Customizing the Suzuki Grasstracker 250: Enhancing Your Touring Experience with Comfortable Modifications

The Suzuki Grasstracker 250 is a bike known for its simple design and nimble performance. In this article, I’ll be sharing the customization points I’ve implemented. The focus is on modifications that prioritize making long-distance and camping tours “more comfortable” and “more enjoyable.” If you’re looking to make your touring experience more comfortable, this guide will be a helpful reference.

Grasstracker Customization Points

While I haven’t made any flashy modifications, I’ve focused on light tuning that emphasizes comfort. Below, you’ll find a summary of the customizations I’ve made.

1. Exhaust Muffler

Yoshimura Mega Tri-Oval Full Exhaust Muffler

Here’s a stainless steel muffler from Yoshimura, which I won in an auction on Yahoo! Japan. This is a discontinued item, making it a rare find today. It’s designed for the Grasstracker NJ47A model (with dual exhaust pipes) and is JMCA certified, so the sound level is moderate. However, compared to the stock muffler, it offers improved high-rev performance and a noticeable boost in performance at high speeds.

2. Suspension

I replaced the stock suspension with a Daytona adjustable model. Although the brand is Daytona, the suspension is actually manufactured by the reliable suspension maker SHOWA (now known as Hitachi Astemo), so you can trust its quality. This suspension is not specifically designed for the Grasstracker, but I’ve repurposed one made for the SR400/500. The installation pitch of 320mm is the same for both the Grasstracker and SR models, so it fits without any special modifications. (Note: The Big Boy model has a different installation length.)

However, since the Grasstracker and SR differ in weight by about 30-40kg, the suspension feels stiffer when installed on the Grasstracker. Therefore, I usually set the damping force to its lowest setting for a more comfortable ride. With this setup, I’ve been able to enjoy smooth and comfortable riding.

デイトナ(Daytona) バイク用 リアサスペンション SR400/500専用 取付長320mm 減衰調整 イニシャル調整 リアガスショック 95124

3. Front Sprocket

Here’s a classic customization for the Grasstracker. In its stock form, the Grasstracker is set up with a low gear ratio (optimized for acceleration), so when riding at high speeds (above 80km/h), the engine RPM increases significantly, and vibrations can become uncomfortable.

By changing the front sprocket from a 15T to a 16T (increasing the number of teeth by one), you can easily achieve a higher gear ratio (focused on top speed). This modification slightly reduces acceleration performance but significantly improves comfort at high speeds by making the ride smoother.

Additionally, with the stock setup, the engine brake is quite strong, requiring frequent RPM adjustments. After switching to the higher gear ratio, the engine braking is more manageable, making the bike easier to handle. This customization is especially recommended for those looking to reduce stress during long highway rides.

サンスター(SUNSTAR) フロントスプロケット 520-16T GrassTracker・BIGBOY/ST250/VOLTY 355-16

4. Rear Carrier

A rear carrier is essential for securing cargo during long-distance touring. The Grasstracker has a flat seat, so it’s possible to load items on the pillion seat, but adding a rear carrier greatly increases the load capacity. This is especially useful for riders planning camping tours, making it an essential item for such trips.

However, it’s important to note that the quality of rear carriers can vary between products. Some may require spacers or minor adjustments and modifications to ensure proper fitment. It’s highly recommended to check reviews and compatibility information before purchasing.

【x-cars】グラストラッカー ビッグボーイ リア キャリア GrassTracker BIGBOY NJ47A NJ4BA NJ4DA (ブラック)

5. Seat (Gel Pad Embedding)

To enhance comfort during long-distance touring, I embedded a Gel Pad into the seat. The viscoelastic foam distributes body pressure, significantly reducing discomfort and pain in the seat area. While this method requires modifying the seat, it offers the advantage of maintaining the bike’s design, unlike the wrap-around type Gel Pads.

For more details on the Gel Pad embedding process, please refer to the article linked below.

2024-10-22 Reduce Seat Pain During Long Rides! DIY Installation of a Gel Pad (GEL-ZAB)

エフェックス(EFFEX) GEL-ZAB SS（ゲルザブSS） エクスジェル （EXGEL） バイクシート用 ゲルシート 体圧分散 汎用 ユニバーサル （260x250mm） 加工用 埋め込み EHZ2526

6. Clutch & Brake Levers

I replaced the original clutch and brake levers with U-Kanaya adjustable aluminum levers. These levers stand out because they come in a wide range of colors to match your bike, and you can choose the design that best suits your style.

Crafted through precision machining, the aluminum levers have a slightly mechanical feel to them, but the adjustability of the lever position makes operation incredibly smooth. This custom upgrade strikes a great balance between aesthetics and functionality, making it a recommended modification for anyone looking to improve both looks and usability.

7. Throttle

During long-distance touring, vibrations from the handlebars can lead to hand fatigue and discomfort. To counter this, I swapped the stock throttle grip with a PROGRIP vibration-absorbing gel grip. The soft gel material effectively dampens vibrations, making it much easier on the hands during extended rides.

Since installing this grip, the vibrations transmitted to my hands have greatly decreased, and I feel less fatigued on long rides. The ergonomic shape also improves handling. I particularly noticed the benefits when traveling on highways and rough roads.

Additionally, PROGRIP offers a variety of design options, so you can select colors and styles that best match your bike, enhancing both comfort and the overall look. This custom upgrade is ideal for those seeking to improve comfort without compromising on style.

Note: The stock throttle grip has a taper, while the PROGRIP does not, so some modification was necessary during installation.

デイトナ(Daytona) PROGRIP(プログリップ) バイク用 グリップ ハンドル径φ22.2用 120mm 耐振ゲル エンド貫通 601タイプ ブルー 98025

8. Bar End Weights

By adding bar end weights, you can significantly reduce the vibrations felt through the handlebars. This is especially useful for long-distance touring and high-speed riding, where vibration-related fatigue can accumulate quickly.

he bar end weights are mounted at the ends of the handlebars, helping to balance the weight and suppress vibrations. This is particularly beneficial when using lightweight handlebars or thin grips, which can transmit vibrations more directly.

I chose aluminum Daytona bar end weights, which have a good weight balance while maintaining a compact design that doesn’t compromise the bike’s aesthetics. There are plenty of color and shape options available, making it a great choice for those looking to customize their bike’s appearance as well as its performance.

The installation was relatively simple—just remove the stock bar ends and use the included attachments to secure the weights. After taking the bike for a ride, I immediately noticed a reduction in vibration, making long rides more comfortable and reducing hand fatigue.

If you want to reduce vibration-related fatigue or simply make handling more comfortable, bar end weights offer excellent value for improving your ride quality.

デイトナ(Daytona) アルミビレット バイク用 バーエンド 汎用 内径φ14-19 ヘビーウエイトバーエンド ハイディッシュ ブルー 72042

9. Wind Screen

I installed a universal windscreen. The installation required a bit of ingenuity, such as warming the screen with a hairdryer to adjust its shape and bending the mounting brackets for a better fit. I used indicator mounting bands to secure it to the front fork.While inexpensive, the windscreen significantly improved both the appearance and functionality compared to the stock setup, giving the bike a much more stylish look.

This upgrade reduces wind pressure, which in turn significantly decreases fatigue during high-speed riding and long-distance touring. Additionally, the screen helps protect against wind and flying debris, providing a safer and more comfortable riding experience.

バイク 凡用スクリーン 風防カウル メーター バイザー カウル 汎用 ネイキッド バイク カバー (黒 ブラック 無地タイプ)

キタコ(KITACO) ウインカー取付バンド(メッキ/2ヶ1セット) 汎用 103-55-0500-01

Conclusion

The customizations I made to my Suzuki Grasstracker 250 focused on improving comfort for long-distance and camping tours. Rather than opting for flashy modifications, I concentrated on practical upgrades to enhance ride quality and usability. Modifications like the windscreen, suspension, and muffler help reduce fatigue and make for a more comfortable ride.

While the Grasstracker 250 is already a simple and lightweight bike, customizations can further enhance its performance and enjoyment. If you’re considering customizing your bike, I encourage you to tailor it to your touring style for a more enjoyable and personalized riding experience.