First Ride: 2019 RM-Z250 In Japan

I think it’s safe to say that when a manufacturer invites you to fly halfway around the globe to test a new bike, you know they’re very serious about that particular model. This is exactly what Suzuki did as this week I’ve been over in Osaka, Japan for the North American media launch of the 2019 RM-Z250. Since its introduction in 2006, the RM-Z250 has gone through more than one overhaul. In 2010, the game changing EFI system was introduced, then in 2010 the RM-Z250 was outfitted with the Holeshot Assist Device (S-HAC). In between were suspension and motor updates that improved the bike each year, but nothing major. Well, that has all changed for 2019 as the RM-Z250 is a completely different animal. With new features like a new frame and swingarm, a wider ratio transmission and a new KYB Coil-Spring front fork, the 2019 RM-Z250 is ready to get back on the podium.

For 2019, Suzuki’s product concept is “The Winning Balance,” and it’s made up of three words: Run…Stop…Turn. Their feeling is that for a motocross bike to be successful it must be able to perform these three tasks very well. To help make this new RM-Z ‘Run’ better, Suzuki has given the engine more torque and more power. They’ve done this by going with two fuel injector systems with one injector moved further back into the intake tube. Next, they’ve increased the size of the header pipe diameter, and also added a new cylinder and head for more power and durability. To help with acceleration, the 2019 RM-Z250 now has a 50-tooth rear sprocket, one tooth larger than previous models.

To help this new bike ‘Stop’, Suzuki has increased the size of the front disc rotor to a whopping 270mm. They have also changed the frame geometry, and added a more rigid and lighter swingarm. These three changes alone have made the new RM-Z250 lighter and more balanced, thus making it stop and maneuver much better than previous models.

The third concept term is ‘Turn’. For 2019, Suzuki wanted this bike to be successful on all types of tracks conditions, and they wanted it to be the best cornering bike in its class. With the new frame and lighter, more rigid swingarm that I spoke about above, Suzuki has also gone to a KYB Coil-Spring fork; this new KYB fork is one of the best on the market. Add in an updated KYB rear shock with a 300-gram lighter spring and this new RM-Z corners like it’s on rails. Suzuki hopes that for 2019, this new RM-Z 250 will give them “The Winning Balance” on the track.

When we arrived at the track just outside of Osaka, Japan, it was still a little muddy from the previous day’s rain. With its sandy soil and steep elevation changes, this was going to be the perfect track to test both the power and handling of the new RM-Z250. Right from the first moment on the track I felt completely comfortable on the new yellow bike. I don’t have a lot of time on Suzuki models, but I must admit that when I began riding this new bike, the layout and set-up made the 2019 RM-Z250 feel very familiar. All of the changes made to this new bike made it feel very connected to the ground. On the steep, rutted downhills, the RM-Z250 was stable and predictable, and with the new larger rotor, stopping at the bottom was no problem. On the way up the hills the RM-Z250 pulled strong, even with the soft soil. This engine is not the most powerful in its class, but with some mapping changes, it wasn’t difficult to add a little more usable power. One of the most noticeable new features was the KYB Coil-Spring forks. These new forks are sprung a little stiffer than normal for a 250F bike, but for me they felt great. A lighter rider might have to go down one spring rate to feel comfortable, but I’ve always felt like it’s much easier to try to make a bike’s suspension softer rather than stiffer. Anyway, the suspension felt balanced and predictable on this new Suzuki.

All in all, the new 2019 RM-Z250 felt great and I’m sure everyone is happy to see Suzuki back into the 250F market. Suzuki Canada is also looking to get back into the fold in Canadian motocross with a new support program and dealer network. This sport is continuing to evolve and it’s good to see a company like Suzuki, with so much history, evolving with it. Look for a complete review of the new 2019 RM-Z250 in the upcoming issue of MXP Magazine, as well as a look at what Suzuki Canada has planned for 2019 and beyond. Thank-you to Suzuki Canada and Suzuki Racing USA for inviting me to Japan to test the new bike and for making me a member of the RMArmy for a few days.