Bikes 26 Apr 2013

Project Moto: 2013 Suzuki RM-Z250 update two

Adam Spence checks in with the latest update on MotoOnline.com.au's 2013 model RM-Z250.

Taking delivery of our Project Moto 2013 Suzuki RM-Z250 last December was obviously exciting and we couldn’t wait to get our hands on it as we made our way the Lake Macquarie for the official test with the guys from Suzuki.

Alex Gobert put together the initial test and spoke highly of the bike (click here to read that story), which made me even more excited to get my hands on the bike as a long-term deal.

The Suzuki RM-Z250 is a great looking bike, but initially I did worry about the black airbox and rear fender scuffing up and looking thrashed within a few rides.

But to my surprise the plastic has held up quite well after around four months of riding in various conditions. A quick coat of Motul Shine and Go on the black bodywork and it comes up a treat.

Mechanically the Suzuki has not missed a beat. They have put together such a solid package for 2013 and every feature on the bike just feels right.

The ergos are great, the motor is strong and the suspension is excellent in stock form with just a few tweaks to suit my riding style.

Our friends at Link International have kept the bike in great condition with Motul Oils and cleaning products, plus they sent us out a set of Pirelli Scorpion MX 32 Mid Soft tyres to test out – you can check out the complete review by clicking here. The Pirellis have been a great addition to the bike and I’m definitely a huge fan.

The Project Moto 2013 Suzuki RM-Z250 just keeps getting better and better as the year rolls on. Image: Alex Gobert.

The Project Moto 2013 Suzuki RM-Z250 just keeps getting better and better as the year rolls on. Image: Alex Gobert.

The guys over at Link also hooked us up with a fresh RK chain which we will be mounting up very soon to replace the stock unit – which I must say has held up surprisingly well compared to most stock chains. As always the chain has stretched, but certainly not to the extent that you see on other brands at times.

In the control department we have upgraded the stock handlebars to a set of black Tag Metals T2 CR Low ‘bars from C&R Imports. The stock setup was by no means inferior, I actually feel quite comfortable with the stock Suzuki bend, but the Tag’s lower bend is definitely a winner for me, not to mention the fact that they look great.

To compliment the Tag ‘bars we were also provided with Tag Metals Slim half-waffle grips, white in colour in a soft compound. The grips are great and I highly recommend them to anyone who is searching for an ultra-soft, thin and sticky grip.

The white has started to look slightly worn out now, but luckily we were sent multiple sets to keep the Suzuki looking fresh! Click here to read the full review on those.

In stock form I literally felt comfortable on the bike within a few laps. It does everything you could ask for and has such a predictable feel out on the track. The SFF fork works wonders and provides tons of front-end feel, which is such a vital part of any bike setup I think.

I’ve yet to come across anything on the Suzuki RM-Z250 that I can speak a bad word about – it’s my favourite 250 four-stroke I have ridden to date, no doubt about it.

This week’s update was a basic overhaul of our experience with the RM-Z250 so but, however stay tuned for our next update that will reveal an all-new look for our bike – you guessed it, time for some graphics!

Our friends at Kustom MX have put together a sweet MotoOnline branded kit for the Suzuki and we can’t wait to throw that on. Along with the fresh look, we will be throwing on some extras including an exhaust and suspension mods as we experiment with the bike’s outright performance – exciting times ahead.

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