Suzuki TU250X Podcast

This week on the Motorcycle Radio Network, we address listener concerns about the lack of a good all-around motorcycle for new riders to begin their street riding careers on, that happens to get 82 mpg.

In a time when new riders often are forced to choose between a 600-pound cruiser or a 150 mph 600cc sportbike, many experienced riders have begun complaining about the lack of a small "standard" motorcycle. Suzuki took those complaints to heart and loaned the new TU250 X to Ultimate MotorCycling.com so he could let us know his thoughts.

From the very beginning, this week's 'Real-Time' Road Test was destined to be different from all of our previous tests. Instead of jumping over buses or scaring himself silly by selecting "Track" mode on a sportbike, our Ultimate MotorCycling tester got into his best beginning rider mindset. He thought about what it would be like to have a limited budget both for purchase, upkeep and fuel, and he remembered the parking issues he had when he went to an urban college, but he didn't want to ride a scooter. Fortunately, Suzuki is looking out for anyone else who either wants to get started riding on a light, nimble motorcycle that can go anywhere.

The Blockhead Boys peppered our test rider with questions about the little 4-stroke single, Bill wanting to know if it will go fast enough for the highway (no problem!) and what it is like in city traffic (awesome!) Todd points out that times have really changed - 40 years ago, this entry-level motorcycle would have been had the third-largest displacement in all of Suzuki's American line!

By the time the test is finished, Bill acknowledges that at an MSRP of $3799, the new Suzuki TU250X is a perfect beginner bike and Todd B is left plotting how to get the bike to NY because he thinks he can commute an entire month on one tank of fuel! And our tester? He was last seen riding off into the sunset of Southern California with a smug and satisfied 82-mile-per-gallon grin on his face. You can stream the podcast of the Suzuki TU250 'Real-Time' Road Test here.

Next week finds Bill and Mike plotting a much better than usual show, since Todd B, our native New Yorker, will be out of the studio on a special assignment. Thanks for listening, and ride safe! 

Photos by Don Williams

Suzuki TU250X Specifications (Specs)