Description
I originally bought this Suzuki TS250 with the intention of using it as a green lane bike, however on inspection I realised that although it looked shabby, it was near complete and very original and complete with many of the parts that either break or are lost over time. Consequently, between late 2020 and spring 2021 I performed a restoration to bring it up to the condition you see it in now.
Although I cannot confirm the low mileage, many components on the bike are in a very good un-worn condition indicating that the mileage is probably original.
I completely dismantled the bike and performed the following:
-Professional repaint of fuel tank and side panel in the correct and original Suzuki Laredo red applicable to this model year, with mudguards in white. Wet paint frame and other black components as per original manufacturer specification rather than powder-coat.
-Check all bearings and replace where necessary.
-Strip front forks, clean and check seals.
-Strip rear suspension units and sympathetically restore.
-Renew rear swing arm bushes.
-New piston, rings and gaskets.
-Check gearbox and clutch; both were in good condition.
-Repaint engine case, barrel and cylinder head.
-Polish all aluminium parts.
-Wheels professionally re-spoked with stainless spokes and trued.
-Renew ball bearings in headstock.
-Brake linings were original and in great condition, so clean and re-use.
-Check all wiring; again all was in good to very good condition, so clean and re-install.
-Check PEI system and generator; set to correct factory spec.
-Dismantle carburettor, sonic clean, and rebuild.
-Dismantle, clean and confirm correct operation of CCI two-stroke oil pump. Refit and calibrate.
-New battery.
-Renew gearbox oil and fork oil.
I was very keen to keep as much of the bike's originality and patina as possible and the handlebars, front forks and drum faces all show signs of the bike's history rather than being replaced or restored to perfection. I also wanted to re-use original items such as brake cables, so these also have patina.
The exhaust system and airbox are also good examples of the the bike's great original condition. I have not restored the airbox in any way; just polished it, and the exhaust has been given a clean and a coat of paint, but was in otherwise great shape. The exhaust systems for these bikes are rarer than a rare thing and to find one in this condition is very unusual.
The same can also be said of the rear shock absorbers which were only used on this model year and are again, extremely rare.
The saddle base is steel and had a small amount of corrosion. I have done nothing more than clean and paint this and a purist might want to further improve it.
As you can see, the switch gear and dials are in fantastic condition and needed nothing more than a clean or polish.
The tank interior is excellent with no sign of corrosion.
Comes with the original Suzuki ignition key that also fits and operates the steering lock.
The only missing items were the indicators and I have fitted after-market replacements.
The bike starts easily (first kick when warm), accelerates well and pulls like a train. The gearbox is a joy to operate and easily moves up and down the gears with a very light clutch operation. It will happily burble along in fifth at 30mph and still pull well if you open up the throttle.
I believe you would struggle to find a nicer bike of this model year in the country, or possible even the world (I know of one in Australia that is as good) but they are a rare thing in this condition.
The bike comes with an original toolkit, owners handbook and several maintenance manuals, plus a sheaf of restoration invoices.
It has been registered as a historic vehicle and is both tax and MOT exempt.
I can send a video of the bike running.
The bike is located near Woking, Surrey.
