Grasshopper: Suzuki TU250 Scrambler

KICK Cup Champion: Suzuki TU250 “Slash” from AX Studio…

When it appeared in 2009, the Suzuki TU250 was something of a throwback to simpler days. Here was an air-cooled four-stroke SOHC 250cc single-cylinder machine, perfectly suited as a commuter or daily runabout. All the things you need in a motorcycle, with zero fluff. It even had EFI (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve injection) and cost less than $3800 new.

“Alas, we cannot turn back the clock, but Suzuki has come close to creating a time machine. The maker of one of the most dominant model lines in all of motorcycling – the GSX-R series – has returned to the simple formula of the UJM, and with it brought back the pleasures of riding a friendly, straightforward motorcycle.” –Motorcycle.com

More recently, the TU250 has proven itself a prime candidate for custom builds. The straightforward mechanics and retro style grease the rails for modification. Alex of Taipei’s AX Studio — builder of the TU250 you see here — explains it thus.

“The TU250 inherently possesses an off-road style, earning it the nickname ‘Grasshopper.’ Many owners of this bike naturally gravitate towards off-road modifications.”

You may remember Alex from his gorgeous Kawasaki Estrella 250, which took home a first prize in KICK Garage‘s annual custom bike competition. This TU250 scrambler, nicknamed “Slash” after the owner (not THAT Slash), also won the KICK Cup at Ride Free 13, and it’s easy to see why.

Whereas many builders rely on aftermarket bolt-on parts, Alex prides himself on hand-crafting everything he can in his shop. All the lighting fixtures were fabricated in-house, with the headlight in a stainless steel casing with a staircase kickplate light from a cruise ship!

Meanwhile, the taillight features laser-cut acrylic pieces with an embedded LED COB light source and indicators integrated into acrylic bars on the far left and right sides of the taillight — trick!

Alex gives us a comprehensive rundown of the build below. Stay tuned for more builds from this young Taiwanese builder making a name for himself in his home nation and well beyond!

Suzuki TX250X Scrambler: In the Builder’s Words…

This time, the project is based on the Suzuki TU250 as the donor for modification. The TU250 inherently possesses an off-road style, earning it the nickname “Grasshopper.” Many owners of this bike naturally gravitate towards off-road modifications.

We continued to retain its off-road elements while incorporating the signature AX Studio style. There weren’t significant modifications to the main frame, but the subframe was shortened by 20mm. We opted for extended front shocks and rear swingarm from Japan’s Big Boy to lengthen the wheelbase and raise the front end. The front and rear tires are sized 19″ and 18″ respectively, paired with Dunlop D603 tires.

As usual, all lighting fixtures were handcrafted by us. The headlight combines stainless steel casing with staircase kickplate lights from cruise ships.

The highlight this time is the taillight, constructed by laser-cutting acrylic pieces and embedding LED COB light sources inside for increased brightness. The turn signals are integrated into acrylic bars on the far left and right sides of the taillight, ensuring excellent visibility.

The upswept exhaust pipe was entirely handmade by us, with numerous angles tested to fit closer to the frame without interfering with the rear brake operation. To achieve a closer fit to the frame, we even hollowed out the exhaust pipe near the rear shock position to allow it to clear without affecting riding dynamics.

Additionally, we adorned the rear brake pedal with the iconic AX Studio emblem.

Due to the TU250’s rear main frame structure extending above the square tube backbone, modifying the fuel tank posed significant challenges. Originally, we planned to use a Yamaha GT80 tank, but due to certain reasons, we ended up with a Yamaha YZ80 tank.

Consequently, we had to dig two holes on either side of the tank to perfectly clear the rear main frame and improve the original plastic tank cover by customizing it with aluminum alloy on a lathe.

This project successfully won first place in the annual Kick Cup modification arena at Ride Free 13. We’re truly grateful for the complete trust placed in us by the owner, Slash, allowing us to unleash our creativity. Their involvement in many aspects of the modification process and discussions was instrumental in completing this award-winning piece.