12-08-2018, 09:08 AM
(12-08-2018, 06:29 AM)ohiorider_imp Wrote: Has any forum member spent considerable saddle time on a TU250? I'd be curious about their thoughts re:
- Engine
- subjective question, but do you feel engine power is adequate?
- how well balanced? Minimal vibes?
Suspension
- relatively soft and compliant with a 150-180# rider on board?
Build quality
- similar to Honda quality?
Normal riding territory
- a grocery getter, not much more?
- commuter for to and from work?
- a lightweight day rider with average ride being between 100 - 200 miles?
- a lightweight weekend ride?
I had a used 2011 TU250X and regret selling it. Here's what I think:
Engine is a sweetheart - power is surprisingly good and it's very smooth. The fuel injection makes it easy starting with no flat spots or glitches in the powerband. It would happily do 65mph all day, with a GPS-verified top speed of about 72. High rpm power was less than my CBR250R but it pulled better in normal riding. The Honda had about 15mph more top speed, but it took a long time to get up there over 65, and it had much more vibration in the bars.
Suspension seemed fine, a tiny bit plush for my 250 pounds, should be just right for your weight. (I tried a set of adjustable dampening Hagons and found them no real improvement). Braking and handling were fine too.
I've had as many recent Suzukis as Hondas and Triumphs, and build quality and design details are almost equal. (The bar has been raised for all the major brands, but still, bikes like the Gold Wing and CB1100 stand out).
The bike has a long wheelbase and I didn't feel cramped on it. It was a willing, pleasant bike that you could ride anywhere, although I had to stay in the right lanes of LA's freeways.
As stupid as this sounds, I sold it because I enjoyed it more than my other bikes and they sat for weeks, while the TU was so easy to just jump on for errands and local rides less than 100 miles. They aren't sold new in California, so used ones rarely show up here.