Since the initial update on the RM-Z250 Long Haul bike a few months ago (June '07), our little shootout winner has held up well to all the abuse we throw at it. Shortly after the Sunline AVone OSX handlebar was added at the last update, I threw on a pair of Sunline's trick Moto Ray Revolver hand guards as well as a set of One Industries graphics to give the little yellow bike some extra style. Aside from Ready Racing air and oil filters and another set of tires, we kept the bike fairly stock until 24.6 hours.
At this point, the stock suspension was sent to Canada to see what the boys at Elka could do to improve the high-speed performance. They ended up revalving the too-soft fork, adding a 0.45kg/mm spring and a 1.6 pressure spring with some mods to improve bottoming. The stock spring rate was usable on the shock, so a revalve was all that was needed to balance out the bike. The result of this work is an initially stiff fork that is very active in the mid-stroke and much better at absorbing hard hits, especially when pushed hard. The already-stable chassis remains planted and hooked up, and the bottoming issues of the stock fork are completely gone. The beefed-up shock was likewise an improvement on fast chop and big braking bumps, while only a small amount of the Suzuki's original ability to settle in corners was sacrificed. Not everyone has liked the stiff feel, but I am way more stoked on the bike's ridability at speed, and I definitely think that Elka took the Suzuki to the next level in terms of handling.
While the suspension was being worked on, I installed a Boyesen Power Wing to see how it would alter the Suzuki's strong powerband. Instantly, I noticed a difference in delivery just past the low-end, where a new smooth hit picks up even more to help pull the bike out of corners. In addition to this (and with the hot, summer weather already in full swing), I put on Boyesen's Supercooler. This is a combination water pump cover/impeller that increases coolant flow through a much more efficient internal design. One look inside the workings of the stock unit (which has the coolant taking two 90-degree turns in one spot) will prove the Supercooler's usefulness.
For the most part, the RM-Z has performed well and without any major hiccups. The biggest complaint I have about the bike is in the shifting; you have to be very deliberate when grabbing gears. I've hit more than one false neutral on this bike that I didn't care for, and I've heard the same feedback from several other test riders. Hopefully Suzuki fixes this for '08. The power remains strong and the handling is still awesome, though I have recently taken to a much tighter headset adjustment, much to Jimmy's chagrin.
With several local races and quite a few long test days at the track, we figured it was time to see how the RM-Z would hold up to a serious beating, but not before a good prep session. The exhaust valves had tightened up a tad but were still within spec, so we adjusted those and made sure the intakes were all good. New brake pads, tires and heavy-duty tubes were mounted, along with a fresh clutch from Barnett. Seeing as the stock plates came out in pieces, we were glad we followed through with that one! Once race ready, the Suzuki found itself entered in the dusty Glen Helen 12-hour endurance race with Jesse Ziegler, Ryan Orr, Ricky Yorks and myself on board (not all at once, mind you). Orr began the race well at the start of what was to be a 110-degree day. Twelve hours, four air filters, three rear tires, two crashes and one blown fork seal later, we crossed the line in first place in the 125-250 Expert class. The bike, as you can imagine, was exhausted.