Kit Palmer | November 17, 2016
The 2017 Suzuki RM-Z250 might look a little different, with its new black rims, side panels and triple clamps, and new yellow seat and rear fender combo, but the new ‘Zook really isn’t new at all. It return’s for ’17 much like it was in ’16, but that might not necessarily be a bad thing, since, as you might remember, the RM-Z got a complete overall for 2016, except cosmetically. Suzuki focused totally on performance rather than on looks, which has changed much in many years.
The RM-Z250 is still the class leader when it comes to getting in and out of the turns quickly.
Photography by Kit Palmer
Yes, the RM-Z got a ton of changes in 2016, which pretty much explains why it didn’t get any performance mods in 2017. Looking back, the ’16 RM-Z250 got more than 80 new parts in the motor alone. It also got a new frame and suspension, namely a new KYB PSF2 air fork.
As good as the 2016 RM-Z250 was, the long list of changes to it didn’t automatically advance it to the front of the class, mainly because the many changes they made to the engine still wasn’t enough—it needed more power, just like it does in 2017. We wouldn’t go as far as saying that the 2017 RM-Z250 is slow, because it’s not; it’s just that the other bikes in its class have gotten faster over the recent years, especially the Yamaha, KTM/Husky and Kawasaki. And power is such a big deal in the 250F class. The 2016 RM-Z definitely saw a gain in bottom-to-mid power in ‘16, but where it really needed it most—on top—it didn’t get, and the Suzuki started to get left behind in the race to the first turn.
Still, the RM-Z isn’t far off the pace. It’s still an exciting engine that barks when you hit the throttle but peters off as you stretch out each gear, that’s why it’s best to short-shift the RM-Z a little bit to get the most out of the motor.
Otherwise, the RM-Z is a damn good bike. Handling and suspension have always been two of the bike’s strongest traits, especially when it comes to getting in and out of the corners quickly. No bike in its class does it better than the RM-Z.
The air fork is a big improvement over the previous spring fork, though the overall ride of the RM-Z is a little on the harsh side. The bike just feels rigid—though very narrow—between your legs. But the Suzook’s air fork is pretty good; and, for an air fork, it is fairly simple to set up, since there are no balance or outer chambers to mess up like you can with some other air forks out there. Each fork leg has just one Schrader valve, but you do have, in all, six clickers to work with. They adjust high-speed and low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping, so you can get a little lost here if you’re not careful. Rear suspension is very good but a little stiff.
Brakes are solid, ergos are nice, and we like the ‘Z’s Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC) system, which was introduced to the RM-Z250 last year (’16). S-HAC lets you chose among three modes (off, “A” for less aggressive and “B” for more aggressive initial revs) to help you get the holeshot on a variety of surfaces. Fueling can still be altered via the RM-Z’s three couplers that come with the bike. Nothing new here.
The list of changes to the 2017 RM-Z250 is short and all cosmetics.
The RM-Z comes fitted with grippy Dunlop MX52 tires that do a good job keeping the RM-Z planted on a variety of surfaces.
Overall, the 2017 Suzuki RM-Z250 is still a pretty good bike; it feels the same on the track as the ’16 RM-Z. It’s still very easy to ride, handles well and carves up the turns like no other. Suspension ranks near the top and it simply does a lot of the “little” things that you take for granted really well.
It just needs more power, please. CN
|
SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 RM-Z250
|
|
MSRP:
|
$7,699
|
|
Engine:
|
liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, single
|
|
Displacement:
|
249cc
|
|
Bore x Stroke:
|
77.0mm x 53.6mm
|
|
Compression Ratio:
|
13.75:1
|
|
Fuel System:
|
Suzuki Fuel Injection
|
|
Starter:
|
Primary kick
|
|
Ignition:
|
Electronic Ignition (CDI)
|
|
Lubrication:
|
Semi-dry sump
|
|
Transmission:
|
5-speed constant mesh
|
|
Clutch:
|
Wet, multi-plate type, manual release
|
|
Final Drive:
|
Chain, DID520DMA4, 114 links
|
|
Frame:
|
Aluminum, twin-spar
|
|
Front Suspension:
|
KYB PSF2 Pneumatic (air) Spring fork, fully adjustable
|
|
Rear Suspension:
|
Single KYB shock, fully adjustable
|
|
Front Brake:
|
Disc brake, single rotor
|
|
Rear Brake:
|
Disc brake, single rotor
|
|
Front Tire:
|
80/100-21 51M, tube type
|
|
Rear Tire:
|
100/90-19 57M, tube type
|
|
Fuel Capacity:
|
1.7 gal.
|
|
Wheelbase:
|
58.1 in.
|
|
Ground Clearance:
|
13.6 in.
|
|
Seat Height:
|
37.6 in.
|
|
Curb Weight:
|
234 lbs.
|
To read this in Cycle News Digital Edition, click HERE
For more Suzuki motorcycle reviews, click HERE.
For more Cycle News Motocross motorcycle reviews, click HERE.
For more Cycle News Off-Road motorcycle reviews, click HERE.
