The GSX250E features a 250 cm³ air-cooled 4-stroke 2-cylinder DOHC engine equipped with Twin Swirl Combustion Chambers (TSCCs) mounted on a semi-double cradle frame newly designed for superlative handling. The drilled front disc brakes use technology obtained from the RGB500 Grand Prix racing model to help reduce weight, increase cooling efficiency, and improve braking power in the wet. Subsequent models were given the name “KATANA” for marketing purposes.

Based on the styling of its namesake series, the GSX250E KATANA emphasizes aerodynamics through a streamlined design. The 250 cm³ 4-stroke inline 2-cylinder DOHC is equipped with Twin Swirl Combustion Chambers (TSCCs) and generates high power and torque from low to high rpms. Other notable features of the GSX250E KATANA include excellent fuel economy, the Anti Nose Dive Fork (ANDF) system, a spiral-shaped drilled front disc plate, and a large capacity 16-liter fuel tank.

The most distinctive characteristic of this model is the faithful reproduction of the exterior styling from the GSX1100S KATANA design concept. It features a newly engineered lightweight and high-performance 250 cm³ 4-stroke liquid-cooled 4-cylinder DOHC engine based on the Bandit 250, which was tuned for optimum performance in the low- and mid-rpm ranges to realize excellent rideability on city streets. Cooling fins inspired from air-cooled designs were added to the liquid-cooled engine to create dynamic and memorable styling. The GSX250S KATANA also features a 4-into-1 muffler with excellent exhaust efficiency, a rear suspension equipped with a reservoir tank, large-diameter disc brakes (310 mm at the front and 250 mm at the rear), and wide tires.