~[]?:WBikes
2003 Suzuki Off-Road Bikes
SUZUKI TEAMS UP WITH KAWASAKI TO EXPAND LINEUP
By KIT PALMER
11". ast year, Suzuki announced plans
IJ to form an alliance with Kawasaki,
As mentioned, Suzuki now offers an RM60, as well as an RM65 and an RMIOO. All three machines are "alliance bikes,"
meaning they began life as Kawasakis. (They are also stiJJ being offered in Kawasaki's lineup.) The RM85 is still pure
Suzuki, but there's now a new "big-wheel" version, the RM85L, which features 19- and 16-inch front and rear wheels
versus the standard version's 17- and 14-inch front and rear wheels. The RM85 and big-wheel RM85L share the same
engine and frame, but there have been some minor chassis changes to accommodate the larger wheels on the RM85L,
such as a longer swingarm, which results in a longer wheelbase. Mechanically, the RM85 is unchanged from the '02
model, but features new graphics, which now include white front and side numberplates.
As far as the RM125 and 250, the '03s feature numerous refinements to both the engines and chassis. Suzuki
claims that the 125 has a broader powerband and better throttle response, as well as more power and torque, without
sacrificing high-rpm performance. Suzuki claims the new 250 has smoother throttle response and better low and midrange torque.
MSRP
RM60
,
$2299
RM65 ................•.....•......•..•.....•..•..•.....$2849
RM85 .......•..•.....•........ _
$3099
RM85L
$3199
RMIOO
$3499
RM125
$4999
RM250
$5899
and the result of that alliance can
now be seen in Suzuki's 2003 early
release off-road/MX/dual-sport lineup. As part of the alliance, Suzuki
now has a couple of new models that
aren't necessarily new. For an example, Suzuki will be offering a new DRZllO for '03, but it's actually a
Kawasaki KLXIIO dressed up in
Suzuki clothing, as is the new RM60,
which began life as a KX60. This all
seems a bit strange at first, but in the
automotive industry, this type of marketing is not new; after all, the Honda
Passport is, as you know, an Isuzu
Rodeo, and a GMC Sierra is pretty
much a Chevrolet Silverado. By
teaming up with Kawasaki, Suzuki
has been able to borrow a couple of
machines from the green company so
Suzuki dealers can compliment their
line of off-road and motocross
machines. This also works in the
other direction. When Kawasaki
announces it full off-road and MX
lineup for '03, you'll also see one or
more Suzuki-based bikes in their
range.
46
JUNE 12, 2002'
cue
I
e
n
e
_
,.
