Suzuki has made a name for themselves with their phenomenal handling characteristics the RM 125 and 250 are always one of if not the best handling bikes on the track. However with there sharp turning and handling they lose high-speed stability. This year they addressed this situation and set the bike up a little differently in hopes increasing the straight-line stability. In doing this they not only increased high-speed stability but they were able to keep for the most part, their great turning and handling abilities of the past. Suzuki held nothing back when it came to redesigning the new RM models they increased durability of the hardware and claimed to increase the life of the motors with crank changes. Suzuki has always been in the runnings for shear power but never seem to be the one on top. After spinning a few laps aboard the new Suzuki's this year may be a different story.
The new RM 125 has a very comfortable rider compartment and suits taller riders well. The motor on the RM 125 is also very impressive with good power thru out. Bottom end was a little weak but with just one tooth down on the rear sprocket the bike becomes much easier to keep in the meat of the power. The mid range power to top end rev is smooth and just keeps on pulling. The biggest up side to the power in the RM 125 is that the bike work well for beginners and pros with its broad power band. We tested the RM 125 at a very sandy track and its definitely a screamer. The suspension on the new RM is really balanced and once you get the adjustments dialed you begin to feel how stable the design is at speed.
Mr. Armstrong getting dialed...
Mr. Armstrong getting dialed in on the RM125
Matt Armstrong
If you have ever been to a MX national or Supercross you know the sound of a factory bike. On test days usually nobody gets in a hurry because of the fact that there is a long day of testing ahead. As the first bike hit the track and we heard the sound of the new RM it suddenly became a mad house as testers were scrambling to find out if the new RM 250s bite was as bad as bark. The 250 sounds mean and it puts out some serious boost. The RM 250 has tons of power from the crack of the throttle to the four stroke like top end the new RM is a power house to be dealt with in 04. The handling and suspension compliment the new motor with more high-speed stability and the same old turning abilities of the past.
Matt Armstrong
Matt Armstrong
Flat top piston (lighter) for more bottom power via closer squish area.
* Cylinder all new with non-bridged exhaust port with exhaust sub-ports.
* Transfer or boost ports have greater volume from the cases up for bottom hit.
* Went from a two-piece exhaust valve to a large single valve and small sub-port valves to make engine respond more like 250F.
* Long-rod (8mm) like '03 factory bikes for better hit.
* Crank inertia is increased 6.5-percent for more roll-on.
* Airbox like '03 250, with intakes in sidepanels for cool air, and straightened air boot and manifold.
* Shift stopper spring stronger and detents more solid like RM250 for more positive shifts.
* Seat 10mm lower than '03.
* All hardware and many detail items stronger and better quality.
* Quick-adjust clutch perch for first time.
* Suspension has refined valving front and rear, with redesigned compression valve for better hook-up with new link.
* Linkage rods attach to swingarm rather than frame.
* Redesigned front brake master cylinder and Honda-style hose routing for aftermarket performance stock.
* Wheel drag is reduced via a floating front disc and new carrier in rear.
* One-piece rear master cylinder/reservoir.
* Seat 10mm lower than '03.
* All hardware and many detail items stronger and better quality.
* Quick-adjust clutch perch for first time.
* Suspension has refined valving front and rear, with redesigned compression valve for better hook-up with new link.
* Linkage rods attach to swingarm rather than frame.
* Redesigned front brake master cylinder and Honda-style hose routing for aftermarket performance stock.
* Wheel drag is reduced via a floating front disc and new carrier in rear.
* One-piece rear master cylinder/reservoir.
* Reshaped cylinder head for better performance on pump gasoline.
* 250 got the new one-piece exhaust port in '03, but subport was widened two mm and lengthened two mm for stronger roll-on.
* Exhaust sub-port valves modified to open slower for better roll-on power.
* Added crankshaft inertia for more traction.
* Piston ring cross-section changed from sharp-edged rectangle to barrel shape with rounded corners for better sealing and reliability.
* Exhaust valve governor spring 20-percent stiffer for better valve control and later actuation.
* New needle series with different shape and leaner slide for crisp bottom-end response.
* Shift cam is redesigned for more positive shifts and shift stopper spring 50-percent stiffer.
* Front of the frame strengthened by increasing gusset plate thickness from 1.4 to 1.6mm.
* Footpegs 10mm back from '03 position and handlebar raised 10mm, but seat lowered 10mm -- all to improve cornering.
* Showa suspension components are used on 250 as well 125 for '04. 250 had KYB in '03.
* 22.5mm offset on triple clamps rather than 24.5 in '03 for better turning.