If you have been checking out MotoOnline’s all-new MX Hub feature over the past few weeks, you may have noticed talks of our all-new Project Moto 2013 Suzuki RM-Z250 being introduced for 2013 – it’s now that time!

Just before the Christmas/New Year break, Suzuki Australia were kind enough to deliver MotoOnline our very own 2013 RM-Z250, fresh out of the crate for us to put to work and slowly transform into a very cool machine with a selection of aftermarket parts.

Firstly we put the bike to the test at the Lake Macquarie Motorcycle Club, although it was a wet and miserable day, Alex Gobert laid down plenty of laps on the Suzuki MX2 contender.

With the help of Motul Pirelli Suzuki’s Jay Foreman, who was on hand throughout the day, small setup changes were made to make sure we got the most out of the bike in production trim – click here to view the detailed test with Gobert.

Once the official test was wrapped-up, it was now my turn to swing a leg over the bike and lay down some motos. After just a few laps, my initial thoughts on the new ride were definitely positive.

The Project Moto 2013 Suzuki RM-Z250 already exceeds expectations in production trim. Image: Liam Foulds/LF Sports Photography.

Firstly the engine, what a package. This engine has the most impressive overall power of any 250 four-stroke on the market at this time, in my opinion.

A nice and strong bottom-end pull meets up with the great mid to top end power, which allows you to rev to the moon before losing any power.

At this point I have played around with the EFI couplers supplied with the bike. Obviously the bike comes with a middle setting in standard trim, along with the ‘rich’ and ‘lean’ couplers, which alter the power curve of the bike substantially.

In the end, my favourite setting turned out to be the stock coupler, with such a strong bottom end and top end combination using the stock setting, I cannot find myself looking for anything else – this just feels great in any conditions, on any track or surface.

Down the track we will be sourcing an aftermarket exhaust system to fit and review on the bike. This update will be very exciting, with such great power available in stock form, any gains from the exhaust system will be an absolute treat.

The suspension is such a highlight on the 2013 RM-Z250. With the Showa SFF fork up front which allows near endless adjustment, the bike just feels so planted and responsive.

You will find yourself cornering with ease, while still feeling very stable throughout the rough high-speed sections – a winning combination.

Suzuki’s 2013 MX2 contender felt comfortable and very easy to ride in an instant. Image: Liam Foulds/LF Sports Photography.

After already being more than happy with the stock suspension setup, Jay Foreman then offered up his services and will be setting up the Suzuki with a complete RG3 setup from front to back. Correct suspension setup is where you find the majority of your speed on track, so this will certainly be an interesting modification.

Other than the strong motor and impressive suspension, obviously the bike’s ergonomics and looks follow the trend. Who could miss that trick ‘factory style’ alloy tank?

And the all-new colour scheme featuring black, yellow and red will look great when we add our custom MotoOnline decal kit.

A fresh set of handlebars, grips and levers will also be added, which will not only look great, but add another level of personalisation and create a more unique and comfortable bike out at the track.

Here at MotoOnline we are excited to get the ball rolling on our new Project Moto for 2013, and we will be posting regular updates with new products as we add them to the bike.

So be sure to stay tuned for the next update which will be coming up early in next month.

Rider Wear

Jersey/Pants: 2013 Thor Core Scorpio (Purple)
Gloves: 2013 Thor Void (Purple)
Helmet: 2013 Thor Force Scorpio Multi
Goggles: Dragon NFX (Overlap/Blue Steel)
Boots: Thor Ratchet (White)

Note: Click products to read our genuine MotoOnline.com.au reviews if available.