2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 (Champion Yellow No. 2). (Suzuki/)

Ups

• Lowest MSRP in its class
• Tunable engine with the new MX-Tuner 2.0 system
• Impressive throttle response
• Solid clutch that can withstand abuse
• Outstanding handling

Downs

• Only one in its class with a kickstarter
• Suspension is very stiff and requires adjustment

Verdict

Although the 2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 is a bit behind the competition, it possesses a number of positive qualities and is a viable option for beginner and novice-level motocross riders as well as vets.

2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 (Champion Yellow No. 2). (Mason Owens/)

Overview

The 2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 is a quarter-liter motocrosser designed for competition. It utilizes smartphone-based technology with the MX-Tuner 2.0 system to dial in its 249cc liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke engine. A dual-injector fuel system makes it unique in comparison to all but one other in its class. It is one of the least expensive among its competition with charms that make it an attractive motocrosser.

Updates for 2021

The MX-Tuner 2.0 system is new for 2021, otherwise the engine remains unchanged since its 2019 revamp, and the only other noticeable update is the redesigned graphics.

Pricing and Variants

The quarter-liter RM-Z retails at $7,899 making it one of the most affordable of the 250F motocrosser bunch.

Competition

Those shopping for Suzuki’s 250 motocrosser would find that it competes with the Honda CRF250R, Husqvarna FC 250, KTM 250 SX-F, GasGas MC 250F, Kawasaki KX250, and Yamaha YZ250F.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

In order to find out what the 249cc liquid-cooled four-stroke was made of, we ran it on our in-house dyno to learn that it produces 36.3 hp at 11,500 rpm and 18.6 pound-feet of torque at 9,100 rpm. This performance test was followed by on-track testing by contributor Allan Brown. Brown wrote that while the RM-Z is not the strongest on the dyno, it is still a well-running engine, and part of the reason for its not having better results on the dyno is that the power is focused in the midrange as opposed to the top-end like its competitors. The five-speed transmission’s first through third gear are fairly close together with a larger gap between third and fourth; “Riders will want to be sure and run it out as far as possible before upshifting,” Brown continues.

2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 (Champion Yellow No. 2). (Mason Owens/)

Handling

Suzuki’s motocross bikes are praised for their cornering capabilities, and the newest RM-Z250 is no different. Brown said that it corners easily while remaining stable on the straights. “Even with unusually stiff suspension, the bike will still rail every inside rut on the track.”

During testing the KYB Air-Oil Separate (AOS) coil-spring fork and KYB shock proved to be very stiff. The fork’s stiffer spring rate worked well on jumps, flat landings, and under heavy loads, but that was not the case for smaller chop during corner entry. To improve the suspension performance required lots of adjustments. The front is adjustable for compression and rebound damping while the rear is adjustable for spring preload, high-/low-speed compression damping, and high-/low-speed rebound damping.

Brakes

The Nissin two-piston caliper, 270mm disc (front) and Nissin single-piston caliper, 240mm disc (rear) are very high quality.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel economy numbers were not provided. The 1.7-gallon fuel tank, however, sits right in between its competitor’s engines that have 1.8- and 1.6-gallon capacities.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Brown felt the bike’s ergonomics were mostly on point, the only minor criticism being the bike felt a little tall yet compact. The seat is very flat and the bike is narrow between the rider’s legs. The Renthal Fatbar 821-bend handlebar does not have much rise, especially compared to others in the class that are equipped with Renthal’s 839-bend unit.

2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 (Champion Yellow No. 2). (Mason Owens/)

Electronics

In addition to the MX-Tuner 2.0 system, the RM-Z250 has Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC) which helps with takeoff. There are three modes: base mode (standard power), mode A (for hard or slippery conditions), and mode B (for heavy traction surfaces and aggressive launches). The bike also includes two separate fuel couplers and a traction management system. The traction management system works slightly differently than a streetbike’s traction control system, by working with the ECM to measure throttle opening, engine speed, and gear position and then it adjusts ignition timing and fuel injector duration accordingly; it does not measure rear tire spin.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Not applicable, as there is no warranty of any kind.

Quality

Despite it having stiff suspension and not producing the most horsepower, the RM-Z250′s suspension, brakes, and wheels are very high quality and it still has plenty of power, especially for returning riders or those moving up from a 125cc two-stroke.

2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 (Champion Yellow No. 2). (Suzuki/)

2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 Claimed Specifications

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com