suzuki performance/reliability

[rebith75]

Hey, getting new bike, new to the sport interested in the suzuki rm 250 2 strokes, looking around 1998-2002 range for a good price, would like yz or cr instead but found some good prices on suzukis, what it the reliability/performance or anyother comments on getting a suzuki instead of yam. or honda, thanks

 

[robwbright]

Here's what I have learned thus far from experience and reading - if anyone wants to correct me, feel free:

Suzuki quality/reliability improved quite a bit in the very late 90s/very early 2000s.

Clutches tend to be a weak point. Ask whether it has a stock or aftermarket basket/inner hub/pressure plate.
If not, you will likely be buying Hinson clutch parts in the future.

Otherwise, any troubles I have had have been issues that would/could happen on any of the brands.

Suzukis have a reputation for cornering REALLY well.

For what it's worth (maybe not much), here are some reviews.

http://www.dirtrider.com/tests/motocross/2003_suzuki_rm_250/

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/27july00suzukimotocrossers.html

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/19oct00suzukirm250review.html

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/07january02suzuki2002rm250.html

 

[gpoints]

Hey, getting new bike, new to the sport interested in the suzuki rm 250 2 strokes, looking around 1998-2002 range for a good price, would like yz or cr instead but found some good prices on suzukis, what it the reliability/performance or anyother comments on getting a suzuki instead of yam. or honda, thanks

I agree with everything Rob said. I have an '02 and love it. Handling is great and the power delivery is smooth and strong.

On a side note, when I was looking I too wanted a YZ or CR. Around here, a 96-97 yz or cr was as expensive as an 00'+ RM. I went with the RM and am very happy.

 

[NO HAND]

The RM 250 has the potential to be an awesome machine, but you need to spend some time to fine tune the handling to your liking. As delivered stock, the handling is a bit too much on the arenacross side. With careful rear sag and fork tube height adjustments, this bike can become a contender. My bike was very scary to ride stock, but lowering the fork tubes solved it all, now I love it.

 

[ls1cameric]

I never have been crazy about Suzuki (even though my first was a lt80). However I think they have the best looking plastics on the market today and i know that thier build quality/relaibilty has definately gone up.

 

[oldfrt613]

The zook will be fine, more important though is how well maintaned that used bike is. If your new to motocross bikes, take a buddy who knows how to work on them to check it out. What looks like a real bargain can easily run you broke trying to fix everything.