ASK THE MXPERTS: WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2025 RM-Z250?

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2025 RM-Z250?
Dear MXperts,
Given its low price, dual-fuel-injection system and cool looks, I bought a 2025 Suzuki RM-Z250 at the end of 2024 to get the RM Army extras. I am new to Suzukis and new to motocross, so I need some help. What do I need to know about the 2025 RM-Z250?

     First and foremost, the 2025 Suzuki RM-Z250 is identical to the 2019 RM-Z250. The 2019 through 2025 models got an updated frame, new fork, bigger front rotor, dual injectors, new shock, and a revised cylinder head and cam chain tensioner. Additionally, new plastic was added.

     Since you are new to motocross, you won’t be bothered too much by the fact that the 2025 Suzuki RM-Z250 has the least peak horsepower in its class by almost 6 horsepower. However, thanks to its low-to-mid powerband, the Suzuki RM-Z250 is one of the easiest bikes to ride. It should be noted that the power is at its best below 8000 rpm, and there is no advantage to over-revving the RM-Z250 because the power is relatively mellow after 8000 rpm. Its easy-going nature makes it perfect for riders who aren’t ready for the fire-breathing, 14,000-rpm powerband of a 2025 KTM 250SXF.

     The 2025 Suzuki RM-Z250 comes with three easy-to-use, plug-in fuel couplers that change the EFI tuning. Don’t waste your time with the grey or black couplers. The white coupler is the most aggressive off the bottom and gets the rpm to rev through its range faster. Every MXA test rider chooses the white coupler, as it produces the most responsive power.

     The 2019 through 2025 RM-Z250’s forks are terrible. They are unbelievably stiff in motion. We drop the stock 5.0 N/mm fork springs for 4.8 N/mm springs or lower for smaller or slower riders. The stock compression clicker setting is 11 clicks out. We turned it out three to five clicks more but left the rebound alone.

     As you would expect after dealing with the fork, the Suzuki RM-Z250 has an overly stiff 52 N/mm shock spring. We dropped the 52 N/mm shock spring for a 50 N/mm and set the sag at 107mm. The shock has lots of clicker dials that are easily accessible.

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     The 2025 Suzuki RM-Zs (250 and 450) are the only 2025 four-strokes that you have to kick to start; however, once you learn the drill, they start easily. Just don’t stall them on the track, because it’s a lot harder to start the Suzuki when the engine is hot.

     At 227 pounds (without fuel in the tank), the RM-Z250 is in the same weight class as the YZ250F, KX250, KTM 250SXF, Husky FC250 and GasGas MC250. The only 250 four-strokes that are light are the Triumph TF250X and Honda CRF250.

     Suzukis are famous for their ability to cut to the inside of any corner. They are best suited to tracks with lots of jumps. The Suzuki enters corners with ease and doesn’t want to stand up in the middle of the corner. Of course, it goes without saying that the handling could be improved with the proper spring rates front and rear.

     You already know that the 2025 Suzuki RM-Z250’s most positive sales pitch is how affordable it is. Given that Suzuki hasn’t made the technological leaps over the last seven years that the red, blue, green, white and orange bikes have, their retail price has stayed low while the other brands’ prices have gone up (some as high as $10,500). Suzuki’s suggested retail price for the 2025 model is $8199, but Suzuki dealers are famous for wheeling and dealing on the out-the-door price to move inventory off the showroom floors. We hope you negotiated the best possible price.