The Gemma is 100mm shorter than my Maxam, so it feels considerably more nimble on the road. Corners and lane changes are a lot less barge-like as a result. The shorter wheelbase also gives less distance between the bars and the seat; as a result you sit more upright than on a Maxam or Fusion, and with very little (none really) front screen, you sit right in the wind – normal for a bike rider I suppose, but not something those who have screen-equipped rides would be used to. Even for a Maxam (which is often criticized because of its feeble screen), the wind buffeting is noticeable.

Engine configuration (250cc, DOHC, 4-valve, water-cooled), power, claimed economy, twin-disks, and seat height are all similar. The analog instruments are clear and easy to read, they lack the Blade Runner light show of the Maxam’s digital display, but are a lot more recognizable in peripheral vision.

No LED lamps are fitted, and the headlight is a combined projector low-beam, and separate high-beam.

The handbrake is very car-like with a simple ratchet lift for on, lift for off on the left side.

Perhaps because of the 14-inch front, shorter wheelbase, and a little smoother engine, riding the same roads around Daiba on the Gemma was overall smoother than the Maxam. The Yamaha engine is often choppy, and rough – not to the point of problems, but enough to notice the smoothness of the Suzuki engine.

The shop recommends the Momo Design range of helmets, assume because they are the perfect size to fit in the helmet holder. Other than a small coin slot, and two small glove compartments, you have just the helmet compartment for storage. The under seat area carries no more than a small toolkit, and your shaken papers.

The Gemma is about design, and even with the streets of Tokyo being populated with a variety of exotic looking machines, the Gemma was very popular. Stopping for a quick photograph session, the Gemma was met with comments of `kakoii` (cool) from two very pleasant door-girls at a local hotel. The garish gold color probably had something to do with that too. I would prefer one in white, with perhaps a few red stripes...

Like the Maxam and Honda’s Fusion, the Gemma is positioned as a two-up urban cruiser for the Shibuya-set. With its kakoii Akira-styling, and strong mechanical configuration, Suzuki should sell heaps. Price has it slightly above a similarly equipped Maxam or Fusion. See ya! Neko.