Suzuki TU250X 1 Year Update 

Wow, a 1999! Good luck with it. I'm pretty sure they still had carbs then, so it may be a different beast.

Yeah, I still feel very self-conscious about it for some reason. Someone needs to make a pill-sized action camera so it's not so obvious.

Awesome, thanks!

No problem. Good luck finding a motorcycle.

You're making me want to watch it now just to see what the hell I said.

...you could get an old CB350 or CB360. Good bikes and you can still find them.

Idk about calling a 360 good, but 350 sure.

Good luck, it's a great first bike.

Biggalban2 How much did you pay?

@@shabba3602 $1200

Kari G Yeah, it's a good little machine. I did end up replacing it with a 500 cc bike, but if I didn't have so much freeway commuting I'd probably have kept it.

I'm the same size and bout the same bike around 2 months ago. No regrets once so ever.

FreeThinker87 what*

Alcohol interferes with my spelling...Bought*

I'm about the same size plus maybe 10 or 15 lbs and am trying to pick one of these up ATM.. seems like what I want. 250 is enough to keep me happy. I've ridden sub 100cc for 16 years now lol

Do you still have your bike? I'm in the market for one if you're selling!

Yeshua Man It's so affordable and a great bike for light people who aren't going to do much freeway riding.

I liked how you put a taller gear in it. That helped with the top speed and fuel mileage.

Thanks! Be sure to check around the internet for a lightly used one in your area if you decide to get onw. People buy these and then move up to a bigger bike with just 1-2 thousand miles on them. So you can get a steal on a nearly new bike.

Good advice! That's exactly what I want to do. Get a TU250 for a couple of years then buy my dream bike (BMW F800GS). I have never ridden a motorcycle before ("manual" scooters though) but it'll be an easy thing to learn with proper training and discipline (to be read: don't do anything stupid). I'm in my mid 30s so I'm passed that stage :D

Seems like an issue with almost all bikes without self cancelling blinkers.

Thanks, Andy. The extenders came from www.koubalink.com/mirror.html. They super easy to install.

Imina Punk LOL

I haven't... maybe I'll bring it up next time I'm there. Thanks.

Thanks, John!

Yeah, I moved to a 500 years ago to get the better highway performance.

Moto - Jimbo Thanks, it's Missouri believe it or not. I looked at the Rebel too, but I preferred the retro look of the Suzuki and the fuel injection as well.

The fuel injection is definitely a big factor for me but I love those retro looks without the hassle of an actual "Retro" bike. I've been there and done that and it's just one headache after another.

Moto - Jimbo I just watched your video of your Rebel... it's a good looking motorcycle with that paint job. Not sure I'd want to change the oil every 1000 miles though since my commute can be over 100 miles per day, LOL.

haha no that wouldn't be very practical. I've really slowed down on my riding lately so I probably put in 1k every few months.

As much as I prefer Fuel injection, I'd rather go with a much classier and more powerful (6hp) carburated Yamaha Vstar 250 over the Honda and Suzuki. That would still be my 'slow cruiser' bike among the stable, but it's enough to not feel too vulnerable on freeway.

That is a good looking bike with good specs compared to the TU250X. I'm not even sure that bike existed when I made this review. I would be curious what the fit-and-finish is like on the Mutt given it comes from China. It might be great for all I know, but I'd definitely want to see some honest reviews before I pulled the trigger on it.

+Jeremy D Nice rundown. I've sat on the new SV650 and really liked the feel. The Tracer 700 is intriguing too, but it isn't offered in the US.

samuraidarryl That was a factor in my buying a larger displacement motorcycle last year--safety on the freeway is improved when you can power around a potentially dangerous situation. The 16 tooth sprocket does make a difference that's quite noticable, especially at highway speeds.

Sqeptick thanks for that. Food for thought 👍👍👍

Congrats. Honestly I never really noticed the exact shift points...just based it off the sound of the engine.

They do help, but to really make a difference in cold weather you want heated grips. Here are the handguards: Cycra Stealth DX Complete Handshield Racer Pack Black Universal. They're on Amazon.

S Tho You may be right about that. I considered windscreens like the Spitfire but didn't want anything disproportionately large for the small bike.

@@Sqeptick I need more info regarding the one you installed, what is the result? What is the name and where did you buy it?

@@billadmond9450 Hi, Bill. The windshield I had on this bike was called a Dart Flyscreen. I just put a link in the Description to the product. The result was okay--it moved a lot of the wind up higher on my torso. On my current motorcycle I've opted for a much larger windshield, but I'm not sure a large windshield would look very good on a TU250X.

@@Sqeptick Thanks very much for the precious help! Does the wind reflected from the windscreen go to the head? That is my worrying. I agree it looks very good and a bigger one will look ugly on the TU250X. The windscreen will cost me AUD200 including hawks tax office 10% duty!

@@billadmond9450 You might want to look through the TU250X forum to see what options are available locally in Australia. Or even ask the question there to see if any fellow Aussies have insight. It's been a while since I had it and I can't remember if it pushed the wind into my chest or my head... I may have said in the video though.

Yeah, this one could do that too as long as you aren't going up a steep hill.

@@Sqeptick 120mph? No friggin way!! Then I noticed 'kph'.. no problem! 😄

www.koubalinks.com/extended-fuel-screws-mirror/2-mirror-extensions

Somewhat. It pushed the wind up higher on my torso. I've got a much larger screen now, which I like, but the bigger screen wouldn't look right on a tu250x.

Greg Carpenter Thanks! There's a link in the description to the place that sells them.

Sorry...which description do you mean and where would I find it?

Greg Carpenter www.koubalink.com/mirror.html

Si, no problemo. Avísame cuando publiques para que pueda mirar.

@@Sqeptick Thank you. I am very grateful to you 😁✌

todd baker I'm light, Todd, at just 150lbs. Weight can make a notable difference in a small displacement bike like this.

Got them from Kouba: www.koubalink.com/mirror.html

thanks! I ordered me some!!

I know dealers can't sell it in California, but I've seen some for sale there on Craigslist and cycletrader. I don't know the rules for buying in CA, but you might watch those websites for one that's already registered there. Sorry I don't know more about it.

Appreciate the info. All the best.

Yeshua Man On level ground I bet you can be in 5th at 35-40 MPH.

Yes, I think so.

I think the sv650 is really nice. Especially like the low seat.

+Jeremy D I got a Honda CB500X. The TU just didn't have much to give at highway speeds, plus it took a long time to get to speed when merging.

Sqeptick. Your back probably thanks you. The 250s tend to beat up your butt on the highway above 45.

@@Sqeptick are you still on the CB500X? I just traded my CBR500R for a Bandit 1250SA. I've had all sizes of bikes, and the bigger ones are certainly better on the highway, but the smaller ones are better everywhere else. I miss revving and shifting through the gears on my 500.

@@Smaug1 Hey, Jeremy. Yep, I'm on the CB500X. Still very happy with it and don't have plans to get anything bigger. The Bandit looks like a great bike, but I'm inclined to stick with a lighter rig since I'm a relatively small guy.

It's a Dart Flyscreen. www.dartflyscreens.com/collections/suzuki-tu250

@@Sqeptick Thanks you answered my question. It looks very nice but I don't think it can stop much wind, also the price is a bit steep.

Roadghost88 No. I never experienced that.

zerotwofifteen This motorcycle can do Interstate speeds for sure. But it takes it a little bit of time to get up to speed, so merging from the on-ramp can be a little bit scary sometimes if there's a lot of traffic. but if you're looking for a light capable motorcycle this is a good one for you. just realized that you may want something bigger after you've been riding it for a couple years.

Taipei is a good place to ride a 125 (mine had 4 speeds plus neutral) did that for 2 and a half years/ second bike was a 150 cc twist and go// still not really interstate worthy but not bad around town- might get a 250 to 400 for my third bike soon... (South Texas is HOT, so even around town I look for shaded streets!!!)

Brad Altemeyer Yeah, wouldn't want a 125 in Texas with so much wide open space.

yup, yet they are selling a brand new mono-shock 125 in San Antonio at the scooter / motorcycle place (K-Pipe 125) if you are looking...

To be honest, Dennis, I don't remember. You may want to ask on the TU250X forum... I'm sure someone there will have an answer for you. tu250riders.com

Bruce, there's a link for the mirror extensions in the description.

@@Sqeptick Great, thanks for the reply. Hey, here's an odd twist ~ my current bike is a CB500X & I'm looking to replace it with a TU fora smaller/lighter round-town ride as I'm getting older plus have lost lots of strength due to a long illness. Cheers

@@brucemarful That is ironic. I could see myself doing the same thing if I started to be uncomfortable on the 500. Hope you're well.

Thanks for the tips, but you're a little too late. I already got a Honda cb500x.

@@Sqeptick Wise and practical choice!

That's my size. It's comfortable for that size, but it does look a little small. It's a small bike--one thing I like about it--so it'll look kinda small for anyone who's not small themselves.

@@Sqeptick Thanks, I didn't expect that reply so quick. I am in the market for a TU250X by Suzuki. Just cross shopping because I still can't put my finger on the TU just yet. Especially after checking out the 2020 model of CSC with digital gauges and all. Happy riding mate.

@@pawarj That's a tempting bike, but for me the fuel injection and vast support network would tip the scale in favor of the Suzuki. Unless you only drive in the city, don't be surprised if you get the itch for a bigger bike in a year or two...no matter which 250 you decide to buy.

Lower, though there's not a lot of power at any speed. Peppy for zipping stoplight to stoplight though.

@@Sqeptick I would say engine's peak torque is at low-mid rpm.

GameViciously It's an awesome first bike, good luck.

Sqeptick Thank you. I've seen nothing but good reviews on it. So it just makes even better to think that it's going to be a great purchase.

Sqeptick It was still there at the dealership, so it's at home, spoken for. Lol My main question is have you ever traveled on the highway for a decent distance?

GameViciously so you wound up getting it?? Congrats! I'm torn between this and the sr400.

i have this bike. its not the best for highway but it can definitely do it. just know that you will be maxing it out at 115-130km/h depending on your weight/wind/type of road/slope etc. but other than that, the tu250 is super fun!

I don't know how they managed to get so little hp out of it.

@@Sqeptick My 1994 Honda CG125 has a carb and push-rods and it will do 100 kph (63mph) at 9000rpm with me sitting upright in the normal riding position. Obviously I don't do any long trips because it would be abusing the engine to run it at full power for long periods. Your Suzuki 250 engine has fuel injection and a single overhead cam so I would have expected your Suzuki to effortlessly cruise at 60 mph with easy reserve overtaking power up to 80 mph. For comparison, the Honda scooter SH300 has a 279 cc single cylinder engine at 10.5 compression ratio, which makes 24.3 HP (18.1 KW) at 7500 rpm with torque of 18.8 ft/lbs (26.0 Nm) at 5000 rpm, giving an electronically limited top speed of 80 mph (128 km/h) through an automatic continuously variable V-belt transmission with gear final reduction of 8.56. I'm wondering if your Suzuki engine has been set-up to suit town riding with more torque at lower revs? You should search the internet for people who have experimented with modifying the valve timing, for example, if you advanced the valve timing by advancing the cam chain by one cog, you would get less torque at low revs but engine would be more free-breathing at higher revs which could give you the extra 10hp you are looking for. You have already lengthened the gearing by increasing the primary chain sprocket from 15 to 16 tooth so you could further lengthen the gearing by going up another tooth on the primary sprocket or decreasing the size of the secondary sprocket (on the back wheel). You have said at 6:35 that you "don't want to take what is a mechanically bullet-proof bike and start fiddling with it", but maybe could could experiment with modifications just so you can make a RU-vid video about it? Edit: I've just notice in the video description that you have already replaced the Suzuki with a Honda CB500x.

@@dreamdiction Interesting ideas, thanks. Yeah, I have a bigger bike now with way more power. Still not a really fast bike, but runs laps around the TU250X in terms of gettup.

Cool Raptor I had it up to almost 90mph. They get to 55mph fairly quickly, but they gain speed pretty slowly after that. If you're just getting into motorcycling, it's a great bike to get your riding confidence up.

Good suggestion, Jelad. I can't speak for all TU250X buyers, but for me the fuel injection and the fact that it doesn't look like a cruiser were big selling points. But for people who don't care about those two things, it sounds like the V Star might be a good option.

I've never carried a passenger so I'm not sure. My guess is it'd be good as long as both people were fairly light.

Sure enough. Still holds the 100 kmh (62mph) on the highway. In The city is fast enough. This bike is not for racing between traffic lights in the city. But the engine has enough power that you would like comfortable riding with a passenger or without. Pilot seat so comfortable that sometimes you forget that you carry a passenger. But I have an old version with the carburetor. I live in a big city, In another country, where the movement and habits of drivers may vary. My weight is 80 kg. (176 lb ?) and the passenger weight near that too.

+Pavel SInadino Interesting, thanks Pavel!

Yeah, it just falls a little short on many people's wish lists.

Don't knock it before you've tried it. Unless you've tried it, then proceed to knock it.

Yes! Now what bike has those specs? Off to Google...

I think I used Locktite for that. I tend to use Locktite for motorcycle mirrors in general since they're so prone to getting loose.

@@Sqeptick Thanks a lot...I really appreciate your quick reply...! Do you still have your TU 250?

@@gregorycarpenter No, I ended up selling it and getting a Honda CB500X, which I do still have. It just works better for me to have a bit more power for highway riding.

@@Sqeptick I trust it's working better for you on the highway...Do you in any way miss the TU 250? Some people say they are sorry after selling....

@@gregorycarpenter I don't really miss it to be honest, because I live out in a rural area and need to drive on interstates to get anywhere. If I were using it as a city bike, it would be perfect though.

Ya Reyes I'm 5'10". There are people your height who comfortably ride this bike. But honestly I think it'd feel a bit small at your size.

I am 5' 9", and even I found this bike a little small. I rode one for about an hour and a half yesterday. It wasn't super uncomfortable, but I felt bunched up around the front. Dropping the bars and moving the footpegs back a bit would have fixed it for me.

I used my last name change, and I used it wisely.: I'm 6'0 and it a good size.

It's a good little bike for either zipping around a town/city, or for getting the hang of riding a motorcycle. At 6'2", I'd be hesitant to recommend it to you though. It's a physically small motorcycle, probably best suited for physically small riders. What were the other bikes on your list?

Fortnine is 6'3" .

@@davidgedlinskeiii6421 And he really likes the bike. But I don't think he owns one, and I doubt he'd pick it as his daily,. I'm 5'10" and I always felt like I was pushing the limits of looking goofy on the TUX. It wasn't uncomfortable for me, but it struck me if I'd catch my reflection in a window.

@@Sqeptick hey, so what did you decide? Did you get it or choose something else? I'm 6'4 and really looking for an intermediate bike with a classic look.

@@AviDell Don't know what @codpieceofjustice ended up doing, but I think you're too tall for this bike. Just off the top of my head, maybe check out the triumph Bonneville or the royal Enfield 650 interceptor?

nobody Yeah. ultimately that convinced me to buy a bigger bike. I'm still very glad the TU250X was my first motorcycle though.

SoberKennedy Yes it is both handsome and reliable. Great, great, great starter bike.

ChrisAvalon "how does an engine 50ccs bigger have less hp?": harley davidson 1700cc - 97 hp. Honda cbr600rr - 113 hp

I went to a 16 tooth sprocket because I was doing so much highway driving. If you plan to ride mostly in the city limits, you may want to keep the 15 tooth for more low end power.

@@Sqeptick I do agree, 16 is good for highways though if there are strong winds, the bike will struggle at top speeds. I'll keep the 15 sprocket because I prefer riding in countryside and the bike already struggle a bit on up hills, don't forget it's a 250cc meant for economy and reliability.

@@billadmond9450 You're exactly right. Unfortunately the nature of my daily riding wasn't a great fit for the TU250X in the long run, because I do mostly interstate riding to-and-from work. But if I lived closer to the city I may still be on the TUX.

Yeah this is perfect for that type of use

It does for me. I ride on 70mph freeways often and ride at 75-80mph to keep up with traffic. That said, there's very little passing power left at those speeds. I'm also about 150lbs, so if you're heavier it may be more difficult to get up to speed.

Yeah, I got a bigger bike. 😁 But seriously, I've never seen a good way to get meaningfully more horsepower out of the tu250x. Once you start feeling like you need more power, it may be time to look at higher displacement motorcycles.

@@Sqeptick What bike did you get or were you just joking??

@@BEEBEE159 Got a Honda CB500X, which I've been riding now for four years. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uB2Duz9IAgk.html

I thought I did at some point, but maybe that was in my initial review...5' 10", 150 lbs.

Did I give two prices in this video, Darrell? If so, I'll try to clarify.

Look at 2:36 into the video, which I really like the ridding and the road you are on.

On the northern edge of the Ozarks near St Louis.

Wow, I'll have to use google for that. :) I'm from Belgium, I don't even know what state you're in. :) I live in the north-east of Belgium, close to Holland, like you would know where that is. :D

+Krizla 4 The state is Missouri. Of course I know Belgium; your country is a great ally. But you're right, I'm not familiar with the internal areas.

I'm surprised you don't have something similar available. Bummer.

@@Sqeptick The Volty was only accessible to police/army in 90s, not commercially launched.

U can buy this from auction of islamabad police

Hmm...everywhere I've seen it listed at 14-16 horsepower. Here's one of many sources for that: www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2014-lightweight-naked-shootout-video. I concur with your other points though.

this bike is definitely not 24hp.

BandB1111111 You definitely have to be aware of everything going on around you. And it's worse now than it was in the 80s because so many people are on their cell phones.

Yeah, on my SeaDoo I ride with the assumption that I am invisible to other boats and change my course accordingly, but that's hard to do on roads. When I used to ride a motorcycle, I remember looking at the drivers eyes looking directly at me, and Still would pull out right in my path.

BandB1111111 I wouldn't let it totally keep you from riding again. The world is frought with danger...you can try to manage it on a motorcycle just like you do in other situations. Especially on a little bike like the TU250X with a responsible rider who always wears protective gear, it can be very enjoyable without too much added risk.

Yeah, that was an option. I did realize where I was before I turned around...just didn't include that in the video.