Simo :DThe RM is actually a very good bike once setup. I had one recently with a DG pipe, White Power shock and stiffer fork springs and it was an awesome bike!
RM250E - no mention?
thanks
I have a 85 RM 250F and it is an overall way better package than the 82 and 83 RM250's I have previously owned.The 82 RM250Z is as you experts will know, renown to be one of the most powerful 250's of the 1980's.Simo :DThe RM is actually a very good bike once setup. I had one recently with a DG pipe, White Power shock and stiffer fork springs and it was an awesome bike!
RM250E - no mention?
thanks
I reckon for overall handling, reliability (no rotting magnesium water pump cover issues on these machines) the Suzuki is hard to beat-not to mention the excellent availability of genuine parts from Suzuki versus Hondas and Kawasakis (I dont know much about Yamahas).
Shit marc you really got around back in the day - did you work for US bike magazines as well?
I reckon for overall handling, reliability (no rotting magnesium water pump cover issues on these machines) the Suzuki is hard to beat-not to mention the excellent availability of genuine parts from Suzuki versus Hondas and Kawasakis (I dont know much about Yamahas).
Very well put, old magazine tests have to be taken in the context of who was paying for the most advertising at the time and how everyone felt on the day, it has less than scientific rigour.
I would say, CR = pump rot, KX= expensive rebore, YZ= weird suspension that never quite worked that good, KTM = yummy but not born under a reliable star, hmmm all that you really have left is the RM250
I had a 1984 RM250 E as my first VMX bike.Tell the truth Scunge-that 84 RM you owned was getting pretty flogged out in the engine department when you owned it.PS you are now expelled from the Suzuki brotherhood.
I brought from a Viper fast guy who had blueprinted it, stuck the Z head on it, bigger carb, etc...
It handled really well, motor was a midrange and top end screamer (a bit like Suzuki59, I have heard..), Full Floater was good. The 84 Hondas I came up against seemed to have more low end but the old Pro-link issues....
I now have a 1983 Honda CR250 and it shxts all over my old 84 RM. Broad power-band, low centre of gravity, turns like a dream, & now with an Ohlins on it, hopefully good suspension. Just needs a decent rider and it would be a great!
My 88 RM keeps me in the hood... just....Crap, you got me.
True about the KX.... Clearly I am not Kermit (Green) and yes the RM was getting a bit tried at the end but it was no rocket ship when I first got it and stuck a new piston and rings in it. ;)
All good Uncle-I have conceded defeat to the Mexican ;D
Am I going to have to seperate you two..again??? ;D
YZ= weird suspension that never quite worked that good,
USA KTM were always different from ours and they changed during the year. The first disk brake upsidedown fork 84 model were shit and the drum was better. Pistons are normally more expensive because there forged not cast so last for years but you can buy Wisco for $70.00 on ebay rod kits are about $250.00 and are normally available.
KTM seems like an OK bike, but they say clutch covers too, and stuff like pistons and rods are scary expensive.
(Earlier KTM pic is of an 85 model, BTW).
USA KTM were always different from ours and they changed during the year. The first disk brake upsidedown fork 84 model were shit and the drum was better. Pistons are normally more expensive because there forged not cast so last for years but you can buy Wisco for $70.00 on ebay rod kits are about $250.00 and are normally available.
KTM seems like an OK bike, but they say clutch covers too, and stuff like pistons and rods are scary expensive.
(Earlier KTM pic is of an 85 model, BTW).
YZ= weird suspension that never quite worked that good,
The suspension on the 250 L is basically the same as on every rising rate, linkage type rear available today.
I think you're a little confused with the J (two models previous and miles apart in design).