Suzuki RM-Z250: MX2 at the top level
While I'm taking a break after testing the 450, I see one of my test colleagues of the day driving the RM-Z250 around the track mercilessly. He scrubs or changes lines with playful ease. That's right, that was European MX2 Champion Steven Lenoir! Personally, I think the 2011 MX2 looks cooler than its big brother, the RM-Z450. The graphics are the same, but in combination with the black number plates it looks cooler and cooler.
If there is such a thing as typical MX1 or MX2 manufacturers, Suzuki has moved mountains in recent years to climb to the top in the lightest class. In 2009, Ryan Dungey also became double champion (SX and outdoor) with the RM-Z250, but a revolution took place for 2010 with the addition of fuel injection. The predecessor of the RM-Z250 that we tested today has already received much praise. That potent machine was further improved for 2011.
Suzuki's MX2 weapon also benefited from modified camshaft timing and improved intake ports, which delivers even more power in the higher regions. Thanks to the reinforced mirror-smooth connecting rod, the RM-Z250 even reaches an impressive 13.500 revolutions per minute. The exhaust system has been thoroughly revised, resulting in fewer decibels, a better engine feel and a perfect combination with the injection system. Just like its big brother, this motorcycle comes standard with a Renthal fat bar and wave disc brakes. The chassis received updates that should mainly guarantee stiffness and grip at high speed. The swingarm was reinforced, among other things, and the wider footrests are certainly a plus in terms of comfort.
If you usually ride an MX1 bike, like myself, it's always nice to meet up again a small to be able to bounce around. At least that's what it sounds like on paper, because there can be a big difference between theory and practice! However, the 2011 RM-Z250 effortlessly exceeded all expectations. Literally from the first movement. One kick and the engine starts flawlessly thanks to the reworked kick starter. The available power is often disappointing when you switch from a 450 to a 250. None of that in the case of this Suzuki. I was really impressed with the power and purchase of this block. The powerband is wide and even at the bottom it pulls like a winch. Very typical was the push that the RM-Z250 still has in the midrange! Rarely seen on an MX2 engine. It just keeps pulling until you reach its maximum speed. I am therefore very curious to see how the Soes will perform in a comparison test with its competitors. You can even drive in a higher gear almost without using the clutch.
There is really nothing to complain about as far as the sitting position is concerned, it is very close to perfection. The Renthal Fatbar also helps to keep the motorcycle under control. I had that feeling of comfort all the time. On the one hand, this is a very high-performance engine, but you don't have to work constantly to get the most out of it. On the contrary, the RM-Z250 offered a lot of fun while riding. I jumped a bit too far on one of Hélecine's tables, but this was corrected well by the Showa spring combination. Here again you get the impression of a comfortable suspension, although in practice it turns out to be very effective even if you keep up the speed. In terms of steering characteristics, the engine commanded a lot of respect. The handling turned out to be excellent even in tricky long tracks.
Both super agile and powerful, this RM-Z250 is an excellent partner for serious racing straight out of the crate. I can imagine that the power of this engine is intimidating for less experienced riders, but on the other hand, all that power is delivered in such a user-friendly manner that this is a real top engine.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Suzuki RMZ250
ENGINE TYPE: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, single cylinder
CYLINDER CAPACITY: 249cc
NUMBER OF VALVES PER CYL. : 4
BOLE X STROKE: 77,0 mm x 53,6 mm
FUEL SUPPLY: Electronic fuel injection
STARTING SYSTEM: Kickstart
TRANSMISSION: 5 gears
TOTAL LENGTH: 2.170 mm
TOTAL WIDTH: 830 mm
TOTAL HEIGHT: 1.270 mm
CURRENT WEIGHT: 104,5 kg
FRONT SUSPENSION: Telescopic UPS front fork, coil springs, oil filled shock absorbers, spring preload
MANUFACTURER/TYPE FRONT SUSPENSION: Showa, multiple adjustable compression and rebound damping
REAR WHEEL SUSPENSION: Swing arm, coil spring, oil-filled shock absorbers, spring preload and compression and rebound damping multiple adjustable
MANUFACTURER/TYPE REAR SUSPENSION: Showa, compression damping on high-speed and low-speed multi-adjustable
FRONT/REAR SUSPENSION TRAVEL: 310mm / 310mm
FRONT/REAR BRAKES: Single 250mm disc front / 240mm disc rear
FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 6,5 litres
FRONT/REAR TIRES: 80/100 – 21, 100/90 – 19
PRICES
Price in the Netherlands: €7.999
Price in Belgium: €7.800
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