2020 Suzuki RM-Z 250: From Rough To Refined
Built Not Bought. An MX Four Stroke With Purpose-Driven Upgrades
There’s a different kind of story behind this 2020 Suzuki RM-Z 250 build — one that goes beyond parts, specs, and polished finishes. Built in Australia by Dylan Smith - known as Rough Riider and in his own words - this project represents something deeper than just motocross performance. It’s about resilience. Rough Riider isn’t about being rough for the sake of it — it’s about pushing through. Life hasn’t always been straightforward for Dylan and motorcycles became more than just machines along the way. They became focus., structure and purpose. Time in the garage turned into something meaningful, where challenges were met head-on and progress was earned, not given. At the centre of this story is a built — not bought approach. This RMZ 250 reflects a hands-on mindset where every modification has intention. Nothing is excessive, nothing is random — just a clear focus on performance, reliability, and clean execution.
It’s proof that you don’t need an unlimited budget to create something exceptional — just smart decisions, patience and real mechanical work. Guiding the entire project is a simple but powerful philosophy: old skool × new skool. A modern machine forms the foundation, while classic motocross and enduro influences shape the style and attitude. The result is a bike that blends modern performance with timeless character — updated components, refined finishes, and a design that respects the past without being stuck in it. This isn't just a bike build - it's what happens when you take something rough and turn it into something real. Below, we showcase the Suzuki RMZ 250 build and detail each AS3 Performance part used in upgrading it.
Front Brake & Clutch Levers
The OEM front brake & clutch levers have been replaced with our forged front brake and clutch levers. AS3 Performance levers are designed as direct replacements for the OEM levers, offering both reliability and enhanced durability. Manufactured using a cold-forging process from high-quality aluminium, these levers are built to bend on impact rather than snap - unlike many standard cast OEM levers, helping to reduce the risk of breakage during demanding rides. Finished in a sleek black anodised coating and featuring distinctive AS3 Performance branding, they combine performance with style. They fit the 2004–2026 Suzuki RMZ 250 and 2005–2026 Suzuki RMZ 450 and are pictured below.
Front Brake Line Clamp
Dylan replaced the standard plastic front brake line clamp with our black aluminium version. AS3 Performance front brake line clamps are precision CNC machined from high-quality 6061 billet aluminium, delivering both strength and a refined finish. Designed to securely hold the front brake line to the fork guard, they provide a firm and reliable fit while significantly enhancing the overall look of the bike compared to the standard OEM clamp. Compatible with a wide range of Suzuki models - from the RM 65 and RM 85 through to the RMZ 250, RMZ 450, and RMX 450 Z - these clamps come supplied with mounting bolts and are quick and easy to install or remove. For riders looking to customise their setup, we also stock these clamps in a variety of colours, including yellow, blue, and red.
Front Brake & Rear Brake Master Cylinder Covers
AS3 Performance front brake master cylinder covers (also known as reservoir covers) are precision CNC machined from billet aluminium to deliver a perfect fit on the master cylinder, combining durability with a premium finish. Each cover is treated with a smooth anodised coating to help resist corrosion and is finished with the AS3 Performance laser-etched logo, making it a standout upgrade over the standard plastic OEM cover. Designed to fit a wide range of Suzuki models - from the RM 60 and RM 80 through to the RM 85, RM 125, RM 250, RMZ 250, RMZ 450, and RMX 450 Z - these covers offer a simple yet effective way to enhance your bike’s appearance. Installation is quick and straightforward using the existing OEM bolts and we also stock the reservoir cover in a variety of colours, including yellow, blue, and red. Dylan also fitted our rear brake master cylinder cover in black, keeping the colour-scheme going with our anodised parts.
Billet Aluminium Reservoir Covers
There’s no denying that billet aluminium reservoir covers offer a significant visual upgrade over standard OEM parts, but many riders also wonder whether they provide any real performance benefits. From improved durability to better resistance against wear and corrosion, there’s more to these upgrades than just looks. If you’re curious to learn more, we’ve written another blog dedicated to this topic - our Billet Aluminium Reservoir Covers feature - where we take a closer look at why they’re a popular choice among riders.
More Upgrades For The RM-Z 250
In addition to the AS3 Performance parts mentioned above, this bike is fitted with a range of other aftermarket upgrades, including an FMF 4.1 exhaust paired with a stock header pipe that has undergone around six hours of meticulous polishing. It also features Renthal bars, lock-on grips, along with a DID gold chain for added durability. The custom look is completed with Willmax graphics and a custom-made seat cover. The bike runs on Pirelli MX tyres, with the stock rims brought back to life through around ten hours of cleaning and polishing. Performance-wise, the motor is fitted with a high-compression Wossner piston and the entire engine has been vapour blasted for a factory-fresh finish. Additional upgrades include RHK pegs, fully serviced stock suspension with new oils and seals and vapour-blasted front and rear brake calipers. Smaller components such as the gear shifter, rear brake lever, and kick start levers have also been vapour blasted to restore them to like-new condition, while the entire frame has been professionally powder coated by Newcastle Combined Coatings for a durable, high-quality finish.
Other 4 Stroke Suzuki RMZ 250 MX Bike Builds
If you like this feature and want to see another RMZ 250 bike build that we featured, check out this Corvette-inspired Black and Red 2006 Suzuki RMZ 250 build by Andy Wells from Wells Moto Worx over in Canada. We will end this article with a few more pictures of Rough Riider's Yellow and Purple 2020 RM-Z 250.
