Suzuki's newest motocross model is the new RM-Z250: their first-ever four-stroke motocrosser. The compact and lightweight thumper is one of the most highly anticipated bikes of the year. Suzuki claims 42.1 horsepower and a claimed dry weight of 204 pounds. As long as those horses are the same size as each of the 33 ponies the Yamaha YZ250F generates, and their scale is accurate, the new thumper will surely be an impressive bike. The motor is similar to the YZ250F in design and concept, but with four valves in the head rather than Yamaha's patented five-valve unit, but it looks more compact. With similar characteristics to an existing and very competitive design, we expect the new RMZ to be a serious threat.
As you have probably heard Suzuki and Kawasaki have an alliance, and they share many of their off-road products to fill gaps in their respective model lines. However, their motocross (and performance street) bikes remain in-house, and are not shared. This new thumper, however, is an exception. The motor in the RMZ was designed and prototyped by Suzuki engineers, and Kawasaki took on the responsibility of building a chassis worthy of the new motor. Kawasaki is also manufacturing the new thumper for both Suzuki and Kawasaki. The fact that the chassis is a Kawasaki design, and is built by them, is the most likely explanation for the RM-Z having Kayaba suspension instead of Showa like the 2004 Suzuki RM125 and 250.
Below are some detailed photos of the new Suzuki RM-Z250. Enjoy!