Thank you! A good objective review showing the whole motorcycle with a human being on it for scale and not just an endless Go-Pro view of the road ahead while listening to some guy say "awesome" over and over. You went over it honestly and objectively - limited top speed, lower power, dim lights and all. Speaking of, this is just the kind of smaller bike I've been looking for. Lighter weight, nimble, old school design but still a reliable city bike. Keep up the good work.

@davidgerstein4305

3 жыл бұрын

I have one and love it. I also have a Harley and a Goldwing so this bike even small serves a purpose. I ride it all around town more than my other two bikes.

Good review, I hit the lottery and managed to get a used 2012 one with 237 miles for only $1250

@leeridefar

4 жыл бұрын

That’s a great deal!!! You can ride it all you want and then sell it to make money.

@davidgerstein4305

3 жыл бұрын

@@leeridefar Yes, but why sell it. Not worth the profit which is not much and the insurance is dirt cheap. Keep it as an extra bike everyone needs one of those and this one is perfect for that.

@axelabrams590

2 жыл бұрын

Where’d you find it

Great review! Thanks for walking us around the bike!

I have a 2011 one, had it for about 8 years now and love it. I use it for local country road rides (sometimes even 2 up). Just had to replace the original battery, other than that completely reliable. I decided to upgrade the original tires last week and went with Avon Road Riders, the difference is huge, handling and cornering is miles better.

I've ridden a TU250x a few year's ago and it was an awesome little bike for cruising around town, city, and some of the back roads in our town. I found one today selling for 3,000$ and it's a steal tbh, used but in mint condition and only has about 2k miles (zero issues). Think I'm going to buy it for my fiance for her first bike. Nice review though man, keep up the great work! I'd say anyone with a smaller frame and low weight this is great for a starter bike (i've been riding 17 year's) and it's one of the funnest little bikes I've ridden in a long time.

Got my 1996 TU250G. Its been really great for the last yr

Appreciate the simplicity of this video - just like the bike! I picked up a '19 with 2700kms on it for $3000.00. I love it. My comment is on the mileage. I'm absolutely getting over 400kms for my 12L of gas. My last gas stn visit I had put on 432kms.

Loved the looks of this bike when I owned it. It is a Triumph copy almost. Suspension buttoms out in every pothole, also like Triumph. It was also not able to push uphill my 185 pound figure without having to downshift continuously. Great learners bike but a little top heavy too.

Too bad, because you really have to get up in the mountains, or anywhere there is a good two lane road to really appreciate this bike. It corners well, has a wide power band, good gear choices, quiet operation, just hog heaven in the 55 +/- 10 mph range.

Road this for my MSF course. Nice little bike that could be a project bike but with newer bones.

I've always like the TU250, the Yamaha SR400, and the Genuine G400C. But I still have my '79 Honda CX500 and an '89 Sportster. Both are still great bikes so no need yet to get a newer bike. However, you're very right about having to fiddle and tinker with the older bikes. Both of mine require regular tinkering and repairs.

Good review. Thanks for posting it. I understand there's also an alternate front sprocket available, to make highway riding a bit more.....feasible.

@natural_law

11 ай бұрын

16 sprocket

It took 2 years before I found the right one. Completely happy with it. Put a 16 tooth sprocket on and it will handle highway speeds without a struggle. These are great beginner bikes, commuters, and "old guy" bikes. Sad they never caught on, but they have great loyalty from owners. I will never sell mine.

I'd listed my 2016 on CL a few hours ago thinking I no longer needed it, then stumbled upon yours and another channel in praise of the TU. I quickly deleted the ad, gave the bike a big hug and promised not to be so stupidly rash in the future! 😥. BTW, throttle control. My tu is exactly 1/4 turn.. the same as my two Enfields.

@leeridefar

2 жыл бұрын

It is a great bike John but maybe someone else will love it too. Bikes are meant to be ridden. So ride it lots! If it just sits… it becomes the owner of us!

To improve the rear brake action, and help prevent rear wheel lock up when using the brakes. This is an old motocross bike trick when they had drum brakes with a rod that actuated the brake arm.. put about a 30° bend in the center of the long brake rod..That will give you a lot more feel and forgiveness in the brake pedal

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

Life hacks for 19th century tech. Love it. This is the equivalent of filing your rear brake down into a wedge for less contact.

I have a 2011 TU250X I picked up for $1150 and love it. Best fun on a small bike I've had in years.

@leeridefar

4 жыл бұрын

That’s a great deal!

@raunchymangos7468

4 жыл бұрын

Got mine for 1,500

I’m taking the msf course on this bike. It’s been really fun, tomorrow will be my second day. I would definitely consider buying one

@leeridefar

Жыл бұрын

I’m using the Suzuki van van in my course. Good learner bikes for sure. Glad your enjoying it. If you do really well with Suzuki tu250 then consider a rebel 300 or 500. The extra power is nice.

My first bike was a TU250 20 years ago. Wish I never sold her.

They look bloody mint

Have a look at BlueCollarBobbers TUX cafe kit. My wife bought one today, and the cafe kit we’ll order tomorrow morning. Add one size up tires and maybe a thumper muffler. Good overview of the TUX, thanks.

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

Those Blue Collar Bobber kits are great! Thanks for telling me about it.

Sweet find!

@gregorycarpenter

3 жыл бұрын

I have a 2016 TU 250 and the lights are fine at night. I don't understand how they could not be. I don't think Suzuki would make an unsafe motorcycle.

Great review

Just bought one today. It's a 2015 with 333.8 miles on it. For the low price of $2250. Older gentleman just looking to sell a few toys. He bought it two years ago and it was NOS at the dealer. I'm quite pleased with it. Spotless as it should be with that lack of mileage.

@davidgerstein4305

3 жыл бұрын

You stole it.

@zepedaesquivel3170

2 жыл бұрын

Big deal bro. I love to find not expensive stuff

I have a $500 motorcycle from 82 but it hasn't given me any problems. Japanese motorcycles were always pretty good! I like this though, checking and near me there's a red/black 2016 with 241 miles for $3100USD. I'm not interested but it's a good buy. Thanks for pointing this model out!

@leeridefar

4 жыл бұрын

You have a good ‘82 motorcycle! I don’t know of many positive stories of $500 motorcycles... ride safe!

@DaddySizeIt

4 жыл бұрын

@@leeridefar It's the GS450A, two speed auto Suzukimatic. Must've been treated nicely because it's been great.

NICE! I just shook hands with someone today over a 2019 model!

@leeridefar

Жыл бұрын

Enjoy!!!

Super Reliable it is.i have a friend that's put 25k miles on his n it runs amazing

These were the bikes we used at my BRC near me. They're nifty little bikes and they ride pretty nice. They're not incredibly comfortable though. It felt fast considering it was the first bike I've rode haha

@leeridefar

11 ай бұрын

The VanVan200 is even better for learning. The TU250 is a good all arounder bike

I got one! My first bike. :) Everyone who sees it loves it. Mine is orange and black. Here in Japan it's called an ST250 and I have the E-type, also one of the last to have a kickstart too.

@leeridefar

6 ай бұрын

Great colour scheme! Every small bike should have a kick start. It’s bad ass :)

They really are a good looking bike. I've found one in Valencia

@leeridefar

5 ай бұрын

Nice. You just can’t go wrong with it.

I like the stock gearing. And I have ridden mine between SF and Portland twice. However... IF you want to ride freeways all the time.. most owners opt to change the front sprocket one tooth... which enables 70 mph much more easily, with 65 possible in 4th gear... for hills... rather than 60...without thrashing it. Where this bike is happiest is cruising 55-60... and much long distance riding can happen on roads just like that... otherwise.. get the 30 hp Honda cbr-300r.. which will cruise easily at 75

@leeridefar

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for all the comments Larry

@walkerskii

3 жыл бұрын

What about a big bore kit, changing the exhaust, adding three teeth to the sprocket (for the freeway) or some other ways to increase the horsepower on the Suzuki TU250 a little bit, so a guy like me 5'11" 245 lbs won't be frustrated by the lack of power?

tip on holding the gas: hold it like an icecream cone, not like a handle; i'll make twisting easier and more precise

awesome idea and i've been really enjoying your small displacement bike reviews. i really want to see your take on the new yamaha mt-03 tho .........so i hope that will be possible keep up the good content

@leeridefar

4 жыл бұрын

Yes. That bike is on my short list. I’ll put in a call and see if I can get that soon. Is there anything particular you want to know about it?

@othmanothman6777

4 жыл бұрын

@@leeridefar i am concerned about the ergonomics of it especially for taller people. I've watched some videos where 6'2 people have a hard time fitting on the bike because of the tank's size.... But i would love to see in another video is a comparison between the small bikes ( duke 390, cb 300r, kawasaki z400, and the mt-03) or even better a small displacment bikes awards (which one's the most fun to ride, which one's the best looking, which one gives u more bang for your buck etc.....and an overall winner of the category)

@othmanothman6777

4 жыл бұрын

And thank you for getting feedback from your viewers that's much appreciated

Just picked up my SUPER CLEAN '13 for $1500 buckaroos... Use it more than my 650

Some parts are hard to get, keep that in mind.

I just bought a 2016 Tu250x almost perfect condition, 7000k’s. I am totally in love and will never sell it.

The nearest comparable used motorcycle is the Kawaski KZ-200 or 250. It has a cable operated disc brake for which parts are almost unobtanium.. head lamp which is now about 60-80 new if you can find it. great bike.. but expensive pain in the ass.. since most have been trashed by beginners and wasters. What Lee is saying is correct. Hyper Reliable, all parts available, and it is high quality and will last a stupidly long time with basic care. Very good deal used ( better than lee thinks) but try not to buy if it was somebody first bike !

@walkerskii

3 жыл бұрын

For a larger guy, who would be frustrated with the slow freeway speeds, What about adding three teeth to the sprocket, plus a big bore kit, plus exhaust... Not to put too much money into it but if I could make it run like a 300 instead of a tiny little 250 wouldn't that be better?

I just knew this motorcycle, I really like it. I feel like I want to change my Yamaha xtz 125 to get this beast

@leeridefar

2 жыл бұрын

Or a Suzuki VanVan 200!

This is not the only bike with retro style on the market. Yamaha has the SR400 and kawasaki has the W500 and W650 as well, they are retro style.

@CodyCha

Жыл бұрын

TU250 -- dead SR400 -- dead W650 -- been dead for a long time in the US

I used to have a 2011 TU250, was a very reliable and easy to ride bike, but I ended up selling because I got into old bikes, and the fact that the TU has a complete lack of power. Even for s 250.

@leeridefar

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah it could use more power but the CBR250s I have aren’t great either. 300cc is well worth it for the jump in power. I wish the Kawasaki 400cc engine was in everything small right now.

I’m really set on a 2017 but they’re so damn hard to find!

@leeridefar

4 жыл бұрын

Tough time of year to buy used. So many people learning and buying new rider friendly bikes like this.

Hey mate, great video! Just got a question. I dont have my motorcycle licence yet. But my beginners course is in a few weeks. Local auction site here in New Zealand has 2 and luckily enough in my city. Should I buy one now (so they don't disappear), and ride it when I'm ready or wait for my licence? I keep hearing great thing ls about this bike. Thanks!

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

Buy it. It’s a great bike and great starter. So you can’t go wrong and it should be a easy sell when you’re done with it.

Thanks for this video. I am a new rider and have found two used bikes I need to decide upon by tomorrow. One is a 2011 Suzuki TU250x and the other a 2021 HONDA Rebel 300. The Rebel 300 has ABS and the Suzuki does not. I am thinking maybe the Suzuki would be a better bike to learn the basic skills I picked up in one MSF course, but since I only have my permit, the sellers have not been quick to allow me to test drive their bikes (private sellers).

@leeridefar

2 жыл бұрын

Both bikes would be great to learn and ride. Go whichever one is the better deal. They both have great resell value too.

@rickschultz5159

2 жыл бұрын

@@leeridefar Thanks for the feedback.

@axelabrams590

2 жыл бұрын

Where’d you find the Suzuki? Looking for one myself

@rickschultz5159

2 жыл бұрын

@@axelabrams590 There were several showing up on Craigslist this last winter, but not seeing any lately.

I’m not a beginner, but I’m interested in this bike. I wanted a sr400 but they stopped selling them sadly. I live on Hawaii so it’s not like there are any used ones around this tu 250 is the next closest thing.

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

Check out the Honda CB300R. A lot more power. Much more refined and still has a similar look

@larion2336

Жыл бұрын

@@leeridefar CB300R looks absolutely nothing like this bike...

Please review the Genuine G400c. The scooter company’s first motorcycle and it’s a blast!!

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

Ah, we don’t get those in Canada :(

Got one back in March, 2011 with 1k miles on it, got it for 1400

@leeridefar

4 жыл бұрын

Who are these people selling them for next to nothing??? Great deal at $1400

What would the max weight limit be for a person on this bike, for non-highway riding?

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

Probably around 300lbs or 140kg

Great review I personally like an prefer the G 400 by genuine. Its a 398 cc engine and a blast to ride. Clearly an upgrade to this bike. At only 5000 OTD with fuel inj and 24 mth full warranty a super buy!!

Any chance to upgrade that headlight bulb into something stronger?

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. Head to your automotive store and get one of the brighter, whiter lights.

Could you replace the lights?

@leeridefar

4 жыл бұрын

Yes. You could buy a much brighter bulb.

I bought the gn 250 91 model Spend only 300 euros just to feel the breakd the sound and these things like new My point is You can find in good condition older bikes with better buuld quality

@leeridefar

2 жыл бұрын

Moderate mechanic knowledge and a source for parts makes older bikes manageable. But most don’t want the headache.

Got a garage kept 2013 with 738 miles on it for $2500. I have the title, and bill of sale, but I consider it stolen lol.

@AviDell

3 жыл бұрын

Where are you located?

Just got my 2011 TU 250! Just got out of the hospital with a toe infection! Can't ride my bike for a week !! WAAA!. So last thing I owned anywhere near this was a 1969 CB 350 Honda. It hada spring loaded cam chain tensioner. My used TU250 did not come with owners manual. How do you adjust the Cam Chain?

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

No idea!

@trevorjameson3213

3 жыл бұрын

Like most Suzuki single cylinder engines, the TU250 has an automatic cam chain tensioner. It is a racheting mechanism that will take up the slack on it's own. So there is no need to adjust the cam chain on your own. However, you do need to adjust valve lash on your own, it has solid tappets. First inspection at 600 miles, then every 5 thousand or so miles after that.

@clavo3352

3 жыл бұрын

@@trevorjameson3213 Thank you much! The clutch slips in 3rd gear. I'm guessing I need to change those clutch plates. I also did that on my Honda 350, would this be about the same procedure? It only has 9K miles so I figure they never adjusted the linkage correctly and fried the plates when they came to a stop sign etc.

Do you recommend this over the Honda cb300r?

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

Yes. The cb300r is the better bike.

How many miles would be too high used?

@leeridefar

8 ай бұрын

I don’t know! But if the seller can prove regular maintenance, go for it. Motorcycles can last a long time if they are take care of. Most don’t ride them all that much.

change spockets for Hyway...

@leeridefar

Жыл бұрын

Good call

Thinking of buying one, but can you tell me about the sitting position and if it's easy to shift gears? I'm 5'10" 32 inseam. Do you feel cramped?

@leeridefar

Жыл бұрын

Nope it’s all good. Super comfy. I just got a different one and road it around. Super comfy and easy.

@estebanserrano1303

Жыл бұрын

@@leeridefar Thanks for your input. What about the gear lever. Is it easy to shift? It appears that the rest peg is too far towards the rear, and I wonder if it's harder to shift gears than the Suzuki GZ250 where the foot pegs are towards the front a little more?

@leeridefar

Жыл бұрын

It will just take some getting used to like most bikes. It will be fine.

@estebanserrano1303

Жыл бұрын

@@leeridefar Thanks!

@estebanserrano1303

Жыл бұрын

@@leeridefar Went to see a 2012 today and it looks Amazing! Good chance I will buy it. Will keep you posted.

There is something wrong with the electrical system! Bike has same bulb as big BMW H-55 Halogen.. which is plenty bright... Bad Voltage regulator, battery, or corroded wiring here ! Mine has GREAT LIGHTS

@leeridefar

4 жыл бұрын

It could use a different bulb for sure but what it comes with isn’t great.

One of the best bikes ever made

@leeridefar

9 ай бұрын

It completely achieves what it is set out to be

Is this really 130 lbs wet?? I see 2020 models for $3700

@leeridefar

4 жыл бұрын

130kg! Buy a good used one. Nothing has changed with this motorcycle

if you know anything about drum brakes - they have better Stopping power in certain cases ... nothing wrong with drum brakes.

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

Educate me or send me some links to read. All drum brakes I’ve used have not been confidence inspiring.

32 inseam (check) But how tall are you?

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

189cm or 6ft2in

Ok so I want to get this bike they have it for $3700 where I live with taxes and all how much should I be paying it’s marked as uses but it’s like 9 miles on it what should be the total price I don’t want to over pay

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

What year is it? 2020? Where are you buying it? USA? Europe? $3700 all in for new is the top range of pricing. Do a search for others and see what else is out there. If you’re in the North America the season is almost over so no need to pay a high price for it.

@Wilscuts

3 жыл бұрын

Lee RideFar it’s a 2019 I’m in Florida

@Wilscuts

3 жыл бұрын

Lee RideFar I’m just asking I went to a shop and the price is $3700 but with all fees came out to 6k I don’t know how

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

That’s a ripoff. Walk away.

@Wilscuts

3 жыл бұрын

@@leeridefar ok cool thanks

Mr. RideFar, are you ready to live up to your username Sir.? I would like to invite you to come to Calgary. Wanna hear why.?

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

I’m on a ride right now! Not heading to Calgary. What’s happening there?

@AngelFaceMotoRider

3 жыл бұрын

Ooh Wow You type really good while Riding. LoL Do you have time to watch "Wolf Rides Bikes" latest video.? We are doing the same BikeMeet & Ride again, but this time with even more Riders.

Why doesn't Suzuki also make a TU350 & solve the lack of freeway power problem everyone complains about the TU250?

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

Suzuki doesn’t have a 350 or even a 400cc engine. Would be nice if they did though!

@trevorjameson3213

3 жыл бұрын

Yamaha offers the SR400, a similar old-school bike, and Genuine offers the G400C, also an old-school bike. Both are great looking bikes and able to do freeway speeds.

Just Wrong about the Lights.. this bike has a problem !

I don't get why everyone needs some blinding headlight. If you can't see well when you ride without one, you shouldn't be riding.

@leeridefar

2 жыл бұрын

Valid point. This one is particularly dim. Something between blinding and sim would be ideal :)

@9706412739

2 жыл бұрын

@@leeridefar I get wanting to be seen, but I think the danger of temporarily blinding someone driving towards you should also be a concern, in my opinion.

Where can one find these bad boys? I see you're in BC, want to sell yours to one province over? Haha.

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

Sold it to a student. Didn’t take long to sell! I’ve got a CB650R now. Review on that soon.

@ktanner438

3 жыл бұрын

@@leeridefar So you said these things are hard to find and weren't kidding. I'll call my local Suzuki dealer tomorrow but I'm not hopeful - did they discontinue the model? I see it on Suzuki Canada's site but a grand total of 0 available nationally. Love the styling, price, and reliability and figured it would make an ideal first bike for as much as a new Grom lol.

@ktanner438

3 жыл бұрын

@@leeridefar Also, do you have any opinions on the Yamaha V Star 250? Looks like there's some new ones near me for a decent price but wondering if the bike is actually good

@leeridefar

3 жыл бұрын

I use the Vstar250 on our training lot. They’re fine. Higher mileage ones are problematic with their carbs. It’s carbureted so it’ll always be finicky. I highly recommend staying with fuel injected. If you like the TU250 the CB300R might work for you too. Check out the Husqavarna Svaetpilen 401. Same styling as the TU250. This is also an above average year for riding motorcycles. A lot more people are getting into it. So supply is low. Good luck!

@ktanner438

3 жыл бұрын

@@leeridefar Thanks for the reply, ysah I think the Pandemic has focused people on leisure they can do outside without getting into too much trouble. I'd I can't find a Suzuki then I'll just eat the cost of a Rebel 300, but it looks like there's a 250 available used near me. Let's see if it's available for purchase as I wanna leap on it!

how many miles can you do before you have to refill?

@leeridefar

4 жыл бұрын

It’s in the video. About 150miles

@jamesjustinbyrne

4 жыл бұрын

Not a hard riders. About 180 miles before the yellow light comes on.

@scholzdigital

3 жыл бұрын

@@jamesjustinbyrne Does it have a reserve vent?

@davidgerstein4305

3 жыл бұрын

I get about 180 t0 190 miles on a tank before refilling.

@scholzdigital

3 жыл бұрын

@@davidgerstein4305 Stupid question: How high are you filling up the tank? Or differently worded how many gallons are you putting in once the reserve light comes on? Last time I filled it up (reserve light was on) I filled in 2.2 gallons.

Ben Affleck from Wish