Suzuki chose to hold a private media event Saturday at Moto-industry hotspot Pole Position Raceway in Corona, California for the introduction of their 2007 RM-Z250. In between lapping Pole Position's go-karts around their indoor track wheel-to-wheel with Suzuki's former Lites Class champions (now I can tell people I got block passed by Travis Pastrana!), I got the scoop on Suzuki's newest contender in the Lites-class battle.
The 2007 RM-Z250 is all-new from the ground up, designed to capture a concept Suzuki calls 'the winning balance' - equal and competitive measures of handling, braking, and acceleration, with a broad spread of power and a ride that appeals to beginners and pros alike.
To get there, Suzuki engineers started with an all-new, twin-spar aluminum chassis, developed at least in part based on feedback from Ricky Carmichael's experience racing the company's RM-Z450. The new aluminum frame is 1.1kg (2.4lbs) lighter than the 2006 model's steel frame. Out back is a redesigned swingarm (again based on the RM-Z450), and both ends feature Showa suspension, again robbed from the 250's bigger brother.
The twin aluminum frame tubes are wrapped around an all-new, 249cc single-cylinder powerplant, which features chain-driven dual overhead cams actuating four titanium valves via bucket tappets. Suzuki's engineering team designed a new combustion chamber shape and new intake and exhaust port shapes, which taken together are claimed to 'increase mid-to-high range performance'. However, Suzuki also claims that 'ease of harnessing the power at low-to-mid range is maintained by using a 37mm-bore carburetor'.
Other new features on the 2007 powerplant include a revised breather system that helps reduce positive pressure in the crankcase, a larger radiator that increases heat dissipation by 20%, and a redesigned transmission with revised ratios and wider gears for increased durability. Hollow camshafts reduce the engine's rotating mass, and a new, more efficient water pump works with the larger radiator to help keep the bike running cool.
Finally, the new RM-Z250 features a few trick features like oversized Renthal handlebars and a grained 'gripper' seat for easier knee gripping. Suzuki has also redesigned the bike's ergonomics to create what they feel is a more comfortable rider position, which will lead to less rider fatigue.
Keep your eyes on MD for an upcoming First Ride impression of the 2007 RM-Z250.
