RMX 250 ?'s

[Scrapyard]

Hey everyone, I found a good deal on a '97 Suzuki RMX 250. Thing is I know nothing about them. From what I was told it is geard more for trail riding. It looks like a standard RM 250 with a headlight. Anyone know the differences between the 2. I appreciate any help on this one. Thanks

 

[placelast]

The RMX was based on the '89-'92 RM250. Lots of parts interchange. Changes were bigger 3-gal. gas tank (still slim, tho) 18" rear wheel, kick stand, case protectors, lighting coil & lights, heavier flywheel, slightly-milder porting, slightly-softenend suspension, odometer, double-walled pipe & spark arrester.

Most say all one needs to do to get RM-like HP figures is to replace the exhaust & install a '89 RM250 head gasket. I replace these on mine before I ever started it up, so I can only take other's words for it; it will not win drag races against MX bikes, but once clicked into 5th, can leave them behind, & it much easier to handle in the rocks where throttle control is required with the engine & flywheel weight differences.

The '93-'95 RMs were updated somewhat, whereas the RMX received fewer changes; likewise in '96-'98 when the RMX got conventional forks, slightly heavier springs, & some more HP. In '99 Suzuki stopped importing the RMX (EPA/CARB requirements), but the rest of the world got a new one based on the '96-'97 RM; slim but with all the fine enduro features mentioned above.

There are better off-road specific 2-strk bikes today (Gas Gas, KTM, Husky) but none come from Japan. I plan on never selling mine.

Minuses: They are heavier than MX bikes (still lighter than the 4 strokes), & some like to rag on yellow bikes. Oh: the stock (MX!) carb is difficult to jet for idle/off-of idle. I replaced it with a better PWK carb.

Pluses: Very reliable, dependable, cheap to keep; a bargain these days. Absolutely excellent suspension setup for off road. Easy to ride, turns well. Good but not overwhelming power. Can still get good-looking graphics kits.

 

[2smoke]

Yep.....you couldn't get a better answer than that one. That just about sums it up. They are a beaut woods bike.

 

[DEANSFASTWAY]

Yeah theyre pretty good bikes I think they came with some restrictors on them like power valve limiters and a throttle limitimg device so you wouldnt get full throttle .This was an effort to keep the bikes quiet . Thinner Rm gaskets like placelast says and maybe some stiffer springs. Although they are heavier they dont really feel too heavy.Some of my friends had them and they were pretty reliable . Check those rear spokes the aluminum nipples would seize up very easily.

 

[Rcannon]

This is what I was hoping to find when I bought my YZ 250. Every one that I looked at was beat to hell and expensive. The cheapest needed a lot of work and was 2200.00. I took this to mean it must be a good bike.