I know motorcycles are not really this site’s main focus but perhaps a retro inspired ride like the Suzuki TU250X would be enough to spark some interest. Failing that maybe the Rocky Mountain vistas might tempt a few eyeballs. I even have a couple legitimate curbside classics to share along the way. Follow along as a I ride my small motorcycle through some big scenery.
This route map is not entirely accurate but gives you the general gist of the day’s trip. Starting and ending in Lethbridge, Alberta, the terrain along the route consists of prairie, foothills and mountains. There were a few smaller detours onto smaller, more interesting roads along the way. The stated distance above misses out on about 50kms as well, so I would estimate the whole trip was a touch over 450kms (280miles).
My ride is a newly acquired 2016 Suzuki TU250X which as the name indicates has 250cc of displacement from a single cylinder engine. It has retro-standard styling but with mechanical improvements such as fuel injection and a front disc brake. I had bought it in lightly used condition only a short time previous to this but the purchase included a long, cold ride home. A story for another day perhaps.
This ride took place in mid-May, and with temperatures between 10-20C (50-68F) and no wind, the weather could not have been better. We headed off through the prairie on a main highway before pulling off to fill up in near by Fort MacLeod. My riding partner was also riding a Suzuki but his is just a tad bigger …
The first real stop is at a river along a secondary road near the Oldman dam. Just visible on the horizon are some windmills which are prevalent in this area of the province.
While highway travel is not exactly this bike’s strong suit, the little one cylinder engine runs quite well at cruising speed. The previous owner had removed all the decals from the bike making it look a little plain perhaps.
I did promise some Curbside Classics, so here you go.
A 1950 Dodge DeLuxe fastback and 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne. The Dodge is a Canadian market example affectionately known as a “Plodge” as it is a mash up of Dodge and Plymouth components. I would imagine the fastback body style is quite rare these days.
The 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne is more common, but it is still nice to see a survivor condition, low-trim level four door sedan.
Next up is Lundbreck Falls at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.
Spring time with the snow pack in the mountains melting leads to a larger than normal water flow.
A view of Turtle Mountain. Millions of tonnes of rock came off this mountain in 1903 burying the town of Frank.
We visited Frank’s slide last year on the Beater Challenge so I will quote that description.
We soon came across Frank’s Slide which is a well known mining disaster. On April 29 1903 the eastern edge of mining Town Frank was covered by 90 million tons of rock sliding down from nearby Turtle mountain. The mountain was the site of an active coal mine which likely contributed the slide on an already unstable mountain. Ironically many of the men working in the mine were safe and returned to find their families and homes gone. Total loss of life is estimated to be between 70 and 90. The railway was covered but quickly repaired, the mine re-opened and the remains of the town re-located. With the exception of the highway and railway cutting through it the site of the slide remains as it was in 1903.
A light bit of off road work led us to one of the numerous abandoned mining buildings in the area.
As it was heading towards mid-day we stopped to pick up some for food at a local grocery store for lunch. Good thing my riding partner had some nice hard cases as my bike has absolutely no storage.
The Crowsnest Pass is a mountain pass through the Rockies as well as collection of the communities of Coleman, Blairmore, Bellevue, Hillcrest, and Frank.
Another opportunity to view some mining ruins this time in the form of coal coke ovens.
My riding partner has a trailer nearby so we stopped to cook our lunch.
The hamburger was much better than the photo might suggest, as we made them from fresh buns, cheese and never-frozen 1/2lb beef patties.
The little Suzuki picked up a touch of dust after traveling on a few short gravel roads.
After lunch it was time to head out of the mountains and back into the foothills. This lead us to the hamlet of Twin Butte with its restaurant and general store.
Some of the traffic that comes by is rather … rural.
I am told that this location is a popular stop for folks on motorcycles. In addition to our Suzukis there was also a BMW K1300 and a Harley Davidson of some kind. I have no idea why there is a artificial cactus at the edge of the parking lot.
A Mustang club meeting of some kind? They left before I could find out.
We lingered a while to have refreshments and take in the decor.
Soon we were on the move again as we head south towards Waterton Lakes National Park. There are buffalo down there in the valley although given their size, ironically they are rare to see.
At the gate to Waterton National Park. The park is located in the extreme southwest corner of Alberta butting up against the Montana and British Columbia borders. It is a part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park which is designated as a World Heritage Site.
A variety of other motorbikes were out for the day as well.
A beautiful part of the world that unfortunately sustained heavy damage from Kenow Wildfire last summer. It will take many years for the larger trees to recover.
The iconic Prince of Wales Hotel located in the Waterton Lakes National Park on a hill over looking the town site. It was built in 1926/1927 and narrowly escaped the fire.
The town site is visible below. If you zoom in, an eagle can be seen near the center of the photo.
Another shot of the historic hotel which was named for the Prince of Wales in an unsuccessful bid to have him include a stay there during his 1927 Canadian tour.
We rode down to the town site where there were still small patches of snow in mid-May.
Cameron Falls is a popular and easy to reach scenic spot as it is within the town site.
Some Hutterites (similar to Amish or Mennonites) in traditional dress enjoying throwing snowballs at each other.
Time for another classic? How about this Sixties Chevrolet 4×4?
It is hard to tell but there is a steel pig in the bed advertising a BBQ joint.
One last look back at Waterton before we head back onto the Prairie.
On ride home we managed to grab a bite to eat in Cardston, Alberta which is a mostly Mormon town so not much is generally open on a Sunday. After this we had about just over an hour’s ride back through prairie.
Since this trip I have made a few modifications to the Suzuki including a more retro seat, a tank badge and I relocated the signal lights the rear. This will allow me to fit some side bags from an upcoming longer road trip.
Well this is a mighty poor substitute for more on the 61 Pontiac, but I guess it will have to do. 🙂
Although I have never been bitten by the motorcycling bug, your pictures sure make it look appealing. I love the look of the bike.
Great pictures, looks like a wonderful little tour. And the Suzuki looks great, that burnt orange color on the tank works very well with the black sidecovers and front fender. The smallest bike I ever rode any distance was a Suzuki GS450 but everybody used to ride 250’s all over the place. Once you’re up to speed you’re good, right? No need to set any speed records. Looking forward to hearing more about it, we have a decent contingent of motorcycle fans here (both active riders and lapsed such as myself)…
“Once you’re up to speed you’re good, right?”
Unless you come across a hill or mild wind. 🙂
Brings back memories of traveling over a lot of the north eastern US on my second motorcycle, a ’73 Honda CB350. CafĂ© racer.
Obviously, I was 40 years younger when I did this. Today, I wouldn’t even attempt it on anything smaller than my Triumph Sprint . . . . and there’s a reason I bought the Gold Wing.
This is the exact bike I’ve been lusting after… Growing up I had a 125 Honda and then (briefly) a CB-360 (felt like a missile after riding the Elsinore) This style of bike needs to be more popular, I don’t want a “hog” or a crotch rocket, just a good, basic bike like this. So judging by the trip you went on, these TU’s do ok on the highway?
Oh and I really liked the pictures you posted, thank you for showing us a part of the world I’ve never been to. ??
They do “ok” on the highway. As long as it is not too windy or hilly you can keep up at legal speeds. Seems really happy at 100km/h (62mph) but will certainly do more. You might be able to get a small speeding ticket but around 130km/h (80mph) is about all the bike has.
I did not want a crotch rocket or hog either. I love the standards of the 60s and 70s.
Go look at a used Triumph Bonneville. 10-15 year old ones are usually lightly used, have the styling you’re looking for, and are large enough to do long distances comfortably.
I wish I could buy the TU, but around here, bike dealers are more crooked than car dealers. The MSRP is $4600, but to get one out the door costs more like $7k, Then, people selling them in the used market remember they paid $7k and ask $5k for a used bike.
Small displacement bikes used to be fun and affordable toys, with an occasional practical side. You could get a 250 standard for $600 new. Now small bikes cost almost as much as a good used car.
You could get a 250 standard for $600 new.
When was this? Making statements like this without adjusting the price for inflation is useless. Hamburgers used to cost 15 cents and gas used to be 25 cents a gallon. And once upon a time you could buy a brand new Ford for $265.
in ’70, a new Honda CB350 cost $699, or 440 hours of labor at minimum wage.
in ’18, a new Suzuki TU250 cost $4599, or 635 hours of labor at minimum wage.
I’d say an additional 50% in hours of labor is a big price change.
True enough, but I’m making a much better wage in 2018 than I was in 1970, and used motorcycles are ridiculously cheap, at least in my area.
Kijiji was tempting me yesterday with a Versys 650 with 7900km for a mere $4500. Just the thing to meet up with PN and DS…
Used motorcycles are ALL inexpensive, you just have to wait and be ready and buy from a private party. There’s almost no reason to buy new unless you have to have something particular right now. As with a convertible, the best time to buy is right after the first snowfall…
If that’s the bike itself, definitely consider it. The bags appear to be Givi, and there is no better for touring luggage.
I think that ad that Doug references is in Canadian Dollars, 4500 of which are about two or three hundred Freedom Dollars. 🙂 Making it an even better value! Go get it, Doug, you deserve it!
The TU250X is more a premium entry level bike. It is priced above the equivalent Honda for example by several hundred dollars. The built quality is quite remarkable for a lower cost bike. I got lucky and snagged lightly used one for a fair price.
I found mine with 2200 miles on it for $2975. A 2015. Great deal.
Evan, You’re tossing around more garbage numbers.
First off, the CB350 went up in 1970, to $749 (or more; the $699 price was for the ’68-’69) which is $4806 adjusted, or slightly more than the Suzuki 250. It had twin cylinders and an extra 100cc. It was a class higher than the Suzuki 250 single.
Using the fed minimum wage is irrelevant, as the fed minimum wage hasn’t gone up in over a decade! It’s a joke, of course, and many states have minimum wages substantially higher than that. Oregon’s will be $10.75 as of July 1.
Nobody making $7.25 an hour is going to be shopping for new bikes.
Try using some valid statistics, like adjusted average hourly wages or such, and maybe I’ll give you some credibility.
The bottom line is that the Suzuki is cheaper than the CB350 in adjusted dollar price. That’s the reality, and if you’re not able to afford it because you’e making $7.25 an hour, I’d like to feel sorry for you, but I can’t really muster it.
Yeah, everything was just so much better in the good old days.
In fact, everything was almost free, right?
I mean, the 1970 Pontiac you saved up for didn’t rust to dust in five years, exactly how long it took to pay off the loan.
That says a lot about how low our minimum wage really is. The Honda CB350 was a state of the art motorcycle at the time. It had a 2 cylinder motor and was one of the best selling bikes of it’s time. The TU250 while a very nice bike is an economy bike. It is sort of a larger version of the CB100.
David, Thanks for this; i really enjoyed it. It’s so refreshing to see someone go off on a road trip on a 250cc bike, which was once upon a time a decent sized road bike. You not only have a retro bike, but you’re using it in a genuine retro way. Can’t get more authentic than that.
And the scenery was of course spectacular. When I get the van done, a trip to that part of the world is a must. That is, if Americans will still be allowed into Canada then. 🙂
We forgive you for your … Tru … trespasses. 🙂
Thanks. Let me know when you can make it up – I could certainly be a tour guide or point in the right direction.
Great trip, great scenery, great CCs.
I just recommissioned Mrs DougD’s Interceptor 500 this week, I would have loved to join you for a tiny bike trip…
I’ll heading out for a 11 day trip on Monday … you’re welcome to join!
Doug, your bike is just the right size for me. I’m still thinking about getting my motorcycle license and would really like an older bike. Saw a 71 Honda 350 CB? for $3100. One-owner and in very good original condition.
I enjoyed the pics of Waterton. Grew up in Alberta and after 63 some years still have not made it down there. Perhaps a road trip this summer?
What he’s asking for the bike is a bit pricey, unless its in incredibly mint (read: almost showroom new) condition. At which point, you’ve got something that really needs to be left on the vintage show circuit, not run where it could end up going thru bad weather, etc.
The real bargains out there are things like mid-80’s Honda 550 or 650 Nighthawk. Four cylinders, not overly powerful, not a lot bigger physically than that CB350, but it’ll be a lot more comfortable 100 miles down the road. And $2000 gets you a clean, mint one. Average good condition bikes can be found for around $14-1500.
The real bargains out there are the mid 90’s T3 Triumphs. 900cc triples, insanely overbuilt, reliable, and I’ve never seen one yet for over $2500 asking.
When I had a motorcycle I had a tool bag that would strap to the seat, backrest, or luggage rack. The doll bag was essentially a rigid duffle bag that opened on the sides so you could open it without dismounting it. The bag made a nice backrest for longer rides too. Overall it was a nice piece of kit for 30ish dollars.
Beautiful photos David. Thank you.
Thanks for this post, David. You live in a beautiful part of the world.
This is very timely for me, as I’m getting ready to take a 4 or 5 day trip on my bike (Kawasaki EX500). Leaving Monday, not camping this time though; just too much to carry when you’re space-limited. I think I’m getting soft in my old age.
Thank’s for the great post. I remember back in the late 60’s and early 70’s when it was common to ride smaller displacement bikes on back road tours. When I was 16, back in 1970, I had my first real motorcycle, a Honda CB160. This bike was Calif. freeway legal, but with a top speed of only 70-75 mph. I only used it for short hops within the city. Instead I explored all the backroads and managed to put together some really nice loops around the East Bay. Honda CB350s were considered to be “big bikes” at this time and I used to see them everywhere, loaded down with gear, often two up.
The TU is a lovely little bike with some nice touches – FI is a great thing to have on a motorcycle, especially if the bike is ridden seasonally/recreationally, no more gummed up carbs! Fantastic pictures and a fun write up of the kind of trip I hope I can start doing after I figure out this retirement thing a little better. Not sure where you’re located Sykes but here in north central Ohio neo-Triumphs of any version are a bit thin on the ground. Great bikes, came close to buying a 900TT after a test ride at Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio. The real deal, if the style of bike fits you and you don’t mind the relatively low performance levels, are “mid-size” (600-1100cc) Japanese cruisers. Low miles, usually well cared for examples can be found really cheap. Yeah, the weight is a little high and the styling is a bit cartoony but the things are indestructible as cockroaches!
I like 250 standards like the CB250 Nighthawk or the Suzuki GS 250 because they are quick enough to keep up on the highway, yet small enough that the seat height insn’t impossible for me to ride safely. I can usually fit easily on a cruiser style bike, my last bike (my ninth one) was a Suzuki s40 savage cruiser, but I prefer the standards for the handling, the much larger tank (my S40 would hit reserve around 85 miles) and the look. The S40, which has a 650cc single, wasn’t much peppier, top end on that was about 90 with a 45 mpg thirst.
I’m going to have to keep my eyes open for the TU, a top speed of 80 would do perfectly on the Arkansas rural highways I’d use it on – yet it’s big enough to take a day trip with. I don’t think I would be doing any Iron Butt Rally’s on it tho.
I’ve only owned two bikes – this Suzuki and a well used 1991 Honda CB250 Nighthawk – so I don’t have a deep pool of bike comparisons. The Suzuki is definitely better on the highway than the Nighthawk. 80mph would full throttle top speed I suspect. You can change the gears to get better cruising speeds however.
The TU250X has quite a following as well as an active forum.
https://tu250riders.com/
I would go one bigger on the drive sprocket and and see how I liked it. If it was still too buzzy, I’d go one smaller on the rear one and leave it at that.
Yes – it is pretty well documented in the community. I think the sprocket is only a couple bucks. I am planning on that mod later in the summer.
The TU’s are wonderful bikes with a strong following — on tu250riders.com as well as on Facebook.
What they lack in power they make up with a very balanced, flingable ride — joyous. The fuel injection and disc brake make up for the lack of center stand.
And seriously, don’t buy a new one — there are lots of TU’s with low mileage in the $2000-$2300 range.