1968 Suzuki RH67 TM 250 #54
This is arguably the most sought after vintage motocross bike on the planet. Suzuki decided in 1966 to begin the process of building a motocross bike to compete with the Huskys and CZ’s of the period. The first Suzuki prototypes were modeled after the CZ Twin Port race bikes. Suzuki’s first generation of motocross machines in 1966 were dismal as the bikes were heavy and handled terribly. In 1967 the factory assembled a race program based on a new and improved version called the Suzuki RH 67. Although still heavy and suffering from poor handling, the factory built approximately 112 of these bikes which they called the TM. About sixty of these TM’s came to America along with a two page questionnaire asking for any input the riders could provide. This included any modifications from which the bike benefited. Suzuki also hired Ole Petterson away from the Husqvarna team to be the designated test rider/developer. Suzuki took the information learned from these TM’s and from Ole Petterson and within two years won the 250 CC and 500 CC World Championships with the help of Joel Robert and Roger De Coster.
This TM was originally purchased by a member of our armed forces while stationed in Japan. When he returned to Victorville, California he brought it back with him. It was ridden in the desert of Apple Valley, but repeated piston seizures forced the owner to replace the engine with that from another Suzuki. He also replaced the fenders, pipes, shocks, pegs, bars, air filter assembly, rims, tires, sprocket and front hub with others he had. Thankfully he kept every original parts except the front hub assembly and rims. After much fabrication and 1 year of restoration it is back to original “as manufactured” condition including a hand fabricated front hub assembly. This Suzuki is extremely rare and is one of fourteen known to exist.
MAKE / MODEL: SUZUKI TM250 – #TM 250 000054
YEAR: 1968 ENGINE DISPLACEMENT: 250 CC
COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE JAPAN
ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE NEW $800.00
THIS BIKE IS:
_ NEW, NEVER BEEN STARTED
_ ORIGINAL UNRESTORED
_ PARTIALLY RESTORED
X FULLY RESTORED
RESTORATION WORK PERFORMED BY: BILL WEST / KELLY OWEN
OWNER: KELLY OWEN
