2002 - 2004 Suzuki TU 250X

Make Model	Suzuki TU 250X
Year	2002 - 04
Engine	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves
Capacity	249 cc / 15.2 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	72 x 61.2 mm
Cooling System	Air/oil-cooled
Lubrication System	Wet sump
Compression Ratio	9.0:1
Induction	Mikuni BS34 carburetor
Ignition	Electronic ignition (fully transistorized)
Starting	Electric
Max Power	15 kW / 20 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque	21 Nm / 2.1 kgf-m / 15.5 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Front Suspension	Telescopic, hydraulic dampers, coil springs
Rear Suspension	Swinging arm, hydraulic dampers, coil springs
Front Brakes	Single disc
Rear Brakes	Drum
Front Tyre	90/90-18
Rear Tyre	110/90-18
Dimensions	Length 2070 mm / 81.5 in Width 750 mm / 29.5 in Height: 1075 mm / 42.3 in
Wheelbase	1375 mm / 54.1 in
Seat Height	770 mm / 30.3 in
Ground Clearance	165 mm / 6.5 in
Wet Weight	149 kg / 326 lbs
Fuel Capacity	12 Litres / 3.2 US gal / 2.6 Imp gal
Top Speed (est.)	120 km/h / 75 mph
Review	Cyclepedia

The Suzuki TU250X is a unique combination of retro styling and new-world technology, wrapped up in a non-threatening package sure to appeal to the very casual or inexperienced road rider. Designed to invoke the days when “you met the nicest people” on a friendly bike, the TU serves up eye-appeal, simplicity and economy while not skimping on the right details.

Chief among its positive traits is Suzuki’s decision to outfit the TU with electronic fuel injection in favor of the ubiquitous CV carb one would expect on a small-bore budget bike. The EFI system helps the TU achieve appealingly high fuel economy figures. Suzuki claims a potential 79 MPG, but magazine reviews support a lower figure that is still somewhat frugal (Motorcyclist magazine, 2009 TU250X, 68 mpg; Motorcycle.com, 2009 TU250X, 67 mpg).

With a single piston displacing 249cc in the TU’s four-stroke mill, experienced riders need to forgive this little Suzuki for its overall lack of excitement at full throttle. But, the same casual attitude towards acceleration makes the TU an almost perfect choice for a new rider looking for a way onto two wheels with a minimal amount of newbie terror. The TU’s literature boasts of a maximum top speed of 85 mph, but we’re sure that’s only going to occur under ideal conditions.

A five-speed transmission drives the power to the chain drive rear wheel, and does so without any annoying gaps in the transmission ratios. Folks interested in using the TU for a freeway commuter might ultimately wish for a six-speed box, but we had no discomfort piloting the TU at moderate highway speeds.

A 30.2 inch seat height only complements that “beginner bike” package, which is rounded out by a small overall size and reasonably light weight (326 pounds claimed). Yes, a larger rider is going to feel cramped in the saddle, but smaller, less experienced riders will likely never want to get out of it.

Careful attention to the TU’s frame geometry, courtesy of the Suzuki engineers, gives this machine a sure-footed feel that belies its small size. The TU feels solid in straight-line riding, yet is extremely fun in the twisties.

In spite of its decidedly retro rear drum brake, the TU is easy to haul down from road speeds. The front disc, of course, does much of the work, but the rear brake’s response was fairly strong and predictable. Of course, we’re only talking about a 250cc single here, so it’s not like the average TU rider is going to be pushing the brakes to the limit.

Overall, Suzuki has created an appealing package in the TU250X. It may not appeal to the hardened two-wheeled veteran, but as a choice for a new rider or someone of smaller stature this machine can hardly be beat. Also, derivations of the TU250X have existed in Japan for a few years, where the bike has achieved a cult-like status among customizers. In this age of internet globalization, access to parts and accessories for the TU is only likely to increase over time, and owners will find it a simple matter to build their own unique version of this appealing machine.