Like Taiwan relatively As the young custom scene continues to grow, we have the privilege of seeing lucky startups become established players. Get the Twentytwo Custom; This custom Suzuki TU250 Grasstracker is only their seventh, but it perfectly demonstrates their skill at turning gentle commuters into spice-filled little bikes. rival.
Twentytwo is the customization arm of Taiwanese motorcycle culture and apparel brand, Persist Motorcycle Company. Working with customization studio Tough Tracker, the team’s forte is customizing sub-500cc UJMs with a skillful blend of modern and classic flair. And this Suzuki is one of their boldest creations.
In its original form, the Suzuki TU250 Grasstracker Big Boy (that’s its full name) is a light, practical and somewhat adorable single-cylinder vehicle. It’s sold in greater numbers in Asia than anywhere else, so if you’re from another part of the world, you might be more familiar with its cousins—the Suzuki VanVan and Volty.
The bones of this particular Grasstracker were picked up five years ago, but they were soon dumped in a corner of Twentytwo’s workshop. Their numbers were finally revealed as the group completed their sixth build. Wanting to jump straight into the seventh, Twentytwo and Tough Tracker pulled out the Grasstracker parts and got to work transforming them into a functional motorcycle.
With little more than a frame and motor, the Grasstracker is the simplest canvas. Inspired by classic off-road motorbikes and old British snowmobiles, Twentytwo envisioned a practical scrambler with a bit of panache.
For starters, the Grasstracker’s chassis has been upgraded to par with a number of reused Japanese parts. The fork, swingarm and front drum brake hub are all taken from the Yamaha SR400 and the bike rolls on new 19F/28R wheels. They are shod with classic Firestone ANS tires.
The swingarm remains stock but the shock mount has been moved to adjust the Suzuki’s geometry. Fully adjustable shock absorbers from Taiwanese company MJP are at the rear. Higher up, the frame has been cut and closed, with a neat boot ring to finish it off.
The design of the rear end is identical to the classic British bicycle manual. A super clean ribbed fender runs out from under the frame ring, capped by Bates-style taillights. There’s no front fender but there’s a fancy fork brace from Wedge Motorcycle in Japan.
Moving on to the bodywork, the Twentytwo and Tough Tracker took the Yamaha DT2 fuel tank from the 1970s, then fabricated new mounting tabs to accommodate it. The custom saddle follows the style of classic Bates, with a deliberate gap under the ‘nose’ to emulate the style of the time.
The alloy number plate on the right side hides a bespoke electronics box. The car was rewired and fitted with a Lithium-ion battery supplied by 2LOUD Custom.
The left side view is highlighted by the beautiful dual exhaust system. Built by another collaborator, Banai, it runs high and exits with a pair of inverted cone mufflers. The one-piece heat shield provides some thermal protection.
The Suzuki TU250 engine was renewed inside and out, and the ‘red-haired’ Yoshimura carburetor was upgraded.
Finally, Twentytwo equips the cockpit with a set of wide bars from their own product portfolio. They are equipped with Domino quick throttle, micro switches, new grips and a single side mirror. Small Bates-style headlights illuminate the road, mirroring the design of the taillights.
The Grasstracker’s finish is as minimalist and interesting as the bike itself. It’s a simple combination of black and silver, complemented by rough metal textures. Look closely and you’ll notice some preserved rust – like the pitting on the chrome gas tank cap.
Like everything else we’ve seen from Twentytwo, this custom Suzuki TU250 Grasstracker is perfectly proportioned and tastefully equipped. If this is only their seventh build, we can’t wait to see their 70th.
custom twenty two | Persist Motorcycle Company
