshaft]]. Fuel was delivered by twin 26 mm [[Mikuni (company)|Mikuni]] [[Carburetor|carburettors]], which had restrictive slides to reduce intake noise.<ref name="ridermagazine.com" /> The carbs were increased to 28 mm in 1975 and were rubber mounted. The engine was lubricated by Suzuki's ''CCI'' system.<ref name="Motorcycle Classics" />

Revision as of 16:29, 18 September 2021

Suzuki GT250
Suzuki GT250 Ram Air model
ManufacturerSuzuki
Also calledSuzuki Hustler
Production1971-1981
PredecessorSuzuki GT250
ClassStandard
Engine247 cc (15.1 cu in) air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin
Bore / stroke54 mm × 54 mm (2.1 in × 2.1 in)
Compression ratio7.5:1
Top speed90 mph (140 km/h)
TransmissionMultiplate wet clutch, 6 speed
Frame typeDuplex cradle
SuspensionFront: telescopic forks
Rear: swinging arm
Wheelbase1,310 mm (52 in)
Footnotes / references
[1][2][3][4][5]

The Suzuki GT250, also known as the Suzuki Hustler in the US is a 247 cc (15.1 cu in), two-stroke, twin-cylinder motorcycle produced by the Japanese Suzuki company between 1971 and 1981. The model was developed from the earlier T250, and was one of the best selling motorcycles in its class. It was discontinued in 1981 in favour of Suzuki's four stroke models.

Technical details

Engine and transmission

Ram Air engine

The T250's engine was a development of the earlier the earlier T250, which had been introduced in 1966. The 180° piston ported two stroke twin was of unit construction and had alloy head and alloy barrels with cast iron liners. Bore and stroke were 54 mm × 54 mm (2.1 in × 2.1 in) and the claimed power output was 31 bhp (23 kW) @ 7,000 rpm.[2][5] In 1971 the Ram Air System cooling duct, as used on the GT380 and GT550, was added to the cylinder head. It is debated whether the Ram Air System improved cooling significantly or was a cosmetic addition.[6]

In 1976 the engine was revised; the main bearings were increased in number from three to four and two extra transfer port added, increasing power to 32 bhp (24 kW) @ 7,500 rpm.[3] The ram air was removed and the fins on the head enlarged to compensate.[2][5]

Ignition was by twin coils with points mounted on the end of the crankshaft. Fuel was delivered by twin 26 mm Mikuni carburettors, which had restrictive slides to reduce intake noise.[5] The carbs were increased to 28 mm in 1975 and were rubber mounted. The engine was lubricated by Suzuki's CCI system.[2]

Primary drive was by helical gears to a multi-plate wet clutch.[2] The six speed gearbox received revised second and third gear ratios in 1976. Chain drive took power to the rear wheel.[1]

Cycle parts

The duplex cradle frame of the T250 was modified for the GT250 with three small top tubes instead of the previous single large tube.[5] Rear suspension was by swinging arm with twin shock absorbers. At the front telescopic forks were used.[2]

Initially brakes were drums front and rear, the front being an effective 2ls item.[7] The front brake was replaced in 1972 with a single disc,[1] which suffered poor wet weather performance.[7]

Model variants

The first of the GT250 models was introduced to the Japanese home market in 1971 and apart from some cosmetic changes was identical to the T250. The Ram Air System and disc frame brake were added in 1972. In 1973 the model was introduced to export markets.

1971 GT250

Introduced to the Japanese domestic market only, the model was based the T250 and had styling similar to the T350.

1972 GT250 II

Still only for the Japanese market, the GT250 II gained a disc front brake and Suzuki's Ram Air system.[2]

1973 GT250K

In 1973 the bike was restyled and released in Europe and America. The exhausts were modified to comply with noise and emission regulations which reduced power. It was available in red or green with a white stripe.[1]

1974 GT250L

1975 GT250M

1976 GT250A

In the UK the model was heavily advertised with the then 500cc world champion Barry Sheene heading the campaign. The GT250 became the top selling 250 cc bike,[8] the learner class at the time.[6]

1977 GT250B

1978 GT250C

GT250 X7

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Suzuki GT250 model history". www.suzukicycles.org. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "1973-1977 Suzuki GT250". Motorcycle Classics. 8 October 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  3. ^ a b "1976 Suzuki GT250A Frame no. GT250-81082 Engine no. GT250-81139". Bonhams. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  4. ^ Buyers Guide. Cycle World Magazine. January 1975. p. 114.
  5. ^ a b c d e Salvadori, Clement (14 December 2018). "Retrospective: 1973-1975 Suzuki GT250 Hustler | Rider Magazine". ridermagazine.com. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  6. ^ a b Hewitt, Sam (28 January 2019). "Flattering Ram | Suzuki GT250 Ram Air". www.classicbikehub.uk. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  7. ^ a b Brown, Roland (11 July 2007). "1972 Suzuki T250 Hustler". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  8. ^ Walker, Alastair (15 January 2011). The Kawasaki Triples Bible: All Road Models 1968-1980, Plus H1R and H2R Racers in Profile. Dorchester: Veloce Publishing Ltd. p. 103. ISBN 978-1-84584-075-4.