APRIL 23, 2007
The 2007 Suzuki RM250 The 2007 Suzuki RM125
By Danny Brault
The Weapons: 2007 Suzuki RM125 and RM250
Online: www.suzuki.ca
Test Location: Gopher Dunes
It’s been over two years since the RXC Tested crew has ridden two-strokes. Ironically, the last one we had mixed fuel for was an RM250. Nothing groundbreaking has been changed to the 2007 RM125 and 250 since `05, but we were still excited to go back to our roots and see if four-stroke mania was just a fad and if the light, screaming two-smokers still had something to offer.
Our head product consultant, Rob McCullough, picked up the Suzukis and was kind enough to break them in at a private track in Brantford. Since McCullough spent close to three-quarters of his racing career on two-strokes (which began in 400 B.C.) I figured it would be like a high school reunion for him. He could reminisce about all the great moments he had, like when he finished sixth in the 125 class at an AMA Supercross at the Meadowlands (now Giant Stadium). Unfortunately, those memories faded away just like his speed and his former love couldn’t live up to his new expectations.
“It just made me realize how fortunate I am to be riding a 450,” answered McCullough, when I asked him how they were working.
I ignored his comments, however, and rode out onto the Gopher Dunes track (the perfect place to test a 125, ha!) aboard the RM125 with an open mind. The bike felt comfortable right away; it felt slim and light obviously, I loved the Renthal Fatbars, the gripper seat cover, and the suspension was soft and plush. It took me a few laps to get up to pace on the 125; my habit of lugging a bike around in one gear just didn’t work with the light switch power of the 1-2-5er.
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Rob McCullough looked stylish on the RM two-strokes. |
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photo: Jason Burke |
What did I like about the 125? Not much. I will admit it was fun ripping around the track, literally, wide open everywhere and being able to charge harder into the corners, but my enjoyment came to an end whenever I sank into a deep berm and the motor would bog down. I didn’t get any arm pump, but I did get some finger pump from clutching so much (and I’m not a clutch guy). This bike, or any 125, is the perfect bike for anyone who wishes to feel like they’re going 100 mph. In all fairness, however, had it been a hard pack track, my opinion might change … slightly. Unfortunately, the Dunes’ is the only track open at that this time of year.
I’ve always been a fan of 250 two-strokes and I loved the `05 RM250 I had raced two years ago. In fact, if there was a 250 two-stroke-only class, I would be the first one to sign up. I truly believe that until you’ve ridden a 250, you haven’t experienced a true motocross bike. Think back to Bubba in 2005. They’re light, nimble and have a solid hit that just can’t be found on any four-stroke. It also takes a certain amount of throttle control and skill to be a great 250 rider; not anyone can just hop on one and go.
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The Gopher Dunes track made short work of the RM125. |
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I assumed the `07 RM250 would feel just like the `05. I was right. Like the 125 (and all Suzukis) the 250 turns on a dime. The front end has a light feel and a steep rake that allows you to go wherever you want, whenever you want. Some riders don’t like this characteristic because what it makes up for in turning prowess, it gives up in high-speed stability. For my personal tastes, I prefer the ability to make quick line changes.
Complimenting the RM250’s handling is the hard hitting motor. It has great bottom end pull, a hard hit smack dab in the midrange and will rev to the moon and beyond. The suspension on both the RM125 and 250 come sprung well stock. We softened up the compression by a few clicks on the 250 and slowed down the rebound for the rolling whoops found on the Gopher track. The 125 was the opposite; we had to stiffen up the compression.
Final Verdict
It’s no secret that two-strokes are becoming extinct. In fact, most manufacturers will stop producing them after 2007. It’s unfortunate, because they are still great bikes and it’s entertaining to jump back on one now and again. One idea that came up between Rob and I, was how great a two-stoke would be as a training tool, because you have to work much harder, pick better lines and, generally, not make any mistakes or you’ll be starting all over again. And following the meeting between the AMA and FIM, two-strokes may not be at the end of the line just yet.
