Posts
54
Joined
1/16/2019
Location
Lanesville, IN
US
Edited Date/Time
9/8/2022 8:26pm
Cliff notes: current generation rmz 250 or 450 and why!? (Details to follow) All comments are welcome.. no pussies allowed.
I have owned and ridden many hours on 4 major brands and even an ATK in the past 23 years. I have always liked the way suzukis looked, but I've never owned one. Majority of yellow owners have good things to say about their bike. Call me crazy (or ignorant), but I'm thinking about trying one!
One, they're cheaper to buy and I have heard cheap to own and maintain. Two, I haven't had one and before they scrap the mx division, I'd like to have at least tried it. Three, I tend to like different and I don't see many of them at the track these days. So, tell me why I should buy one or tell me why I shouldn't!
Also, 250 or 450? As an adult I have ridden 250 2s, 450s, and a 350 most recently. Man that 350 motor is PERFECT. Which leads me to believe I'd have a lot of fun on a powerful 250. However, power isn't part of an rmz 250s game I read and hear. Would the 450 give me arm pump like all the others do (because I've never once gotten arm pump on the 350 in 70 hours)? Would the 250 require too much effort to just ride and enjoy myself?
All that being said, I'm 6'3", 210lb, midpack B guy locally on a good day, I try my best to ride with good technique and I am damn sure not a revver. I ride mx maybe twice a month and flowing trails 1-2x a month. Weekend warrior mostly, don't race too often.
I have owned and ridden many hours on 4 major brands and even an ATK in the past 23 years. I have always liked the way suzukis looked, but I've never owned one. Majority of yellow owners have good things to say about their bike. Call me crazy (or ignorant), but I'm thinking about trying one!
One, they're cheaper to buy and I have heard cheap to own and maintain. Two, I haven't had one and before they scrap the mx division, I'd like to have at least tried it. Three, I tend to like different and I don't see many of them at the track these days. So, tell me why I should buy one or tell me why I shouldn't!
Also, 250 or 450? As an adult I have ridden 250 2s, 450s, and a 350 most recently. Man that 350 motor is PERFECT. Which leads me to believe I'd have a lot of fun on a powerful 250. However, power isn't part of an rmz 250s game I read and hear. Would the 450 give me arm pump like all the others do (because I've never once gotten arm pump on the 350 in 70 hours)? Would the 250 require too much effort to just ride and enjoy myself?
All that being said, I'm 6'3", 210lb, midpack B guy locally on a good day, I try my best to ride with good technique and I am damn sure not a revver. I ride mx maybe twice a month and flowing trails 1-2x a month. Weekend warrior mostly, don't race too often.
We rode as a group of guys the last weekend in July and I rode my brothers 2021 KX 250F and I felt better riding the Kawi in the 2 laps I rode the bike compared to my Suzuki, it just fit me better for some reason. My dad bought a brand new 2023 CRF 250R so I am curious to compare all 3. We were going to do that last weekend but my mom's sister tragically passed away so we weren't able to ride.
I am curious to ride all 3 bikes for maybe 20-30 minutes at a time to see what I think. If I like one of the other bikes much more I may sell the Suzuki, the biggest problem is re-sale value likely won't be great. I wanted a Yamaha and would still consider one since they are generally regarded as the best bike.
The other option is put 42 mm forks springs on it and get the TwinAir PowerFlow kit and see how things go there. For riding an RMZ is fine. Racing, I think it depends on how competitive you want to be, but even then an RMZ can be competitive, that said other bikes may suit you better. The other concern is lack of aftermarket parts for the Suzuki.
The Shop
Suzuki RMZs....plenty more than enough bike for the majority of people on this board/in this sport.
...but keep buying those other more expensive, "faster" bikes. Self delusion is a great marketing tool.
And yes, pure laziness. As if I didn't already search "rmz 250. Rmz 450. 250 vs 450, 2019+" etc and got 24 pages about 2008 models.. I have specific questions that I haven't had answered in reading 20 threads.. thanks for the informative replies though lol more!
Been there
Done that
Me: I weigh 148lb, I like a responsive/quick turning bike over a stable boat. I'd also rather start with that fun chassis and add/tweak power rather than start with a powerhouse and try to tweak the chassis to my liking (much harder imo).
I did a lot of mods to get mine close to a JGR bike and it's fun as hell. Honestly, it was fun stock but I just wanted to improve on it because the bike was so comfy and fun stock, it gave me motivation to make it even better.
Regarding the Honda, nope, $8,299 OTD cash from Ridersville Cycle in Berkley Springs, WV. It sounded like they only got 3 in stock this year though and he doesn't have any on his website so I am assume they are all sold, my dad got the 1st one back around mid July. He can sell you a Kawi though LOL.
Side note: Dean Baker was awesome to deal with. Answered a billion questions over the course of a few weeks and then delivered exactly what was promised when we moved forward with the work.
Pit Row
Turning was great, suspension took a while for me to be happy. I'm 6'2 and the bike felt a bit cramped. Going back I would have done a taller seat and probably some x-trig clamps to move the bars forward.
Again it isn't my primary bike, but the reason that I don't have another brands 450 as my primary bike is that they will plant you in the dirt due to the rotating mass. The RMZ doesn't seem to have this tendency due to the nature of motor being more low to mid. Heck I tried to climb a 500 feet high sand hill and couldn't make it due to zero top end , whereas my buddy on a 350, who has a lower skill level and outweighs me by 50 pounds made it up first try.
I think that if you are primarily interested in having fun vs. chasing trophy's that the RMZ 450 is a great choice. You will have to mod the suspension as the settings suck, although I don't hate the shock like some others. The bike does turn in and hold a line in ruts really well and feels light and easy in the air. You could spend extra coin on improving the top end, but I don't think it's necessary. If you want a revver, get a Ktm 350, they are amazing bikes. But I have to say the Zook has exceeded my expectations and the money you save will pay for your gas for the year and then some.
Thanks again!
Post a reply to: Someone call 911, is Suzuki still alive?