Suzuki TU250X Returns for 2015 – But Still Not for California

Suzuki kicked off its 2015 model year announcements with the return of the retro-styled small-displacement TU250X. Introduced to the North American market in 2009, the TU250X will arrive in U.S. dealerships later this month.

Well, at least that’s the case for dealerships in 49 states. The TU250X still has not been approved for California because the state’s Air Resources Board holds more stringent emission standards than the federal government’s Environmental Protection Agency. Missing out on the country’s largest motorcycle market puts a big dent in the TU250X’s sales potential, but that hasn’t stopped Suzuki Motor of America from continuing to offer it in the rest of the country.

The 2015 TU250X remains unchanged from the 2013 version. It remains powered by a fuel-injected 249cc air-cooled OHC Single. Suzuki did not announce any performance numbers, but the EPA has it certified at 18.8 hp at 7500 rpm. Suzuki does say the fuel injection system is tuned for strong low-end torque.

Power is transferred through a five-speed constant mesh transmission and delivered via chain to the TU250X’s rear wheel which remains one of the few in the U.S. to still be equipped with a drum brake. The front wheel is equipped with a disc brake with a two-piston caliper.

Suspension is comprised of a telescopic fork up front and twin shocks at the rear.

Other features include a 3.2-gallon fuel tank, a low 30.3 seat height and a claimed curb weight of 326 pounds. The 2015 Suzuki TU250X will be offered in the same Metallic Mystic Silver and Glass Sparkle Black color as the 2013 model. The price also remains the same at $4,399.

[Source: Suzuki]