Exclusive test: Pro Circuit – Suzuki RM 250
If we talk about an American dream motorcycle, you will quickly end up at Pro Circuit. But just as good with a four-stroke. No valve or camshaft on the engine we're putting on the rack today. The basis of the cocktail is Dirt Bike Avenue, the Belgian importer for Pro Circuit. Has prepared. This immediately became a breathtaking cocktail, both in terms of driving feeling and for lovers of beautiful stuff...
It is immediately noticeable how many special pieces there are on this Suzuki, both in the engine and on the frame. Pro Circuit exhaust and silencer, Pro Circuit triple clamps (aviation-grade aluminum), V-Force reed valves, footrests, wheels from Haan Wheels, a whole range of carbon protection parts from Lightspeed... and we haven't even mentioned the suspensions, prepared by Pro Circuit itself in the US! The list of goodies is long and that only makes this RM 250 even more special.
Aren't two-strokes from the silent years?
However, one pressing question arises. Why put so much effort into a two-stroke engine, which is actually outdated compared to the modern four-stroke? Hugues Félix, the boss of Dirtbike Avenue, does not agree with this. “There is definitely a bright future ahead for the two-strokes. Like me, there are still many pilots who appreciate the lightness, ease of operation and manoeuvrability of a 2T,” says Hugues enthusiastically. “In addition, compared to a four-stroke, you can prepare a two-stroke to a good level for a fairly limited budget. And financially there is absolutely no comparison possible in terms of maintenance! So why not give yourself some pleasure?”
Agreed, it may be cheaper to get a two-stroke up and running, but for the Pro Circuit treatment this RM 250 received, you can still count on around €6000 (view the budget in detail below). For a second opinion we called on Philippe Raffa, former Inter at the VLB, and someone who knows the RM 250 inside and out because he has ridden it for many seasons. Although Philippe later switched to a four-stroke, he was very happy to be back on the 2T Soes.
“Surprisingly no American SX suspensions!”
On the one hand, the suspensions provide a feeling of safety, but they also quickly tempt you into an aggressive driving style. They are ideally suited for riders of a certain level, although less fast riders may find the suspension a bit too hard. “As expected, you notice that the Suzuki engine has been taken care of by top players,” says our test pilot. “It is therefore more powerful and, above all, much more torquey at the bottom compared to the original engine. He could surprise a beginner with this. However, its flexibility and torque allow you to tackle corners one gear lower than with the standard engine. When you accelerate you can feel it pulling, but without being brutal. The gearbox ratios are fine, you never see it coming to an end.”
For the suspensions, Hugues Félix specifically asked Pro Circuit for an earlier soft adjustment. The result was surprising, in a positive sense. “At first glance, the suspension seems hard both front and rear. Say the American way, for Supercross. When you are driving, this impression quickly disappears: both on small bumps and when braking, it is noticeable how smoothly and precisely the suspension works. The suspension works very progressively on the biggest jumps. Very efficient and reassuring, says Raffa.”
In short, this is a smooth engine, easy and powerful that is in no way inferior to the most impressive four-strokes. While we must admit that this RM 250 is less tiring over the duration of a moto than most of today's four-strokes.
It almost made you nostalgic for the era of the two-stroke. In any case, evidence has been provided that the branches still need to be wary of machines that are sometimes labeled as old-world technology. An important note here is the level of the pilot. You need a certain level of driving to get the most out of such a motorcycle. But if that's the case, why not try something different?
More information at: www.dirtbikeavenue.com
Text & photos: Olivier Evrard
How much does that cost?
Block
Pro Circuit “Works” exhaust €277 Pro Circuit “304″ Silencer €145 VForce 3 valve already €175 preparing the block €1,500
Subtotal block: €2,097
Suspension
Preparing front suspension + damper €1,000
Handlebar position
Renthal dual compound grip handles €20 Pro Taper handlebar €120 T fork above Pro Circuit €302 T Fork below Pro Circuit €453 Pro Circuit clamps €155 Pro Circuit €127 Clutch lever Sunline V1 €94 Brake lever Sunline / Pro Circuit €34
Subtotal steering position: €1,305
Carbon covers
Lighspeed carbon chain guide protection 70 €Lighspeed carbon cover chain frame 100 € Lighspeed carbon front brake protection 100 € Lighspeed carbon front brake + caliper protection 99 €
Subtotal carbon covers €369
All sorts
Axle Block Pro Circuit €68 Pro Circuit fork leg protection €138 Pro Circuit clutch cover €191 Haan Wheels wheels €980 Pro Circuit clutch kit €148 Kit Pro Circuit graphics €165 Pro Circuit seat cover €31
Subtotal all kinds: €1,721
TOTAL: €6.492
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