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250 SHOOTOUT

Track Tested | 2020 SML 250 MX Shootout

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Cole King on the Suzuki RM-Z250

Sixth Place: Suzuki RM-Z250

Test Rider Scores: 6-6-6-6-6-6

Last year, the Suzuki RM-Z250 received the largest number of updates and upgrades that it had in years and the 2019 RM-Z250 was a much better performer than previous yellow 250s. The engine packed a decent punch of power that was concentrated in the mid-range to top-end, and the bike continued to be blessed with excellent cornering characteristics. Unfortunately, Suzuki’s pre-production test riders missed big time when it came time to settle on spring rates for the Kayaba suspension components.

Perhaps in an effort to resist the unbalanced feel that plagues the bigger RM-Z450 – in which the shock grossly overpowers the fork and causes a stink-big sensation – Suzuki went with an extremely stiff fork spring that is far too stiff and non-compliant for all but the fastest and/or heaviest riders.

Shockingly, the 2020 RM-Z250 returned completely unchanged save for a mild graphic redesign. That’s right, in spite of the fact that every single U.S. media outlet criticized the RM-Z250’s overly sprung suspension package, Suzuki didn’t change so much as a spring rate. 

Aside from the unrealistic stock suspension settings, the Suzuki is a fine machine with a solid engine and excellent handling characteristics. Not the fastest bike by any stretch of the imagination, the Suzuki’s power is centralized in the mid- to top-end portions of the rpm range. Plenty of performance can be coaxed out of the RM-Z250 powerplant, as evidenced by Alex Martin and Kyle Peters’ excellent starts at last summer’s 250 Nationals. 

Hits

  • Very good mid-range power and good top-end pull
  • Buttery-smooth clutch and transmission action
  • Great looks
  • Renthal Fatbars
  • Corners very well when the suspension is set up properly

Misses

  • Kickstart
  • EFI mapping cannot be adjusted on the fly
  • Lack of low-end torque
  • Unrealistically stiff suspension
  • Bike has a rigid chassis that transfers feedback to the rider

Test Rider Props

“The cornering abilities of the Suzuki RM-Z250 are its saving grace as it corners exceptionally well in spite of being hampered by an overly sprung front-end. The Suzuki has a respectable motor with decent power across the rpm range.” – Pat Foster

“This bike has good bottom-end and mid-range power but it falls flat on top. Its strong points are corners and high-speed straights, but that’s about it.” – Rene Garcia

“The Suzuki has always cornered well and the 2020 bike is no different. The bike is easy to lay over in the corners and cruise right through the line.” – Cole King

“Suzukis have always had great transmission action and the RM-Z250 is no different. I love the looks of the Suzuki, too.” – Donn Maeda

“If you’re in the right gear and you hit the line perfectly, the Suzuki handles amazingly well in corners.” – Austin Schott

“As far as handling goes, it’s a fun bike and it corners well. I could maneuver it and put it where I wanted. I like the powerband actually, but I just wish it had more horsepower.” – Cody Whitsett

Test Rider Chops

“The front-end of the bike is harsh and spikey, which lends itself to a disconnected feel in the fast straight and when entering corners. The Suzuki has a harsh, rigid chassis, too. Not much comfort.” – Pat Foster

“Entering corners the bike is unpredictable and finicky and the super stiff forks affect what is otherwise a great cornering machine. The forks are super harsh on jump landings and in braking bumps.” – Rene Garcia

“All around the suspension is way too stiff for my weight and the forks especially are super harsh. Going out a bunch of clicks on the compression, only helped a little bit. I hate the kickstarter.” – Cole King

“The fork feels like it is sprung for a 250-pound Supercross racer. I went out six clicks on the compression and added two clicks of rebound and it helped a little, but this bike needs some serious work in the suspension department.” – Donn Maeda

“Being a taller rider, I felt massive and uncomfortable on the Suzuki. The power is subtle. When I needed and wanted power to get me over obstacles it just was not there.” – Austin Schott

“If I would have ridden the Suzuki first I would have said that it was pretty fast but unfortunately that was not the case. Compared to the other bikes it is lacking in the power department.” – Cody Whitsett
 

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Donn Maeda

Donn Maeda is a 30-year veteran in moto-journalism, having worked at Cycle News and Dirt Rider before launching MXracer Magazine and TransWorld Motocross Magazine. Maeda is the Editor-In-Chief at Swapmoto Live and you can catch him on a dirt bike or in the saddle of a mountain bike on most days.

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