Should I purchase 98 RM250?? Adv/Disadv?

[customfab]

I found a 98 RM250 that has seen hardly any use. It still has the original tires and has some decent upgrades (bars, triple clamps, exhaust, updated plastic, gripper seat, spark arrestor). It looks sweet. I've negotiated a price of $1500 which includes a stand, chest protector, new rear tire and helmet.
Question is, is this a decent year? Motor? I'm 6'4", 210lbs. The price seems right but I can't find anything for reviews of this year. I need the good, bad and ugly basically. I'll mainly be doing trail riding with some minor MX.

Thanks

[Dave2122]

Very good bike and the motor is plenty strong enough if it is in good shape for that price you are getting a good bike at a good price.

[customfab]

Any more comments? I was told this was the last year for inverted forks. I don't know if this is a good thing or not. I've read somewhere that the older style forks were actually better suited for trail riding...more plush ride.

[zookerman125]

I've got a 97 125 with the conventional forks and like them alot. They are beefier than inverted forks (current inverted are 48mm (I think) and the conventional showas on the 97-98 RM are 49mm). When the seals go, the fluid doesn't just drip out the tube due to gravity and get all over your brakes. Keep in mind that RM model bikes are built for competition, so the forks are much better than those on a regular trail bike.

I've read this tuning guide for the 97 RM (and other bikes of that year) from Eric Gorr's web site that seems to indicate the forks were well liked and needed only a change in oil level for improved competition performance... link here

Of course, newer bikes are going to be better due to technology advancements, but if you're just out to have a good time / learn to ride, that will make a fine bike.

FYI, I got my 125 for $1500 just over 1 year ago in California ... which was a really good deal at the time -- had Pro Circuit pipe & silencer, re-sleeved / newly serviced top end, excel wheels, tag bars and I got the stand. I've seen some 97-98 250s with asking prices of 1800-2100 recently, so 1500 is a good deal, especially with all the goodies for that price.

[customfab]

Zooker,

Thanks for that input. Makes me feel good about the deal. I'm picking it up on Friday so I'm pretty excited.
I've read that the clutch basket will need to be replaced. Notoriously wimpy on almost all RMs. I'll abuse the stock one to the best of my ability and upgrade.
Glad to hear about the forks. Guess these are much better for trail riding anyway.

So what kind of mods improve performance and rideability for trail/wood riding? Since I haven't ridden it nor am I an expert on 2-stroke tuning I have no clue where the powerband is on this bike. Being an engineer, I can't ever leave anything I buy intact or stock.

[customfab]

On other question. This bike typically takes 3-4 kicks to run over. Is this fairly typical? If compression is within spec then how can I improve its starting ability?

[YellowDragon]

I own a 98 RM250 that,like you, had hardly any use. The bike is great!! I love it and wouldn't traid it for a newer one. The conventional forks work awesome and soak up the abuse of over jumping. If you want to spend more money on this bike, the first thing you should do, for your own sake, is change out the oil seal inside the engine. Suzuki put an oil seal that seperates your oil from coolant inside the case. You'll have to split the case in order to get to the seal, but if you don't do this and don't know if and when its been done last, one day you'll end up mixing the fluids---not good.
I took my bike down to the frame when I first bought it and cleaned everything.(carb, re-grease swingarm/steering neck.ect.) Now it screams. This is an awesome trail(although the power is snotty) and track bike. I can'[t say enough!

Good luck and enjoy your RM.