Picked up my first ever Suzuki (2000 RM250)

[Blown 331]

I guess I should say, my first running Suzuki. I did pick up a pair of non-running early 80s RM80s a few years back that I just flipped on craigslist but that hardly counts.
Anyway, I saw this bike on craigslist, only had to drive 10 miles to get it and it came with TONS of spare parts. It had the oversize tank on it which I already swapped out and put on ebay.
Its in excellent shape, starts, runs and idles perfect but it actually seems a little under powered for my liking. So it looks like I'm going to ebay some of the spare parts then resell this thing. I only paid $840 so I'm hoping to turn a profit then try another brand. So much for my first Suzuki!

http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b411/Blown_331/20131110_175144_zps9bc62bad.jpg (http://s1041.photobucket.com/user/Blown_331/media/20131110_175144_zps9bc62bad.jpg.html)

http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b411/Blown_331/20131109_181448_zps133cc7d1.jpg (http://s1041.photobucket.com/user/Blown_331/media/20131109_181448_zps133cc7d1.jpg.html)

[Blown 331]

1966 Ford Fairlane 500 2 door hard top 289. Thats one of 4 my dad had. Now he has 3. He bought this one in 1973 and gave it to me when I was in grade school. It sat for 30 years before I started driving it again. Its about as original as you can find. The exhaust was in bad shape so I did put new exhaust on it. I have the original hub caps hanging on the wall. That near 48 year old paint can still shine.

http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b411/Blown_331/fairlane.jpg (http://s1041.photobucket.com/user/Blown_331/media/fairlane.jpg.html)

[Toaster556]

FMF pipe on there? I found they absolutely killed the power on most RM250s I've ridden. I'd also check to make sure the power valve is functioning, if they get gummed up the power goes flat.
Suzukis get a bad rap on power for some reason, but my 98 RM250 with the Pro Circuit motor killed most of my buddy's 250 smokers and more than a few 450Fs, if the rider knew how to ride.

[Blown 331]

It has Pro Circuit exhaust. The guy I bought it from was smaller guy and said he did a lot of woods riding so he had the power valve adjusted for more low end. I adjusted it every which way possible and its definitely better but I'm still not happy with the power. So is it safe to say it is not sticking if adjusting it makes a difference? This guy said it would hang with his buddys 2013 450, hilarious.
I had no idea Suzuki had a bad rap on power but I definitely understand it.

[Toaster556]

The timing is adjustable to a point, but not that much. If the valve isn't sticking and is within adjustment, it won't make arm-ripping power, but it should make a fair amount with a good midrange kick. I would see if you can locate a Clymer manual and set the power valve to stock specs.
Everyone I spoke to before and immediately after I bought my RM250 with a few exceptions told me it was a dog and would never be as fast or powerful as a CR250 or a YZ250. In tight woods, I would hang with or pull away from most people, regardless of what they rode. It's a lot more rider skill than bike however.

[Blown 331]

I did some more reading and I think my power valve adjustment could be off by quite a bit. I'm going to redo it and give it another try. I've never been much of a Suzuki guy, hence never having one before, but I do like this bike. I wish is had a bit more power. I'll report back but it will probably be awhile as I'm working a lot and it gets dark so early now.

[Blown 331]

Sold! That didn't last long!
I'm satisfied with the power on this one!

http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b411/Blown_331/20131214_213051_zpsbk6mpayq.jpg

[Blown 331]

Yep KX450F, bad ass bike. Does everything well, lots of fun!