In researching the Suzuki TU 250 I have discovered several sites dedicated to the little machines. They have been for sale overseas for at least a decade and have quite a following.
Here in the land of the free we don't necessarily have the freedom to choose as many different models/colors as are available elsewhere. And not just with the TU 250. Another example is that the Suzuki GS 500 is available here with a fairing, but in Canada you can purchase it naked. I sure wish we had that option here. Yes, I know, we can get the SV650, but we are not given the option for the smaller non-faired bike. *Sigh*
Back to the TU.....Most people are familiar with the standard Suzuki TU 250 in the only color it is available in the USA- red. I have used a picture of that particular model many times in earlier blog posts. What you might not have seen before is what is available elsewhere. ADVRider forum has quite a long post on the bike with several good links where you can view treasures like the following..... 'note it is usually known as the ST 250 overseas':
This beige bike with tan/camel seat is by far my favorite that I have seen. If it was available in the USA I'd have already bought one. This was actually a 2004 model.
You could also find them with a teal and white tank:
Or white tank with blue frame: (Think that is where they got the idea for the Gladius color combination?)
And how about orange for the local Beaver fans (Go Beavs!) ..... or BC Lions if you are into the CFL....or....maybe you just like creamcicles......
And although the beige and tan is my favorite this one takes the prize for customization (love the tail light setup):
So, while I wait for the Ninja to sell, I shall bide my time, I shall try to practice patience, and I will drool at all the different models and options available across the pond.
-Au Revoir
"Sometimes the best communication happens when you're on separate bikes." ~ Author Unknown
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I wonder if it would be prohibitive to have one shipped from overseas? Perhaps not. You might want to check that out. I agree the tan and creme combination is striking!
ReplyDeleteHi Trobairitz
ReplyDeleteNice pics of TU 250 from abroad. The tan/camel is a very classy looking bike. I love the TU 250 (looks like a mini scrambler).
I wish they imported more bikes to the US in the 250-500 range, and I wish there'd be good aftermarket support for the smaller bikes. Maybe I'm not looking in the right places, but it seems like the focus is fully on the big bikes.
kari
Chuck - When we moved down from Penticton we imported Troubadour's Nissan pickup and it was a pretty easy process. Not sure the work involved in importing from overseas. Might be the exchange rate that would get me.
ReplyDeleteBluekat - One of the reason I like the TU is because it reminds me so much of a Triumph. Weekend before last when we were in Portland looking at all the shiny bikes Troubadour made the comment after sitting on the TU 250 and the Bonneville SE that there wasn't much difference in feel (except the Triumph is over 100 lbs heavier). I would completely agree with you that there is too much focus on the larger cc'd motorcycles and not nearly enough small displacement bikes. Why people think bigger is better when it comes to motorcycles, I don't know.
I would seriously consider buying a TU250 for a bike to use around town and so on. There's something about it that really appeals to me.
ReplyDeleteTrob, cars are a much easier matter than motorcycles when it comes to importation, especially for a new vehicle. Specific to Canada, Transport Canada has a list of allowable vehicles, and if yours isn't on the list, tough noogies, no can do. In '04, I was considering emigrating when Bush was re-elected and wanted to see if I could bring my '03 Vespa ET4. Not on the list.
ReplyDeleteThe painted bits on a TU 250 are not difficult to remove. You could then take them to your favorite body shop and have them painted.
If it's any consolation, the TU 250 is not available in California...
__Orin
Scootin' Old Skool