Friday, August 19, 2022
MCNews
  • NEWSLatest
  • REVIEWS
  • LATEST BIKES
  • RACING
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • PRODUCTS
  • MEDIA
    • GALLERY
  • MORE
    • POPULAR ARTICLES
    • MCNEWS COMMENTS
    • MAIN FORUM
    • CONTACT US
    • ABOUT US
No Result
View All Result
MCNews
  • NEWSLatest
  • REVIEWS
  • LATEST BIKES
  • RACING
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • PRODUCTS
  • MEDIA
    • GALLERY
  • MORE
    • POPULAR ARTICLES
    • MCNEWS COMMENTS
    • MAIN FORUM
    • CONTACT US
    • ABOUT US
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
MCNews

Suzuki TU250X Review | Retro nimble city 250 | LAMS

Trev by Trev
October 10, 2017
in Bike Reviews, LAMS News, LAMS Reviews, Suzuki, Suzuki News, Suzuki Reviews
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare

Suzuki TU250X LAMS Review – Retro nimble city 250

Words by Peter Elliott, Photos by Geoff Osborne


In its base configuration, bog standard out of the box, this little Suzuki TU250X looks like a wee cracker. Its retro styling is a nod back to seventies cool, even down to the wide, square brake pedal with rounded knurls and a narrow gauge gear lever.

Suzuki TU250X
Suzuki’s TU250X offers a small capacity retro themed ride that stays true to the original concept

I love the candy gold tank, black shiny guards and chrome wheel rims. Very 1972. I was reminded by a friend who like his ratbikes – the rustier and worn the better – that the Suzuki TU250X was actually a cool little bike in it’s own right.

Suzuki TU250X
The TU250X is the ideal canvas for a bobber or street cruiser

However I suspect much of this was down to the fact that many a bobber and stripped back little street cruiser has started life from this base machine. All the good basic detail is there, a single cylinder, 249cc air-cooled, four-stroke motor, coupled with the SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) injection system, which delivers a solid, if not lightning fast, commuter machine.

The single cylinder, 249cc air-cooled, four-stroke motor offers reliable, solid commuter performance
The single cylinder, 249cc air-cooled, four-stroke motor offers reliable, solid commuter performance

The split seat looks kind of cool, but at a 770mm seat height is a little close to the ground for my longer legs, and generally I found the bike very compact. This makes it an enticing prospect for learner or returning riders, where its directly aimed.

The wheelbase is 1375mm and it’s a nimble little traffic bike, with slightly narrow bars that make lane-splitting a less fraught exercise than it can be on bigger machines. It is light too, at only 148kg – this is an easy pick up, if it gets knocked over in town.

The 770mm seat height is low and ideal for beginners but may feel too low for the larger framed, while a 1375mm wheelbase ensures nimble handling
The 770mm seat height is low and ideal for beginners but may feel too low for the larger framed, while a 1375mm wheelbase ensures nimble handling

Taken out for a blast in traffic, I had a ball, zapping comfortably about with plenty of inner city zip. But if you are heading onto motorways it may take a little more fortitude.

It will do 100km/h with a decent handful, but with a weighty rider, a dash of uphill, and a stroppy afternoon headwind, that drops to about 80-85 and you need way more throttle to hold it there.

A top speed of 130km/h was achieved although the more comfortable 100km/h can be a struggle uphill with a strong headwind
A top speed of 130km/h was achieved although the more comfortable 100km/h can be a struggle uphill with a strong headwind

I managed to get the bike out to 130km/h on a short patch of motorway, but that was absolutely top whack. It’s no racer, but it will deliver you safely on and off the motorways and to be fair, that’s all it needs to do.

Suzuki’s of the seventies used to have names, like ‘Stinger’, ‘Gaucho’ and ‘Rebel’ and I think the TU250X is desperately in need of a name, rather than a model number that makes it sound like… well… a dog biscuit, frankly.

RelatedPosts

Royal Enfield Scram 411 price revealed

Royal Enfield Scram 411 price revealed

May 25, 2022
CFMOTO 450SR

CFMOTO 450SR sporty parallel-twin on way

May 25, 2022
There was pulsing through the lever from the front brake, although no warping or high spot could be seen on the disc
There was pulsing through the lever from the front brake, although no warping or high spot could be seen on the disc

There were a couple of issues which got my attention fairly quickly. On the test bike there was a pronounced vertical bouncing vibration of the front wheel, of about 1 to 2cms at 50km/h, but I suspect the front wheel had flicked a balance weight off. It evened out above and below, but at commuting speeds was annoying.

The other niggle was that under braking the front disc pulsed through the lever, I had a look at the disc surface but found no obvious high or flat spot.

I did think the final drive ratio could do with a wee rethink for general road use, generally we don’t idle along in first for very long, and that first gear ratio is silly, its barely worth the effort, but taking off in second is not for a beginner either.

Gear ratios could also do with a tweak for a more commuter friendly experience in first and second
Gear ratios could also do with a tweak for a more commuter friendly experience in first and second

Looking at a couple of forums on the net I discovered that others had found the same issue, and a recommended fix was taking the rear sprocket from the standard config of 41 teeth to 43 or going a tooth larger on the front sprocket. It would be the first mod I’d make were it to find a home in my garage.

It would take a capable and quite torquey single from useful to very good at absolutely minimal cost. It would also give the little TU a slightly higher top end too for a more relaxed motorway cruise.

Suzuki TU250X
A simple sprocket change would be a cheap and easy way of fixing up the gearing yourself of course

Apart from those teething niggles I thoroughly enjoyed bike, it’s the sort of machine which makes you grab your helmet and zip down to the shops to pick up milk and bread and a cake of chocolate, just ‘cos you can.

But it is as a first bike I believe this nimble wee Suzuki will come into its own. There are no weird foibles, the clutch is smooth and gear changing is slick and accurate. The seat height will allow people of all sizes and shapes to get aboard easily, and that cracker little Suzuki engine will pull forever.

A fuel gauge added to the instrumentation would be nice, with the retro theme keeping things basic
A fuel gauge added to the instrumentation would be nice, with the retro theme and price tag keeping things basic

Although the standard instrumentation will not baffle the beginner with its one gauge, displaying speedo only, without a rev counter – it’s a bit too spartan for me, and I think in the teen years of the 21st century, a fuel gauge is a bit of a must.

While I’m at it, the indicator light is anaemic in daylight and offers no discernible click as a reminder either, so it’s easy to forget, but this is a retro bike and frankly – at notch under $7k – it’s a head turner on a budget.

Overall the Suzuki TU250X is a steal for just under $7000 ride away
Overall the Suzuki TU250X is a steal for just under $7000 ride away

Looking at the bike I saw a story emerging and I am not certain it isn’t deliberate by the clever folks at Suzuki. Bear with me… I reckon this bike is perfect for a first rider, the sort of bike that teaches you all the basic riding skills and increases your sense of joy and the freedom of motorcycling, while also whetting your appetite for a bit more of everything, as confidence and ability grows.

The TU250X is the perfect starting point for a beginner rider, allowing easy building of skills and performance
The TU250X is the perfect starting point for a beginner rider, allowing easy building of skills and performance

To that end, I reckon, dads will help the rider on to a ‘better’ bike, but decide to, “Keep it just in case,” in the garage. Then, over the course of a few months, or even a year or two, convert it to some gorgeous wee rat bike or bobber of their own. Go on… tell me I’m wrong. Good plan?


The 2018 Suzuki TU250X is available now for a Recommended Ride-Away Price of $6,990 ($5,990 + ORC) and is backed by Suzuki’s two-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. See pictures below specifications for the new colour scheme.

There's plenty of room for modification into a cool custom project too
There’s plenty of room for modification into a cool custom project too

Suzuki TU250X Specifications

  • Engine – 249cc air-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke single
  • Bore x stroke – 72 x 61.2mm
  • Compression – 9.2:1
  • Power (claimed) – 16hp
  • Torque (claimed) – 11.3lb-ft
  • Starter system – Electric
  • Ignition – Transistorised digital electronic
  • Fuelling – Electronic fuel injection with 32mm throttle body
  • Clutch – Wet, multi-plate
  • Transmission – Five-speed, chain
    Frame – Tubular steel diamond
  • Swing-arm – Tubular steel
  • Suspension – Conventional 37mm telescopic fork front; twin coil sprung damper units rear
  • Brakes – Single 275mm disc, twin piston floating caliper front; drum rear
  • Wheels – Wire spoke with chrome-plated rims
  • Tyres – 90/90 x 18 MC 51S front; 110/90 x 18 MC 61S rear
  • DIMENSIONS
    • Seat height – 770mm
    • Wheelbase – 1375mm
  • Weight (wet) – 148kg
  • Fuel capacity – 12 litres
  • Price – From $6990 Ride-Away
  • Warranty – Two-year, unlimited kilometre
  • Contact – Suzuki Motorcycles (link)
2018 Suzuki TU250X
2018 Suzuki TU250X
Suzuki's new for 2018 colour-scheme
Suzuki’s new for 2018 colour-scheme for the TU250X
Tags: LAMSLearnerSDTVSuzuki Dual Throttle ValveSuzuki learner bikesSuzuki TU250XTU250X
Trev

Trev

Motojourno - Founder of MCNews.com.au - Australia's leading resource for motorcycle news, reviews and race coverage for over 20 years.

Related Articles

Triumph Tiger 1200 Review

2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 Review | Triumph gets serious

August 17, 2022
Suzuki GSX-S1000GT Review, first ride of the Panorama GT

Situation Vacant – Suzuki Motorcycles HQ | Melbourne

August 17, 2022
KTM RC 390 Review – Track test with Rennie

KTM RC 390 Review – Track test with Rennie

July 27, 2022
Triumph Tiger Sport 660 Review

Triumph Tiger Sport 660 Review

July 20, 2022
Load More

SOCIALS

  • 7.2k Followers

SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS

INCASE YOU MISSED

Jacob Roulstone Interview/Profile | A chat before Jacob heads to Europe

More on the R3/SS300 technical checks/failures/procedures

August 12, 2022
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory dominates the MXGP of Finland overall podium

Yamaha MXGP 1-2-3 in Finland | Vialle tops MX2

August 15, 2022
High-Res Image Gallery from Red Bull Ring II MotoGP

MotoGP hits Austria this weekend with some interesting twists

August 17, 2022

GET LATEST NEWS IN YOUR INBOX

MCNews

MCNEWS.COM.AU is a specialist on-line resource that provides motorcycle news for motorcyclists. MCNews covers all areas of interest for the motorcycling public including news, reviews and comprehensive racing coverage.

© 2022 MCNews

No Result
View All Result
  • NEWS
    • ALL NEWS
    • ALL NEWS CONDENSED
    • POPULAR ARTICLES
    • BMW News
    • Honda News
    • Husqvarna News
    • KTM News
    • Suzuki News
    • Yamaha News
    • Triumph News
    • CFMOTO News
    • Ducati News
    • Moto Guzzi News
    • Royal Enfield News
    • Kawasaki News
    • Aprilia News
    • Harley News
    • Indian News
    • MV Agusta News
    • Benelli News
    • GASGAS News
    • BETA News
    • Norton News
    • Victory News
    • EBR News
    • Rieju News
    • E-Bike News
    • Scooter News
    • LAMS News
    • ATV / SSV News
  • REVIEWS
    • All Bike Reviews
    • LAMS Reviews
    • KTM Reviews
    • Honda Reviews
    • Yamaha Reviews
    • Triumph Reviews
    • BMW Reviews
    • Suzuki Reviews
    • CFMOTO Reviews
    • Ducati Reviews
    • Kawasaki Reviews
    • Husqvarna Reviews
    • Aprilia Reviews
    • Benelli Reviews
    • BETA Reviews
    • E-Bike Reviews
    • EBR Reviews
    • GAS GAS Reviews
    • Harley Reviews
    • Indian Reviews
    • Kymco Reviews
    • Moto Guzzi Reviews
    • MV Agusta Reviews
    • Norton Reviews
    • Royal Enfield Reviews
    • Scooter Reviews
    • Sherco Reviews
    • Victory Reviews
    • Rieju Reviews
  • NEW PRODUCTS
  • LATEST BIKES
    • ALL LATEST BIKES NEWS
    • BMW
    • Honda
    • Husqvarna
    • KTM
    • Suzuki
    • Yamaha
    • Triumph
    • CFMOTO
    • Ducati
    • Moto Guzzi
    • Royal Enfield
    • Kawasaki
    • Aprilia
    • Harley
    • Indian
    • MV Agusta
    • Benelli
    • GAS GAS
    • BETA
    • Norton
    • Victory
    • E-Bike
    • Scooters
    • LAMS
    • Rieju
  • RACING
    • ALL RACING
    • ROAD
      • MotoGP
      • WSBK
      • ASBK
      • BSB
      • Real Road / TT
      • Historic Road Racing
      • Japan / Asian Road Racing
      • Endurance Road Racing
      • American Road Racing
      • NZ Road Racing
      • Supermoto
      • FIM Junior GP & MiniGP
    • DIRT
      • Supercross
      • AMA MX
      • Australian MX
      • MXGP
      • Enduro / Rally
      • Dirt / Flat Track
      • Speedway
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • GALLERY
  • LATEST COMMENTS
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT US
  • COMMUNITY FORUM

© 2022 MCNews