Suzuki RM-Z250 model history
2004—

I have tried to tell the Suzuki RM-Z 250 model history on this page as I know it. This page is still under construction. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

2004 Suzuki year code: K4

New model. A four-stroke RM motocrosser, totally different from the RM250, not just enginewise but even the frame and almosty every detail of the bike is specially designed for this competition motocrosser. Suzuki claims that the RM-Z250 has the lightest, most compact and most powerful four-stroke motocross engine of its size ever put in mass production. ”Another legendary racing success” they say. The 2004 RM-Z250 was actually developed together with Kawasaki, as a part of the Kawasaki-Suzuki alliance. Other shared models were the RM100 (Kawasaki KX100), DR-Z110 (Kawasaki KLX110), the RM65 (Kawasaki KX65), the DR-Z125 (Kawasaki KLX125), the DR-Z400 (Kawasaki KLX400) and they jointly developed the RM-Z 250 (Kawasaki KX-F 250). Suzuki designed the engine and Kawasaki did all the leg work, which explains how it acts nothing like any other Suzuki. 2007 saw Suzuki's own RM-Z250, which has garnered critical acclaim for it's razor sharp handling, "better than anything ever built" (Motocross Action Online).

RM-Z 250 2004 Overall Length: 2,170 mm (85.4 in) Overall Width: 840 mm (33.1 in) Overall Height: 1,270 mm (50.0 in) Seat Height: 960 mm (37.8 in) Ground Clearance: 340 mm (13.3 in) Wheelbase: 1,475 mm (58.0 in) Dry Weight: 92.5 kg(203.5 lbs) Engine type: Water-cooled 249 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. Effect, torque: 43 hp (31.6 kW)/ 11,000 rpm, 28.7 Nm/ 8,500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

2005 Suzuki year code: K5

The 2005-year's model of the RM-Z250 was released early. It was available in shops in Japan already the 29th of July 2004. The graphics are obviously new, and so is even the engine. Suzuki tells that the new engine has straighter exhaust ports and extended center rib for intake ports to improve low to mid range engine response, revised ignition timing and rev limiter setting for improved high rpm and over-rev performance, new clutch plate design and improved clutch spring material for better clutch action and feel, improved throttle valve design and new stainless-steel throttle cable designed for low-friction throttle operation, shot-peened 3rd and 4th transmission gears for increased durability, stronger reinforced airbox design for increased durability and improved intake seal, new-design oil filter cover for simplified oil change maintenance - cover can be removed without removing the water pump cover or draining coolant, larger radiators for increased cooling capacity and more stable engine operating temperature - radiators are 40mm longer with 17.8% larger core area, and more durable muffler construction with improved packing. In other words; the engine is new.

RM-Z 250 2005 Overall Length: 2,170 mm (85.4 in) Overall Width: 840 mm (33.1 in) Overall Height: 1,270 mm (50.0 in) Seat Height: 960 mm (37.8 in) Ground Clearance: 340 mm (13.3 in) Wheelbase: 1,475 mm (58.0 in) Dry Weight: 92.5 kg(203.5 lbs) Engine type: Water-cooled 249 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. Effect, torque: 43 hp (31.6 kW)/ 11,000 rpm, 28.7 Nm/ 8,500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

2004-2005 RM-Z250 specifications
Engine type:	liquid-cooled 1-cylinder 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve
Cylinder displacement:	249cc
Bore x stroke:	77,0 x 53,6 mm
Compression ratio:	12,6 : 1
Carburetor:	Keihin FCR37
Lubrication:	Semi-dry sump (SASS)
Ignition:	Digital AC-CDI
Transmission:	5-speed constant mesh
Final drive:	#520 chain
Rake/trail:	26,5° 30' / 110 mm (4.3 in)
Front suspension:	Kayaba 48mm telescopic, cartridge-type, 16 compression & rebound settings
Front suspension stroke:	300 mm (11.8 in.)
Rear suspension:	Link-type, fully-adjustable spring preload, 16-way compression & 16-way rebound damping
Rear suspension travel:	310 mm (12.2 in.)
Front brake:	Single hydraulic disc, 2-piston caliper
Rear brake:	Single hydraulic disc, 1-piston caliper
Front tyre dimension:	80/100-21-51M
Rear tyre dimension:	100/90-19-57M
Fuel tank capacity:	7,6 liter incl.reserve (2.0/1.7 US/UK gal.)
Color:	YU1: Champion Yellow No. 2

2007 Suzuki year code: K7

The 2007 RM-Z250 is all new from the ground up and it is 100% Suzuki. The RM-Z250 features a compact, lightweight and powerful 250cc 4-stroke engine design, a strong and lightweight aluminum chassis, Showa suspension components and many high-performance features for the ultimate 250cc 4-stroke racing machine.

RM-Z 250 2007 Overall Length: 2,165 mm (85.2 in) Overall Width: 830 mm (32.7 in) Overall Height: 1,260 mm (49.6 in) Seat Height: 955 mm (37.6 in) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13.8 in) Wheelbase: 1,465 mm (57.7 in) Dry Weight: 92.0 kg (202.8 lbs) Engine type: Water-cooled 249 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. Effect, torque: 43 hp (31.6 kW)/ 11,000 rpm, 28.7 Nm/ 8,500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format. Here's more Suzuki RM-Z250 info.

More: Suzuki RM-RMX series

More: All Suzuki models

Sources: Suzuki Motor Company

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