i bought an 04RM250 mon, picked it up tues.. i only have about 10 minutes on it so far (sick), but my first impression was that this bike is perfect! having ridden many 250s lately (to decide if i wanted one or not, incld an almost new 03YZ250), this is by far the best overall bike i've ever ridden..
motor - 9/10
the motor characteristic (for a 2 stroke) summed up in one word (one number :)) is '4 stroke'. the power starts right off idle but comes on controllably, unlike the YZ where it leaps forward.. mid range is excellent and top end is good.. if there was more overrev i would have rated this motor 10/10 - comparingly, the 03YZ250 an 8/10 for it's extremely snappy motor with almost uncontrolable (for me?) bottom end..
suspension - 10/10!
im 5'9, 180lbs w/o gear, raced 125 junior but now 125/250 intermediate.. i've never ridden stock or modified suspension as good as this! the bike tracks incredibly well and although somewhat dancy over chop (like any other RM - once your used to it like me, its not a problem), it stays straight and soaks up everything in it's way.. susp is very balanced for jumping.. cornering is EASIER then on my 01RM125.. in all honesty, this bike feels lighter both on the ground and in the air then my 125 - i can even put it on a stand with less effort.. one reason as to why i think it feels that way is that it sits about 1/2 to 1 inch lower then my 125, contributing to a lower CG? either way, this suspension rocks!
brakes - front 8/10, rear 9/10
front - coming off my 01RM125 without the honda style routing, this brake came across as stupidly powerful.. i actually slid out the first time i used it going into a corner.. in brand new, stock condition this binder is too powerful for my liking.. however, im sure it will break in over time or i will get used to it..
rear - the rear is very controlable and comforting.. it has a nice feel for accuracy and is strong.. i like it
shifting - 10/10
no hitches while shifting under power, always a suzuki strong point in my opinion.. a++
misc
seat foam is MUCH stiffer then my 01, i kind of like it too.. i was under the impression that they were to come with gripper covers, but mine didn't..? this bike is very comfortable from the moment you sit on it.. build quality is excellent.. the exel rims are a plus.. this bike looks amazing in person and the graphics seem to be thicker then the 03 models.. rear intergrated master cylinder is HUGE, but will definately not overheat.. the spare parts kit is welcome, incld gaskets/piston/bearing/cclips/3 rings/spoke wrench/stickers/etc.. the on the fly adjuster is VERY easy to adjust, however i think it may move automatically while riding over chop.. it's almost too easy to adjust, and a slight jar could spin it a bit..
overall - this is my pick for the winner of the 04 2 stroke 250 shootout (still don't want a 4 stroke).. the YZ has a very fast motor, but the stock forks/shock arn't as good as the RM.. oh yeah, this bike runs PERFECT on 91 PUMP gas with no hitch in the jetting.. A+++
i can't think of anything else to say, so if you have any questions ask me!! i want to get pics today, but i dont know if my friend will make it over with his dig cam.. DAN
motor - 9/10
the motor characteristic (for a 2 stroke) summed up in one word (one number :)) is '4 stroke'. the power starts right off idle but comes on controllably, unlike the YZ where it leaps forward.. mid range is excellent and top end is good.. if there was more overrev i would have rated this motor 10/10 - comparingly, the 03YZ250 an 8/10 for it's extremely snappy motor with almost uncontrolable (for me?) bottom end..
suspension - 10/10!
im 5'9, 180lbs w/o gear, raced 125 junior but now 125/250 intermediate.. i've never ridden stock or modified suspension as good as this! the bike tracks incredibly well and although somewhat dancy over chop (like any other RM - once your used to it like me, its not a problem), it stays straight and soaks up everything in it's way.. susp is very balanced for jumping.. cornering is EASIER then on my 01RM125.. in all honesty, this bike feels lighter both on the ground and in the air then my 125 - i can even put it on a stand with less effort.. one reason as to why i think it feels that way is that it sits about 1/2 to 1 inch lower then my 125, contributing to a lower CG? either way, this suspension rocks!
brakes - front 8/10, rear 9/10
front - coming off my 01RM125 without the honda style routing, this brake came across as stupidly powerful.. i actually slid out the first time i used it going into a corner.. in brand new, stock condition this binder is too powerful for my liking.. however, im sure it will break in over time or i will get used to it..
rear - the rear is very controlable and comforting.. it has a nice feel for accuracy and is strong.. i like it
shifting - 10/10
no hitches while shifting under power, always a suzuki strong point in my opinion.. a++
misc
seat foam is MUCH stiffer then my 01, i kind of like it too.. i was under the impression that they were to come with gripper covers, but mine didn't..? this bike is very comfortable from the moment you sit on it.. build quality is excellent.. the exel rims are a plus.. this bike looks amazing in person and the graphics seem to be thicker then the 03 models.. rear intergrated master cylinder is HUGE, but will definately not overheat.. the spare parts kit is welcome, incld gaskets/piston/bearing/cclips/3 rings/spoke wrench/stickers/etc.. the on the fly adjuster is VERY easy to adjust, however i think it may move automatically while riding over chop.. it's almost too easy to adjust, and a slight jar could spin it a bit..
overall - this is my pick for the winner of the 04 2 stroke 250 shootout (still don't want a 4 stroke).. the YZ has a very fast motor, but the stock forks/shock arn't as good as the RM.. oh yeah, this bike runs PERFECT on 91 PUMP gas with no hitch in the jetting.. A+++
i can't think of anything else to say, so if you have any questions ask me!! i want to get pics today, but i dont know if my friend will make it over with his dig cam.. DAN
