1984 250's

[Marc.com]

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

[Nathan S]

KXs crack frames.

YZs are too cramped for non-hobbits. A bitch to get non-DC plastics for.

CRs eat clutch covers. Crappy rear shock. Can't get non-DC radiator shrouds.

Husqvarna just wasn't in the hunt - too slow, too peaky, substandard brakes.

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).

Dunno about the RMs - this was the era where Suzuki had obviously sacked all of the engine guys and spent their wages of suspension/handling guys.


I've got a CR, but only because it was cheap. Reckon I'd prefer a YZ with a high seat and a CR front disc - but am too lazy to bother...

[Scunge]

I had a 1984 RM250 E as my first VMX bike.

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!

[Scunge]

Oh yeah, I have an alloy Clutch cover from an 81 on it, and I have a few spare NOS radiator covers....

[suzuki59]

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

Shit marc you really got around back in the day - did you work for US bike magazines as well?
I think you will find at that stage Honda had most of the magazines on the payroll,but good old Super Hunky at US Dirt Bike was still trying to remain unbiased.
The RM is the clear winner.

PS I rode the KX Brad refers to and it was a horrible beast-really abrupt bottom end power, light switch rear brake and a terrible clutch.Yuck!

[suzuki59]

I had a 1984 RM250 E as my first VMX bike.

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!

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.

[Scunge]

My 88 RM keeps me in the hood... just....

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.

[suzuki59]

My 88 RM keeps me in the hood... just....

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.

Crap, you got me.

[firko]

Am I going to have to seperate you two..again???

[suzuki59]

Am I going to have to seperate you two..again???

All good Uncle-I have conceded defeat to the Mexican 

[Scunge]

Brotherly love...

Again little Bro, I win... I thought all those hidings I used to give you would have got through? 

Hi Unc Firks - hope you are well!

[Rossvickicampbell]

I thought I excluded you from this conversation Craigy? 

[suzuki59]

Rosco no one listens to you.

[John Orchard]

RM250E handled well, good for jumping photographers.

[maico police]

 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).