05 YZ250 or 05 RM250

[mx_361]

Anybody get to ride both? I am going to swap my CRF450 in on one and can get a nice deal on either. What do you guys think. I hear the YZ has harsh forks and pushes the nose. Have not heard one bad thing about the RM. I have not rode an RM since like 97 but I hated them then.

 

[Studboy]

I would buy whatever one feels, fits, and looks better to you, they are both incredible bikes.

 

[markthomps]

I think they're pretty close. I've ridden the YZ and it's pretty much like the prior years. You can't really notice any diff w/ the new aluminum frame. Suspension seems about the same as before, so no real complaints but I usually have it redone by a pro anyhow.

One thing to consider is simply how you fit either bike. The cockpits might be different enuf to make a difference to you.

Given a choice right now, I think I might go with the RM, simply becuz it seems to be the one that has the most people interested and talking about it. At least the plastic won't turn white at the first crash and Suzuki quality has been (slowly) improving.

 

[MXP1MP]

did you catch the comment in MXA claiming the '05 RM handles very much like the '93 CR 250 did.

 

[mxmatthew]

At least the plastic won't turn white at the first crash and Suzuki quality has been (slowly) improving.

i thought yamaha put some kind of new chemical into their plastic that stopped it from making stress marks?

 

[05yz250]

Yeah, I have the trans world motocross magazine that reviews the 2005 yz250 and they did say that yamaha re did the plastic so that it will not turn white or fade as easily.

Then again they gave an excellent review for the rm250 as well.

I love my 05yz250 it rips.

 

[Chris_S]

Haven't ridden the RM, but the YZ rips. The front doesn't push, the crappy OEM front tire does.

I doubt either one would be a bad choice.

 

[highmileage]

All the mags so far indicate that Yamaha has not solved the plastic issue. By the time they are done testing it looks ragged out. One of the mags even suggested a durastic change (of color) to fix the problem, because it isn't figured out yet.

 

[gonzo843]

I am getting away from my 450 and moved to the 05 YZ. I love it. Its a bit scary at first because it feels so jumpy and light but once you get used to it, it's great. The forks are a little stiff at the top of the stroke when you first get the bike. I had that problem. To fix it I just pushed them up a little. After they broke in well it wasnt an issue. Now they have been revalved and they are very Showa feeling. As for the plastic thats bull. I have been riding this bike for a month now and raced it 4 times and have not had any issues plastic. I only laid it down once though. Just dont be scared when you first get it. It was very intimidating and I almost was ready to sell it but now I am very happy I have it.

 

[Someone]

Plastic issues? Do we ride these things or stare at them? My 01 and 05 have never had any "issues" with the plastic outside of me nailing a tree or highsiding.

 

[mxracin]

My '05 plastic looks like crap after two weeks. I have KTM's with two seasons that look fresher (when I'm not riding I do tend to stare :cool: ). The bike turns and rips, though, which outweighs the plastic issue IMO. Does anyone know if aftermarket plastic, say Acerbis or UFO, has the same problem?

 

[Studboy]

They all crease, it's just the way it is. You could always go all white or yellow if you are paranoid, otherwise just ride it and put new plastics and graphics on right before you sell it!

 

[Kav]

the only time I've issues with the blue plastic is when I bent the plastic so far over that it was folded over onto it's self. so I wouldn't worry much about that

 

[MXP1MP]

I guess just don't crash :) a heat gun works good on getting the white out. But i've seen every color plastic do something like that one time or another. White is the least noticeable.

 

[SpectraSVT]

the Rm is a better handler in tight stuff. It gets a bit shaky at speed. YZ doesn't turn in as well as the RM but its stable in everything. YZ engine is fast but no hit. Very smooth but definitely not slow. Revs quick. If your used to a 4stroke then a YZ will be the easiest to adapt to traction wise. The RM has alot of hit and will break loose easier. Rm does have more bottom than YZ but not as much top though its close. Same engine specs, just slightly different power characteristics. Both will be badass bikes. Showa suspension is probably a bit better than the Kayabas but both are close. Can't lose with either bike. Personally I think the RM would be better suited for an agressive cut and slash rider. I'm not that good so the RM is too much for me. YZ is more neutral. Only does what you make it do.

 

[Dirtbike'n man]

anyone who is letting what a bike's plastic looks like after a few weeks change there decision. if you soo scared of what ur bike will look like don't ride it just keep it in the garage and look at it. just ride the bike you want and don't care if the plastic is white. of u can cover the spots with stickers. thats what i do. lol. i bought my bike used from a guy who raced almost every weekend and keept it clean and rode it hard and i didn't see any plastic marks.

 

[sodflyer]

yep....mine looks.............well not so "new" looking after a few crashes BUT! if you are looking at the plastic when riding well you are headed for a crash anyway.... Still impresses me with the power of this bike....gotta love it! plastics are cheap anyway. Jeff.

 

[john3_16]

Nothing wrong with trying to keep your bike looking new..I mean, I'm sure no one really wants their new bike to look horrible after only a couple of weeks...The fact is that some bikes do stay newer looking longer than others...

Really just do your research on both bikes and get the one you like the best....Then just take good care of it and you should be fine...I do hear that Suzuki's do stay looking good for a long time...

 

[Mike's 2003 YZ250]

John, hate to disagree with ya, but I read in one of my Dirt Rider mags where they did a test on one of the newer RMs and it says the graphics peel after only a couple rides. So, maybe the plastic stays new looking because its yellow, but the graphics peel off. :bang: Why cant graphics be made to last anymore?? Sure its only a "dirtbike", so who cares, right? Well I care! After spending a nice hunk of change on one of these bikes, it makes ya a little pissed to see the graphics peeling off after a few rides. I know alot of you guys could careless how long the stickers last, but I try my best to keep my stuff looking new and its best for a couple reasons. One, because thats just how I am, and two, when and if I go to sell it, it will LOOK well cared for and maybe hold its value a bit better than a beat around looking bike. Just my thoughts. Mike :)

 

[Crash 142]

I just ran into a guy who is a test rider at a magazine. He had been riding the YZ and RM (05's) trying to decide which was better. He said they were both great - but he was there with his new RM.

I love mine. I've had it since March and the stock graphics are still on it. I do squeeze with my knees, but then again, I do not wear knee braces. My bike still looks fresh and close to new - but the seat sacks out.

If you want a motocross bike, I think Suzuki is the better choice. As SpectraSVT, the RM is better for a specific type of rider. I don't think you have to be blazing fast to benefit, but you do have to be the type of rider who uses the correct positioning and rider input. The Suzuki is very responsive to your input. If you do things right, you will love it. If you ride with a 'gas it and hang on' style, you might not. That's my take on the 04 RM. I have ridden very few YZs. My friends that have the YZs really like their bikes.

Again, you're picking between the two best choices for a new two stroke.

 

[Chris_S]

My '05 YZ isn't holding up as well in appearance as my CRF250 did, but no biggie since the bike is incredible otherwise. When I'm grabbin' holeshots (I've only raced it 3 times, and holeshotted the last 2) and makin' it fly, the condition of the graphics is the furthest thing from my mind!

Sounds like the RM is equally impressive, esp. if you ride SX-like conditions. From what I read, it's even sharper turning, less stable, and has more low/mid at the expense of top end.

 

[crazyYammi]

alot of people like the RM cause it really stands out in that sea of blue and red!

 

[Mike's 2003 YZ250]

:laugh: :rotfl: :yeehaw:

 

[GhostRider32]

did you catch the comment in MXA claiming the '05 RM handles very much like the '93 CR 250 did.

Ahhhhhh......the 93 CR250..... I loved that bike. It was my first 250 2 smoke.

 

[john3_16]

The 93 CR250 could corner so good...Just lean over and open up the throttle...Beefy motor too...I just hope it doesn't have the headshake of a 93' CR250...But the corners were so fun.