Description
Suzuki TC250 Immaculate US model. Is there another in the UK ? Fully service Supplied with new MOT US spec motorcycle that is fully UK road legal, delightful looking motorcycle that dates back to 1966. This Machine Acquired by MIS is 2019 this is an immaculate example maybe the best in the UK . We know little of the bikes history although we suspect its a US import. Mechanically the bike required a fair amount of work but following a full service and alot of electrical work its now ready to be enjoyed Model History The Suzuki X6 Hustler made quite a splash when it hit dealers’ floors. With the T10 from 1964 leading the way, the X-6 set new standards for style in the rapidly expanding field of mid-size bikes from Japan. A 247cc, 2-cylinder engine was bolted to a tubular, duplex frame, a first for Suzuki. All previous Suzuki models had used a pressed-steel frame, making the steel tube frame of the X-6 a step in the right direction. Suzuki tapped Masanao Shimizu to create the X6 Hustler engine. Masanao, previously in charge of Suzuki’s racing program, had already earned an enviable set of records under the Suzuki banner and quickly turned his talents to the design of the X6 engine. The parallel twin Masanao designed was a 2-stroke, as were all Suzuki engines until 1977. A major advancement was the engine’s Posi-Force automatic lubrication system, which freed owners from having to keep a can of 2-stroke oil in their tool bag. As long as the separate oil tank was full, the Posi-Force system did the rest, increasing reliability and ease of use immensely. Made of aluminum alloy for lightness and strength, the X6 Hustler’s 247cc parallel twin was rated at 29 horsepower at 7, 500rpm, which was, for the day, a fairly significant figure. Only three years prior to the release of the street legal X-6, the Suzuki factory race bikes were only achieving 28 horsepower at 11, 000rpm. Six speeds and more Suzuki set another standard when it chose to add a 6-speed gearbox to the compact Hustler. Known as the “Suzuki Super Six” in some markets, it was the first ever production motorcycle to feature six ratios, just one of the many endearing qualities of the new model. Mating this stone-solid engine to a 6-speed gearbox meant it was easy to stay right in the powerband. The bike was easy to start and almost as easy to maintain and ride. And at just over 300 pounds wet, the Suzuki X6 Hustler was quite light and manageable. Additional features that helped to set the X6 Hustler apart from the crowd were the front brakes, of racing design with double-leading shoes in an 8-inch dimension. A wide saddle had enough room for two grown adults and was well padded for their riding comfort. The rear shocks offered three positions so you could cater the stiffness to your size and riding style. The circular instrument mounted in the top of the headlight nacelle features a split display with both a tachometer (featuring an 8, 000rpm redline) and speedometer. An onboard air pump came in handy when you found the pressure in the tires a bit low, and it saved you a trip to the corner filling station. The X6 Hustler could turn the quarter mile in 14 seconds at a speed of 90mph, with a top speed of 100mph. The fuel tank held 3. 7 gallons of fuel, enough to provide hours of fun for the rider and a passenger. With fuel at about 35 cents a gallon, who wouldn’t have fun? Buying a new Hustler wasn’t much harder, with new bikes available for around $650. Designed to shine Styling on the Suzuki X6 Hustler was right on target and remains a crowd favorite. The curves of the fuel tank were accented with chrome side panels and rubber knee pads. The front fender was silver in color and included a painted accent stripe that ran down the center, matching the body color of the tank. Some traditions remained despite the dramatic new features of the X-6. A telescopic front fork also used oil damping to improve the ride, and the exposed coil springs were an obvious feature. The flat-bottomed headlight housing has become a classic today, although it’s very difficult to replace if lost or damaged. Anyone who takes on a restoration will quickly learn of the scarcity of parts for these early Suzukis. The combination of innovative design, sturdy assembly and ease of operation all added up to make the Hustler a popular choice for those who raced their 2-wheeled craft. It didn’t matter if you chose paved or dirt tracks, the X6 quickly became a dominant factor in every segment of the field. The 1966 X6 Hustler was little changed from its debut offering and continued to be the biggest machine in the Suzuki ranks. American buyers were getting used to seeing the perky Japanese machines around their towns, and they continued to gain in popularity. The Suzuki sales catalog for 1967 grew to include 16 models, and while there were many smaller displacement models shown, the Hustler remained at the top of the heap. Yet as popular as it was, 1968 would be the final year for the T20 X-6...
