Opinions
This is the remodeled RM-Z250, and one major step up from the past couple of years. The first thing I noticed about this machine was the feel of the new motor. Suzuki added some ponies from the crack of the throttle to the amazing midrange, which the bike had been lacking since its birth. This bike moves. And I don't think I ever found the rev-limiter. The new chassis is super comfortable and easy to adapt to; it felt like it was my own, right from the start. The RM-Z is extremely responsive when wanting to make quick lane changes and blessed with its big brother's awesome turning characteristics. You can slide the bike into a flat-track turn, dive into a deep rut or bury it in a deep berm and it will hold tight and go wherever you aim. It's nice, very, very nice.
-Ryan Orr/5'10"/170 lb/Pro
For some reason I wasn't expecting that much from the RM-Z250-and boy, was I surprised! First is torque. It has it and, oddly for a 250F, it has it on the bottom, mid and top! On 250Fs, you usually can have one; good engines have it in two places, but everywhere is almost unheard of, even in race motors! And it pumps out horsepower, too, as much as any stock 250F I've ridden. That makes this bike fast, and for a heavier rider like me, that almost trumps most other concerns, especially with all that torque. Add in the great RM clutch and I love it even more! Bonus is that the chassis and suspension are good, too. They bring the RM-Z back into the game, and I couldn't find fault with the handling. The fork and shock are the best I've ridden on a Suzuki. Simply put, I'm really impressed and don't have anything to complain about. And that's really, really weird for me.
-Jimmy Lewis/5'10"/185 lb/Vet Pro
At press time, I have arguably more time on this bike than any of the other staffers. Part of this is because I was asked to help break it in, and part is because I have been hogging it! The '07 RM-Z is awesome-no two ways about it. The motor makes great torque all the way to its high-revving, hard-pulling top-end. The suspension was practically built for my weight, and it can handle anything I can throw at it. Shifting, braking and turning are excellent all around, with the only exception coming from a slightly soft fork. I never thought I would be saying this about the new Suzuki 250F, but I might smell a shootout winner!
-Chris Denison/5'10"/155 lb/Intermediate
Specifications
MSRP: $5999
Claimed dry weight: 203 lb
Actual weight (ready to race, no fuel): 217 lb
Seat height: 37.0 in.
Seat-to-peg distance: 20.7 in.
What's Hot
Power out of the hole and all the way to the top.Keeps traditional Suzuki handling.Can anyone say "contingency"?Very light-feeling and agile.What's Not
Graphics are blah.When are these going to start getting quieter from the dealer?