TU250X Mods

[KansasKawboy]

You all know you can't buy a bike and not change something. So here is what I have done so far.

The mirrors were to close to the center of the bike so when I checked them I saw my arms, I bought a set of Kouba 2" mirror extenders. http://www.koubalink.com/mirror.html I also added a set of small convex mirrors for riding in traffic. http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=FAI_BA19-U0026

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/mirror/1225100682_TAktP-M.jpg

Then the guys on the TU thread on ADV were experimenting with gearing, some thought that the engine was spinning to fast on the highway. The lower part of the TU engine is the same as the GZ250 so they found that Bike Bandit had front sprockets for the GZ and they tried going from the stock 15 tooth sprocket to a 16 tooth sprocket and were happy with the results. This is a popular mod for the GZ also and someone on their forum posted a chart that shows that in 5th gear that it drops engine speed 500 rpm. I decided to change mine to make it easier on the engine. There were so many people doing this mod that it was back ordered for a week. http://www.bikebandit.com/jt-sprockets-alloy-front-motorcycle-sprocket?mg=58814&t=1&td=1 This only took about 15 minutes to change. I haven't got to ride it yet, I just finished the job and the wind is blowing 30 mph and there are thunderstorms around and they just issued a tornado watch. I will wait for better weather for the test ride.

The stock 15 tooth sprocket

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/15-tooth-sprocket/1225097154_cHmR2-M.jpg

The new 16 tooth sprocket on the left

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/both-sprockets/1225099465_BSorj-M.jpg

The 16 tooth sprocket installed

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/16-tooth-sprocket/1225098286_fQPqf-M.jpg

That's all for now, I'm sure there will be more later.

[BlueLghtning]

That higher gearing will probably be nice.

[sweptwingnut]

:thumbsup:

[Astir]

:thumbsup:

:popcorn1:

[Luna Tique]

:thumbup:

[KansasKawboy]

That higher gearing will probably be nice.
The TU is geared very low especially in first gear, some guys report shifting to second at 10 mph, I rev it a little more than that. Now if we can get some riding weather. :mgbanghead:

[KansasKawboy]

This spring I have avoided riding to work some days because when I got off work at 1:30 am. the temperature had dropped to the low to mid 40s. That's not bad on a bike with wind protection but I am riding a naked bike now. I have heated gear and a new power cord so I could just wire it up and go, but my bike has a small charging system so I was looking for a volt meter and trying to figure out where to mount it. One day I was at Walmart with my wife and found this in the automotive department.

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-x5rFJHz/0/M/001-M.jpg

a small inexpensive volt meter that plugs into a power point or cigarette lighter.

I have been carrying around everything to fix a flat tire (patch kit, spare tube, and pump) and I realized I didn't have anything to plug the pump into, so I bought this Kuryakyn Power Point.

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-xjt35RS/0/M/004-M.jpg

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-XpnthnF/0/M/005-M.jpg

This give me a place to plug in my tire pump and the the volt meter. My tank bag has a pocket for your cell phone but I don't use it for that so I put the volt meter in it. Any time I will be using the heated gear I will have the tank bag on the bike.

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-Lw2L7P7/0/M/003-M.jpg

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-MBSHFQR/0/M/002-M.jpg

The meter also has a warning light that comes on if the voltage drops to low. So the next thing to do was wire it for heated gear. :yahoo:

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-FJBQL9t/0/M/008-M.jpg

Now I can ride in cooler weather. I figure now that this is done it will warm up to about 90. :lol:

[Astir]

I like that power point, and the wristwatch over the break reservoir too KK! :thumbsup:

[Luna Tique]

I like that power point, and the wristwatch over the break reservoir too KK! :thumbsup:

:slaphead:I noticed that wristwatch also :lol:

You can put the boy on a different bike but you can't take the KLRester out of him. No fancy Smancy expensive clock gagets for our KK. :wootrock:



:chin:I really like the idea .:clapping:

Your going to love that tank bag It is awesome. :cloud9:

Oh yeah......:redface1: back to the topic.... Nice write up .
Great job.
It will be nice for you to have a power plug once again.:thumbup:

[ImaSoftT]

I like that power point, and the wristwatch over the break reservoir too KK! :thumbsup:

http://smileys.emoticonsonly.com/emoticons/m/me_too-859.gif I have a wristwatch on my bike also, much cheaper than the moto clocks, now I'm looking for a compass that I can attach somewhere.

[zee]

A wristwatch is a great idea!! I've only been riding about a week, but having to stop and pull out my phone or undo gloves/wrists of my jacket to peek at my watch has already been a pain.

I love this site. :D:

[ImaSoftT]

Just make sure you get a waterproof one. The one I got has a cloth band that goes under the watch itself so the metal doesn't touch or scratch my handlebars. Wal-mart has them.

[KansasKawboy]

:rofl: Thats the same watch I bought for the KLR 5 years ago. Walmart $10.

[Luna Tique]

:rofl: Thats the same watch I bought for the KLR 5 years ago. Walmart $10.


:slaphead: I should of known :lol:

[sweptwingnut]

Nice addition KK!! Looking good!

:cheers:

[Cyclone67]

It's looking good KK! I'm looking forward to some ride reports this summer!

So I guess the rumor is true that KLR riders are CHEAP! :lol:

[KansasKawboy]

I did my first ride with the heated jacket liner in last night and was very surprised at the charging system on the TU. With the Heattroller turned all the way up it was still showing 14.5 volts and I was cooking. I should be able to run the jacket, pants, socks, and glove liners at a comfortable setting. :yahoo:

[Luna Tique]

That is wonderful news kk You should be toasty for your commute. :yahoo: Twisting the throttle is always a blast :wootrock:even if it is only a short scoot that takes you to work. :riding:

And let us not forget the HUGE bonus of low gasoline bills:wootrock:

[Astir]

:campfire: toasty warm! :thumbsup:

[RetroRider81]

KK- are you glad you changed to a 16 tooth sprocket? Is there anything else that can be modified to help with the gearing? 1st gear is so insanely low....

[FinchR88]

KK: Thanks for such a good write-up. I have been learning so much from you and the other members of this forum. You can bet I will be keeping these possibilities in mind, no matter what bike I ride!

:smiley:

Looking forward to hearing more!

[KansasKawboy]

KK- are you glad you changed to a 16 tooth sprocket? Is there anything else that can be modified to help with the gearing? 1st gear is so insanely low....
Yes I am very happy with the 16 tooth sprocket. Some on ADV have gone to the 41 tooth rear sprocket from the GZ250 and they are giving good reports on it. I saw you over there. I need to take a picture of the Flyscreen I put on the TU I am very happy with it also. I felt like I was going to be blown off the bike when it was real windy as apposed to the KLR feeling like it would blow over. The Flyscreen blocks the wind from my lower torso.

[RetroRider81]

I have been on ADV, but havent really posted much at all. I joined because it has the biggest TU250X online group of riders that I have been able to find. I will have to eventually get those 16 tooth and 41 tooth sprockets. Also need to get that tail bag that everyone has! Would love to see a photo of your bike with the fly screen! Thanks for the reply! :)

[phoenix63]

Hey, KansasKowboy! Nice to meet you! (new here to the forums). What brand flyscreen did you find for the TU250? And, aside from size, what's the difference (or benefits/detractors) between a flyscreen and a windscreen?

From what I'm seeing, there aren't too many aftermarket mods readily available for the TU250.

Also, have you moved the turn signals to make room for saddlebags?

Thanks so much! I'll get my TU250 this weekend. I'm so excited, and I WILL be doing mods. :-D

[KansasKawboy]

Hi P63 welcome to the world of the TU! I got the National Cycle flyscreen. http://shop.nationalcycle.com/perl/cycle/results2.html?search_model=su-059 The flyscreen only blocks the wind from the lower torso and a bigger windcreen will block the wind from more of your body. It is windy here in Kansas and I needed a little releif from the wind. I haven't moved the turn signals as I haven't needed saddle bags but have thought about it.

Here are some pictures of my TU with the flyscreen.

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-jvkwpWj/0/M/002-M.jpg

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-k5z6fmF/0/M/003-M.jpg

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-jdnJqk6/0/M/004-M.jpg

On a side note went I bought the bike it was all most full of gas so I ran it till the low fuel light came on then I filled it up and rode it like Ricky Racer and got 60 mpg. The next tank I tryed for better mileage and rode it easy and got 60 mpg. Then I put the flyscreen on and got 69 mpg. the last tank I ran premium and got 73 mpg. I am running regular on this tank and can notice less power on the Interstate. I only ride the Interstate when I get off work at 1:30 am.

[zee]

Better gas mileage after putting on a flyscreen?!! That's awesome.

[phoenix63]

Thanks, KK! I have lots of parking lot practice ahead of me in the next month or so. I should get my bike next week. I'm having engine guards put on, and switching out the stock sprockets front and back (16T front, 41T back). I do want to get a fly screen or wind screen in the next little bit. They don't look that difficult to install on your own. It would save me money if I didn't have the dealer do this one.

[Cyclone67]

I like that flyscreen! Looks really sharp on the TU.

I can't imagine the wind you put up with KK -- every trip I have taken, not matter what direction I'm going, there is always a terrible headwind in KS!

[KansasKawboy]

Thanks everyone! The other day I had 40 mph gusts but not head wind cross wind. I ordered the 41 tooth sprocket yesterday.

[KansasKawboy]

With winter lurking around the corner I am getting ready for cold riding. I have my heated gear all lined out (Gerbings glove liners are ordered) so I put this National Cycle Plexifairing on the TU Sunday.

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-XB3GHt7/0/M/Plexifairing-01-M.jpg

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-qqwxwBQ/0/M/Plexifairing-02-M.jpg

It doesn't do anything for the looks of the bike but it sure blocks a lot air. My first impressions were it makes the bike feel bigger, the front end has a different feel not scary just a little different, no buffeting of the helmet but as expected more wind noise. I have got to put it to the test, Sunday after I put it on I went for a ride in 85 degree heat (30c) and the ride to work Monday it was 90 (35c) Wednesday night the ride home it was 50 (10c). It wasn't as hot as I thought it would be at 90 but it sure felt good at 50.

[Cyclone67]

That should help keep your hands warmer! What does it do to the gas mileage?

[Luna Tique]

That looks like it should divert a lot of cold air from your upper body and your hands.

[KansasKawboy]

It does keep the wind off my hands. The first night I was wearing vented gloves and it was in the low 60s and I was warm. If I move my hand to the end of the handle bar I can feel the wind. I haven't put gas in it since I put the windscreen on so I don't know about fuel mileage yet.

[KansasKawboy]

When I ride to work in the colder time of year I often don't need my heated gear when I go to work but need it for the ride home in the middle of the night. So I needed storage. I had this rack on the left that I bought for the KLR that moves the GIVI mount back 2 inches.

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-5m8ghVr/0/M/Top-case-01-M.jpg

I took the seats off so I could mount it where the pillion seat was.

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-hFPCF8B/0/M/Top-case-02-M.jpg

I made a couple of brackets to mount it on the TU.

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-d4cxndm/0/M/Top-case-03-M.jpg

I had to do it between rain showers and finished after dark.

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-vB5bZpF/0/M/Top-case-05-M.jpg

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-d3VWxpW/0/M/Top-case-06-M.jpg

It doesnt do anything for the looks but the case is removable and if I want to go back stock I can do it in 10 minutes.

[ImaSoftT]

Nice job KK, it looks like it will hold a ton of stuff, what are the dimensions?

[KansasKawboy]

The windscreen didn't change the fuel mileage, the last 3 tanks have been, 77, 75, and 75.

The top box is 45 liters, 19x12x 10 deep.

[ImaSoftT]

KK, where do you stick the air hose to blow up your bike from this:

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Family/Us/1002239/477125129_tFi2j-L.jpg

to this:

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-d3VWxpW/0/M/Top-case-06-M.jpg

Inquiring minds want to know.:rofl:

[KansasKawboy]

That is top secret! :lol:

[ImaSoftT]

Well I bet you have to put it in the gas hole.:slaphead:

[Cyclone67]

Great job, looks awesome!

[Astir]

that does look good - and I bet your helmet will fit in that box.

[KansasKawboy]

It will hold 2 helmets or 1 helmet and a jacket and overpants.

[zukilady]

:smiley:

[Luna Tique]

:cry1: Poor KLR....:(: Not only negected since the new kid arrived but now you are cannibalizing it.:cry1:

Do you take it out for a spin from time to time KK? The surface rust on the rear disc brake looks like it's not been ridden in quite awhile.

Your TU250 looks good with the new farkles.:thumbup:

[KansasKawboy]

I would like to ride the KLR but my knees are giving me so much trouble I am afraid to try, afraid of dropping it and having to pick it up and hurt myself more. The TU is perfect for me light and I can flat foot it. I am thrifty and switching farkles from one bike to the other.

[Luna Tique]

I understand.;):

Aging sucks. :(:

[KansasKawboy]

Today I was doing the 3K maintenance and got carried away and did more than I planned. Suzuki for some reason put the rear turn signals in the way of putting saddle bags on the bike. So I moved them like most owners do.

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-J2LwBgs/0/M/001-M.jpg

Most people just move them to where the reflectors are and do without reflectors but I do a lot of night riding and wanted to keep them. I made this bracket from a piece of metal I had and mounted them up by the tail light.

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-wGfZvbN/0/M/002-M.jpg

This way they are 1 1/2" closer to the bike.

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-RFzRwHv/0/M/003-M.jpg

I mounted a fork bag that I had so I could carry tire repair tools.

[Luna Tique]

:chin:That is really a lousy place for the stock directionals.What the heck were they thinking.
Great plan and execution of the new placement of yours KK.:wootrock:

[ImaSoftT]

http://www.twowheelfemales.com/forum/images/smilies/TwoThumbs%20Up.gif Good idea KK.

[KansasKawboy]

Thanks. I forgot to mention that the wiring was easy! Eastern Beaver makes extentions for V Strom turn signals and the TU uses the same plugs so it was plug and play. :yahoo: I ordered another bag for the other side so it will match.

[sweptwingnut]

Looks Awesome KK! :thumbsup:

[phoenix63]

Awesome job, KK! Since we ride the same bike, I need to get those turn signal extensions and move my directionals, too.

Will probably be next Spring though. I like where you put the lights. I don't want to give up my reflectors, either.

[zukilady]

Yeah they do look good. Suzuki's smaller bikes are set up weird - my s40's signals are in a similar place. Right in the way!

[KansasKawboy]

Awesome job, KK! Since we ride the same bike, I need to get those turn signal extensions and move my directionals, too.

Will probably be next Spring though. I like where you put the lights. I don't want to give up my reflectors, either.
I got the wire extensions from Jim at Eastern Beaver. The 20" one were just the right length. The only down side they are $17.95 and he has a $20 minimum order so I had to buy something else too. It turned out good I found something he sold I have been looking for.

http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Bike_Specific/VStrom/body_vstrom.html#signalextensions

[KansasKawboy]

Yeah they do look good. Suzuki's smaller bikes are set up weird - my s40's signals are in a similar place. Right in the way!
I think I remember seeing where some people on the Suzuki Savage site have moved there's also. The S40 used to be called the Savage, they renamed it a few years ago and made so miner changes.

[RetroRider81]

KK your TU is looking wicked sharp! You have put a lot of work into that bike to make it perfect just for you!

I am in desperate need of a luggage rack for mine....!!! :gaah:

[phoenix63]

Hey, KK... have you had a chance to use any heated gear yet, this fall? Are you wiring your gear directly to your battery? I see that Gerbings has a battery harness for setting that up, since our bike doesn't have an electrical port on board.

[KansasKawboy]

Hey, KK... have you had a chance to use any heated gear yet, this fall? Are you wiring your gear directly to your battery? I see that Gerbings has a battery harness for setting that up, since our bike doesn't have an electrical port on board.
I haven't used it this fall but will the rest of the week is supposed to be in the 30s when I get off work. I used them last spring and yes I wired it directly to the battery with an inline fuse. I zip tied the cable to the frame on the left side just ahead of the side cover.

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-bGMPFgd/0/M/003-M.jpg

I tuck it in behind the side cover when I'm not using it.

http://kansaskawboy.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TU250X/i-vwxBXJm/0/M/002-M.jpg

[phoenix63]

Awesome, thanks, KK! I'm looking at getting just the Gerbings gloves for now. My Olympia Airglide jacket and pants are warm enough, but my hands need more protection.

[KansasKawboy]

Last night I ran my heated jacket, gloves, pants, and socks. I had my volt meter hooked up so I turned the heat troller all the way up and the charging system was up to the challenge. After a mile I was cooking, I can't imagine riding in temps that required that much heat.

[ImaSoftT]

Mine is the same way KK, I have found that after the jacket and gloves warm up I can ride quite comfortably with them both on low.