BUYERS’ GUIDE: SUZUKI TS250
Sharp on the street and fun on the dirt, Suzuki’s 250 trailie is coming into its own
Almost forgotten 250 trailie deserves a bit more attention
n terms of longevity at least, Suzuki’s TS250 has to be seen as a success. Produced (in twinshock form) between 1969-81, a 13-year production run is pretty good going – even if the TS evolved considerably in that time. But it’s a bike that seems to have slipped under the radar. When was the last time you saw one – on road or trail? The TS250 appears to have been bypassed by the cult following that attaches to Honda’s XL250 Motosport and Yamaha’s DT1. Maybe it’s time to take a look at Suzuki’s quarter-litre offering in the ’70s trail bike wars... perhaps we’ve all been missing a trick.
The TS250 is pretty easy to live with. From 1971, there’s electronic ignition, so maintenance is confined to fluids, brakes, chain adjustment and the like. It’s fairly simple stuff. And the Suzuki’s build quality is pretty decent, too especially inside the engine, where everything runs on proper bearings with no sign of a simple bush. The five-speed gearbox is beefy and durable and the castings are nicely finished and sturdy. In all its incarnations, the TS250 looks smart and well finished.
Early Us-market models are starting to attract the attention of collectors and prices are edging up. But mid-’70s Uk-market models in decent condition are still out there for around the £2000 mark. That doesn’t sound bad value for a lively (though slightly porky) 250 two-stroke that will top out at around 80mph and still looks fresh and stylish after nearly 50 years.
If you’re just after a super-cool lightweight for the road, early models with the 19in front wheels have definitely got it in the looks department. But if you want something that you can actually venture off-road on, a 1974-on bike with a 21in front makes more sense. The 1977-on models with crankcase reed induction and laid down shocks are even more practical. Styling of the 1980 and ’81 ER models is a matter of taste, but they don’t lose out on useability. You pays your money and you takes your choice.
Remember that it’s a trail bike rather than an out-and-out enduro machine and you can have a lot of fun on Suzuki’s under-appreciated TS250 – and you’ll look pretty sharp on the street, too.
THE RIDE
Most ’70s trail bikes make pretty good road bikes for both town work and back-road exploring – and this little Suzuki is no exception. The engine is no firebrand, but is powerful enough to deliver a spirited ride, while the riding position is perfect for carving through busy city streets or swinging through tight bends on a country