Bikes 12 Jul 2013

Project Moto: 2013 Suzuki RM-Z250 update three

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

The time has come for our final installment of the MotoOnline.com.au Project Moto 2013 Suzuki RM-Z250 story. Since taking delivery of the bike last December, it has been an incredibly fun experience and an impressive one each and every time I swung a leg over the bike.

To refresh your memory on the most recent batch of updates, click here to view update number two from back in April. Since then we have added a number of even more great products to the RM-Z250 which really brought the whole bike together to wrap up our project.

Serco provided us with a Yoshimura RS4 stainless steel full exhaust system which features a trick carbon fibre end-cap on the exhaust. The Yoshimura system sounds awesome for starters, be sure to check out our upcoming film to hear it in action. Oh, and did I mention it looks awesome?

Aside from the sweet sound and great looks, the RS4 system offers a solid punch of bottom to mid-range power, which for me is exactly what I’m looking for. The smooth and strong roll-on power characteristic is definitely a winner for me.

The Project Moto 2013 Suzuki RM-Z250 was great in stock form and now it's even better. Image: Alex Gobert.

The Project Moto 2013 Suzuki RM-Z250 was great in stock form and now it’s even better. Image: Alex Gobert.

Pushing that smooth and strong power to the ground is an RK Chain and Supersprox sprocket combination thanks to Link International and A1 Motorcycle Imports. Our Pirelli Scorpion MX 32 Mid Soft tyre package takes all of that driving power and continues to provide great traction at all times (click here for the review on those).

In the seating department we fitted a super-cool Top Line gripper seat cover featuring yellow ribbed sections for extra traction. With the added punch from the Yoshimura RS4 system I can truly say that this seat cover works wonders. Not only does it look trick, but you can feel it hold you firmly in the saddle while accelerating.

With our black and yellow coloured Top Line seat cover, we spoke with the guys at KustomMX and put together a clean colour scheme and graphic design for the Suzuki. Complete with MotoOnline.com.au branding, the full kit has definitely set the bike off.

Throughout the year we have kept the RM-Z250 power plant in top condition using Motul oils from Link International. The bike also has stayed in showroom condition thanks to the range of Motul cleaning products we were supplied with. These high quality cleaning products definitely helped our Suzuki stand out in the pits!

Earlier in the year C&R Imports supplied us with a fresh handlebar and grip combination to replace the stock unit, and it’s safe to say that each of those products have continued to impress me. The Tag Metals T2 ‘CR Low’ handlebar is comfortable, strong and looks great. Not to mention the Tag Slim grips which are now my personal favourite grip of all-time (click here for the full review).

The 2013 RM-Z250 is one of the most versatile MX2 contenders on the market today. Image: Alex Gobert.

The 2013 RM-Z250 is one of the most versatile MX2 contenders on the market today. Image: Alex Gobert.

With each and every product we added to the bike, we continued to see improvements. But I have to say that this bike in stock trim was already such an impressive unit. Within one lap on the bike I was comfortable and confident on the track, and for me, that’s definitely a rare occurrence when adapting to new brands or models.

The Showa SFF fork and Showa shock combination is a huge standout for me. Combined with a perfectly design chassis, it just works – it’s as simple as that. Combine that with a strong motor package, great ergonomics and clean overall styling and you have yourself a winner.

Personally, I’m really going to miss this bike. Mechanically it hasn’t missed a beat and each time we modified the bike it responded well and continued to surprise me. The upcoming 2014 Suzuki RM-Z250 will see minimal changes from this year’s bike, but not to worry, that’s definitely a good thing no doubt about it.

Stay tuned to MotoOnline.com.au next week for our wrap-up Project Moto 2013 Suzuki RM-Z250 film. For now you can click here to check out all of these updates and see the bike in action in our Project Moto photo gallery.

We’ll also continue to roll out a selection of individual reviews on the products supplied for the bike during the next few weeks.

Current Modifications:
Yoshimura RS4 stainless steel exhaust (full system)
Price: $679.95
Distributor: Serco (www.serco.com.au)

KustomMX custom graphics kit (full bike)
Price: $349.95
Distributor: KustomMX (www.kustommx.com.au)

RK GB520MXU Chain (gold)
Price: $149.00
Distributor: Link International (www.linkint.com.au)

Supersprox alloy sprocket (gold)
Price: $69.95
Distributor: A1 Accessory Imports (www.a1sccessory.com.au)

Tag Metals T2 ‘CR Low’ handlebars (black)
Price: $129.95
Distributor: C&R Imports (www.candr.com.au)

Tag Slim grips
Price: $14.95
Distributor: C&R Imports (www.candr.com.au)

Top Line seat cover
Price: $110.00 (plus post)
Distributor: Call Mario on 0417 577 740

Pirelli Scorpion MX 32 Mid Soft tyres
Price: $99.00 for the 80/100-21 front, $119.00 for the 250 four-stroke specific 110/90-19
Distributor: Link International (www.linkint.com.au)

Recent