Suzuki Rm250c-2

SUZUKI RM250C-2

The RM Gets Even Better

CYCLE WORLD TEST

The top triple clamp boasts rear-set and rubber-mounted handlebar pedestals. The rubber pedestal grommets help isolate vibration and make long rides more pleasurable.

The rear shocks have also been changed. They still have remote reservoirs but now offer two damping choices. By removing the spring and turning the shaft, stiff or light damping may be selected. Even the stiff position has lighter damping than the regular C. These new shocks don't kick the

rear in the air on sharp bumps. They feel much more compliant and all but the pro will be able to use them until they wear out. They aren't rebuildable so complete replacement is necessary should a problem occur.

The C-2 also has a curved aluminum swing arm. It is large and rather ugly. We didn't have any breakage or cracking problems with it so it evidently is strong enough.

The C's tank is plastic and has a new. squarer styling. The mounting also has been changed. It has metal brackets that bolt the lower front of the tank to the frame. These both broke on our recent RM400 test bike. Our 250 already had brackets made from thicker metal. These held up fine throughout our test. All of the early brackets are being replaced with the new stronger mounts, according to Suzuki.

The C-2 also has new wider plastic fenders with strengthening ribs. They are much better and do a good job of protecting the rider from mud. etc.

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The seat is T in. shallower than its predecessor. This was done in an effort to keep the seat height at a reasonable level. Suspension travel at both ends has been increased to almost 10 in. We liked the increased travel, new styling and fenders. The new seat doesn’t have enough padding and seems hard and shallow'. Adding more padding or using last year’s fine seat are possible fixes. Overall the C-2 is better than before and has a new fresh look. E9