Additional photos of this Suzuki TM250 are available here for your perusal.
It’s a bold move to name your motorcycle “Champion”, but Suzuki felt justified because their works RH 250cc racer had just been piloted to a World Championship in 1971 by Joel Robert.
Though it shared some cosmetic similarities with the RH, the production bike was heavily based on the TS250 trail bike, with a nearly-identical frame and motor. The 250cc two-stroke engine was good for 30 hp and 21 ft-lb of torque thanks to a 34mm Mikuni carburetor, pointless electronic ignition, Suzuki’s Posi-Force lubrication system, and a compression ratio of 7.5:1.
The distinctive Aspen Yellow livery was complemented by black stripe on the tank and number plates and a blacked out frame, engine, and exhaust. It weighed 220 pounds dry, and Suzuki leaned heavily on the success of the RH-71 when it came to marketing. “If it were for sale, the Suzuki 250 that just won its second consecutive world motocross championship would cost about $1,5000. We’ll sell you the closest thing to it – the TM-250 – for only $950 (plus taxes and any delivery/dealer preparation charges)…Ride one. It can turn you into something that it already is: a champion.”
If you’re a baseball fan, you may appreciate that the owner of this machine (VIN: TM250-33662, Engine #: TM250-34027) is Robin Yount, the Hall of Fame shortstop!
Robin notes that he bought the bike without a chain – the restorer “did not put a chain on it so that it was easier to roll.” He has had it on display in his collection for the last 10 years.
The sole cosmetic issue looks to be a crack in the right number plate.
It has recently been moved to our headquarters in Marina del Rey, California to be auctioned off, and it is offered with a bill of sale.
