Suzuki RM-Z250 (MY2019) — Motocross
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2019 · Motocross · Buyer's Guide

RM-Z250 (MY2019)

The Inside-Line Specialist

The Machine's Character

The RM-Z250 is a motocross bike that wins its races in the corners. Suzuki built this generation around an aluminum twin-spar frame tuned for front-end grip and feedback. You feel it the moment you drop into a rutted berm: the bike settles, holds its line and lets you take the inside while everyone else goes wide. The 249 cc liquid-cooled single runs a dual-injector setup and makes 39 hp at 11,500 rpm. It builds that power smoothly instead of hitting hard, so you can get on the gas early. Traction control, ride modes and launch control are standard. It's a quietly capable 250F that earns its respect on the track, not in the showroom.

It rides light and precise at 234 lb (106 kg) wet. The suspension is adjustable front and rear, so you can dial it in for your weight and your track. The honest caveat is the stock fork. Its springs and valving are too stiff for riders of every level, so budget for a re-spring or revalve. Ownership takes discipline too. Valves wear and drift out of adjustment quickly, clutch plates go fast under heavy use, and a failed fuel injector can stall the engine and kill the spark. This bike suits the racer who corners hard, keeps a maintenance log and wrenches between motos.

Hard Numbers

Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.

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Key specifications
Power 39 hp (29 kW) @ 11,500 rpm
Displacement 249 cc
Engine Single-cylinder
Cooling Liquid-cooled
Gearbox 5-speed
Final drive Chain
Fork Upside-down (USD)
Front brake 270 mm
Front tire 80/100-21
Rear tire 100/90-19
Wheelbase 58.5 in (1485 mm)
Ground clearance 13.0 in (330 mm)
Seat height 37.6 in (955 mm)
Wet weight 234 lb (106 kg)
Fuel capacity 1.7 gal (6.3 L)

Equipment check

Chassis

  • Manually Adjustable Front Suspension Standard
  • Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension Standard

Safety

  • Traction Control Standard
  • Ride Modes Standard
  • Launch Control Standard
Wide desert landscape at Ocotillo Wells, California, showing sandy arid terrain with sparse desert scrub in the foreground, a rocky hill to the left, and a distant mountain range along the horizon. Clear blue sky with a thin band of light clouds at mid-height.
Rdne Stock Project / Pexels

Known issues

  • Electronic fuel injector signal interruption leading to engine stall and no spark

    fuel system occasional

    Failure of the electronic fuel injector causes the motorcycle to stall, preventing the engine control unit from initiating ignition spark.

  • Excessively stiff fork spring rate and harsh valving

    suspension common

    The front fork springs are excessively stiff for riders of all skill levels.

  • Premature valve wear leading to clearance loss and hard starting

    engine occasional

    The engine valves wear rapidly, causing them to fall out of adjustment quickly.

  • Rapid clutch friction plate wear

    drivetrain occasional

    Clutch friction plates wear rapidly and require frequent replacement, particularly under heavy clutch use.

  • Fragile throttle position sensor pin snapping under vibration

    electrics rare

    A fragile throttle position sensor pin can snap and break off due to excessive engine vibration.

  • Notchy gear shifting under load

    drivetrain occasional

    Gear shifting feels notchy when executed under load.

  • Excessive engine vibration

    engine common

    The motorcycle produces pronounced vibration levels during operation.

The Numbers Compared

Compare the technical specifications of the Suzuki RM-Z250 with other bikes in its class.

Head-to-head: Suzuki RM-Z250 vs. its rivals