The Top 8 Things I Love About My Suzuki TU250X: Long Term Review

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Dear fellow riders, as I indicate toward the end of this video, I very recently parted with the TU. This video took me a long time to post, but I can tell you with certainty that not a day goes by that I do not miss my TU. I initially wanted to keep them both, but due to lack of parking space (and pressure from my better half), I was not able to do so. I can tell you one thing, though: I can definitely see a TU in my stable in the future, so I hope the Suzuki will wise up and bring it back. (FYI: Suzuki has discontinued the TU, a decision that boggles the mind. Why would they discontinue an almost perfect bike? If you are reading this, Suzuki, bring it back 😡! )

[@Sapioso]

they took 2010/14 off too but you have to consider covid. bikes are flying off the shelves these days so they might have the money to produce it again. They also may be making a 300cc because everyone else is.

[@Sapioso]

btw can you reply the name of the japanese company that makes that exhaust? I just got my TUx and I need it louder. The awesome sound is great but I also need the traffic to see me. Im going to add you on instagra for sure.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

I hope they do, man. It would not make sense if they didn't. There currently isn't another bike on the market with the character and soul of the TU.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Yes, that makes sense. My muffler was not too loud, but loud enough for the cars to hear me, to know that I'm there. Here is the link to the company that makes the muffler: www.wmpdt.co.jp/wm_online_shop/english/products/st250_p01.html

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Also, I love the sound the muffler on this TU makes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eou5hJyDgrmmnrs

[@psalm2forliberty577]

Great to learn about this cool little Suzuki bike I was not aware of it, before seeing a random reference & looking it up here. Fwiw, I'm already a big Suzuki aficionado - Ive had a whole panoply (variety) of them - but now have a larger brother to this one - I'll share a tad about - in case y'all have a need for a larger one too. I ride almost daily on my 2008 Suzuki V-Strom 650 aka DL650. Its a proven 645cc V Twin engine & Suzuki has made it from 2004-2024 - twenty years - making this one of the most popular (& affordable due to large # sold) ADV "Adventure Touring Motorcycle" bikes of any make. I was able to get mine in Summer 2023 from a used motorcycle dealer in S Illinois for $3600 otd with 12k miles in perfect condition. The dealer said: "its the most common yet excellent bike I sell about 3 per month year in & out - they never break just need wear parts replaced occasionally. They're priced reasonable cause they're super common. Fabulous ADV bike !" Now over a year later it's my daily rider - I've added Givi Saddlebags & Trunk, slightly larger windscreen & brighter LED Bulbs. Oh & a new rear "car tire" - a process called "Darksiding" - it gives 4-5x longer rear tire life. She gets 55mpg consistently - and cruises comfortably at 75mph. Theres room for a 2nd rider but I ride solo + put a Moto Dry Bag there when doing a Tour. Planning to Tour to Florida from Texas 600 miles & Motocamp. Then later to San Diego - 1700 miles, once the shorter tour is successful lol. Hope this helps anyone who LOVES Suzukis but hasn't tried a larger one. I'm fascinated by these single cylinder 250cc class bikes but around my region its mostly rural high speed 75mph Highway so I need the larger displacement & power.

[@sullybiker6520]

I learnt to ride on one of these, and I think they're one of the most beautiful bikes out there.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Couldn't agree more!

[@87Sakiel]

yeah i have a suzuki dr650 now and love to trail but a miss my little 250x. Was so nice riding it in city!

[@DavidTaylor-ki2ir]

Just bought one. Hardly used. Love it.

[@mirrorek1024]

I was also obsessed with the charm of the TU250X (ST250) and just sold it the other day. I'm Japanese, but I'm very happy that the TU250X, which can't be said to be popular in Japan, is being recognized overseas. I think it's great that this bike comes with a kickstarter if it's a carburetor model.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

It's a superb bike! It is sad that Suzuki has decided to discontinue it. Very sad.

[@mattsimonds477]

I have a Suzuki tu250x. I have put 10,090 miles on it. It a neat bike

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Yes, they are fantastic.

[@lrcb40]

I bought one when I turned 60 and it got me back into bike riding. What a fine bike. Took my test on it too. I currently ride a Royal Enfield INT 650 and the TU was a great place to start.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Well said, Andy! Thanks for sharing.

[@ΦώτηςΒλαχόπουλος-γ2β]

I love everything about my TU 250.

[@YouMotorcycle]

One of my favorite TU250 reviews. I'm going to send you an email about it in a few minutes. Thanks for sharing this!

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi there! I just saw your comment and then the email. I responded to you. Thank you so much for reaching out, and hope all is well with you.

[@djjawk8114]

First of all sorry for my english. Ihad a suzuki gs500f and i sold it and make the best change ever, a 1997 suzuki tu 250...and i put the big bore kit for earn some horse power, now it has 330cc , i did some changes in the scrambler way... she always put me an smile in my face.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi DJ. I understand how you feel. My TU did that every time I took it out for a ride. I love that feeling. 330cc? Wow, that is a huge increase in power. Nice. DJ, I want to thank you for sharing your thoughts and for visiting the channel, and I would love to see a picture of your lovely bike.

[@rickschultz5159]

I found a used 2011 TU250X and will buy it today if everything checks out. I am a returning rider, with a 50 year break, hah, just finished my MSF course. I wanted a used, lighter bike to gain confidence on and feel this will be perfect. Looking at brand new 300s and 500s in the dealerships yesterday and got nervous about having one too shiny and new.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi Rick. Yes, I agree with you. Don't go for big a shiny until you feel you are ready for them. The TU will more than satisfy you. It is one of the best bikes I have had the pleasure of riding. I miss mine very much. I went for something bigger because I wanted to go touring a bit. Hope you enjoy it! Keep me updated please. Be well.

[@rickschultz5159]

@@ReluctantBikerNYC Thanks

[@luga78motos]

Amazing machine, incredible motorcycle, a shame it was never offered by Suzuki here in Brazil

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Sorry to hear that!

[@bw2442]

Most people love the looks of the old bikes, they were built in a time where the motorcycle was built with the desires of the person in mind, now it seems they are built for the purpose of the accountant, graphic artist, racetrack and environmentalist in mind.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Man, I miss the TU!

[@benjicrane]

Thank you for capturing these moments and sharing all your insight! I will be a beginner rider soon and am sold on this one.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Glad it was helpful, Benji! Thank you for dropping by.

[@marcusvaldes]

I might pick one of these up this week as my first bike!

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Great choice! They are one of a kind.

[@Celeborn93]

This is my dream bike :) I'm getting my license in a few months, can't wait.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi Martin. It is truly an outstanding bike. Although I no longer ride it, I will forever remember it's performance and looks with great respect and wonder.

[@Celeborn93]

@@ReluctantBikerNYC I'm in Scandinavia, and it's really hard to find one of these apparently. So even though i get my license its not guaranteed that i will find it any time soon.. But i am adamant about finding it. Thanks for sharing your videos and memories from owning the bike. It helped a lot!

[@natesmith8713]

I have this bike,the orange one too.Super fun!! I must say though,At 14:35 you were brave not to change lanes. This bike is small and quiet;you gotta watch those other peoples moves big time..

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi Nate. Yes, this bike will forever remain as my darling one. Yes, I have had some very close calls, and I try my best to stay alive. I'll get on my bike thinking that every driver out there is out to kill us :).

[@3-DtimeCosmology]

Sweet economical modern classic runabout! 😎

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Absolutely!

[@vladimirlojka3740]

Nice motobike and great video. I have the SUZUKI TU 250 X - 2001, greetings from Czech republic.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hey, thanks, brother from the birthplace of Milan Kundera!! Hope all is well there. Thank you for visiting the channel.

[@vladimirlojka3740]

@@ReluctantBikerNYC Hi, I enjoyed visiting your channel because the Suzuki TU 250 X is gorgeous. Otherwise, everything is OK in our country so far and I hope it will be like that forever. Politicians tell us to prepare for war so that there will be none. It's a terrible idea, when the war in Ukraine began, I just had covid, I watched everything on TV all the time and I stopped wanting my great hobby - fishing. I was pulled out of depression by a motorbike that I bought again after 20 years and it made me happy.

[@Shinyiis]

It’s difficult to believe you sold it, you seem to really be attached to it. I am looking at a tu250 this weekend. I hope I get to buy it!

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi there. I'm with you there: I also can't believe I sold it. Biggest blunder ever! Love the TU!

[@penguinvic9892]

While I like the retro look of the Suzuki TU250 (which I know only from reviews), I cannot see any real advantages or advances on the 1980s Suzuki GSX250 four stroke which I owned and loved many years ago. My old GSX 250 was a wonderful work commuter bike, reliable and handled well. In Australia I took the GSX over long distance travel several times i.e. around 1,800 kms there and back over 4 days, making some 900 kms a day at a sedately 80 kms + a few more, per hour. Like the TU 250, it wasn’t exactly a fast bike. Sure you could wind it up passed 4000 rpm, to 5000 to 6000 etc, but it took effort on the rider and bike. So comfortable cruising speed was a relatively slow 80 kms. Given that my old bike looks a bit like the TU, I’d imagine I could take the same touring camping load … which in my case was quite a lot, because I liked a few comforts and entertainments (decent sized radio, chess set, some paperback books, etc), plus tent & cooking utensils etc. All this added weight and wind resistance. But like the TU, my GSX was small and light enough to wheel into unlikely places for stealth camping. My favourite was over an anti-car ditch in a state forest half way on my semi regular 1,800 km commute. Never once was I disturbed.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Thanks for sharing! Your GSX 250 sounds like it was perfect for long commutes and stealth camping. The TU 250 does have a similar retro charm but lacks significant advancements over the classic GSX.

[@penguinvic9892]

@@ReluctantBikerNYC Thanks for the polite acknowledgment. Much appreciated. The beauty of motorcycles that are 250 or less, is that if they do breakdown, they can be pushed over considerable distance providing the terrain is relatively flat. I only broke down once, but because the 250 was relatively small a tender hearted farmer put it in the back of his small utility truck and dropped me and the bike off at the local town some 10 or so miles away, where a local mechanic fixed the problem. I also had a 750 “water bottle” before this which had a real comfortable seat. It was good too, but real heavy on the gas. The GXS250 was quite economical. Most reliable bike I ever owned.

[@johnstone7697]

Great learner bike, but for anything beyond an urban commuter, it's just plain too slow. I had one back in 2018 and the lack of acceleration made me nervous. I now own a new Triumph Speed 400. Same basic idea.... light, agile, etc....but brought up to date. The ability to hold its own on a highway or fast 2 lane road is a major plus.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Totally agree!

[@ItsUrBoiOisin]

Reading more about this bike it reminds me of my old GZ

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Ah, yes, the GZ was a beautiful bike!

[@ItsUrBoiOisin]

@@ReluctantBikerNYC I miss my gz😂

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

😀

[@mariomoreira92]

It looks amazing, what year was yours' model from?

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Thanks! I think it was a 2015.

[@flattenedfrog]

Do you recall where you got the peashooter exhaust? Did it fit without major modifications and still allow the exhaust sensor plug-in? Thanks.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi! I have a video on the modifications made to the bike. The exhaust was custom made by a Japanese company that is, unfortunately, no longer in business. I absolutely loved the exhaust. I'm sorry I could be of not much help.

[@levbabayev9089]

I ride a tu250X I live in queens! I would love to meet new people who ride a TU

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi! I'm deeply sorry for the late reply. I, unfortunately, sold the TU, but I think there are Facebook groups that get together every Tuesday or Friday. Not sure the name. Hope you already found your group. Be well.

[@carryharris4204]

A VERY BEAUTIFUL BIKE

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Yes, truly! Thank you!

[@dmail2614]

Thank you for the review. Could you please tell me where you got the exhaust?

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi there! I"m sorry for the late reply. The company that makes it is a Japanese company that is no longer in business. I made a video where I discuss the mods I made on the TU: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j166e3h7orNqfdk. All the best to you, my friend.

[@dmail2614]

Thank you for replying 😁👍

[@eugeni6756]

...what brand is the mufler from TU it sound very nice and from where you buy. .nice video...thank you...!!!❤❤❤

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi Eugen. Thank you. The muffler is WM Wellington which is made by a company by the same name located in Japan. Here is the link: www.wmpdt.co.jp/wm_online_shop/english/products/st250_p01.html Note: It was brought to my attention by some interested fellow bikers that they were unable to order the muffler on their website, so I suggest you email them @ [e-mail] . This is the email address they list on their website. They also have a Facebook page (facebook.com/people/WM-shop-wellington/100029115442874/) , so I suggest you try that as well. Be well.

[@eugeni6756]

...thanks for all info...be safe...!!!

[@luisfernandomurillo3631]

May I ask what is this region you are riding through? I ask because it looks very attractive

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi Luis. The areas shown in the video are part of the Westchester county & NYC/Hudson River.

[@pro-maks777]

Хороший обзор дружище!

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Spaciba.

[@droneviews5627]

Hey where there any other mods made for the exhaust? Like booster plug or power commander?

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hey. No, no other mods were made.

[@Adventure_Spirit]

How told are you? I have 1.82 and I'm afraid is small for me.

[@HaggisPower]

Hi, can you tell me something about the adjustable clutch and brake levers you have on there please? They are quite hard to find…

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi Phaedrus. The brake lever is an original. The adjustable clutch lever, however, is an aftermarket piece, but I cannot locate the brand; it was installed by the previous owner. I had a spare one but I cannot find it. I might have given it to the person who bought my bike. I really cannot remember the brand, and I'm sorry. Check Revzilla or Amazon. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

[@kings8217]

i want to get a bike soon but im torn between this and a KLX300SM. i know both are different bikes but they are both beginner friendly

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

@King S Yes, you are right. They are so different. If you intend to do a lot more riding around town, then I suggest the TU, but the KLX looks interesting too. Whatever you decide, I hope you enjoy.

[@GunCollector007]

Is it too small for a 6’2” person?

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Yes, I think it is, though I have read on the Tu forum that there are some bikers who are as tall as you and ride it. Sit on one to see how it feels. But they are so comfortable!!

[@tobycleo]

any aftermarket tanks u know of Thanks. what state is this?

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi @tobycleo! I live in New York. There are lots of aftermarket parts for this bike. I suggest you visit the tu250riders.com/viewforum.php?f=8 Lots of great people there and plenty of good advice! Hope this helps. Be well.

[@Hobbicus73]

Hey! I've got a '12 TU and was wondering your opinion on how useful the small windshield is. Mine doesn't have one and I wanted to know if it's worth buying. Thanks!

[@davidgolfgti1]

I'd like to know also. I'm looking at buying a 2012 model as my first bike!

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi there! It honestly depends on your expectations as a rider. It helps a little, but not a whole lot. The bottomline is this: the flyscreen will do little to meaningfully keep the wind from your chest and head. It looks great, but it is too small to provide meaningful wind-protection. Now, if you like the way it looks--which I do--and your expectations are reasonable, then you might be satisfied in the limited protection it provides, especially when going at highway speeds. At speeds over 55 mph, a little protection is better than nothing. In my case, I love the way it looks on my TU and the materials are not of bad quality either. I hope this helps; I'm sorry I could not be of further assistance. If you do end up getting it, stop by and let me know what you think of it. Thank you for stopping by and have a fantastic riding season. Ride well, ride safely.

[@sscbkr48]

My 2 bits.. I have a taller (approx 20") givi, keeps the wind off my chest but not my head.. I'm 6-2. A full face shield takes care of that. The TU is fantastically reliable and is such a good looking bike! I have larger cc bikes but the TU gets all the attention. I'm currently trying to decide which bike to sell, the TU or the Himalayan, since the Interceptor has proven itself capable on both gravel and tarmack. The TU with it's dependable work ethic and the Himalayan for hauling water when everything goes mad max. These aren't just motorcycles.. they're family! 😍 and no decent dad sells his kids.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

I totally understand how you feel about the TU, John. I hope the Suzuki brings it back, and in the future, when I have bit more parking space, I do plan to get it back. I have had so much fun on it.

[@Hobbicus73]

@@davidgolfgti1 fantastic choice. Can't ask for a better city zoomer as a first bike

[@nemezote]

Video starts at 2:45

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi there. I would love to hear your feedback.

[@everlast2658]

Is fuel gravity fed?

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

? Please clarify.

[@whendashow6935]

I haven't watched all the videos yet but did you solve the random stalling issue?

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi there. As the temperatures dropped, it somehow went away. I also watched the revs carefully and tried not to coast too much with the clutch in. Ultimately I really do not know to what to attribute the random stallings I experienced last summer, but I can tell you with certainty that I watched the revs very carefully and I tried not to over-rev the engine while at idle.

[@connorperkins6013]

What was the name of the exhaust that you used?

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi! I have a video on the modifications made to the bike. The exhaust was custom made by a Japanese company that is, unfortunately, no longer in business. I absolutely loved the exhaust. I'm sorry I could be of not much help.

[@johnduff3914]

Was this the Henry Hudson?

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Yes, and Bronx River Parkway. I love them both.

[@carolinapolicarpo9607]

Anyone know where to buy them from? Been searching with little success

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Hi Carolina. Yes, it is very difficult to find them given that they have been discontinued. Check Facebook Market. You might find something there. Good luck!

[@carryharris4204]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Thanks!

[@jeffreybennett8893]

So, what's the eighth?

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Oh, come one, don’t pull my leg 😀.. View it until the end. You’ll see it.

[@michaelcooke8665]

Cool bike how much?

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Thanks, Michael. The bike has been sold. Thank you for your inquiry.

[@michaelcooke8665]

@@ReluctantBikerNYC okay I was just wondering how much it costs thanks👍

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

@@michaelcooke8665 New, the bike is about $5000. Use, it depends on the condition. The one I had was reasonably expensive.

[@michaelcooke8665]

@@ReluctantBikerNYC okay thanks👍

[@boguslawsnietka469]

Im paying 80$for tu205 in CT

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

$80 for a TU250X? That's an unbelievable deal. Enjoy!

[@7vn534]

80$ you buy spare parts.. are you sure you buy a whole bike?

[@boguslawsnietka469]

@@7vn534 house and 3 cars in the same insurance company

[@mathewgoebel4078]

I don't know about a 2 or 3 hour commute. You do that a few times and you'll feel like a gorilla Riding a Trike in the circus. for 3 hours.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Very funny :).