2020 Suzuki GSX250R/ABS

Being compact and maneuverable is the name of the game with lightweight, small-displacement sportbikes, and when you are just looking to take your first step onto that sportbike court then the Suzuki GSX250R may be a machine under the spotlight. First introduced in 2018, the GSX250R may have come late into the beginner category, but its low 31.1-inch seat height, approachable 248cc parallel-twin engine, and under 400-pound weight still suggest it is ready to be flicked down the twisties or around the track as a perfect platform for the less-experienced riders.

This is not a Gixxer. According to our 2018 coverage, “The GSX250R might bear a striking resemblance to its larger GSX-R cousins, but the bike draws its biggest inspiration from the Katana lineage, blending rideability with reliability.” Riding the machine, Brody Cox mentioned, “I was pleasantly surprised with the ride quality of the GSX250R. Sure, the suspension is a hair on the soft side, but the bike handles corners well enough and the brakes do a good job of slowing the bike.”

The face-off between beginner sportbikes includes the Yamaha YZF-R3, Honda CBR300R, or Kawasaki Ninja 400. If compared to naked bikes. then the KTM 390 Duke or Kawasaki Z400 will also be suitable competitors in the beginner-friendly category.

The base model is available in Metallic Diamond Red or Pearl Glacier White/Pearl Nebular Black, but if you are looking at the ABS-equipped choice, your color option is Metallic Crystal Blue/Pearl Nebular Black.