Dirt Bikes

2023 Suzuki RM-Z250 Technical Information

Features and specifications on the RM Army’s 250 four-stroke motocrosser.

Updated: November 6, 2022

It’s no secret that Suzuki’s 250 four-stroke motocross bike has gone a while without any mechanical updates—2019 to be exact. That’s the year the RM-Z250 was given an extensive overhaul including a new cylinder head, dual injector EFI system, throttle body, exhaust system, coil-spring fork, shock, chassis, and bodywork. Although the changes didn’t move it up in the rankings of our annual comparison test that year and it hasn’t participated in Dirt Rider’s 250F Motocross Shootout since 2020, the RM Army’s quarter-liter MXer still has its charms. Before we publish our first ride review of it, let’s dig into some of the RM-Z250′s features and specifications.

Suzuki’s 250 four-stroke motocross bike was last overhauled in 2019. Only the graphics have changed since then, except for this year. The 2023 model is completely identical to the 2022.Mason Owens

On our automotive scales, the RM-Z250 weighs 236 pounds wet.Mason Owens

Although it still has a kickstarter, the yellow bike starts fairly easily so long as you have it at top dead center (TDC).Mason Owens

Runs on the Dirt Rider dyno confirmed output from the RM Army’s fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 249cc engine. We documented 36.7 hp at 12,300 rpm and 18.3 lb.-ft. of torque at 9,100 rpm.Mason Owens

Suzuki began offering its MX-Tuner 2.0 system free of charge with the 2021 RM-Z models, and it continues for 2023. The only thing not included is a 12V battery to power it.Mark Kariya

In addition to having the ability to make fuel and ignition mapping adjustments with the MX-Tuner 2.0, three EFI couplers are included with the bike—white (lean), gray (rich), and white with black tape (standard).Mark Kariya

One of the most notable updates the quarter-liter RM-Z was given in 2019 was a KYB Air-Oil Separate (AOS) 48mm coil-spring fork. This is great equipment that is unfortunately held back by a superstiff setting. Fork spring rate is 5.0 Nm, which is the same as the RM-Z450’s and most other 450 motocross bikes.Mason Owens

The KYB shock is an equally nice piece with some serious damping tuning capability. Clickers to adjust low- and high-speed compression as well as low-speed rebound are on the triple-adjuster body, while the high-speed rebound clicker is located on the clevis.Mason Owens

A firm shock setting can also be attributed to spring rate, which is 52 Nm.Mason Owens

Suzuki was the first to spec Dunlop’s Geomax MX33 soft-to-intermediate-terrain tire on a motocross bike with its RM-Z250. Since then, all motorcycle manufacturers that use Dunlop on their full-size MXers have followed suit.Mark Kariya

Even though graphics stayed the same for ’23, the Suzuki is still one of the best looking motocross bikes on the market.Mason Owens

2023 Suzuki RM-Z250 Specifications

MSRP:	$7,899
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder
Displacement:	249cc
Bore x Stroke:	77.0 x 53.6mm
Compression Ratio:	13.75:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Dirt Rider Measured Horsepower:	36.7 hp @ 12,300 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:	18.3 lb.-ft. @ 9,100 rpm
Fuel System:	EFI w/ 44mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate; cable actuation
Frame:	Twin-spar aluminum
Front Suspension:	KYB Air-Oil Separate (AOS) coil-spring fork, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	KYB shock, spring preload, high/low-speed compression damping, and high/low-speed rebound damping adjustable; 11.8 in. travel
Front Brake:	Nissin 2-piston caliper, 270mm disc
Rear Brake:	Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop Geomax MX33; 80/100-21 / 100/90-19
Rake/Trail:	28.7°/4.9 in.
Wheelbase:	58.5 in.
Ground Clearance:	13.0 in.
Dirt Rider Measured Seat Height:	37.0 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.7 gal.
Dirt Rider Measured Wet Weight:	236 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	suzukicycles.com