After riding the Project Moto 2013 Suzuki RM-Z250 for the last few months now, the bike has consistently impressed me more and more.

I have laid down countless laps on the Suzuki, on both hard pack and sandy terrain – the bike maintains a predictable and solid feel at all times.

Already being quite happy riding the RM-Z250 in stock form with just a few slight suspension adjustments, it was exciting to receive packages from our friends at C&R Imports and Link International. I mean, how could I not be pumped to improve an already awesome bike?

C&R Imports sent us a trick set of Tag Metals T2 ‘CR Low’ handlebars in a black anodized colour, perfect for our Suzuki which features a large amount of black body work throughout the bike.

The Tag Metals ‘bar and grip combination, along with the Pirelli tyres creates a very comfortable feel on track. Image: Alex Gobert.

Obviously with new ‘bars you will be replacing your old grips, so we were also provided with a fresh set of Tag Slim Grips.

Both products definitely look the part even sitting in the box, they are high quality and built with precision.

The ‘bars came complete with all of the features you would expect from such a well-respected brand. The same can be said for the grips, which are a half waffle, soft compound and white in colour.

Next up are the products from Link International. They hooked us up with a fresh set of Pirelli Scorpion MX 32 Mid Soft tyres, along with an array of Motul products to keep the bike fresh, clean and in perfect running order. Oh, and I have to mention those factory-look Pirelli tyre decals – super cool.

On track the Tag CR Low bend suited me perfectly, although I’m of a reasonable height, I still rather the lower bend of ‘bar. The advantage of lower ‘bars while cornering for me is a winner, the added control through ruts and flat corners in particular is vital for me.

The Tag Slim Grips also feel great. I always run a soft compound, and as expected the Tag Metals soft compound provided the perfect amount of cushion for my tender keyboard softened hands. I came away from the day feeling good and without blisters, can’t ask for anything more than that.

Out at Appin’s Macarthur Motorcycle Club the surface is always hard and slick, and this day was no exception, it was possibly even more slick than usual due to the amount of water that had been put down in the morning.

These conditions are not ideal, but I saw the perfect opportunity to test out the Pirelli tyres in softer conditions.

With the track being lightly prepped and watered, the Mid Soft compound came in handy for sure. The tyres surprised me when I dove into the sloppy corners and felt such a planted, confident feeling underneath me. Something that I did not originally feel on the stock rubber.

At times I would push a little more on the off camber sections and find that I could put in that little bit extra without feeling out of control.

The Project Moto 2013 Suzuki RM-Z250 has stepped up another notch with the addition of these new products. Image: Alex Gobert.

The Pirelli Scorpion MX 32 Mid Soft excels in situations where most other tyres tend to fail you. A tyre that provides a confidence inspiring planted feel is going to improve your lap times, and that is exactly what this product does.

All together, as a complete package, our 2013 Suzuki RM-Z250 just stepped up another notch in my book.

We have improved on an already great package, the bike now feels more suited to my riding style with the Tag products, and the handling is even better thanks to the impressive tyre package from Pirelli.

We’ll have detailed reviews of each products in proceeding weeks, but as far as the Project Moto goes, they are real assets.

You may have noticed that these first batch of updates are all products used by the Motul Pirelli Suzuki factory race team, which is something we have done on purpose as we plan to work alongside Jay Foreman and his team in the coming weeks of development.