Suzuki T250 Identification

[jdrestorer]

Hello, This is my recent purchase for a cafe racer project. First I would like some input on the identity of this model. The frame number is 104** and the engine number doesn't match but the stamping on the cylinder is 247cc. I believe this is an early 1970 model with a 1971 or later gas tank? The side panels and the tail light must be run over production items from a 1969 I'm thinking? Other things, like a single mirror mount on the right, a smaller diameter tach gauge then the Speedometer, no neutral light or blinker indication present in the Tach as well. And, the way the front fender is supported with the longer braces makes me also think this is a put together from left over parts in production or the previous owners fixes over time. The reason I'm asking for clarification is that I would like to get the correct tank and side panel configuration. I have the idea of using the correct year model configuration for my cafe racer. i.e. the right badges on the modified tank and custom side panels. Your input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[GT750Battleship]

Hi,looks like a bit of "everything" the tank appears to be 250J ('72) the chrome headlight & front guard ('69 '70) front blinkers are correct for lots of year models,but if it is a 250J the front guard is wrong,as is the headlight ! The rear blinkers style as shown in photo weren't used until ('76) the seat I don't think is off any Suzuki ? Side covers really didn't change much if at all until the ram air models. I can't help with the instruments (Tacho) but the 1969 model had unique instruments just for that year ? Front fork gaiters used on the ('69 model) but could just be aftermarket fitted ?
Cheers,
Roger.

[jabcb]

Its a 1969. Here is a pic:
http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzu ... ow_450.jpg

Rear turn signals are wrong.
Tank is from a 1972 T250J.

Side reflectors don't seem to provide any insite into the model year. Looked into this on my 1969 T350 & it appears that Suzuki sold the T250/T350 with & without side reflectors.

VINS for the first bike manufactured would be frame & engine # of 10001
VINs for the 1971 model start with: frame # 25403 & engine # 25453
see: http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/suzi/ ... /page1.gif

You have an early production frame # (the 4**th bike). So its a 1969.
As an early production bike, the engine # would have matched the frame # or at least be close.

You may have a motor from a later T250. What is the difference between the frame & engine #s?

Per SuzukiCycles.org there were differences between the 1969 T250-I engine & the 1970 T250-II engine.
They mentioned different carbs.
So it may be important to figure out which model year the engine is.
see: http://www.suzukicycles.org/T-series/T250.shtml

[jdrestorer]

Thank you for the replies thus far and the great information!

1969! I had a hunch that this was an older bike. The person that I purchased it from said it was a 1970 and this is what its listed as on the Bill of Sale. No problem though, easily fixed in my state.

For the seat, I recovered this as a temp fix. It's the original steel pan underneath and in the picture its unbolted and pushed down in the back. I actually like the way it looks nested down but this is temporary. I've been ironing out some electrical issues so I left it unbolted even as I ride it.

Now I need to find a 69 tank with badges $$$. I like the looks better, fits the cafe look with the recessed knee area per say. I wish I could stretch the tank about 8 inches though and hide the oil tank inside. I'm thinking!

I'll match up the turn signal style in relation to the front ones. I like the size and will keep the bike more on the vintage look.

The engine number is six digits lower than the frame? Current engine number is 491** a big jump? Definitely a later model!

Carbs - I have had these apart for some serious cleaning. The jets don't match anything I've read into. Mains are stamped 177 (Large Round) Pilots are #25. I have a low end issue but I think I know what needs to get done. I haven't ridden this bike hard yet so I'm not sure how the mains act yet. They seem large though. Maybe another post if I have issues. Carb numbers do match.

The gators are covering a external spring. What is the purpose of the spring?

So is the tach a replacement?

Any more information would be great! Thank you

[tz375]

Is that an optical illusion, or is that carb flange as bowed as it appears?

[jdrestorer]

Carb flange - It appears bowed in the image. I didn't notice any defects in the flange when I was cleaning them. No leaks noted when reinstalled. I used carb cleaner with the engine running to check. Might be an optical illusion (Hopefully)! I will pay more attention to this when I work on the jetting. Thanks for pointing this out.

[jabcb]

1972 T250J engine # starts @ 45512. So you have a 1972 motor.

For online parts diagrams of the motor use a 1972 T250RJ such as this one:
http://www.boulevardsuzuki.com/oempartf ... 0912900B08

Don't think I've seen an online parts diagrams for the 1969 T250-I.

You probably will find an old dealership parts manual for your bike to be very useful.
There is one listed on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUZUKI-T250-T25 ... 0873565137
If that is sold then this repro manual might be useful:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUZUKI-Parts-Ma ... 0749145914

Your forks have external springs.
Likely to be the same forks as the 1969 T350. See:
http://www.boulevardsuzuki.com/oempartf ... 6091310025

Carbs specs for the 72 T250J motor are listed in service bulletin Specification-6:
http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/techb ... %206-9.pdf

You have the wrong tach.
It should fit in the mounting bracket the same way the speedo does.
Rev limit should be 8k.
Should have 3 indicator lights: high beam, turn & neutral.

Have fun with your new project.

[jdrestorer]

Thanks jabcb for all the links to the data! I'm on it!

Is there a way to lower the front with the stock forks? I was reading about springs and spacers but thats not going to work in this case if the external springs are holding the bike up. Triple clamps? I am trying to avoid anything higher than the upper clamp if possible. Maybe there is a post on this, or i'll start a new one when the time comes.

Ok, it's a good thing I haven't started beating this thing to that 9k tach! I see the correct one on e-bay with all the lighting. The bike is definitely wired for the larger tach.

I started roughing in some areas for polishing today! Starting to look better everyday!!

Thanks for the Help!!