KXF250 to RMZ250 yay or nay?

Gandorlf
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8/29/2016 9:54am
Had my '09 KXF250 for about 5 months now and getting really comfortable on it, riding and servicing wise... Anyway I've started saving for a new bike in 2017 (in about 5 months or so) and was wanting something a bit more recent as I get more involved in the sport.

Been looking at some '13 RMZ250 and I love the look of them, anyone got any experience on a Suzuki bike around that year? What are they like on the track? What are they like to maintain? Anything different from the other Japanese manufacturers?

I have read some reviews from the magazine archives from 2012 but I don't 100% trust those guys. Can't beat first hand owner advice. Thanks in advance.
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ianhendry46
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8/29/2016 11:05am
Had a 13 rmz 250. It was a decent bike, but not one I would buy again. I really did not like the forks on that bike. I had them revolved again and again and just could never seem to get them right. You won't notice the difference in power, being that the Suzuki is probably putting out about the same power. I'd look for a Yamaha, or newer Kawi.
Gandorlf
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8/29/2016 11:10am
Had a 13 rmz 250. It was a decent bike, but not one I would buy again. I really did not like the forks on that...
Had a 13 rmz 250. It was a decent bike, but not one I would buy again. I really did not like the forks on that bike. I had them revolved again and again and just could never seem to get them right. You won't notice the difference in power, being that the Suzuki is probably putting out about the same power. I'd look for a Yamaha, or newer Kawi.
Thanks for the reply Smile If the RMZ didn't seem like a good buy I was going to go for a '13 KXF because so far I've really liked the Kawi! What's a good year for a YZF?
mxb2
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8/29/2016 11:33am
15 or new kawy, yzf. Best idea leftover new 16 kawy, killer deals now.
Beast666
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8/29/2016 1:53pm
Suzuki parts prices are very high so take that into account.

Your best bet is to try out a friends KX YZ CR etc. Just to get a feel the bike you feel the most comfortable with initially will be a bike that makes you happy to own.

For myself i never have felt comfortable on a Honda or Yamaha yet a Kawasaki or KTM are a natural fit.

The Shop

95s10nj
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8/30/2016 6:29am
I had a 13 RMZ250 the last few years and sold it this past winter and got a 16 YZ250F. I was comfortable to go a decent pace for a few laps on the Suzuki but the forks and shock always beat me to death no matter what settings I tried. The oem suzuki prices are crazy high like the other guy mentioned. After about 3-4 rides on the YZ the suspension was broke in and I found a really good setting to where I probably won't have it revalved at 170lb. I rode a buddys 2013 KX250F and was pretty comfortable on it but I still like the YZ better.
BobPA
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8/30/2016 6:37am
Kawasaki
Flip109
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8/30/2016 7:09am
I have a 13 KXF250. My buddy has a 12 RMZ250. RMZ all day!! I hate my bike after riding his. It turns better and has a better engine. Although he does have a full yoshi system on it. Other than that both bikes are bone stock. But that zook corners on rails!
JAFO92
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8/30/2016 7:16am
Flip109 wrote:
I have a 13 KXF250. My buddy has a 12 RMZ250. RMZ all day!! I hate my bike after riding his. It turns better and has...
I have a 13 KXF250. My buddy has a 12 RMZ250. RMZ all day!! I hate my bike after riding his. It turns better and has a better engine. Although he does have a full yoshi system on it. Other than that both bikes are bone stock. But that zook corners on rails!
2012 Cool

HenryA
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8/30/2016 7:20am
Had a 13 rmz 250. It was a decent bike, but not one I would buy again. I really did not like the forks on that...
Had a 13 rmz 250. It was a decent bike, but not one I would buy again. I really did not like the forks on that bike. I had them revolved again and again and just could never seem to get them right. You won't notice the difference in power, being that the Suzuki is probably putting out about the same power. I'd look for a Yamaha, or newer Kawi.
Gandorlf wrote:
Thanks for the reply :) If the RMZ didn't seem like a good buy I was going to go for a '13 KXF because so far...
Thanks for the reply Smile If the RMZ didn't seem like a good buy I was going to go for a '13 KXF because so far I've really liked the Kawi! What's a good year for a YZF?
14 or newer YZF = Really fast, but there has been some reliability issues. Water pumps, cracked frames etc
13 or older YZF = Slow and old, but it will never quit on you.


Flip109
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8/30/2016 7:26am
Flip109 wrote:
I have a 13 KXF250. My buddy has a 12 RMZ250. RMZ all day!! I hate my bike after riding his. It turns better and has...
I have a 13 KXF250. My buddy has a 12 RMZ250. RMZ all day!! I hate my bike after riding his. It turns better and has a better engine. Although he does have a full yoshi system on it. Other than that both bikes are bone stock. But that zook corners on rails!
JAFO92 wrote:
2012 B) [img]http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag48/Speak-Easy/Suzuki/2012-RMZ250/2012-RMZ250-04_zpsmlzmztja.jpg[/img]
2012 Cool

Nice!! If it wasn't such a pain in the ass buying and selling used bikes I'd sell mine and buy one asap!
mtl
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8/30/2016 7:37am
Nay.

- 2012 or newer CRF250R or 2014 or newer YZF250F
Tracktor
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8/30/2016 9:40am
If you decide on the RMZ watch the kickstart idler gear. Never been a Suzuki fan but bought a 13 RMZ250 just to say i tried every color. I really liked the handling & motor but the reliability left a lot to be desired. We figured out the forks and got them to work really well same with the shock after replacing the piston with aftermarket one with less stiction.
Have a 15 KX250f now and it's decent bike. Nothing special but does everything well...............
Gandorlf
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8/30/2016 11:02am
So far not really feeling the '13 RMZ then, especially suspension wise myself being 6ft at 179lbs potential suspension problems scare me!

I like my current Kawasaki. I'm not experienced riding motocross bikes but I've been around the sport my entire life and to me the Kawi like another guy already stated good at all trades master of none so to speak. I know a guy with a '12 YZF might ask him if I can do a lap or two on it see how it feels Smile
Braap19
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Swansboro, NC US
8/30/2016 11:59am
Gandorlf wrote:
Had my '09 KXF250 for about 5 months now and getting really comfortable on it, riding and servicing wise... Anyway I've started saving for a new...
Had my '09 KXF250 for about 5 months now and getting really comfortable on it, riding and servicing wise... Anyway I've started saving for a new bike in 2017 (in about 5 months or so) and was wanting something a bit more recent as I get more involved in the sport.

Been looking at some '13 RMZ250 and I love the look of them, anyone got any experience on a Suzuki bike around that year? What are they like on the track? What are they like to maintain? Anything different from the other Japanese manufacturers?

I have read some reviews from the magazine archives from 2012 but I don't 100% trust those guys. Can't beat first hand owner advice. Thanks in advance.
My all time favorite package of a bike was a kxf 250 not a '13 but a '12. It handled great and motor was solid. I felt it was the best overall package bike ive ever raced
bd
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8/30/2016 1:05pm
Before buying either bike, look at part's replacement cost. Added note, the 2017 KX250F is a new bike. Save the plastic, the 2016 RMZ 250 is a new bike. Check out dealer assistance too.
malachi177
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B.C., BC CA
8/30/2016 6:16pm Edited Date/Time 8/30/2016 6:16pm
Tracktor wrote:
If you decide on the RMZ watch the kickstart idler gear. Never been a Suzuki fan but bought a 13 RMZ250 just to say i tried...
If you decide on the RMZ watch the kickstart idler gear. Never been a Suzuki fan but bought a 13 RMZ250 just to say i tried every color. I really liked the handling & motor but the reliability left a lot to be desired. We figured out the forks and got them to work really well same with the shock after replacing the piston with aftermarket one with less stiction.
Have a 15 KX250f now and it's decent bike. Nothing special but does everything well...............
'14 RMZ250...52hrs and zero issues. Reliable as hell and well built. SFF was a little more of a PITA to set up, but google was my friend in getting a decent base setting to go from.
mark1960
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AU
8/30/2016 6:46pm
So are spare parts prices really more expensise between the Japanese brands?
8/30/2016 9:26pm
mark1960 wrote:
So are spare parts prices really more expensise between the Japanese brands?
At least in the US, Suzuki parts cost way more than Honda. Those are the only two bikes I've bought parts for so I'm not sure how the others stack up.
Cancerman
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In Hell, FL US
8/30/2016 10:55pm




I built a CR500 powered RMZ250 chassis bike. I chose to try the RMZ after owning CRF and CR Honda 125, 250, and 450's. The RMZ and RM's just have a really responsive chassis. Of course this is a Hand built bike, but the shock is really decent, once you spring it right. The forks, I played with, as FC had already done the re-valve for a guy 30 lbs lighter than me. I added heavier springs and played with the oil level, lowering it to get it smooth all the way through. They are the best forks so far that I've owned. I've had a lot of bikes. I think you would want to mod the RMZ250 with a pipe and maybe a little else. It's down a couple of ponys to other new 250F's. I love the feel though. I'm glad I did not do another CR500AF like everyone else. Everyone that I have let ride it, loves it. But you have to respect the motor. I chose the 250 over the 450 as the chassis was narrower, and handles a bit better, but that's all the 250's vs 450's, in my opinion. Good luck with your choice. Also, I have not found that there is a big difference in parts prices.
KO93
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LV
8/31/2016 5:47am
If you are not racing highest level just buy the bike you can get better deal or have best spare part price and availability in your region.

I used to own 12 kx250f after I bought 14 rmz250. Both are good bikes, Chose RMZ only because I got good deal.
No problems with my RMZ with 40 hours. Good engine especially for non-professionals, great handling. The suspension could be better.

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