For the last couple of years I've been wanting a Suzuki TU250. However, it's a 49-state bike and I'm in CA. I was hoping Suzuki would eventually make it 50-state but that didn't happen with the '12 model. I really liked the retro 70's styling and would of had fun on it.

But it's time to move on and buy something. Recently a couple buddies bought ATVs which made me re-think the street bike. I wanted the TU250 for my 2.5 mile commute. But the KLX250s can give me that and so much more.

I've looked at everyone's dual-sports and I keep coming back to the KLX250s. I've been going through the forums. Seems like everyone mods. I'd probably be one myself. But for now, I'm still in the showroom.

 

I use my 09 sf as a commuter to and from work and around town. This has made my daily drive a ton of fun. I did a few mods, but now I will ride it the way it is until it is time for a Big Bore. This is my first bike ever and it was easy to learn and a blast to ride. I would drive out the showroom today if I was in your situation, you won't regret it, especially as a commuter.

 

the mods for this bike are cheap...also required for power reasons....Im on my 2nd klx250s...love em

 

Get the 250s and don't look back. The things are a blast on pavement and can hold their own off road. If you can find a leftover 09/10 they can be had for cheap brand new.

 

What 2veedubs said. All that's changed on the new ones is the color of the plastics.

 

Really, the only difference between the 2012 model and the 09/10 models are the colors?

 

Yup. Here, the difference is NZ$1500 (US$1200) new between the 2.
Expensive paint.................!

 

"Come to the Dark Side" You wont regret the bike, I'm going on year 6 with mine and its been flawless!

 

I picked up my 09 in October. It had 1000 miles on it and is all stock. Still is. It's a great all around bike. Two trips out to the desert and I even put some freeway on it too. I didn't like the 6500-7000 RPMs for 30 miles, but the bike never complained. Go get it, you'll be sorry you waited... even though it's been too cold to ride. I just can't handle temps in the 50s.

 

5,000 miles on the motor....a mix of stop and go city riding...and, mostly high speed freeway commutes...had it for about 6 months now...fmf exhaust, jet kit and k&n for power boost (this is almost the minimum required)...

in the first month of owning...did have some problems...ran out of gas once...my fault...fill up daily now because mpg can fluctuate...my other issue i did have was the kickstand kill switch...going over roughly paved roads often...i had little moments when the moto would almost sputter (full tank of gas)...once, it did actually sputter and die...disabled the kickstand kill switch by splicing the wiring together...never had any issue after that....3rd problem i faced was stability at high speeds....if you plan on doing any high speed freeway/highway rides, have your suspension professionally adjusted for your weight and type of riding....i had some scary freeway wobbles after hitting uneven pavement or cracks on the road at 70mph..i'm 145 lbs, so maybe this is a bigger problem for lighter riders ...after getting the suspension adjusted cold and hot....a steering damper for extra precaution...been reving around the city....and, going on long 80+ mph freeway rides without any problems......no leaks or problems...think because of the daily long high rpm freeway rides, i do need to add or replace oil after 3,000 miles...