03 Rmx250???

I've seen in Trail Rider where some guys are using the new RM successfully, but we know it's the rider's skill. I'd be curious to see how they work off road as the engine has better, more responsive low end this year.

How about gearing, as in transmission? I understand (Cycle News, saying off-road Team Suzuki/Yoshimura swapped) the gearset can be changed with a DRZ => wide ratio. Nice.

I've ridden the past two seasons aboard a 01 and 02 RM250. They work very well in the woods, namely for their very agile handling. Unless you're racing in some very high speeds, you may not need different gear ratios. My 01 would do 72 on the Watchdog, and the 02 about 70 with stock gearing.

Mods to both of the RM's- Steahly Flywheel weight, suspension work by Trak Control, X-ring chain, Ceet seat foam (03's are probably better foam), grippey seat cover, WER damper, FMF Torque Pipe & TCII, and Michelin tires.

Have fun with it!

Don't worry about a wide ratio transmission unless you plan on racing in the dez'. For Enduros and 'Scrambles, leave the tranny be. Change the final gearing instead. On average I usually add two teeth to the back sprocket and that tends to put the power right where you need it in the gears for the woods.

I used a 13oz on both of the bikes and that was satisfactory. I also rode a 01 with a 10oz, and it didn't seem a lot different. For the 03- From what I read, the 03 has a heavier internal flywheel weight, so you probably will need a little less. Call Steahly Off Road and they can advise you to what weight you'll want for your ability, terrain, etc.

The WER is pretty easy to mount on a 250. The frame mount (anchor) pop rivets on, the unit bolts between the fender & lower 3-clamp, and you need to make a cutout in the number plate. Be sure to have the anchor far enough forward or else the linkage won't be long enough. Go to www.werproducts.net and click around. I'm pretty sure I saw a good picture of the RM installation.

TCII- www.fmfracing.com There is also the Q silencer, which is a quieter unit, although the TCII is much quieter than a stock silencer already. Judging by the picture, it looks like the Q might be a tad longer. The TCII extends fairly far already, and the exhaust output will eventually give the rear fender a brown colored tint.