TU 250

[CMS]

Did I miss this or is it new? Suzuki site shows a TU 250 Bike, coming soon.Biggest change is its FUEL INJECTED, 9.2:1 comp. [9.0:1 for GZ]/. Slightly smaller bike, tires are 90/90 front and 110/90 rear vs 110/90front and 130/90 rear on GZ.Weighs 1kg less and has 12 L tank , GZ has 13L. Must be Suzuki's Night Hawk. CMS :??:

[Sarris]

Here's the site: TU250 (http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/TU250XK9)

Looks like their retro 70's bike from Japan (?). Pretty cool, huh?

:2tup:

[Easy Rider]

Looks like their retro 70's bike from Japan (?). Pretty cool, huh?


Fuel injected, with cat and O2 sensor system.
I'm betting you can kiss the GZ good bye, in the US, for the '10 model year. :cry:

[music man]

I like that bike, I wonder how much that is gonna cost.

[primal]

"Electronic fuel injection for better fuel efficiency..."

NICE!

[Easy Rider]

I like that bike, I wonder how much that is gonna cost.

I don't care.....except maybe for curiosity. I think it would be a crying shame if the GZ goes away. The TU just looks too much like the other 250's on the market. I like the GZ, in part, because is different.

[music man]

Looks like what other 250 on the market?? I haven't seen any U.S. model 250 running around that look retro like that one does. But I will agree I think it would be a shame for the GZ to disappear because of it.

[primal]

Hey, look on the bright side... maybe there will be a way to retrofit a GZ with fuel injection using TU250 parts!

[music man]

I think in europe or something they already make a GZ with fuel injection, or wait maybe thats the GZ 125.






Yep I went back and looked at the post i saw that in, and it is the GZ125 not the 250. :oops:

[mrlmd1]

This news gets around fast - I just saw this posted on the GZ250 site on the Yahoo groups and was going to post it here but you guys beat me to it.

[music man]

I don't know how reliable it is, but I read it on more than one website, that the TU250 is gonna be $3,499.00.

[patrick_777]

Looks like what other 250 on the market?? I haven't seen any U.S. model 250 running around that look retro like that one does. But I will agree I think it would be a shame for the GZ to disappear because of it.

It is very retro, but it does look to compete directly with the Nighthawk.

Anyone else notice that the specs are listed only in metric? All of the other US-released bikes have imperial gallons listed alongside the metric.

[mrlmd1]

According to the specs, this bike weighs 149kg, that's 328lbs., 26 heavier than ours, has a 1/2 gallon smaller fuel tank, so what about the range and fuel mileage projections?
And now, it's either going to be more reliable with fuel injection, like "set it and forget it", or less with all the electronics, and impossible for us to work on if something acts up. And now we all have to learn a new technology to try and figure it out. Sometimes these are not really improvements, it either works or it's screwed, and has to go back to the dealer who hopefully has been trained adequately to fix it, ie, replace parts at great expense.
And, it only comes in red (color of mine, nice). so what are the rest of you guys going to do?

[Sarris]

They've also raised the weight in the specs for the GZ to 150 KG (331 lbs) from 137 KG (302 lbs). I wonder what has changed? Maybe they added a catylitic converter and some emission controls??

:??:

[jonathan180iq]

No offense, I loved my Gz as much as the next guy, but honestly, this TU250 is what the Gz should have been.

I say bring it on.

[Easy Rider]

No offense, I loved my Gz as much as the next guy, but honestly, this TU250 is what the Gz should have been.


Well you're gonna have to 'splain that one Lucy! :)

I think we probably can all agree with the new technology for the engine but, beyond that, what do you see in the rest of the TU that you consider better than the GZ design?

IMHO, I'd rather have something that LOOKS like a modern cruiser than something that looks like a '70s rice burner. :biggrin:

There are at least 2 other 250 bikes already on the market that pretty much fit that bill.

[jonathan180iq]

Well, in my humble opinion the '70s rice burner look is what makes it so much better. Also, of all the great things about the Gz, the one thing that kept coming back up was the lack of leg room. If this bike places the footpegs directly under the seat, then it will be relatively easy to fabricate hangers for different positions. This new bike will also allow more ground clearance.
Also, hopefully Suzuki chose a tire size that is supported by more than one tire maker.

The spec photo looks like they got rid of the TDCC thing too. Now it's just a good old fashioned single pipe.

[primal]

Looks like they just put up the MSRP. Same price as the GZ.

[Water Warrior 2]

Starting to feel like an unwanted stepchild here. Can't open the tu 250 link. Did a google seach and got 1997-1999 tu 250 models. Interesting retro looking things even for the late 90's. Looks like a 2 valve head and no fuel injection.
As for the added weight of new models the bike builders are now listing wet weight rather than dry weight with no fluids added. This is a better idea in my mind so people know what the bike going to weigh when they hit the road for a ride. This is particularily helpful to riders of BMWs and other tall touring/sport touring bikes.

[prof_stack]

No offense, I loved my Gz as much as the next guy, but honestly, this TU250 is what the Gz should have been. I say bring it on.
+1

When I was between bikes, I was looking for something like the TU250. The GZ250 doesn't work for me with the pegs forward. I like how it looks, but the TU250 is what I would want to put some miles upon. Fuel injection, too. Finally....

A new Royal Enfield Electra almost roped me in until I got up close and personal. Oil leaking from the head, POOR metal finishing on the motor, POOR paint finishing, and oil on the seat (lousy setup I guess). Plus many glitches pop up all too often, according to posts on the CMW website.

I ended up with a killer deal on a NOS '07 Moto Guzzi Nevada, sort of a cruiser/standard mix, and really love the thing. 56mpg with more power than I need. But it sure has a nice pulse to it. I looked at the S40 Savage but all were sold at the dealer when the gas price hikes started.

Ultimately I will test ride the TU250 and possibly add it to the garage as the in-city vehicle of choice. Yeah, there's some old-school nostalgia working here, too.

[birdmove]

Hello Prof. We seem to run into each other a lot. I like the TU250. I prefer it to the GZ.I prefer a classic roadster look to the "cruiser" style myself,but thats just me. So don't worry about Suzuki dropping the GZ. I don't think that will happen because most people like cruisers better than "standards". The TU uses the same engine as the GZ, just with fuel injection added to it.

jon

[prof_stack]

Hello Prof. We seem to run into each other a lot. I like the TU250. I prefer it to the GZ.I prefer a classic roadster look to the "cruiser" style myself,but thats just me. So don't worry about Suzuki dropping the GZ. I don't think that will happen because most people like cruisers better than "standards". The TU uses the same engine as the GZ, just with fuel injection added to it. jon

I'm a lot more interested in the TU than the GZ, which I have ridden. It'll be at the CW show in December here in Seattle. Maybe I can get a Dec 26 deal like you did on your Enfield.

[mrlmd1]

.
As for the added weight of new models the bike builders are now listing wet weight rather than dry weight with no fluids added. This is a better idea in my mind so people know what the bike going to weigh when they hit the road for a ride. This is particularily helpful to riders of BMWs and other tall touring/sport touring bikes.

As gas weighs 6 lbs./gal this could explain the 20 lb. weight increase all by itself in the specs.

[rusty rider]

That seat looks like it will be a whole hell of alot better on the backside. :2tup:

From the looks of the TU250, it reminds me of bikes in the 70's, but not the standard road bike, but more of the enduro bikes made by Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki. All it needs is some universal tires, and more ramped up travel above the back tire.

I personally would like the motorcycle manufacturers to start making 350's, 400's, and 500's again. I know that the bigger the better mentality has taken over in the motorcycle market, but with the economy and fuel prices headed in the crapper I think that there will be a return to that market.

Now for the retro look, come on easy don't you remember how cool we looked back then :biggrin:

[Easy Rider]

Now for the retro look, come on easy don't you remember how cool we looked back then :biggrin:

My time line must be off a bit. I thought you would have been riding a big wheel in the '60's. :roll:

Trust me, a one piece banana seat is not ideal for long runs.

It looks a lot like the UJM's of the late '60s and early '70's, which I rode at the time and thought was really good.

And for whoever said the engines were the same.......what would it take to make you think they are different? So far we have: FI instead of carbs, different compression ratio, different valves, different exhaust, different cams, different heads.....that pretty much leaves the piston, rod and crank; they might be the same. :biggrin:

[music man]

That seat on the Tu250 is not a one piece banana seat, unless my eyes deceive me. O_o

[primal]

Easy, where did you see that the valves and cams are different? All I can tell is that its FI, has a single exhaust (does that imply that its only two valve now instead of 4 valve?), and a different compression ratio.

[Easy Rider]

Easy, where did you see that the valves and cams are different? All I can tell is that its FI, has a single exhaust (does that imply that its only two valve now instead of 4 valve?), and a different compression ratio.

Some (wild) assumptions were involved. If the number of valves is different, the cams have to be different too. Unless the bore and stroke are different, then about the only way to change the compression is with different cams. With only one exhaust port, the heads have to be different.

Neither of us knows for sure exactly how the engine is built. I was kind of trying to illustrate that saying it is "the same engine" is probably not true, at least not to any large extent.

[Easy Rider]

That seat on the Tu250 is not a one piece banana seat, unless my eyes deceive me. O_o

Oops. I hate it when that happens. :cry:

The front seat looks to me pretty much the same as the GZ.
The passenger seat looks to be a bit bigger.

I certainly hope it is better. You would think after so MANY years, they could have come up with some improvement.

[prof_stack]

I talked with a "cycle superstore" salesguy on the phone. He said the TU would be coming in a couple months.

Then he tried to talk me into a Yamaha WR250x instead. Bah! :skeptical: I should have told him I have a 750 Guzzi.

I do like the look of the single exhaust. Yeah there should be a whole bunch of improvement over the GZ motor.

[rusty rider]

[quote][/My time line must be off a bit. I thought you would have been riding a big wheel in the '60's.

quote]

Don't remeber big wheels in the 60's, I had a sting ray though with monkey bars and a banana seat :neener:

My first road bike was a 1973 Yamaha RD350, to me the style of the 60's and 70's bikes were the true standards. It could have been my youth and that was why the one piece seat wasn't a pain, or it could be my age now, and I just don't remember how it felt. O_o

[prof_stack]

Don't remember big wheels in the 60's, I had a sting ray though with monkey bars and a banana seat :neener:

My first road bike was a 1973 Yamaha RD350, to me the style of the 60's and 70's bikes were the true standards. It could have been my youth and that was why the one piece seat wasn't a pain, or it could be my age now, and I just don't remember how it felt. O_o

One other factor from our youth: Many of us weighed a "bit" less when we were in our 20's.

The things we did in our youth: How about riding a 120 mile trip (one way) on the interstate in the mid 70's on a Honda CL175 ? There's no way I would consider that today. My current weight would "crush" the seat! But back then I didn't have the financial resources to easily have other means of better transportation.

[Easy Rider]

One other factor from our youth: Many of us weighed a "bit" less when we were in our 20's.


Let's see......40 extra pounds on the frame......NO extra pounds in the "seat pad"...... no, that couldn't be a factor. :biggrin:

I think the "springs" might be a little rusty too !! :cry:

[purslant]

[quote="rusty rider"][quote][/My time line must be off a bit. I thought you would have been riding a big wheel in the '60's.

quote]

Don't remeber big wheels in the 60's, I had a sting ray though with monkey bars and a banana seat :neener:

I remember that sing ray only mine had a 3 speed shift also.

[rusty rider]

[quote][/qI remember that sing ray only mine had a 3 speed shift also.uote]

If I remember right that 3 speed shifter was made to look like a speed shift in a muscle car, and it was on the bar right below the boys. :cry:

[quote]
The things we did in our youth: How about riding a 120 mile trip (one way) on the interstate in the mid 70's on a Honda CL175 ? There's no way I would consider that today. My current weight would "crush" the seat! But back then I didn't have the financial resources to easily have other means of better transportation.

Man I never thought about the weight factor, that is a very good assessment (sic?)
Also in the 2nd half of the 70's Smiling Jimmy Carter had made the speed limit 55 mph, and in Indiana it was enforced with an Iron Fist. I hear you on the financial resources and having to ride motorcycles, boy that $1 gallon gasoline sucked. :whistle:

[purslant]

Hep thats where it the shift was, and the bike also had hand brakes..

[Water Warrior 2]

Okay, so now that I have been able to get a look at the new Tu 250 I am wondering. It does look very much like the 97-99 that I found on Google. The only major difference is fuel injection and a cat converter. May be that Suzuki has created a bike for North America fueled by high gas prices. A taller economical bike for taller riders who don't want to buy a larger bike to be comfy. Should make their bean counters happy by selling an already built bike and adding FI which they already have on many machines. Sounds like a win-win situation.

[primal]

http://www.suzukicycles.org/TU-series/G ... cker.shtml (http://www.suzukicycles.org/TU-series/Grasstracker.shtml)

According to that page, this bike gets 128 MPG at 37 MPH!

[jonathan180iq]

Just so you know, the single exhaust port will allow the implementation of the aftermarket exhaust systems that exist for this engine acorss the pond. If a company doesn't decide to import these products, at least there is now a place to get them, for those who are interested.

[Quimrider]

I'd be happy to drop the cash to shoehorn fuel injection on my gz. I can't seem to get my carb right. seems to be rich at low rpm and lean at high rpm.

[prof_stack]

Forum member Birdmove brought to my attention the ST250 which looks an awful lot like the TU250 we're getting here in the US. Here are a couple of photos that I goggled and saved. Click on them for a sharper image.

[jonathan180iq]

This bike has been around for a while. The photos I'm posting show late 80s models, I believe.

[attachment=1:2ijw58p5]suzuki%20tu250.jpg[/attachment:2ijw58p5]

[attachment=0:2ijw58p5]1998_TU250X_Alar1_800.jpg[/attachment:2ijw58p5]

[OC Hoosier]

That ST has 'cafe racer' written all over it....c'mon you photoshop guys. ;)

[prof_stack]

That ST has 'cafe racer' written all over it....c'mon you photoshop guys. ;)

Okay, how is this for Photoshopping?
http://www.postimage.org/PqPWZdr.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=PqPWZdr)

[birdmove]

Thanks, Prof. Thats the one I like the best!!

Jon

[primal]

You know, I have to admit, when I first saw the TU250, I didn't care much for it. But now I'm really starting to like the look.

[prof_stack]

Thanks, Prof. Thats the one I like the best!!
JonWell, you could have posted it here before I did, since you sent me the photo! :2tup:

You know, I have to admit, when I first saw the TU250, I didn't care much for it. But now I'm really starting to like the look.I'm hoping it shows up at the CW International show in Seattle come mid December. Its always better to see a new model for yourself from many angles.

[Joho]

eek! I wouldn't ride that home!

I love the cruiser look too much.

[jonathan180iq]

I agree. I thought the W650 was the coolest bike around when it came out but no one bought them.
I have yet to ever see one on the streets.

[alantf]

With regard to saddle types, my first two wheeler, back in 1965, was an ancient Lambretta LI 150 scooter. This had what can only be described as two tractor seats :- big, wide, & strung underneath with big coil springs. These were fixed to the chassis with sprung, hinged, brackets. Boy, were they comfortable! The only thing was, being young & stupid, I wanted the scooter to look like the latest ones out of Italy, so I fitted a double saddle (what you call a "banana"?). What a difference! The most uncomfortable ride of my life. I think that this is what has put me off twin saddles for life. I would just love to find an old Lambretta saddle dating back to the 50's, so that I could do some adapting, & fit it to the Marauder.

[Easy Rider]

I would just love to find an old Lambretta saddle dating back to the 50's, so that I could do some adapting, & fit it to the Marauder.

:plus1:

I have toyed with the idea of adapting a tractor seat like you described.......but you can't even find them on TRACTORS any more !! :cry:

[Water Warrior 2]

Here is a project to consider. Want better seating, try a horse saddle. Way back when, I spotted a GT 750 with a horse saddle and sheep skin cover. Never been a horse rider myself so I do not know how well it might work. Looked kinda cool though.

[prof_stack]

Here are some photos of the new TU250 taken yesterday at the Cycle World International Motorcycle show in Seattle.

I liked the look and feel of the TU. I would have bought it but the salesguy said it was the only one in the USA right now. Expect them in March.

http://www.postimage.org/aVsBKZi.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVsBKZi)

http://www.postimage.org/aVsBPYA.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVsBPYA)

http://www.postimage.org/aVsCiUi.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVsCiUi)

http://www.postimage.org/Pqqtpw0.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pqqtpw0)

http://www.postimage.org/aVsCqnJ.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVsCqnJ)

http://www.postimage.org/aVsCvn0.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVsCvn0)

http://www.postimage.org/PqqsWAi.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=PqqsWAi)

[mrlmd1]

FYI - posted on the GZ250 site on Yahoo by a member there --
"While at the IMS to get a close look at the new TU250, I asked the
Suzuki rep what their plan was for the GZ250. The GZ was on display at
the show, but off by itself away from the TU. With the new bike
stepping into the scene, was Suzuki possibly planning to drop the GZ,
or maybe replace it with the V-twin Intruder 250LC? He would not
commit to an answer, but he did not deny that change might be in the
works. Your guess is as good as mine, but it does seem curious why
they would have two 250 singles in the line?

Btw, Suzuki was by far the standout display at the IMS. The other big
three really looked like they were a dollar short and didn't draw the
same crowds. It looks like Honda has dropped the 250 Nighthawk and
kept the 250 Rebel. The only small displacement bike from Kawa is the
Eliminator 125. Yamaha still has their 250 V-twin in the line. There
are still lots of mastodon bikes which seem a way off the mark
considering the economic situation.

Intruder 250LC info http://tinyurl. com/6omg92
TU240 info/forum http://tinyurl. com/58gmk8 "

Anybody know any more of this?

[dan_]

Has anyone seen the GZ250s ugly as sin brother the tu250?

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/TU250XK9

In my opinion it deserves the title dork-mobile. It looks like a moped.

[music man]

First of all I would like to say that I like the TU250, not near as much as I like the GZ, but I still like it. And This will be like the third or fourth different thread dedicated to the TU250.

[dan_]

That dan_ guy sucks. Hes such a n00b.

[Graydog]

Got to admit I agree with Dan. The bike just looks so.....preppy. I think a white shirt and neck tie, brown loafers and short khaki pants that allow your white socks to show should be the riding gear of choice for this bike. :roll:

It reminds of of the mid to late 60s when Honda had the "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" ad campaign going full force. I'm sure the male rider in the ad had to be named "Buffy" and the female "Muffin". :lol:

It is a sensible bike though. Look at footage of busy oriental streets....every one seems to be riding a bike that looks like this one if they are not on a scooter.

However it will probably make a great learner bike for the timid.

(The above is an opinion. It's my opinion. Don't bother to try and change my mind by pointing out what a complete idiot I am, quoting stats, showing charts, challenging me to provide facts or evidence.)

[dan_]

Got to admit I agree with Dan. The bike just looks so.....preppy. I think a white shirt and neck tie, brown loafers and short khaki pants that allow your white socks to show should be the riding gear of choice for this bike.

It reminds of of the mid to late 60s when Honda had the "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" ad campaign going full force. I'm sure the male rider in the ad had to be named "Buffy" and the female "Muffin".

It is a sensible bike though. Look at footage of busy oriental streets....every one seems to be riding a bike that looks like this one if they are not on a scooter.

However it will probably make a great learner bike for the timid.


It kinda looks like a triumph scrambler.

[patrick_777]

Merging this topic with the correct one.

[prof_stack]

Did the MSRP on the GZ and TU take a major hike? The 2008 GZ, according to the Suzuki website, was $3,250. Both the TU and GZ are now shown at $3800. I thought they were listed at $3600 or $3700, IIRC.

With virtually no sales happening right now, will these prices be solid?

Tough market. Last month the original (and oldest) Honda importer in the USA closed its doors. University Honda in Seattle just up and shut down. The workers found out about it the hard way, a locked door. Sent shivers down the NW dealers' backs.

[alanmcorcoran]

There is a wide range of health in the vehicle dealership business. In boom times, anyone that can fog a mirror can open and run a vehicle dealership. Get a landlord to front you some rent, some banks or manufacturer's to lend you the inventory and you are in business. Hard times will force the weaker dealers to close, and, temporarily, will probably put more pressure on the rest, but, once they are gone, those that remain will have a healthier operating environment. I'm not a republican, but this type of business darwinism is an important, if painful, process and current attempts to avoid it are simply going to make matters worse.

Many of the dead and dying dealers were likely buried in floor plan and other debt and have been limping along on life support. The slowdown in sales wouldn't kill off healthy (more conservatively run) stores in three months.

[CMS]

I attended the Cleveland Int. MC show last weekend and the Suzuki folks stated that due to the US Dollar value, they raised the price on the GZ and the TU $300, making it [price] $3750 per copy. They claimed they were notified at the show and didn't know of the price increase till then. Untill the show, all the pricing I had read about had both the GZ/TU at $3450. The TU was there and had quite a following, lots of interested folks checking it out. The factory [Suzuki] staff at these shows need to be educated a whole lot more on their products. The standard answer was, "they [Suzuki] haven't told us either. " I was disappointed that the tech details can't seem to be relayed , but the price increases seem to come thru at lighting speed. I did like the TU, it was a hit at this show. CMS :rawk:

[David Bo]

I would really love to see Suzuki introduce the 250 Intruder in the US market... I can not help but loving the look and sound of a V-Twin. The only thing I do not like about the 250 Intruder is the small and skinny front tire and fender. It cheapens the look of the honda Rebel and the Yamaha Vigiro 250. I really like the fatter front tire and larger fender on our bikes...

Does anyone not agree that a V-Twin engine would be better than our "thumpers"? Especially if it was fuel injected? Man, I would buy one the second the Suzuki dealership rolled it onto the showroom floor!

As for the TU250, I am not fan. To me it looks like a cross between a cafe' racer and a moped.

[prof_stack]

Does anyone not agree that a V-Twin engine would be better than our "thumpers"? Especially if it was fuel injected? Man, I would buy one the second the Suzuki dealership rolled it onto the showroom floor!Hey, this is a "thumper" forum. Watch your tongue! :tongue:

As for the TU250, I am not fan. To me it looks like a cross between a cafe' racer and a moped.Different 4-strokes for different folks, I guess. I sat on one at the CW show in Seattle and rather liked the feel of it. Slightly retro in looks with modern acruments (FI).

I stopped at the Suzuki dealer today and the owner said that the TU250 would be arriving in a month.

[Easy Rider]

As for the TU250, I am not fan. To me it looks like a cross between a cafe' racer and a moped.

Me neither......and I'm a little sad about the whole situation 'cause it looks like the handwriting is on the wall and the GZ is likely to disappear next year. I would have MUCH preferred the new engine configuration in the GZ frame.

OTOH, maybe the GZ will get new life next year with a 350-400 engine. :twisted: :skull: :biggrin:

[Sarris]

Looks to me like they tried to keep the price point the same and add fuel injection to meet the new emission standards.

By doing so they eliminated the four valve TDCC head, nicer seat (?WTF?), and the more expensive cruiser styling details (tank, fenders, forward controls, chrome trim, etc.).

So essentially, we're getting a cheaper bike with a more expensive fuel delivery system and more emission controls for the same price.

Nice, huh....

:skull: :fu: :skull: :fu: :skull: :fu:

[prof_stack]

We're getting a cheaper bike with a better fuel delivery system. As far as styling it might be that the cruiser motif is fading a little.

If the chrome trim pieces were actual metal I'd be for it. Plastic chrome is ... plastic.

Forward foot controls are a pain in the butt after awhile.

As much as I like the look of the cruisers I prefer a more standard position when riding. But the seat cushion has to be decent so I hope the TU has decent padding.

[Easy Rider]

Forward foot controls are a pain in the butt after awhile.


SIGH! Nothing is perfect, it seems.

The only thing I would change about the GZ is the position of the pegs/controls.......back in a more standard position, for the above mentioned reason......litterally. :cry:

But then it REALLY pisses me off when they take a perfectly good bike and put drag bars on it ......just for styling reasons. IMHO, they ruined the S40 when they did that. Forward controls; pain in the ass. Forward bars; pain in the back. What a LOUSY combination when you have both. (Unless your knuckles drag the ground when you walk, in which case that configuration might be perfectly comfortable.) :biggrin:

[patrick_777]

We're getting a cheaper bike with a better fuel delivery system. As far as styling it might be that the cruiser motif is fading a little.

If the chrome trim pieces were actual metal I'd be for it. Plastic chrome is ... plastic.

Forward foot controls are a pain in the butt after awhile.

As much as I like the look of the cruisers I prefer a more standard position when riding. But the seat cushion has to be decent so I hope the TU has decent padding.


You do realize that we are not "attacking" you when we criticize the TU250, right? You seem to take this REALLY personal as if the TU is somehow going to be better than the GZ...WTF dude?

[patrick_777]

Forward controls; pain in the ass. Forward bars; pain in the back. What a LOUSY combination when you have both.

FYI, this is my precise criticism of the Shadow I bought. It feels like I'm trying to touch my toes, which I'm not sure I've actually been able to do for a while.

[prof_stack]

[quote="prof_stack":3d8rep6m]We're getting a cheaper bike with a better fuel delivery system. As far as styling it might be that the cruiser motif is fading a little. If the chrome trim pieces were actual metal I'd be for it. Plastic chrome is ... plastic. Forward foot controls are a pain in the butt after awhile. As much as I like the look of the cruisers I prefer a more standard position when riding. But the seat cushion has to be decent so I hope the TU has decent padding.

You do realize that we are not "attacking" you when we criticize the TU250, right? You seem to take this REALLY personal as if the TU is somehow going to be better than the GZ...WTF dude?[/quote:3d8rep6m]Patrick, this is the problem with written communication: The intent can get lost in the letters. I have no problem with any of these posts and have not felt "attacked" in any way. Nothing personal for me, either. Stating my opinion doesn't mean I'm on the defensive. I'm not.

The GZ is a great looking bike, a small cruiser. The TU is different, a small standard. To each his own.

I'm really relaxed after returning just now from a 133 mile ride in gorgeous 70 degree weather here in the Seattle area. The Guzzi ran great. Max Leight earplugs are wonderful. Let's chill and go riding.

[Water Warrior 2]

The GZ will live on for many years but probably not in North America or Europe because of emissions. Third world countries will import the GZ b/c it is good proven transportation and anyone can keep it running with minimal care.

[NavyDad6]

I just put some money down on the only TU in the Western Washington area (according to the dealer). They had got one into Everett on the 8th and I got to look and touch on the 9th. I was going to get the GZ, but after seeing a FI version, I wanted to wait for the TU.

[patrick_777]

It would be great for some pics and a full-on review when you get it. Let us know.

[alantf]

The only thing I would change about the GZ is the position of the pegs/controls.

Hey .... you're making me feel deformed! I'm 5' 9", 160 lbs, 32" trouser length, & nearly everything feels fine to me. I don't even get the sore backside after an hour's riding. The only thing I'd like is the handlebars coming back a coupla inches, so I could lean further back (I even recline the car seat back further than anyone I know) but I know that I could tilt the bars back a bit (if I could be bothered). I've even seen gzs with highway pegs on the engine guard, & that would throw the rider's legs even further forward. Not for me - but to each his own. Like I said, I must be happily deformed.

[Easy Rider]

The only thing I would change about the GZ is the position of the pegs/controls.

Like I said, I must be happily deformed.

No, I think you are closer to "average" than I am......and on the other side.
Pulling the bars back is quite easy; I pulled mine back a LOT and then had to undo it a bit for the latest windshield. An inch or two should be no problem but you DO need to reposition the levers and mirrors a bit. The whole process shouldn't take more than 10 minutes.

[prof_stack]

Driving home today I saw the new TU-250x in front of Aurora Suzuki in Seattle. I stopped and talked with sales manager Mike. Nice guy. He said that test rides were not permitted unless the rider was serious about buying the new 250cc. Fair enough. Perhaps when more models arrive he will let us lookie-Lou's go out on one.

Full MSRP and shipping/setup and WA state license and tax: $4760 out the door. No discounts available yet.

Here are some Photobucket pictures presented without comment:

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/TU-250x_01.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/TU-250x_02.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/TU-250x_03.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/TU-250x_04.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/TU-250x_05.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/TU-250x_06.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/TU-250x_07.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/TU-250x_08.jpg

[Water Warrior 2]

Good pics there partner. Not too sure if I like the bike or not but would like to take one for a spin around the neighborhood to find out.

[patrick_777]

I seriously think I'm starting to come around to the look of this bike. I really just think I want to put clip-ons and a cafe seat on it though...
That engine looks a lot smaller without the cylinder head covers and that single exhaust.

Nice pics prof. Keep 'em coming.

[prof_stack]

I seriously think I'm starting to come around to the look of this bike. I really just think I want to put clip-ons and a cafe seat on it though...
That engine looks a lot smaller without the cylinder head covers and that single exhaust.

Nice pics prof. Keep 'em coming.
Thanks, Patrick. You are right about the engine looking smaller. I noticed it in the photos but forgot about the GZ cylinder head covers which are a nice chrome touch.

The seat seemed firmer than I expected, but a ride over 20 miles would give me a better idea.

[adrianinflorida]

I really like some things on the bike. Like Patrick, I think the engine looks tiny, though. A triumph/Royal Enfield type fuel tank (With the "Knee Indents" at the back) would look good. The tubular swingarm looks sort of under-engineered, though, I like the box tubed swingarm the GZ has better. Everything looks skinnier (Tires, shocks, frame members, etc) on the TU, which i guess is it's style. I do like the look of the seat though (NO WATER CATCHING BUTTONS!!!!)

[Easy Rider]

[quote="patrick_777":3ujqzos4]The seat seemed firmer than I expected, but a ride over 20 miles would give me a better idea.[/quote:3ujqzos4]

With the peg position, I suspect the seat will be more comfortable than the GZ for long huals.

Taken on it's own merits, I think the bike is fine, although a little unusual. Looks like a dirt bike/dual purpose wanna-be.

Compared to the GZ (which I still think it will "replace"), I don't like it........because it doesn't have that "big bike" look that steered me to the GZ in the first place. Now it is "just another 250".

[adrianinflorida]

Looks like a dirt bike/dual purpose wanna-be.

That's what I was thinking but couldn't quite put my finger on. The apparent "Tallness" of the bike does give it that look.

[alantf]

While not overly impressed with the general "cheapo" look of the bike (purely a personal view) I do like the chrome bar ends better than the gz's black ones. I know there are various aftermarket ones available, but this is the first "like for like" ones I've seen. Pity they didn't fit them as standard on the gz, to match the chain guard etc.

[prof_stack]

I agree with the "cheapo" look. The silver spray paint look of the rear frame and the spindly looking rear shock are examples. If Suzuki hadn't raised the price ~$500 from the 2008 price (of the similarly priced GZ250) I might be tempted to jump on one today. Also, the state of WA dumps on you pretty hard with tax and license.

Here's an intruiging thumper, albeit 499cc, from India: the new Royal Enfield G5, now selling in the USA for about $6100. All new motor with FI and hydraulic valves. Looks nice.
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/RoyalEnfieldG5.jpg

[adrianinflorida]

I agree with the "cheapo" look. The silver spray paint look of the rear frame and the spindly looking rear shock are examples. If Suzuki hadn't raised the price ~$500 from the 2008 price (of the similarly priced GZ250) I might be tempted to jump on one today. Also, the state of WA dumps on you pretty hard with tax and license.

Here's an intruiging thumper, albeit 499cc, from India: the new Royal Enfield G5, now selling in the USA for about $6100. All new motor with FI and hydraulic valves. Looks nice.
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/RoyalEnfieldG5.jpgI rode a buddy's Royal Enfield recently, and would love one. The only problem, it's too much of a niche bike. It's bigger than the GZ, displacement wise, but too small for me to consider as a step up from the GZ. It'd be a great seconds bike to play with, if one has the 6 Grand to spend on a 'Second bike".

[adrianinflorida]

Also, the state of WA dumps on you pretty hard with tax and license.

No kidding, the difference between MSRP and the out-the-door price in the post was about a grand. :cry:

[Moedad]

Hmm...where to hang the saddlebags?
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/TU-250x_02.jpg

[Water Warrior 2]

Hmm...where to hang the saddlebags?
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k409/prof_stack/TU-250x_02.jpg

Good catch. Signals/relocation and a PITA when you could be riding the thing instead.

[prof_stack]

Sales manager Mike told me that there are not yet any accessories for the TU250x.

I guess a cargo net over your "stuff" on the back seat will have to do for now.

[Easy Rider]

Hmm...where to hang the saddlebags?


Remove the passenger seat and put on a milk crate ??
Dirt bikes don't need bags !! :roll: :biggrin:

An excellent point; looks to be a real PITA.

[/quote]I rode a buddy's Royal Enfield recently, and would love one. The only problem, it's too much of a niche bike. It's bigger than the GZ, displacement wise, but too small for me to consider as a step up from the GZ. It'd be a great seconds bike to play with, if one has the 6 Grand to spend on a 'Second bike".[/quote]

Does anyone else have an opinion about this bike? It's quite a coincidence that this post came up, as I've been looking at these (there is a dealer in the town where I work). Not in the position to do anything about it yet, but toying around with the notion of "moving up" a bit (though I had the mid-size 600 - 800cc in mind). Does the bigger displacement of these really give you much more power? The mpg is supposed to be even better than the GZ, but maybe those claims are exaggerated.

Thanks,

Keith

[Easy Rider]

Does anyone else have an opinion about this bike?

Unique. From the picture, it looks to have a REALLY short wheel base; almost no rake in front and the rear tucked in right under your......seat! Now that might be OK but I'd certainly not buy one without a good LONG test ride. I can't help but thing it would ride and handle "funny". I'm sure you would notice a substantial difference in power.

The Suzuki S40 (650 cc) is a good step up from the GZ, as is the S50 if you want something a bit bigger yet. Lots of other choices too; I'm partial to the Honda VTX 600 Shadow right now. :biggrin:

[patrick_777]

Back on topic, I'm curious why they didn't mount the rear turn signals on the fender where the red reflectors are right now. That wouldn't change the look to the extreme but would allow accessories like saddlebags and supports to be installed easily.

[adrianinflorida]

to me, the Royal Enfield felt "Punchier", it really brought out the feel I'd expect in a thumper. It didn't "feel" faster, the upright seating position and old school ergonomics made it feel a bit sedate, to me. the bike handled real predictably for me, no surprises, point and shoot where you want to put it, and it goes, a good predictable bike. I took it out on US1 (6 lane, divided highway, not a freeway) and It felt about equivilent to the GZ, i.e. not something I'd want to drive long distance on high speed expressways. It's geared a bit differently from the GZ, and you really feel the buzziness/thuming towards the end of the gearing range/power band.

The build quality is great, there is a very minor bit of roughness to the paintwork on the frame, from what I've read and people I talked to, that's more intentional than anything to keep the old school aestetic that it has. No rattles or feeling that the thing is a third world bike (Nor in the price). It would be a good replacement for the GZ250 if you don't want to move "up" to a more powerful or upmarket bike, but simply wanted another bike that was good in fuel economy and for commuting around town.

[adrianinflorida]

Back on topic, I'm curious why they didn't mount the rear turn signals on the fender where the red reflectors are right now. That wouldn't change the look to the extreme but would allow accessories like saddlebags and supports to be installed easily.
I wondered that as well. The wiring wouldn't be any more difficult, the turn signal harness could run along with the combo light harness.

[dannylightning]

looks like a cheep version of a triumph, or a Vincent black lightning or black shadow. i dont really like it but i would love to get my hands on a old vincent.

[youtube:kw30knuo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7bXBOfgvJ4[/youtube:kw30knuo]