The RM250 completes Suzuki’s adult motocross ‘family’ and to be fair the RM250 has always been a consistent performer. To this day I think the RM250 I raced in 1999 just scrapes it as the favourite race bike of my career. That was then however and this now…
Today’s RM250 seems a little less aggressive out of the box – the motor is smoother and the power is spread across the range better. One thing I loved about my 1999 RM is that it turned on a sixpence – it was like it was designed more for supercross but I liked that because throughout my racing career I always tried to use lines that others wouldn’t [like straight ahead into the bank off the start at Polesworth? – SL] and always looked for confidence in handling before power.
I know we’re a decade or more on here but I like the fact that Suzukis have still got this trait of good cornering due to a good chassis with confident handling. A 250 two-stroke is and always will be where my heart lies so I loved riding this bike. Although it was smooth off the bottom I still had that wonderful challenge of trying to keep it under control like a lion tamer. That’s why I love two-strokes – technique means so much more.
The power hit in a lot more in the mid to top range and I could really rev the nads of it at that level or pop up a gear and dare to hold on as I cut through the deep sand with ease. As for railing and bashing berms, well, there was no other bike on the day that I’d rather be on for that. Awesome!
The controls and brakes on all the bikes again followed suit. They were solid and consistent without being anything to blow your mind. The throttle, clutch and brake action were all smooth and light allowing you to concentrate on the track in front of you without distraction.
I enjoyed every model – certainly more than I did the five-and-a-half hour drive home – but it was a worthwhile day in the saddle. Or so I thought, until I woke up the next morning feeling like I’d been comprehensively battered by Vanessa Feltz in a Greek wrestling match. I really do need to try and ride more regularly especially when there are bikes like these to test…
Specification:
RM250
Capacity: 249cc
Bore and stroke: 66.4mm x 72mm
Transmission: Five-speed
Tank capacity: Eight litres
Front suspension: Showa
Rear suspension: Showa
Seat height: 950mm
Wheelbase: 1465mm
Ground clearance: 350mm
Dry weight: 108kg
RRP: £4492
