The Suzuki RM series is a family of two-stroke motocross motorcycles; the letters stand for Racing Machine. The line began in 1972 and, apart from the small RM85, has largely given way to the four-stroke RM-Z models.
Suzuki RM at a glance
| First model | RM125M, 1972 |
|---|---|
| Name | Racing Machine |
| Type | motocross two-strokes |
| Models | RM50, RM60, RM65, RM80, RM85, RM100, RM125, RM250, RM370, RM400, RM465, RM500 |
| Predecessor line | TM75, TM100, TM125, TM250, TM400 |
| RM125 and RM250 | built 1975–2008 |
| 2007 RM250 output | about 41 hp at 11,500 rpm |
| Four-stroke successor | RM-Z series |
History of the Suzuki RM
The first Racing Machine
The RM range started in 1972 with the RM125M, which was troubled by mechanical problems and seized in almost every case. Suzuki rushed out a half-year RM S model along with a kit to update M owners, and because most M bikes were converted the original is now rare. The S changes included a ported barrel, a bigger carburettor and a different CDI, and these were the last of the down-pipe RMs. They were followed in 1976 by the RM125A, RM250A and RM370A. Before the RM there had been the TM series of TM75, TM100, TM125, TM250 and TM400.
The long sellers
The RM125 and RM250 went into production in 1975 and lasted until 2008, when falling demand for two-stroke motocross bikes ended them; the RM100 was dropped in 2005 and the RM250 after the 2008 model year. From 1999 to 2004 the RM250 gained 15 horsepower and a lower seat. The 2007 model made about 41 hp at the rear wheel at 11,500 rpm, with 30.2 Nm at 10,500 rpm.
Four-strokes take over
Newer racing classes moved to four-strokes, and the RM-Z range took over from the two-stroke RMs except for the small RM85. The two-strokes remain popular with enthusiasts, and the range also included the RMX enduro models such as the RMX50.
Design and features
- Racing Machine: motocross bikes built for competition, not the road.
- Huge range: from 50 cc minicross to the 500 cc open-class two-strokes.
- Long-lived 125 and 250: built from 1975 to 2008.
- RM-Z successor: four-stroke racing models alongside the surviving RM85.
Suzuki RM versions
- RM125 and RM250: the core two-stroke racers, 1975–2008.
- RM80 and RM85: small-bore minicross and junior bikes.
- RM370, RM400, RM465 and RM500: big-bore open-class models.
- RMX50: a small enduro relative.
- RM-Z450: the four-stroke motocross model that replaced the big two-strokes.
The RM line led to the four-stroke DR-Z400 enduro and shares its racing spirit with the JR50 minibike. More Suzukis are in the Suzuki collection.
Video: Suzuki RM 250 2-Stroke Test Ride
Video by trxmh on YouTube.
Sources
- Suzuki RM series, English Wikipedia: history, models, output, RM-Z transition
