QUICKSPIN I 2023 SUZUKI RM-Z250 & RM-Z450
P102
The 250 is still a blast to ride
as more experienced riders can
really push the bike to its limit. You
must shift the bike frequently to
keep it in its preferred rev range,
whereas some of its competi-
tors can hold a gear longer. The
more aggressive map is our go-to
setting, but the mellower coupler
paired with the bike's already tame
character might be the perfect
match for a newer track rider or
someone making the often-intimi-
dating step up to the big bike.
Up next is the 450. The RM-
Z450 is the last of its kind when
it comes to kickstart machines,
but if your current bike requires
you to kick, it won't seem like
a big deal. Only once you've
transitioned to the magic but-
ton does the kicker seem like
a nuisance. The team at Su-
zuki knows what makes their
bike work best, and they set
the suspension at the 110mm
mark, a few ticks over the more
traditional 105mm mark. Due to
its wonky suspension settings
and unbalanced character, more
sag is supposed to give the bike
extra squat in the rear and get
the front end to track better in
high-speed conditions.
Out on the track, the 450 is
solid. It does feel a bit heavier
than the other bikes we've rid-
den lately, but for some, that will
equate to a more "planted" feel-
ing. The power is meaty and has
good pull in the midrange RPMs.
Typically, I favor the "smoother"
In the right
conditions, the RM-
Z250 is still a fun
bike to ride. The
smoother the
track the better.
