So this is interesting. Let's go back a little bit to where I posted the image of the CB250, and allow me to explain.


The 250 Nighthawk really is a perfect motorcycle. It's classic, simple, lightweight... Unpretentious. There's nothing on it that isn't absolutely required, and yet you don't feel like you're missing anything when you ride it. (Well, except for power, brakes and handling. But those are trivial points.)

If you were to look in the dictionary under "Motorcycle", there'd be a picture of a CB250.



You see?

And because it's a Honda, it has certain intangible defining characteristics which set it apart from other bikes of the "classic and simple" genre. Like the fact that it starts reliably, and replacement parts don't have to be imported from another galaxy at considerable expense.



But that's all in the past. I've been doddling around Craigslist all morning, and it seems that there's not a single CB250 to be had at any price in all of southern California.



So, mostly out of boredom, I started looking around various manufacturers websites. Honda? Nothing. Kawi? Nothing. Suzuki?

Wait, what the hell is this?



It's the 2011 model TU250X is what it is. How the hell did I never notice this bike before?

Small? Check. Simple? Check. Clean lines? Check. Fuel injected? Check. Not a Honda Rebel? Check.




And then it happens:













(wait for it.)

 

 

You guys are awesome, I laughed my *** off.

 

lol. Yep, Sorry Joe. California sucks.


Speaking of searching Craigslist for a Suzuki.. I looked for one of those little bikes on CL Myself, searching specifically that exact model number brings back no results. Interesting, but maybe not many were bought new around here. Looks like a nice little bike for 4k brand new, though I'd never buy a new bike...

Its really frustrating searching craigslist for some specific items. On the one hand you have the ******** who put keywords in their posts so their 1990POS civic hatchback comes up when you're searching for a toaster oven... I've spent a considerable amount of time looking for a replacement vehicle once my miata is gone and have a few choices in mine. My first choice is oddly something I've wanted since they were new..



Just want one in stock condition, not molested too much and with at least half the body still remaining.. Naturally the other half would be missing due to ******* RUST! Most of them I can find in "fair" condition they want $4000 for and typically are 1986-1988 in model year. **** no I'm not paying 4k for a 20 year old Samurai! Oh I could kill the inventor of rust! I digress.

Back to my point. Search craigslist for "suzuki" and see what comes up. Looking for a bike? ATV? The little shitbox samurai? Have fun wading through all the ******* junk cars which appear:







That's a small sample of their fine quality automobiles offered on craigslist. What retard did they pay / punch in the face to come up with some of their car names anyway?


Lulz:



Standard engine is a 2.5 liter V6. That's almost more retarded than Hondas wannabe "truck.."

 

real trucks have glow plugs

 

It's interesting how one company can produce so many awesome things, and so many shitty things, and virtually nothing in between.

I mean, imagine if Lamborghini made farm tractors or something stupid like that...


(shifting gears)


So there are still CB250s out there, just not local to me.

I'm becoming increasingly tempted to buy one and turbo it.

 

Speaking of Lambo tractors, I saw one on a trailer a few years ago. Pretty basic looking, but you could tell it wasn't used much as a tractor.

 

 

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcd/2615492647.html

They just dropped their price $100, and just re-posted their ad. But holy **** $2600?

 

Id love to take that bike, that the owner obviously loves, and tear a bunch of stuff off and cafe it.

 

It must be black.

All Nighthawks are black.



Though I must admit, that TU250 is tempting. I can't imagine there'd be much problem bringing one in from out of state.

 

much beef

 

Look closely:

 

 

 

I find her kind of gross actually.

 

So many things I could do to that.



Joe. Your motorcycle endeavors make me said. Apparently commies don't want you to actually enjoy the ride.

After building a 140whp B12 I'm going back to more simplicity myself. I got a nice Pacific Coast in partial trade for that bike that once sold will make space for an old cafe racer project. There is a plethora of cheap, old, simple Hondas here that can be had for well under a grand and would clean up very nicely.


I'm not completely done with power, I've still got my CBR900RR/929RR bastard track bike I'm working on. I've decided however that my daily should be much simpler, and something that just makes me grin as I'm buttoning up my chinstrap.

 

I really need a motorcycle in my life. I'm really love to have a DRZ400SM, and I'd love to be able to do track days n' such, although I know the DRZ isn't exactly that kinda bike.
I would have it in any color, so long as it's black.


Would?

 

I'm starting to worry myself.

For instance, I have determined that there is a Suzuki dealership in Lake Havasu City, AZ, which is only about 310 miles from here across some of the prettiest roads ever paved.

 

GZ250? Same price and size, obviously a cruiser more than a standard. Although both the GZ and TU are classified under "standard". Running too late for work to see if it's available in California.

P.S. Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and I think even Kawasaki have a 250 cruiser model.

Edit2: Kawasaki makes the 125 eliminator, learned on it for my endorsement class. Great bike, very comfortable. Obviously illegal for that 300 mile trek, and I have no idea how comfortable it'd be for long trips.