Tradition comes alive in the 2011 Suzuki TU250.
The TU250 is an economical, user-friendly standard motorcycle with high-quality features, traditional style, coupled with modern engine performance..
With upwards of 82mpg and rolling straight off a set of That '70s Show, the Suzuki TU250 delivers style, ease of use, economy and fun, all for around $3,799.
Unlike Suzuki's Hayabusa sportbike, which can exceed any speed limit easily in 1st gear, this little workhorse had me massaging the gears up and down quite a bit. When I finally got to speed--about 55 mph in 5th, its top gear--the Suzuki TU250 was in its element. One of the characteristics I appreciated most about the Suzuki TU250 was just how cool it looks. With an airbrush spray on the tank that hints of a sunburst-finish Gibson guitar, coupled, with wire-spoke wheels and low-slung chrome exhaust, this around-town commuter reminds me a bit of some of England's best standard vintage bikes, a la the Triumph Bonneville. The Suzuki TU250 is a re-introduction to the all-around bike, as was the norm in the days of old.
For the more mechanically minded, an older or new bike with one or two carbs is a money saver, but most need rejetting to run well because of the EPA clean exhaust testing required, and are not as good for a beginner, who is more likely to stall a bike with carbs before it has warmed up and starts to run smoother. For a passenger later or for a heavier or taller beginner, I would probably get a 500cc Ninja or Vulcan for long trips or a 250cc supermoto for short trips. The Suzuki 400cc supermoto is a very good bike if you want to spend more and your legs are quite long, but the narrow seat is not comfortable for riding 200 miles plus a day.