I bought a thing!

"Pearson Hurst" (phurst)
07/01/2019 at 20:49 • Filed to: Two Wheels Good, Suzuki, TU250X, TUX, New Rider, Beginner Bike, Suzuki TU250X

I made the decision over the winter, that come springtime, I was going to get all of my vintage motorcycles and mopeds running well, safe, shined up and properly registered and titled so I could put them all up for sale. Don’t get me wrong, I loved all that stuff, but living in the suburbs, the mopeds were of no practical use, since anywhere outside of my immediate neighborhood requires speeds of 45+. The motorcycles were small displacement, and despite being pretty vigilant about maintenance, on 45-50 year old motorcycles, sometimes stuff breaks. So, I got everything ready to go, posted everything up for sale, and started looking around for what to buy.

At this point, I should probably mention that 1) besides the two days I spent on a Rebel 250 taking my Rider Safety Course, I’ve never been on a bike newer than 1978, and 2) besides the Rebel again, I’ve never been on a bike bigger than 250cc. I’ve had my M endorsement for 3 years now, and despite riding to and from work with some regularity, I still consider myself a beginner. Work is 5 miles round trip, and all 45MPH divided highways. While I was looking for a new-ish bike, I certainly wasn’t looking for anything high performance, and having no real desire to road trip on a bike, quickly ruled out the big touring style bikes. Really, I wanted a small displacement bike designed for commuting, running errands, and general around town riding. Having had all vintage bikes, I was drawn to one of the handful of retro styled bikes on the market.

Thankfully, my bikes sold quickly, and after going to see a few bikes that either just didn’t “do” it for me, or were overpriced for their age/condition/mileage, or were outright misrepresented, I found myself making a 2 hour trek to the far southeast corner of the state to look at a 2013 Suzuki TU250X. Priced slightly above market value, but showing less than 2000 miles on the clock, the bike hadn’t gone far enough in the last 6 years to reach its first regular oil change interval. The bike turned out to be in like-new condition, and owned by a responsible adult who, with his second child on the way, simply didn’t have time to ride it. A quick blast around the block, and a deal was struck!

Hauled the bike home in the back of the truck, hit DMV for plates the next day. Since last Thursday, when I got my plates and registration, I haven’t driven my car even once. I’m finding myself coming up with reasons to go grab something from the store, or carryout dinner, or just, you know, need to go around the block for something or other :)

Yes, this bike is pretty much the Honda Civic of motorcycles. No frills, not terribly “exciting”, and focused primarily on economy and reliability, but for me, it’s like going from a 1979 Civic to a last generation model with virtual no miles on it. It’s comfortable, it’s quiet, it’s civilized, and well mannered. It starts at the push of a button (no more kick starting!). Fuel injection means no choke, and it doesn’t care if it’s hot or cold. Electronic ignition means no more points to foul or fiddle with. 12v electrical system means people can actually see my lights, and I can actually see the road at night. I’m sure more experienced riders would dismiss the TUX as a “beginners” bike, and sure enough many rider training schools have them in their stables, but to me, it’s hands down my favorite thing I’ve ridden. Maybe one day a 250 won’t be enough. Maybe one day I’ll want to cruise long distances on the interstate. Maybe one day I’ll feel the need to spend all my money on shiny chrome do-dads to go on the Harley that never leaves the garage. Maybe so, but I’d bet I’ll still have the little TUX as well, and I bet it will still bring a smile to my face. I freaking love this bike!

DISCUSSION (11)

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Pearson Hurst
07/01/2019 at 21:23

Very nice! I always say it doesn’t matter what you ride or drive...it can be the most boring, bland thing, but what matters is that YOU enjoy it! :)

Looks like a very nice bike! Planning to do any mods to it?

Pearson Hurst > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
07/01/2019 at 22:08

Thanks. If anything, just practicality mods. Storage rack, slightly larger front sprocket, stuff like that.

shop-teacher > Pearson Hurst
07/01/2019 at 22:12

Very cool! What is the market value for a bike like this? This is the kind of bike I'd like to get. I want something with an upright riding position, that's faster than my Zuma 125, but I have no interest in interstate or long distance riding.

jminer > Pearson Hurst
07/01/2019 at 22:15

Congratulations! I had the same thought when I bought my 2015 CB500x 2 years ago. I kept my old bikes though, they break down occasionally and get ridden less than they used to but are full of character and fun.

Nothing beats the reliability of pressing that starter button on a new bike though.

I love small displacement bikes - they’re light, economical, fun and simple mechanically. A 250 is a nice sweet spot where you can hit highway speeds but still only weighs a couple hundred pounds.

TheJWT > Pearson Hurst
07/01/2019 at 22:49

Awesome! there was one of those in my basic rider class, they look like fun little bikes. Jealous of the fuel injection, too!

Pearson Hurst > shop-teacher
07/01/2019 at 23:18

Sounds like we’re in pretty much the same boat. Blue book was $2100. I paid $2400 and still feel like I got a good deal. I’ve seen them around for mid teens, though a few years older and with quite a few more miles.

shop-teacher > Pearson Hurst
07/01/2019 at 23:28

Yeah, I think we are. That's not too bad. I need to start saving my pennies. I love the scooter, so I don't want to sell it.

Pearson Hurst > jminer
07/01/2019 at 23:29

I'm sure I'll accumulate some more old bikes, they just seem to find me. Got everything I sold for cheap and not running. I just enjoy putting things back on the road. Happened to win more than I lost on those gambles and ended up not having to pay anything out of pocket for the Suzuki.

glemon > Pearson Hurst
07/02/2019 at 00:36

Nice, didn’t know these were a thing, like the former you my bike interest is sort of stuck in the no later than 1980 or so range, modern cruisers and sport bikes don’t do much for me, and I think the appeal of bikes is light and nimble, not big and comfortable. Have fun.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Pearson Hurst
07/02/2019 at 02:25

I love the TU250X, but I want an SR400 more, IMO.

That said, as a fellow thumper rider, there is somthing to be admired about a simple, low maintenance, low stress, single cylinder motorcycle to enjoy what motorcycling is all about!

McMike > Pearson Hurst
07/02/2019 at 05:53

Neat. That look a lot like the British motorcycle that parks by me at work.

Kinja'd!!!