The 1998 Suzuki RMX-250

What bike was the only two-stroke in the top 10 for overall bike sales in 1999,
and indeed what was the only Suzuki in the same list? Yes, the RMX250 repeated
its '98 performance as Suzuki's biggest seller by a country mile, and yes, that's
because it's a damn good bike for racer and trailrider alike.

HISTORY

Introduced to Australia in 1989 as a 'competition-only' model, the RMX presented
itself as a no-frills enduro weapon against a star line-up of European machines.
Basically a detuned RM motocrosser with an absolute minimum of road gear, the
RMX was in a different league to Suzuki's earlier attempts (the popular but dull PE range)
at producing a two-stroke enduro bike.

As good as it was, the RMX was destined to stay in the doldrums in the sales
race as it lacked ADR compliance. Given that the RMX has been Suzuki's biggest
seller in the last two years, since it gained compliance, is there a good answer
why Suzuki took almost a decade to get the ADR plate planted on the bike?
Perhaps not, but in its early years the RMX did gain a respectable reputation in
the off-road world with consistent placings in four day events in Australia and
a number of national enduro championship wins in America.
The early models came with USD forks, which were replaced in the 1996/97 model
by a set of non-USD (as in conventional, right-way-up) 43mm Showa cartridge forks.
Along with its new set of forks, that model got a revamped Showa shock at the rear,
case reed-valve induction, a removable sub-frame, mods to the water pump and
clutch, and, changes to the bore/stroke ratio.
Suzuki actually had a few models to choose from for the '98 model which was to
gain compliance. It could have chosen the Japanese domestic model RMX which
was an altogether 'softer' bike. Fortunately the more competition-oriented model
won out and Australian off-road riders have been a happy lot ever since.

ON, AND OFF, THE ROAD

As a trail bike for the average rider the RMX has enough motor to keep you happy.
For those who have done most of their off-road riding on four strokes the RMX may
even seem a bit aggro.
It has a good solid hit in the top half of the band and responds well to an eager throttle hand.
The RMX can still however be plonked around at casual speeds as it pulls very cleanly right
off the bottom and as delivered has a great spread of power for most work in the bush.
A very rider-friendly package.

With its obvious motocross parentage, the RMX does a good job in the handling department
as well. Steering is both light and precise, although some have criticised it for being a bit
too light, contributing to the occasional headshake.
Overall, most riders won't find much to complain about with the handling or steering,
particularly in tight going at regular trail speeds. The suspension is also set up more for the
slower and/or tighter sections with compliant action that is set on the soft side, the forks
more so than the back end. Hard charging riders will want to stiffen things up at both
ends and even in stock form the motor outperforms the capabilities of the plush suspension.
Braking at both ends is very good, with a particularly good stopper on the front.
As an occasional mount for the road the RMX performs reasonably although it still always
feels a bit out of place.
In standard trim the bike comes with a full array of road gear (for a dirt bike at least)
including a keyed ignition.

WHICH MODEL ?

The registerable models from '98 and '99 are the obvious winners here, not only because
you've got a numberplate hanging off the back guard.
They're a much better bike overall and as so many have been sold over the last two years
you've got a lot to choose from on the second-hand market.
They were considered quite a bargain even when new ($7,790 in '98 and $8,290 in '99)
and for the relatively meagre amounts these later model bikes are selling for you would
be mad to consider one of the earlier RMXs without a compliance plate.Whether it's
been raced or just done the occasional trail ride, for any model you really
only need to be convinced that it has undergone regular maintenance - that's all that
is going to separate the good one from the average.

A lot have been sold, a lot have been raced - hence a lot of info at every corner.
Phil Sargent raced one with much success on the local and national enduro scene
and is as good a place to start as any, particularly as he has a Suzuki dealership
and as he's a friendly guy to boot (Sargent's
Motorcycles at Orange 02 6362 8233).

Another Suzuki dealership that has done a lot of work in modifying RMXs is at
Newcastle (02 4952 1577) - ask for Graeme Boyd.
That's just a start, you'll likely find that most Suzuki dealers around the country
will have the right advice on proper setup given the bike's popularity and they've
been well covered in every dirt bike magazine in the last two years.

SPECIFICATIONS

Note: Specs are for 1998 model