KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

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Goat
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KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by Goat »

I took KDX back to MX track (last time), 5/8/21.
Have sold 2 bikes and was looking for last gen KX250 or alum YZ250 to bolster my MX fantasy land.
But could never find one that seemed to be within sanity of pricing, so toyed with idea of older KX250F. Since F maybe better next step for my riding capability. Found those to be just as crazy price.
Anyway... ended up with ‘17 RMZ 250. Voted with my wallet and current riding skill.
Zuk’s have fallen out of favor with hard corps racers. But are reported to one of best bikes for beginner / novice.
The RMZ was less than $1000 more than old KX250 and at least $1000 less than similar year KXF. YZ250 cannot seem be found within $1000 of what I think they should cost. And I am not up for the full hybrid project, at this time anyway.
Now KDX can go back to comfort zone.
I softened the suspension back to normal and hit gnar woods last Sat, felt like a dream. Will drop the forks a few mm again and get back to KDX sweet spot where it belongs. Then just dial a few clickers if we are racing woods. No more KDMX.
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by KDXGarage »

NICE! Congratulations on the new scooter!
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by bufftester »

You'll like the RMZ, nice linear powerband (although not as peppy as the YZ-F or the CR-F according to many), suspension works well on the track, supposed to be one of the best tracking MXers. IIRC they had adjustable offset for the front end so you could dial it in, turns on a dime. Looks like a lot of fun ahead!
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by Goat »

I think it’s gonna be great for me. I was fiddling around tonight trying to find sweet spot (if there is such thing on 4T) for 1-kick start.
Found it starts exactly same as my KDX if I leave the wash plug in the pipe.
It sure is a different ride. Very exciting in completely different way. I expected it to be a DRZ-light. But it’s not like that. It hits HARD and pulls fast! Will be fun to get it on the track.
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by Slick_Nick »

I like the 'Zooks. They are a great "mellow" bike for a novice rider, but catch a lot of flak lately for not keeping up with the competition. I don't get it, I still think there is a niche for an affordable, well rounded motocross machine without all the bells and whistles. I'd buy one for sure.
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by Goat »

Thanks! Nice to hear good reports.
Haha. “Mellow”......like driving the slowest F1 car.
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by VTMTcowboy »

Congrats on the RMZ! I had an 18 and really enjoyed the motor and overall feel of the bike. The air forks need some help, but the rest of the bike was spot on. I ended up selling it, but looking back, I should have probably kept. Anyhow, you live and you learn. Enjoy!
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by Goat »

Thanks! I made my first big mistake though. My buddies asked if I wanted to ride hard woods last Sat.
I took the zook, since it new and I just hadn’t got it out enough.
I in about 2-hrs, I was crying like little baby that I should have brought the KDX!
Light switch throttle, MX suspension, and 4T low end do not make the hard stuff smoother.
But… live in learn.
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by KDXGarage »

Oh yeah, right tools for the job. :-)
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by Goat »

Since I can’t seem to find time to get KDX back on the trail, the zuk has been placed in woods duty again. Still not great, but much better with suspension set to “mush”. Did everyone know that clickers go to 22?
And you can run MX tube tire at 5psi, if you’re willing to take the risk.
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by KDXGarage »

Y'all kill me with those ultra low pressures. :-)
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by Goat »

One of the trials guys was riding with us.
His woods bike is a KTM200 (sweet machine), with Tubliss.
It was first light rain of the season so the rocks were like a saltwater boat ramp.
He suggested letting a little air out. I did not really mean to go that low, but managed to survive it with much better traction….and found I had been using 5 once I measured it back at the truck.
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by Goat »

RMZ is great MXer for me. I found that my corner speed and lean angle almost rival 12yos on 85. This was race at a ‘Grand Prix’ dirt course in Eddieville, WA last month. I’ll never ride well enough to consider the Zuk to be slow.

On Any Sunday!
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by KDXGarage »

..he'll be flyiiing hiiiigh ! (moderately)
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by VTMTcowboy »

Older post, but figured I'd post anyhow. Glad to see you enjoying the Zuk. I dislike how much hate they get and yes, I would love to see an updated RMZ in 2024. But regardless, having Suzuki around is good for the sport and despite the lack of updates, it still has to be one of the best looking bikes out there. I'd like to try the 19+ with some suspension work. I think it would be a great bike for mx and even some xc style riding. The pricing is excellent on barley used ones, so we'll see what this next year brings. Enjoy and keep up the posts.
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by Goat »

Thanks cowboy! It is great bike for my riding level. However last week I was feeling old or lazy and have invested in estart bike.
So it’ll be all green for me this season w/ KX250 at the 4T tracks/courses. And someone else will get a good deal on Zuk. Seems like complete waste of money just for estart. I won’t be any faster and likely will never use the extra HP at 14,000.
But …. another greenie in the garage sure looks good.
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Re: KDMX - Retirement / RMZ

Post by VTMTcowboy »

Goat wrote: 12:42 pm Dec 03 2022 Thanks cowboy! It is great bike for my riding level. However last week I was feeling old or lazy and have invested in estart bike.
So it’ll be all green for me this season w/ KX250 at the 4T tracks/courses. And someone else will get a good deal on Zuk. Seems like complete waste of money just for estart. I won’t be any faster and likely will never use the extra HP at 14,000.
But …. another greenie in the garage sure looks good.
Right on, I'll be interested to see how you like the KX250 in compared to the RMZ. I actually just picked up a 20 KX250 and it is killing me that is just sitting in the garage. That has been the biggest challenge moving back to the east coast is dealing with winter and the lack of riding available unless you have private land. There isn't any snow, but all the public spots close regardless. Anyhow, enjoy the new bike and definitely give us some ride reports when available!
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