cruiser motorcycles

Suzuki Marauder GZ250: Detailed Specs, Background, Performance, and More

Suzuki Marauder GZ250 Detailed Specs, Background, Performance, and More

So you’re a novice rider looking for your first motorcycle? A cruiser motorcycle is an excellent choice. There are several reasons why the cruiser makes a great first bike. We're sure you'll like the strength, lightweight, and, of course, style. Most of the best cruiser motorcycles for younger riders have all of these traits. If you choose your first beginner cruiser carefully, you'll probably be riding it for years before wanting to upgrade.

Suzuki introduced a motorcycle meant for those who are just starting to learn how to ride and searching for a vehicle in between the standard and cruiser style. The GZ250 Marauder model, a versatile and easy-to-handle little motorbike, introduced many new riders to the constantly developing world of motorcycles. This small machine had a lot of big-bike styling with its wire-spoked rims, ample fenders, a teardrop tank, and plenty of chrome plating.


Here is an article dedicated to the Suzuki Marauder GZ250. Read on to find out everything about this bike, including detailed specifications, history, performance, and more.

1. A Brief History of the Suzuki Marauder GZ250

In 1998, Suzuki manufactured the GZ series, a lineup of cruiser-style motorcycles. They include the GZ125 Marauder, GZ150 Marauder, and GZ250 Marauder. The GZ series evolved from the GN series and has air-cooled SOHC single-cylinder engines with a chain drive. These bikes were designed to be simple to ride by newbies and feature a speedometer, odometer, turn indicator and high beam, and a gear level indicator.


The Suzuki GZ250, also known as the Marauder, used the GN250 engine and inherited the looks of the VZ800 Marauder. The bike had a small but reliable 249 cc single-cylinder, SOHC, the four-valves engine that produced 20.1 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 18.7 Nm at 7,000 rpm. Suzuki produced the GZ250 between 1999 to 2012. During its production years, the company kept the same seat height, though the first Marauder did weigh 302 lbs.

1.1 1999 Suzuki GZ250X Marauder

  • Engine Type : 249 ccs, Four-Stroke
  • Engine Prefix : J490-
  • V.I.N No : JS1NJ48A X2100001
  • Model Code : 13F
  • Color 1 : Red - YOW
  • Color 2 : Green - Y98
  • Single-cylinder four-stroke

1.2 2000 Suzuki GZ250Y Marauder

The 2000 GZ250 Marauder represents the old-school long and low-styling. It is a wonderful bike that proves that even single-cylinder engines with small displacements can have an attitude. Its balanced front fender, spacious pull-back bars, and teardrop-shaped tank look amazing with the raked-out front.

  • Engine Type : 249 ccs, Four-stroke
  • Engine Prefix : J430-
  • Model Code : 13F
  • V.I.N. No : JS1NJ48A_Y2100001
  • Color 1 : Red-19A
  • Color 2 : Green-Y98
  • Single-cylinder four-stroke
  • Silver stripe on the fuel tank

1.3 2001 Suzuki GZ250K1 Marauder

Suzuki designed the GZ250 for new riders and riders in search of a small, economical cruiser suitable for commutes. This small machine had a lot of big-bike styling with its wire-spoked rims, ample fenders, teardrop tank, and plenty of chrome plating. The GZ250 was suitable for two-up riding and could go on longer trips, especially when customized with a windshield and saddlebags.

  • Engine Type : 249 ccs, Four-stroke
  • Engine Prefix : J430-
  • Model Code : 13F
  • V.I.N. No : JS1NJ48A 12100001
  • Color 1 : Red - 19A
  • Color 2 : Green - Y7G
  • Single-cylinder four-stroke
  • Silver stripe on the fuel tank

1.4 2002 Suzuki GZ250 Marauder

The GZ250 Marauder was the smallest member of the classic-look family of Suzuki motorcycles. An entry-level bike that was used as a fun commuter during the warmer seasons. Its decent profile and lightweight build provide the riders a breeze performance when cutting through the city or traveling on highways.

1.5 2003 Suzuki GZ250 Marauder

A Suzuki GZ250 Marauder is the ideal first bike for you if you are looking to start with a cruiser. This bike has a low seat height which keeps you close to the road and allows sure-footed ground contact when the vehicle is stopped. Also, the bike has plenty of legroom, comfortable handlebars, and forward-mounted foot controls.

1.6 2004 Suzuki GZ250 Marauder

The 2004 GZ250 is Suzuki’s smallest cruiser and a clean entry-level bike for new riders. Its smooth shifting and easy maneuverability make this bike good for commutes both at low and high speeds, especially in urban settings.

1.7 2005 Suzuki GZ250 Marauder

The GZ250 has always been a popular choice as an entry-level cruiser because of its design and styling. The wiring of the 2005 Suzuki GZ250 model has been changed in the all-new, contemporary S. The motorcycle has remained affordable, easy to operate, and maintain, making it a primary choice for beginners.

1.8 2006 Suzuki GZ250 Marauder

The 2006 Marauder is affordable and not difficult to operate, a lightweight machine with reasonable fuel economy and decent engine capacity. This bike has the attitude of a big motorcycle with its unique styling and is capable of racing along the highways.

1.9 2007 Suzuki GZ250 Marauder

The GZ250 is the entry-level cruiser in Suzuki’s 2007 Marauder line-up, a motorcycle that provides a satisfying ride for beginners. This bike has a decent lightweight, air-cooled, quarter-liter engine combined with a five-speed transmission and electric starter.

1.10 2008 Suzuki GZ250 Marauder

The GZ250 had a great design from the start and Suzuki hasn't changed it much over its long production run. In 2008, the Suzuki GZ250 was left relatively unchanged. Its large front fender is complemented by a bobbed back fender, making the bike's small shape easier to handle.

1.11 2009 Suzuki GZ250 Marauder

The 2009 Suzuki GZ250 is equipped with an economic, four-stroke, quarter-liter engine and a five-speed transmission gearbox helping with performance in urban areas and highways. This motorcycle is a modern commuter and lightweight machine.

1.12 2010 Suzuki GZ250 Marauder

The GZ250 Marauder being in production for so many years is proof of how popular it is among new riders. The Marauder proudly displays several big-bike elements inspired by Suzuki's top-of-the-line machinery. This motorcycle is easy to ride and maintain, producing enough power from its quarter-liter air-cooled engine coupled with a five-speed transmission.

2. Suzuki Marauder GZ250 At First Glance

The Suzuki GZ250 has not undergone a single design change ever since its introduction, proving that timeless looks can remain unchanged. The features that make this model appealing are the smooth, immaculate lines of the bigger Marauder model along with the fenders and gas tank, while the spoke wheels bring it closer to a traditional style. The bike has amazing chrome highlights on many of its parts, including the headlight, mirrors, instrument covers, exhaust, and rear fender.

2.1 Features And Benefits Of Suzuki Marauder GZ250

2.1.1 Engine

  • The GZ250 Marauder is powered by a 249 cc four-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC, two-valve engine with Twin Dome Combustion Chamber (TDCC).
  • The fuel-efficient engine provides a wide power range and amazing acceleration while only having a single cylinder.
  • The single 32mm carburetor provides an excellent revving response.
  • The engine is connected to a five-speed transmission, featuring gear ratios ideally charted for optimal engine performance under all riding conditions.
  • This engine starts with an electric starter and a digital transistorized ignition system that is powered by a maintenance-free battery.

2.1.2 Chassis

  • The bike has a glossy chrome finish on various parts, including cylinder head covers, horn, tank emblems, and rear fender suspension struts.
  • The GZ250 Suzuki is equipped with a massive 3.4-gallon cruiser-style fuel tank. Combined with a fuel-efficient engine, this provides a wide range for commuting or pleasure riding.
  • The bike has a comfortable low seating position, fitted with a two-piece seat at a height of 27.8 inches.
  • Its long 57-inch wheelbase is joined with oil-damped front forks and preload-adjustable twin-shock rear suspension for a plush ride.
  • This custom cruiser is moved on a wide 110/90-16 front tire and 130/90-15 rear tire placed on custom-style spoke wheels.

2.1.3 Key Feature

  • The Suzuki Marauder GZ250 is an entry-point cruiser built to be economical and easy to operate but with plenty of classic features usually found on larger cruisers.

3. Suzuki Marauder GZ250: A Buyer's Guide

3.1 How Many Cylinders does a Suzuki Marauder GZ250 Have?

The GZ250 Marauder is powered by a 249 cc four-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC, and two-valve engine. This fuel-efficient engine provides a wide range of power and amazing acceleration with only a single cylinder.

3.2 What Are The Production Years Of Suzuki GZ250?

Suzuki produced the GZ250 between 1999 to 2012. The Suzuki GZ250 has not had a single design change throughout its production.

3.3 What Is The Weight Of A Suzuki Marauder GZ250?

The GZ250 is a lightweight machine with reasonable fuel economy and decent engine capacity. It is estimated that this bike weighs around 150.0 kg (330.7 pounds), including oil, gas, etc.

4. Suzuki Marauder GZ250 Specifications

4.1 Engine And Transmission

Engine Type Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement 249.0 ccm (15.19 cubic in)
Bore x Stroke 72.0 x 61.2 mm (2.8 x 2.4 in)
Compression 9.0:1
Valves Per Cylinder 2
Fuel System Carburettor. Mikuni BSR32
Fuel Control Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Ignition Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Lubrication System Wet Sump
Cooling System Air
Gearbox Five-speed
Transmission Type Chain (final drive)
Driveline DID 520V, 110 links
Fuel Consumption 2.87 liters/100 km (34.8 km/l or 81.96 mpg)
Greenhouse gases 66.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)

4.2 Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, And Wheels

Frame Type Steel
Front Suspension Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Rear Suspension Swingarm type, coil spring, oil damped
Front Tire 110/90-16
Rear Tire 130/90-15
Front Brakes Single disc
Rear Brakes Expanding brake (drum brake)
Wheels Custom-style spoke wheels

4.3 Physical Measures And Capacities

Weight incl. Oil, gas, etc 150.0 kg (330.7 lbs )
Seat height 680 mm (26.8 in) If adjustable, lowest setting
Overall length 2160 mm (85.0 in)
Overall width 815 mm (32.1 in)
Ground clearance 125 mm (4.9 in)
Wheelbase 1450 mm (57.1 in)
Fuel capacity 13.00 liters (3.43 US gallons)

4.4 Other Specifications

Starter Electric
Color Options Black

5. Aftermarket Parts And Luggage Options For Suzuki Marauder GZ250

Suzuki designed the Marauder GZ250 with an old-school long yet low design and style. It has been the first choice for novices since it was introduced, attracting riders with its vintage styling. Riders always admire the classic look of these bikes and keep them in good condition, or want to make them more suitable to their lifestyles and level of comfort by adding aftermarket parts like fairings, crash bars, handlebars, luggage racks, and rider passenger backrests.


The bike is built for both urban riding and long motorcycle roads. If you are planning to take your GZ250 on adventure touring or camping trips, always pack your luggage bags with necessary travel items and install a sissy bar to serve as a backrest. You always have the option of replacing your seat with a more comfortable one if necessary.

While using your Marauder GZ250 for daily commutes, you have the option of attaching a pair of premium quality saddlebags for carrying your valuables like your mobile, documents, raincoat, etc. There are a lot more options available to make this bike a bagger or a slim lady.

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