VOLUME 56 ISSUE 49 DECEMBER 10, 2019 P77
power). Coupled with a slick-shifting
five-speed transmission the RM-Z is a
blast to ride, darting between corners
and tackling ruts with ease. Our more
aggressive riders would like a bit more
power off the bottom and more snap
from the somewhat linear powerband.
But for novice and vet riders, the Su-
zuki's mill was no cause for complaint.
On the scale, the 'Zook checks in
at 238 pounds, the heaviest in the
field. It's only one pound heavier than
the Yamaha and the Honda, but it
shouldn't be heavier at all considering
both those bikes have electric start.
While it lands at the back of our
shootout in sixth place, there is a
lot of potential here. If you can live
without electric start, the Suzuki has
everything you need to be competitive,
including a contingency program that
is worth looking at.
PROS
•EXCELLENT HANDLING
& CORNERING
•STRONG MID- TO TOP-END
POWER
•GREAT ALL-AROUND
PLATFORM
CONS
•NO ELECTRIC START
•HARSH FEELING FRONT
SUSPENSION
•HEAVIEST IN ITS CLASS
BY THE NUMBERS
ACTUAL WEIGHT
(FULL FUEL): 238 LBS.
MSRP: $7899
th Place
SUZUKI
RM-Z250
