2016 SUZUKI RM-Z250
FIRST RIDE
P76
it should be able to hold its own
quite well. It's pretty darn strong.
We will, however, find out soon
when we gather up all of the
250F bikes and get them all on
the track at the same time. But,
for now, we're pretty impressed
with the new RM-Z's motor.
Suzuki also made changes
internally to make the RM-Z start
easier; it no longer uses and ex-
ternal hot-start mechanism. Just
kick and go. We really couldn't
feel much of a difference overall,
but the bike pretty much started
right away on this day, but at least
we didn't have to fiddle with the
old hot-start system. A couple
of times, when the engine was
super hot, though, it did take a
few extra kicks, but we had no
real hard-starting issues.
The RM-Z's launch control is
simple to use but the term "three
modes" can be a little confus-
ing, since one of those modes
is actually "off." The other two
modes, one and two, actually
do something. Both modes alter
the motor's ignition timing to
provide maximum traction for
certain situations off the start-
ing gate and down the chute.
Mode one is designed for ultra
slippery starting surfaces, like
concrete. This mode also takes
into account rolling over the
actual starting gate. The ignition
returns to normal operation after
six seconds (from when you
dumped the clutch) or when you
click into fourth gear, which-
ever comes first. Mode one is
accessed by holding down a
button on the left handlebar for
one second or until you see a
blinking light (then you release
the button). If you hold down the
button for two seconds (seemed
more like five seconds to us),
you'll see a much quicker blink-
ing light; that means you're in
mode two, which is programed
for conditions with better traction
and a more aggressive launch
is desired. It too shuts off after
six seconds or when you reach
New to the RM-
Z250 is Suzuki's
latest version of its
three-mode Suzuki
Holeshot Assist
Control, aka, launch
control. It's pretty
sophisticated.
