Suzuki TU250

[GasSavers_SD26]

Originally Posted by cat0020

It's fine if that is what he wants, but $3500 for a brand new 250cc single cylinder retro looking 5 speed motorcycle is not cost effective (not to mention the extra meterials it requires to produce) when one could easily find used motorcycles that are superior in performance and less in cost.

You life already depend on Chinese made products.. powered or not, you just don't realize it yet.

Used entry sized motorcycles don't go down much in value. Even over a twenty year period. Go find a 20 year old 250cc Honda Rebel, and I bet that used you'd pay half or more of current retail. That's cost effective.

Next, there is an actual warranty for manufacturers defects with a large dealer network. The Chinese manufacturers really don't have that. I will sat that I believe some parts for Japanese motorcycles are getting made in China, etc.

Finally, it's what he wants.

[cat0020]

Thread starter didn't specify that he wants a entry sized motorcycle.

Both of my 600cc+ motorcycles were purchased (this month) less than $2200 each.. and when time comes (next spring) to sell them, I'm likely to get over $2000 on each of them.

Come to think of it, even my car cost less than $2000 to purchase and fixed up.

Warranty means little to me since I pretty much do most if not all the maintenance/repairs myself.

[GasSavers_SD26]

Originally Posted by cat0020

Thread starter didn't specify that he wants a entry sized motorcycle.

Does that matter? It is what he wants, and that's how that bike has been marketed and resold. That includes Honda Rebel's, Ninja 250's, Buell Blast's, etc. Still makes it a great commuter bike.

For him, FI seems to be what's swaying his purchase. But he's neither you nor I.

[cat0020]

I guess it doesn't matter if cost is not a consideration for the purchase of a motorcycle. I consider most member who post on this forum to be cost (and material) conscious since we are gas savers and try to be fuel efficient (and use less material by buying used).

BTW, Honda Rebel (MSRP $3200), Ninja 250 (MRSP $3500, likely to be found for under $2000 used), they are twin cylinder motorcycles, they will likely last longer than a single cylinder Buell Blast or Suzuki TU250.

[GasSavers_SD26]

Wear more on a twin 250 vs a 250 single? Or vs a 500 single? Not sure why you'd decide to through that out. If you have data that supports facts that more cylinders generates durability, I'd like to see it.

And yes, anything can be had for too little money based on a seller's desire to move a product or, neglect. Yes, you can get an '86 Rebel for less than $2k, but with a KBB of just under $1500, a set of tires, a carb cleaning, peace of mind, AND warranty are actually valuable opportunities for many that add up and can far exceed the difference in cost for new.

Nothin' like trying to fix your "deal" on the side of the road or calling your friend or your mom to give you a ride.

And it still doesn't come with FI.

Good day!

[cat0020]

Engine reving any rpm, a twin cyclinder engine, each cylinder would have 1/2 the cylinder movement than a single cylinder engine.. less ring wear, less cylinder wear, less topend wear... seems to me common sense.. Have you ever ridden a single cyclinder engine bike at 8000 rpm?

Like I said before: FI, warranty.. those are not consideration when I purchase used bikes. IMO, FI is not that much better than carb.. warranty is there only to get someone to buy new or feel warm and fuzzy prior to the purchase, when something goes wrong while you're riding, you're screwed just the same. I do the work myself so I know things are done right and proper so there is no need for warranty. Learning a skill of finxing things yourself is no that difficult, I started from zero as anyone else and it is something that no one can take away from you.

[Sludgy]

Originally Posted by cat0020

Engine reving any rpm, a twin cyclinder engine, each cylinder would have 1/2 the cylinder movement than a single cylinder engine.. less ring wear, less cylinder wear, less topend wear... seems to me common sense.. Have you ever ridden a single cyclinder engine bike at 8000 rpm?

Like I said before: FI, warranty.. those are not consideration when I purchase used bikes. IMO, FI is not that much better than carb.. warranty is there only to get someone to buy new or feel warm and fuzzy prior to the purchase, when something goes wrong while you're riding, you're screwed just the same. I do the work myself so I know things are done right and proper so there is no need for warranty. Learning a skill of finxing things yourself is no that difficult, I started from zero as anyone else and it is something that no one can take away from you.

Lots to talk about here:

The Suzuki is cammed for low RPM torque. At comfortable driving rpms, say 4000 rpm, its piston rings are probably going slower than a high strung Ninja 250 twin at 6000 rpm. I can't see any difference in piston or ring life.

Carbed engines usually run rich. Especially if they're equipped with a manual choke like my Honda 2002 XR650L thumper. In cold weather I often have to drive 3-5 miles before the engine warms up enough to keep it from stalling when I let out the clutch. This hurts my commuting mileage. Then it gets better mileage IF I remember to take the choke off. Best tanks are only about 55 mpg.

I'm all for a closed loop FI thumper. It will get better mileage than a carbed bike in the real world. Just look at the mileage of the new FI 883 Harleys. They're rated better than my Honda.

The Suzuki GZ250 had a claimed mileage of >80 mpg. This new 250 with FI should get a lot better mileage. Do I hear 100?

If anybody can report real world mileage over 100, I'm going to trot down to my local Suz dealer and trade in my old red beast.

[jeep45238]

All I know about bikes is the Buell Blast is extremely tempting, and would be a cake candidate for a megasquirt EFI system. Cheap reliable EFI for pretty much every vehicle out there.

[Jim T.]

cat0200, you just don't get it. That is what he wants, not you or I or anyone else. Just him. He doesn't want used. Get over it already. You and I may love working on older bikes but that doesn't mean he does. Sure he can learn how to work on one, but maybe he doesn't want to. GIVE IT A REST!

Jim T.

[cat0020]

How about you give it a rest? I don't assume of your position.
I merely stated my opinion of the Suzuki TU250, and asked some questions about its cost effectiveness. What have you offered in this thread Jim. T?




$3500 for a 250cc fi thumper with a rear drum brake, non-adjustable suspensions, 5-speed, (looks to be like) non-radial tubed tires.. somehow I don't see this thumper capable of cruising comfortably with highway traffic at 70 mph for extended period of time like the Rebel or Ninja 250.

What is the fuel mileage of the new FI 883 Harleys?? as good as my $1699, 250cc carbed Chinese scooter?