Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/377698
VOL. 51 ISSUE 36 SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 P81 Glen Helen Raceway track, where we first rode the bike. Just like last year, the SFF fork is very sensitive to clicker changes. From our experience with the RM-Z's SFF spring fork, it's best to make small changes, one at a time, until you are happy. And you will get happy. It just might take a while, because it is easy to get "lost" when trying to dial in the RM-Z's SFF fork. The rear end, however, is also very good and, for the most part, doesn't need much attention. But when you make changes to the front, don't forget about the back to maintain a balanced feel with the factory recommended 105mm of sag. Overall, though, the shock is well sprung (but maybe a little on the stiff side), and is valved for a wide-range of riders. In other words, there is plenty of room for adjustments. Getting the RM-Z250 hauled in for the turns doesn't take much effort. It has strong brakes but we're getting a bit spoiled with the over-sized front discs now found on some of the other 2015 bikes. Just like last year, the RM- Z250 comes stock without num- ber-plate coloring, just yellow number plates all around, which at first may seem lazy on Suzuki's part, but Suzuki knows that you'll be customizing your bike anyway with your own backers, graphics and numbers, so, in reality, it's no big deal. Dirt Digits dialed in our bike with backers and numbers, which explains the black backers on our bike. Overall, we still like the RM- Z250 very much. It has a very usable and controllable motor, it turns like no other and is just plain fun to ride. Heck, what else is new with the RM-Z250? Noth- ing, really. Not even the price. It still sells for $7599. Sometimes no change is good. CN >>PROS: •Strong bottom-end power •Two additional pre-programed couplers •Excellent turning abilities >>CONS: •Can be difficult to start •Weak clutch •No black number-plate backing SPECIFICATIONS 2015 SUZUKI RM-Z250 ENGINE: .. Liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC, 4-stroke, single DISPLACEMENT: ............................. 249cc BORE: .............................................. 77mm STROKE: ...................................... 53.6mm COMPRESSION RATIO: .................... 13.5:1 FUEL SYSTEM: ................... Fuel-Injection, 44mm throttle body, (w/3 pre-pro- gramed couplers) STARTING SYSTEM: .......................... Kick LUBRICATION: ..................Semi-dry sump IGNITION: ......... Electronic ignition (CDI) TRANSMISSION: .......................... 5-speed FINAL DRIVE: Chain, D.I.D 520DMA4, 114 links FRAME: ................... Aluminum, twin-spar FRONT SUSPENSION: ........... Showa, SFF (spring) fork, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION: ..........Showa, single shock, fully adjustable FRONT BRAKE: ....................................Disc REAR BRAKE: ......................................Disc FRONT TIRE: .............. 80/100-21 in. 51M REAR TIRE: .................100/90-19 in. 57M WHEELBASE: ..................................58.1 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: ...................13.6 in. SEAT HEIGHT: ............................... 37.6 in. FUEL CAPACITY: ............................ 1.7 gal. CURB WEIGHT: .............................235 lbs. MSRP: ..............................................$7599 Getting the RM-Z250 in and out of the turns quickly is a no-brainer. It does all the work for you.