Diff'rent strokes!
By TMX Archives on 6th Dec 04
Suzuki keep the two-smoke flag flying with a pair of strokers and still do their bit for thumper power with an updated and uprated RM-Z250 four-banger. Perrett and Rosco dip a toe in the yellow waters... IN NO way would I describe the'05 RM/RM-Z range as mellow yellow. Okay, so they're most definitely yellow - but mellow? I think not... The 125 is a super bike with a ton of character. It feels light and nimble through the corners and handled really well although the forks tended to dive through the early part of the stroke quickly. The motor rips. I don't think the bottom-end is as strong as last year's but I think that's because Suzuki have moved the power higher up the rev range as its mid-range punch is as strong as any bolt-on modified 125 I've ever ridden. This power transfers right through the to the top and beyond to allow full-on over-rev - it just didn't seem to go flat. I'll get straight to the point with the 250 - it's fast, agile and easy to ride. The motor package doesn't do anything extraordinarily well but it's all about heart and this has got plenty of that. If you're thinking of moving back to a two-stroke from a four-banger this could well be the bike for you as its bottom-end pulling power is immense. Being able to pull tall gears through the deep sand whoops here was essential and the low-end power helped with that. The mid and top-end power was also strong but the low-end torque was the stand out part of the power spread for little old me. This, coupled with a clean and precise gearbox, made for quick and easy shifting. The 250 Suzuki's rear suspension had a loose feel in previous years. However, this seems to have been revised as the rear now compliments the front with both units working together all the way around the circuit. High speed stability is very good with no sign of head shake while the bike seems just as happy turning either tight or running wide and bashing the berm. I must admit I was looking forward to riding the RM-Z250 and consequently found myself spending most of my time on it. Suzuki really seem to have hit the sweet spot with this bike and whether you're racing hard, play riding or taking a leisurely cruise through the woods you'll be smiling so long as you're on top of this puppy. The motor has the bottom-end tug of the 250, a super hard-hitting mid and even stronger top-end making it a very forgiving bike to ride. What more could anyone need? Of the three the RM-Z had the best feel for the track straight from the crate and braking bumps were absorbed better with this bike. I suspect this is partially down to the engine braking but also because of the top-notch chassis and suspension components. With a little dialling in this bike could rule its class. Words by Rosco van der Sturmey For full test and a proper pro's opinion instead of Rosco's rubbish don't miss January's dbr, on sale December 10