How to get more performance with rm250

RyanLester761
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RyanLester761 4/22/2016 11:00am
4/22/2016 11:00am
Polishhammer wrote:
Yes the 03 came with the new yz clone engine. The forks remained as the old open chamber kybs on the 03. 04 came with reduce...
Yes the 03 came with the new yz clone engine.
The forks remained as the old open chamber kybs on the 03. 04 came with reduce offset triple clamps and showa. suspension.
Warner told me to run a 14 tooth front sprocket on one of my rms. When he had ported it. I think he said 14/52?
Wrong. The 2004 was the first year RM250 cloned the YZ250 porting. I remember because my buddy had the new Suzuki (which he let me ride) and I loved that thing. I had the 2003 YZ250 at the time. They felt very similar.

More recently, another friend had a 2002 RM250. I rode that too. It was definitely not the same power characteristics. Not much low end power and just not crisp. It might have been the set-up. Either way, I distinctly remember MXA's test and comparison in 2004.
YZ125H1
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YZ125H1 4/22/2016 4:15pm
4/22/2016 4:15pm
Gary105 wrote:
New add on for my RM.... With a bike that rips you need a brake to stop.. Next is a Scalvini cone pipe & silencer.. lol[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/04/22/132606/s1200_Picture0422161233_1.jpg[/img]
New add on for my RM.... With a bike that rips you need a brake to stop.. Next is a Scalvini cone pipe & silencer.. lol

Definitely going to try this mod next my current brake tip is very worn/rusted. Just purchased a PC platinum pipe can't wait to try it out.
jeffro503
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jeffro503 4/22/2016 9:27pm
4/22/2016 9:27pm
NorcalVet wrote:
Jeffro.... since you have a lot of time on your 06, you need get some laps in on the 05 before you start changing things and...
Jeffro....

since you have a lot of time on your 06, you need get some laps in on the 05 before you start changing things and give us a ride report.


I like my 05 just the way it is
v 3 reeds
pc works pipe
Fresh oem pistion kit and w/c hour meter
jd kit
10 oz ffw
927 @ 32-1 (zero spooge)
110 Purple

oem clutch kit
Yes, ATF--- type F

BUT first I had it revalved w/ the right springs
then lastly a Galfer OS Rotor and kit


.... just need to trade another club member bikes soon (he has an 06).... pssst (mmx or Oatfield)




I know brother....I need to just get out and put a few rides on her first. It's raining hard again this weekend so I'm missing it again this weekend. Just got my new chain and sprockets and a new top end sitting here to put in her. The 05' is bone stock except for that Vforce cage I have on it....wondering what it might feel like? The damn thing must of been a farm bike or something. The clickers on top and bottom from the right side and left side , were 6-9 clicks off from eacvh other. And whoever owned this , ran a very rich mixture. I wanted to put the new top end in and clean the power valves out.

I've have boxes of stuff sitting here for my 06' , and will have my Scalvini pipe ordered up on Tuesday. Now....I'm at a cross roads with these two bikes. I got custom graphics I was going to slap on the 06' RC replica , but am thinking I maybe should put them on the 05' instead and keep the Makita scheme going on the 06'? I also will have to get the suspension done on that 05' I think. There isn't a mark on anything , which tells me that they have never been serviced. Which means I may have worn out parts....I don't fucking know.

I know you would know.....but since my 06' is more tailored for a bottom to mid range type power....what do you think I should do with the 05'? Make it a top end screamer? Have two bikes and can't figure out what to do with both of them.
Polishhammer 4/23/2016 2:35pm
4/23/2016 2:35pm
Polishhammer wrote:
Yes the 03 came with the new yz clone engine. The forks remained as the old open chamber kybs on the 03. 04 came with reduce...
Yes the 03 came with the new yz clone engine.
The forks remained as the old open chamber kybs on the 03. 04 came with reduce offset triple clamps and showa. suspension.
Warner told me to run a 14 tooth front sprocket on one of my rms. When he had ported it. I think he said 14/52?
RyanLester761 wrote:
Wrong. The 2004 was the first year RM250 cloned the YZ250 porting. I remember because my buddy had the new Suzuki (which he let me ride)...
Wrong. The 2004 was the first year RM250 cloned the YZ250 porting. I remember because my buddy had the new Suzuki (which he let me ride) and I loved that thing. I had the 2003 YZ250 at the time. They felt very similar.

More recently, another friend had a 2002 RM250. I rode that too. It was definitely not the same power characteristics. Not much low end power and just not crisp. It might have been the set-up. Either way, I distinctly remember MXA's test and comparison in 2004.
You are wrong! Don't tell me I'm wrong when I know for a fact. I know these bikes as I've had about six of them! Take an 03 cylinder and look at it! The ports look virtually identical to an 04! Look in Eric gorrs book

The Shop

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RyanLester761
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RyanLester761 4/23/2016 3:11pm
4/23/2016 3:11pm
Polishhammer wrote:
You are wrong! Don't tell me I'm wrong when I know for a fact. I know these bikes as I've had about six of them! Take...
You are wrong! Don't tell me I'm wrong when I know for a fact. I know these bikes as I've had about six of them! Take an 03 cylinder and look at it! The ports look virtually identical to an 04! Look in Eric gorrs book
Ah damn it, you got me! My apologies. You ARE correct! My memory is going great in my old age. Lol.

I found a mxa magazine. I'm surprised the Suzuki copied the yz250 porting the same year Yamaha revised their porting as well... although slightly. I thought it was one year later. My bad.





Polishhammer 4/23/2016 3:23pm
4/23/2016 3:23pm


No problem! I just didn't want the wrong info being passed on about the beloved rm250. I've had two 03s, an 04, 05, and two 06s. After riding them and racing them over the years I've had to rebuild them all at some point with new cranks and all the other good stuff.
That's awesome you have the magazine! My wife threw out all my old mags years ago. Anyway you can take pix of the shootout and post them up?

RyanLester761
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RyanLester761 4/23/2016 3:26pm
4/23/2016 3:26pm Edited Date/Time 4/23/2016 3:35pm
No worries. I have the Eric Gorr's books too. Great info in there!

Yes, I can take pics. Give me a minute...
dbrunski125 4/28/2016 11:59am
4/28/2016 11:59am
Digger29 wrote:
They replied back to me that they did make them but hadn't made any in quite and would gladly make me a pr if I was...
They replied back to me that they did make them but hadn't made any in quite and would gladly make me a pr if I was willing to wait like 3wks and it was in the email that were all done and ready to be shipped that they said if I was ever in a pinch that any KTM bike peg fits the RM125,250 and I did keep them and put them right on my 13 250SX. So you could try Scar's or Pro Pegs Ti pegs because they look very very similar to the Raptor and they're cheaper too.
Hey digger so motostuff got back to me. They used to distribute raptor pegs. They confirmed what you said about raptor pegs on rm 2 strokes. So I'm going to order a set. I had 1 quick question though. Did you use oem suzuki peg springs a pins or oem ktm peg springs and pins. Thanks in advance.
dbrunski125 4/28/2016 1:32pm
4/28/2016 1:32pm
digger wrote:
Use the KTM springs, which are much stiffer than the OEM Suzuki springs along with pins from a Yamaha YZ/YZF. The Yamaha pins have the centers...
Use the KTM springs, which are much stiffer than the OEM Suzuki springs along with pins from a Yamaha YZ/YZF. The Yamaha pins have the centers drilled, which makes them lighter than Suzuki OEM pins.

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/yamaha/YP-90240-10004-00.html
I'm not too concerned about the weight of the pins. If anything I'd rather have slightly beefier pins to be honest. But so basically use either oem suzuki or ktm springs (either or works but ktm springs are a lot stiffer) and any pin really?

digger
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digger 4/28/2016 1:43pm
4/28/2016 1:43pm Edited Date/Time 4/28/2016 1:52pm
dbrunski125 wrote:
I'm not too concerned about the weight of the pins. If anything I'd rather have slightly beefier pins to be honest. But so basically use either...
I'm not too concerned about the weight of the pins. If anything I'd rather have slightly beefier pins to be honest. But so basically use either oem suzuki or ktm springs (either or works but ktm springs are a lot stiffer) and any pin really?

The Yamaha springs will work as well and are slightly stiffer than the Suzuki springs, but not as stiff as the KTM springs. The Yamaha pins are lighter and seem to be harder, which makes them wear better. They are every bits as strong as the Suzuki pins.
dbrunski125 4/28/2016 1:49pm
4/28/2016 1:49pm
dbrunski125 wrote:
I'm not too concerned about the weight of the pins. If anything I'd rather have slightly beefier pins to be honest. But so basically use either...
I'm not too concerned about the weight of the pins. If anything I'd rather have slightly beefier pins to be honest. But so basically use either oem suzuki or ktm springs (either or works but ktm springs are a lot stiffer) and any pin really?

digger wrote:
The Yamaha springs will work as well and are slightly stiffer than the Suzuki springs, but not as stiff as the KTM springs. The Yamaha pins...
The Yamaha springs will work as well and are slightly stiffer than the Suzuki springs, but not as stiff as the KTM springs. The Yamaha pins are lighter and seem to be harder, which makes them wear better. They are every bits as strong as the Suzuki pins.
Okay so I have options then hahaha. Thanks for all the help
YZ125H1
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YZ125H1 4/29/2016 1:31pm
4/29/2016 1:31pm
So is the racer's choice piston a straight drop into the rm motors? Anyone used TMV FWW's and do they need a spacer for the ignition cover? I know for a fact the 10oz steahly needs one.
Digger29
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Digger29 4/30/2016 5:35am
4/30/2016 5:35am
YZ125H1 wrote:
So is the racer's choice piston a straight drop into the rm motors? Anyone used TMV FWW's and do they need a spacer for the ignition...
So is the racer's choice piston a straight drop into the rm motors? Anyone used TMV FWW's and do they need a spacer for the ignition cover? I know for a fact the 10oz steahly needs one.
Yes, the Racers Choice 808 YZ250 piston is a straight drop in for your 03 and I'm 99% that you'll need a cover spacer for anything over an 8oz flywheel weight on a RM250
YZ125H1
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YZ125H1 4/30/2016 8:07am
4/30/2016 8:07am
Digger29 wrote:
Yes, the Racers Choice 808 YZ250 piston is a straight drop in for your 03 and I'm 99% that you'll need a cover spacer for anything...
Yes, the Racers Choice 808 YZ250 piston is a straight drop in for your 03 and I'm 99% that you'll need a cover spacer for anything over an 8oz flywheel weight on a RM250
Thanks for help. I was reading through some of your old posts about your RM250 and what you learned. Some very good tips to hop up the RM's. Might try to mill down my steahly fww 10oz to 6 or just buy the TMV 9oz (I like how it mounts over the steahly one). Only problem with the RM's it seems when you add a FWW is the nut grinds on the ignition cover. Apparently, it's a known issue from what I have read.

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Digger29
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Digger29 4/30/2016 10:16am
4/30/2016 10:16am
Digger29 wrote:
Yes, the Racers Choice 808 YZ250 piston is a straight drop in for your 03 and I'm 99% that you'll need a cover spacer for anything...
Yes, the Racers Choice 808 YZ250 piston is a straight drop in for your 03 and I'm 99% that you'll need a cover spacer for anything over an 8oz flywheel weight on a RM250
YZ125H1 wrote:
Thanks for help. I was reading through some of your old posts about your RM250 and what you learned. Some very good tips to hop up...
Thanks for help. I was reading through some of your old posts about your RM250 and what you learned. Some very good tips to hop up the RM's. Might try to mill down my steahly fww 10oz to 6 or just buy the TMV 9oz (I like how it mounts over the steahly one). Only problem with the RM's it seems when you add a FWW is the nut grinds on the ignition cover. Apparently, it's a known issue from what I have read.
Thx :-) I'm going to dig up some pics of my 03 because I know I had a 9oz flywheel weight on it but I just can't remember if I needed a cover spacer or not.
RussB
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RussB 5/1/2016 12:59am
5/1/2016 12:59am
Digger29 wrote:
Yes, the Racers Choice 808 YZ250 piston is a straight drop in for your 03 and I'm 99% that you'll need a cover spacer for anything...
Yes, the Racers Choice 808 YZ250 piston is a straight drop in for your 03 and I'm 99% that you'll need a cover spacer for anything over an 8oz flywheel weight on a RM250
I've just dropped a 808 YZ250 racers choice piston in my 08. Runs well, noticeably crisper.
I was running 0.3mm base gaskets with a ProX piston which made my squish gap 1.25mm. When I fitted the 808 piston I used a 0.3mm base gasket again but my squish measured 1.09mm! So I went back to a stock 0.5mm base gasket.
I've not ridden the bike yet but the engine is definitely noisier with this piston, is this normal? I've never used a forged piston before. I'm getting a loud 'shish' noise when I come off the throttle and the engine goes back down to idle. I've only done 20 hours tops on my bottom end so I'm confident it's not the mains?
Gary105
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Gary105 5/4/2016 6:06am
5/4/2016 6:06am
Digger29 wrote:
They replied back to me that they did make them but hadn't made any in quite and would gladly make me a pr if I was...
They replied back to me that they did make them but hadn't made any in quite and would gladly make me a pr if I was willing to wait like 3wks and it was in the email that were all done and ready to be shipped that they said if I was ever in a pinch that any KTM bike peg fits the RM125,250 and I did keep them and put them right on my 13 250SX. So you could try Scar's or Pro Pegs Ti pegs because they look very very similar to the Raptor and they're cheaper too.
dbrunski125 wrote:
Hey digger so motostuff got back to me. They used to distribute raptor pegs. They confirmed what you said about raptor pegs on rm 2 strokes...
Hey digger so motostuff got back to me. They used to distribute raptor pegs. They confirmed what you said about raptor pegs on rm 2 strokes. So I'm going to order a set. I had 1 quick question though. Did you use oem suzuki peg springs a pins or oem ktm peg springs and pins. Thanks in advance.
They definitely fit... Put mine on last night. Just need to get the yamaha pins. Used the Suzuki ones just to see what they looked like on the bike and how they fit.

Tbangbangftw
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Tbangbangftw 3/11/2017 10:37am
3/11/2017 10:37am
Hey , I am new here been reading a lot about my son's 03 RM 250 though. I am kinda confused on some of the upgrades you guys have been talking about . He started doing local races on it last year when he got it but is at a point now that he just really needs more from the motor. A lot more from it . We did the bottom end and top when we bought it and recently did another piston and Phat Head high compression head. It helped but he is still looking for more . This is the first two stroke dirt bike I have ever messed with so I am lost need help lol
bmersk696
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bmersk696 4/21/2017 9:27pm
4/21/2017 9:27pm
b8res wrote:
My 06 is pretty smooth, no real hit in the mid, PC Platinum pipe and R 304 shorty, V Force 3. Gearing 13/49,50 & 51, use...
My 06 is pretty smooth, no real hit in the mid, PC Platinum pipe and R 304 shorty, V Force 3. Gearing 13/49,50 & 51, use 2nd for starts and that about it! The 51 tooth seems to be the sweet spot! I'd like to try a OEM silencer just for shits and giggles!
The stock silencer works the best, I run a pc works pipe, 10oz fw weight matched the transfers to the biggest one, 182 main 52 pilot and the bike is very fast and rideable
HackMan162
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HackMan162 4/22/2017 6:30am
4/22/2017 6:30am
That is by far the richest jetting I have heard of on these bikes. For reference, I am at 162/165 main, 42/45 pilot. VP110, Motul 800 40:1, Vforce3, FMF Factory Fatty.

What mods/fuel are you running?
bmersk696
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bmersk696 4/22/2017 5:07pm
4/22/2017 5:07pm
HackMan162 wrote:
That is by far the richest jetting I have heard of on these bikes. For reference, I am at 162/165 main, 42/45 pilot. VP110, Motul 800...
That is by far the richest jetting I have heard of on these bikes. For reference, I am at 162/165 main, 42/45 pilot. VP110, Motul 800 40:1, Vforce3, FMF Factory Fatty.

What mods/fuel are you running?
Mild porting, raised compression, pc pipe, v force reeds factory crank & trans, Sunoco supreme with maxima k2 32:1
b8res
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b8res 4/23/2017 10:36pm
4/23/2017 10:36pm
b8res wrote:
My 06 is pretty smooth, no real hit in the mid, PC Platinum pipe and R 304 shorty, V Force 3. Gearing 13/49,50 & 51, use...
My 06 is pretty smooth, no real hit in the mid, PC Platinum pipe and R 304 shorty, V Force 3. Gearing 13/49,50 & 51, use 2nd for starts and that about it! The 51 tooth seems to be the sweet spot! I'd like to try a OEM silencer just for shits and giggles!
bmersk696 wrote:
The stock silencer works the best, I run a pc works pipe, 10oz fw weight matched the transfers to the biggest one, 182 main 52 pilot...
The stock silencer works the best, I run a pc works pipe, 10oz fw weight matched the transfers to the biggest one, 182 main 52 pilot and the bike is very fast and rideable
I believe we meet at Oatfield a few years back?? Thanks for the info.... I need to find a OEM silencer.

Thanks
motox766
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motox766 4/20/2018 10:45am
4/20/2018 10:45am
jeffro503 wrote:
Good gawd gary , that's a sweet looking machine. You know I think I'm leaving my 06' stock as far as porting goes , but I'm...
Good gawd gary , that's a sweet looking machine.

You know I think I'm leaving my 06' stock as far as porting goes , but I'm really thinking of getting my 05' motor done up.What Digger just said is kind of what I want. More power every where , not just the top end. I love the way my 06' pulls from the bottom to the mid and it actually doesn't do to bad on top.

Digger , what is this Single ring YZ racers choice piston you speak of?
What year yz 250 piston can u use in the rm 250?
motox766
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motox766 4/20/2018 10:49am
4/20/2018 10:49am
YZ125H1 wrote:
So is the racer's choice piston a straight drop into the rm motors? Anyone used TMV FWW's and do they need a spacer for the ignition...
So is the racer's choice piston a straight drop into the rm motors? Anyone used TMV FWW's and do they need a spacer for the ignition cover? I know for a fact the 10oz steahly needs one.
Digger29 wrote:
Yes, the Racers Choice 808 YZ250 piston is a straight drop in for your 03 and I'm 99% that you'll need a cover spacer for anything...
Yes, the Racers Choice 808 YZ250 piston is a straight drop in for your 03 and I'm 99% that you'll need a cover spacer for anything over an 8oz flywheel weight on a RM250
Will that piston work on a 06 rm 250?
Turbojez
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Turbojez 4/20/2018 2:10pm
4/20/2018 2:10pm
YZ125H1 wrote:
So is the racer's choice piston a straight drop into the rm motors? Anyone used TMV FWW's and do they need a spacer for the ignition...
So is the racer's choice piston a straight drop into the rm motors? Anyone used TMV FWW's and do they need a spacer for the ignition cover? I know for a fact the 10oz steahly needs one.
Digger29 wrote:
Yes, the Racers Choice 808 YZ250 piston is a straight drop in for your 03 and I'm 99% that you'll need a cover spacer for anything...
Yes, the Racers Choice 808 YZ250 piston is a straight drop in for your 03 and I'm 99% that you'll need a cover spacer for anything over an 8oz flywheel weight on a RM250
motox766 wrote:
Will that piston work on a 06 rm 250?
Yes
motox766
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motox766 4/20/2018 2:39pm
4/20/2018 2:39pm
Digger29 wrote:
Yes, the Racers Choice 808 YZ250 piston is a straight drop in for your 03 and I'm 99% that you'll need a cover spacer for anything...
Yes, the Racers Choice 808 YZ250 piston is a straight drop in for your 03 and I'm 99% that you'll need a cover spacer for anything over an 8oz flywheel weight on a RM250
motox766 wrote:
Will that piston work on a 06 rm 250?
Turbojez wrote:
Yes
Would u happen to have a number ?i just wanted to make sure....so I don't mess up and order a wrong one

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