Suzuki is bringing a new entry-level streetbike to America in 2013, the GW250. The machine, which was first introduced in Japan in 2012, is intended to compete in the growing entry-level segment that is currently dominated by Kawasaki’s Ninja 250 and Honda’s CBR250R, which are fully-faired sportbikes. Suzuki is hoping the GW250 will compete well in the segment thanks to its naked, B-King-inspired styling, its more-upright seating position and its long-stroke, parallel twin engine, according to American Suzuki Product Media Relations Manager Derek Schoeberle. The liquid-cooled 248cc engine has a bore of 53.5mm and a stroke of 55.2mm. The long-stroke design is intended to give the GW250 strong low-to-midrange performance, which will make it “easy to use in the city,” according to Suzuki. A chain-driven, single overhead camshaft actuates two valves per cylinder, a 27.0mm intake valve and a 22.5mm exhaust valve. The closed-loop fuel injection system includes an eight-hole injector in each of the two 26mm Mikuni throttle bodies, an Idle Speed Control (ISV) for easy starting and a Pulsed AIR injection system (PAIR) to help reduce emissions output. The engine is housed in a semi double-cradle chassis formed with mild steel tubing. The Kayaba front forks measure 37mm in diameter. Rake is 26 degrees, and trail is 105mm (4.1 inches). The box-section swingarm works together with a single Kayaba rear shock to provide rear suspension. The shock is adjustable for spring preload. The braking system includes a single 290mm (11.4 inch) rotor and a two-piston caliper at the front and a 240mm (9.5 inch) rotor and single-piston caliper in the rear. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the GW250 has not yet been announced.