2010 Suzuki RM Review

The Suzuki RM is one of the favorite choices for the young motocross crowd. Light and nimble, this year's edition differs little since 2005. If it isn't broke, why fix it? Riders love the quick ride, the well-tuned suspension, and low seat height. Here's why.

Weighing in at only 155 pounds dry, it's easily handled by any young rider. Kids of all sizes are finding the seating perfect due to the flat shape of the seat and the seat-to-peg height of only 18.7 inches. The pegs are 14.3 inches off the ground, but other than getting off and on, this doesn't seem to affect children’s ability to ride this bike in the least. Smaller riders will find this bike to be a perfect fit.

The front suspension is an adjustable rebound dampening inverted fork type. All youngsters applauded the RM for its consistent stability at all speeds. Even adults that have tested it found the ride comfortable. The front shock is a little stiff for the lightweight riders, but once they get used to it, most find it a good match. With the 20-way adjustable dampening, their difficulties can be eased through adjustments. The rear Showa shock was designed for softer landings and to increase bottoming resistance. The front 17-inch wheels and the 14-inch rear wheels are matched aluminum spoked. Front and rear disc brakes make stopping as good as it gets.

The traditional Suzuki-yellow bike tracks great and handles especially well on the rough track. The six-speed transmission transitions through each gear with ease. Its only issue isn't so much the transmission, but the clutch. Suzuki designed the clutch lever to be a long reach, and kids are finding it a little difficult to pull the lever as the reach is a little wider than most of their little hands can grab.

The 84.7 cc liquid-cooled, single stroke, reed-valve engine has plenty of pep for any track. The Keihen carburetor is smooth responding and easy to maintain. Its 1.3-gallon fuel tank is a little small, but is fine for the short motocross tracks. The Suzuki RM doesn't have all the bells and whistle of its big brothers, so don't look for lap timers, trip computers, or even a tachometer. This is your basic beginner motocross ride. However, between the winning combination of transmission and engine power, this bike is perfect for the seven-to-eleven-year-old motocross competitors.