GPX Demon GR250R: More power, higher costs
In Bangladesh, the GPX Demon GR250R builds on the foundation laid by the GR165R, offering more power and better hardware, but at the cost of fuel efficiency and higher running expenses
For many riders in Bangladesh, GPX entered the conversation with the Demon GR165R. It was a bike that made sense: sporty looks, usable performance, and fuel economy hovering around 35 km/l, all at a price that undercut Japanese alternatives. It proved that a Thailand-made sport bike could survive real-world riding and even long-distance touring.
The GPX Demon GR250R arrives as Speedoz's, the official distributor of GPX motorcycles in Bangladesh, logical next step. It promises more power, more features, and a more serious road presence.
Fahad Bin Rabbi Shaikh, who lives in Uttara, Dhaka, has been riding the GR250R for the past few months after moving on from a Pulsar N250. His riding is mostly urban, with occasional open-road runs, and he has clocked around 2,500 kilometres so far.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
What stood out to him immediately was the riding position. Coming from a naked bike, he found the clip-on handlebars and full fairing gave him more confidence in traffic. The bike feels planted, especially at speed, and the forward-leaning posture makes it easier to stay composed rather than reactive in chaotic city conditions.
Visually, the GR250R makes a strong first impression. The fairing design is sharp without being excessive, and the LED headlamp gives it a presence that is noticeably identical to the GR165R. What sets the quarter-litre bike apart however, is a new graphical styling, and an advanced TFT instrument cluster.
The display, apart from looking much premium than its competitors. is clear and readable in bright daylight and automatically switches to dark mode at night. It shows essential information such as gear position, fuel level, trip data, and engine speed without clutter. While it does not add to performance, it gives the GR250R a more modern, premium feel compared to the analogue-digital setup on the GR165R.
The engine is a 249.6cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder unit producing a maximum power output of 29 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 23 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. Compared to the GR165R, the difference is immediately noticeable.
During city rides, the bike has one of the best accelerations of any two wheeler in the segment. Where the 165R feels busy at higher speeds, the 250R feels calmer and more relaxed. Overtakes require less effort, and sustained cruising does not feel like the bike is being pushed to its limits.
That extra performance, however, comes with a cost. Fuel economy is the GR250R's weakest point, especially for city riders. Shaikh reports a range of roughly 220 kilometres from a 11 litre full tank, which works out to around 20 to 22 km/l in Dhaka traffic. Even allowing for riding style and congestion, this is a sharp drop from the GR165R's real-world average of around 33 to 35 km/l.
The chassis and suspension setup reflect that shift. The USD front forks and adjustable rear monoshock offer better control than the 165R, particularly at higher speeds, particularly when paired with the 110 mm front 150 mm rear tyres. On smooth roads, the bike feels stable and predictable. In the city, the suspension is firm, and broken surfaces are felt clearly. It is not uncomfortable, but it is less forgiving than commuter-oriented setups.
Braking is handled by disc brakes with dual-channel ABS. The stopping power is adequate, but the ABS engages early, especially on uneven roads. It prioritises safety over feedback, which suits urban riding but limits confidence when braking hard.
Ownership experience is often where GPX raises questions, but Shaikh's experience so far has been relatively straightforward. Living in Uttara, close to authorised service centres, he has not faced any issues sourcing parts. That accessibility proved important after a minor accident damaged the bike's fairing. The full right-side body kit was available at Speedoz's service centre and replaced for about Tk9,500. While not inexpensive, it was readily available, which matters more than the price itself.
When placed against competitors, the GR250R occupies an interesting middle ground. Compared to the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250, the GPX offers more features and a sharper design, but falls behind in fuel efficiency, refinement, and brand trust. The Suzuki remains the safer long-term bet for riders prioritising reliability and resale value.
Hero's faired 250cc offerings offer broader service reach and lower running costs, but lack the GR250R's visual drama and premium hardware. Even within GPX's own lineup, the comparison with the GR165R is unavoidable. The 165R remains the more sensible choice for daily use, while the 250R caters to riders who value performance and stability over economy.
The GPX Demon GR250R does not replace the GR165R, nor does it try to. It represents a different approach, aimed at riders who are willing to trade efficiency for capability. It is more stable, more confident at speed, and more demanding to own.
For riders who spend time on highways and want a sport bike that feels composed and substantial, the GR250R makes sense. For those whose riding is largely urban and cost-sensitive, the GR165R or a Japanese 250cc alternative may still be the more practical choice.
