Okay so, I would like to know which one you guys would recommend. The Suzuki seems so nice(good handling, which I think is the best) but at the same time the Honda seems quite nice too. BUT* I'm scared of the rmz's false neutral problems. And I've heard the CRF has a flat motor. Any opinions ?

I just bought the 12 RMZ-250 2 months ago, I had a harder choice deciding between the kawi and the Suzuki, I'd suggest you read all the reviews in the magazines. There's some really good articles out there about all the bikes.
What made me decide on the Suzuki was I went into the dealer and got to ride them around the lot, and I liked how light the bike felt. I'm also a taller person and the RMZ seemed to be better for someone 6ft tall.
I honestly haven't got to ride it a lot, I work to much, but I don't think I could have got a better bike. Sometimes it's a bitch to find neutral, but that's only if you really heat up the engine. Another thing is she's kinda hard to start when hot if you cant get a good kick in, like if you're in an awkward position or on the shorter and lighter side. And a minor complaint is the black plastics, it's ridiculously easy to scratch them, just get some Armor All tire foam, it costs like 4 bucks where I live and spray that on the plastics and tires of course, after you wash it, and she'll look like you just rolled her off the showroom floor.
What I love about it is the suspension, it comes stiffer than most stock and that's what I like... Honestly the bike sometimes feels like it rides itself just railing it around corners. The bike has PLENTY of power, I out pulled an older 06 yz450 on it on a 1/4 drag, three times in a row, and on the track you can seriously pull power out of anywhere in the rpm range.
This should go with any bike you buy, but be sure to change the oil and clean the air filter, and filter your gas the fuel pump in the gas tank is known to get clogged.

Thanks a lot man! I also had the choice of the kawi but it just didn't appeal to me. I'm on a 06 CRF250 now I'm ready for a newer one. I'm pretty set on the rmz now. I just hope the rmz's false neutral doesn't happen to me to often when riding lol. But thanks a lot.

 EDUB451, on 25 April 2012 - 05:26 AM, said:

If you want, getting the Hammerhead +10mm Shifter helps alot. And also running a heavier oil like 15w-50. I have a 2012 RM-Z250 and I have never hit one false neutral

Replacing the detent spring with a rmz450 detent spring is a good mod before you ride it. It will keep it in gear. Here is the link. http://www.thumperta...-spring-update/

maybe to make your decision a little easier, not that im recommending any brand over the other. but any modern bike today has the potential to let you down (no matter the brand) some people just get the "Friday afternoon" bike, and others get the Monday morning bikes. all brands have their horror stories, the good thing about the zuk is that (as mentioned above) there are a few quick and cheaps mods you can apply (with just a bit of patience) yourself to make your bike work better and help prevent any premature issues from occurring...

don't be confused. Go with the RMZ. I just came off a 2004 Crf250 onto a 2012 RMZ250 and I couldn't be happier. It was an easy transition to the new bike. I can't explain it, but it felt similar to my old bike... but different in all the right ways. I was instantly comfortable on the RMZ. I've recent;y ridden a few YZF's and they just feel so awkward to me. Like the ergos are completely different and they don't suit my style at all.

RMZ. Go for it. Now!

My experience:
2006 CRF250 (3 yrs)
2009 KX450 (10 months)
2008 CRF250 (1.5 yrs)
2011 KTM 350 SXF (1 yr)
2012 RMZ 250 (13.5 hrs in 4 months and counting)

My favorite bike considering everything: 12 RMZ250.

Honda is great in many ways.  But I could not get mine to corner 1/2 as good as my RMZ.  Is the new chassis better?  No experience.  Magazines have mixed opinions.  But no one has mixed opinion about the RMZ cornering.
You can't fix chassis issues (easily).  It is my starting point.

Kawi: awesome motor.  Feels big, wide, and bulky.  It's in their DNA.  Does not matter the year or 250.  Cornering is less than fun also.
Again, not a good starting point.

KTM: awesome motor and chassis.  However, the suspension was too mushy.  Finally, I don't like heavy complicated machinary for a MX bike.  E-start, FI horror stories.

As stated, all bikes have weak points.
I chose mine based on the first priority: light weight chassis that makes cornering heros out of average riders like myself (Vet intermediate).
It just so happens all other factors are also great.  Especially the stiff suspension.  Mine is starting cold and hot in 1-2 kicks consistently.
You will be hard pressed to find FI reliability problems on this forum (unlike others).
Fit and finish is Honda like.  Ergos are Honda + better for me (6 ft).
My bike looks nearly new after 13.5 hrs of moto including GA orange clay and OH mud.  Clean up is a breeze and all components look great.
Not sure if the metals will stand up as Hondas do.  What I can say is I don't see much on RMZ engine problems, plastic, frames, fasterners, and others seem good.
Yes, RMZ has a transmission reputation.
However, there are lots of info on this forum to prevent and I expect they have made some process improvement for 2012.
Time will tell for me.

Either bike will be a great choice.
Help the economy and go have some fun.

Edited by Honda574, 28 April 2012 - 10:41 AM.

 AS64, on 25 April 2012 - 07:03 AM, said:

where abouts in bc are you from?  i have a new 2011  only run  15w-50 and no neutrals on my end.

Just rode one of my buddies 2012 rmz. Holy cow ! I'm a top C rider. (some call me a sand bagger) but I don't really race. The bike corners as good as they say ! My buddy is top B class and I was right behind him. I'm going to go price one out and get her on the back of my truck ! Thanks for the info fellas !

 EDUB451, on 01 May 2012 - 07:09 AM, said:

wont be disappointed,

Enjoy

Enjoy I will !  So besides the detent spring and thicker oil. Is there anything else you would recommend ? Even if it's just like cool little mods.

 EDUB451, on 01 May 2012 - 06:10 PM, said:

Some people, myself included, are running a +10mm longer Hammerhead shifter. They said the stock shifter was short so I went ahead and put the Hammerhead on before I rode it and it works great. The engine builder who installed my detent spring recommends putting dielectric grease on the ECT sensor coupler, he has seen them corrode from washing bike. Enjoy............

some free advice: as with any new bike, pull the steering stem and swing arm apart and repack the bearings (come very dry from new), allow the bike a few hours of riding to fully break in. try the different couplers to tune the motor to your liking. depending on your weight the forks can be dialed in by adding or removing some fork oil to control the mid-stroke. run the race sag at about 105mm and the bevel at the top of the front fork tubes level with the top of the triple clamp (best compromise between stability and turning IMO). dont over-torque the drain bolts and especially the strainer cover bolt (if you do, it wont come off easy next time). if you want to put some money into it, toss the stock chain guide and swing-arm guide when their worn and replace with TM design units (last MUCH longer). keep an eye on the spark plug cap when you install an hour meter as the wire can interfere with the boot causing it to get loose while riding. thats about all i can think of for now...