Ricky Carmichael has proven the competitiveness of Suzuki’s RM250 and RM-Z450 by winning the AMA Supercross title and currently dominating the AMA 250 Outdoor National motocross championship series.
Suzuki is not resting on its laurels, however, with significant changes announced for the 2006 motocross line-up. Take a look at the information below (provided by Suzuki) which describes the 2006 motocross models, including changes to each model. Notably, the RM-Z450 and RM250 two-stroke feature significant changes/updates, while the RM-Z250 four-stroke is largely unchanged. Pictured above is the Ricky Carmichael replica RM250.
2006 SUZUKI MOTOCROSS MODELSSuzuki RM and RM-Z riders have had a great year in 2005 with more to come in 2006. With the arrival of the
much anticipated RM-Z450, Suzuki firmly established itself as one of the very best 4-stroke manufacturers as
well as having the best line of 2-stroke machines. For 2006, the RM-Z450, RM250 and RM125 have all
received important updates. In addition, a limited edition RM250Z will be available with special Team Makita
Suzuki graphics, gold-colored wheels and a black seat similar to Ricky Carmichael’s championship-winning
RM250. The smaller RM-Z250 and RM85 and RM85L sport new Blue graphics for 2006. No doubt, the 2006
Suzuki RM lineup comprises a winning combination of high performance motocross hardware, ready to win
races and provide hours of fun and excitement for all ages and skill levels. Additionally, each Suzuki
motocross bike comes with a full race contingency package with more than $6 million dollars up for grabs
through Suzuki’s contingency card program. Other benefits such as track-side support at selected events are
exclusively for RM riders nation-wide.2006 SUZUKI RM-Z450The RM-Z450’s entry into the world of 4-stroke motocross has met with great success. The RM-Z has
established itself as the 4-stroke machine that handles like a nimble RM, but with the type of strong,
tractable 4-stroke power that all riders appreciate. The RM-Z450 engine is based around an over-square bore
x stroke design, with liquid-cooling, four titanium valves per cylinder and double overhead billet cams. Suzuki
innovations include the Suzuki Advanced Sump System (SASS), which positions the crankshaft lower in the
crankcase to reduce the center of gravity, and the Suzuki Active Vent System (SAVS), which reduces
crankcase pressure. Super-accurate thin-wall aluminum-alloy castings for the cylinder head, cylinder and
crankcase combine with magnesium-alloy cam, clutch and magneto covers to reduce weight. Plus, a 4-speed
transmission with vertically-staggered transmission shafts reduces front-to-rear engine length.The engine is housed by a lightweight, twin-spar frame combining aluminum forgings, extrusions and
stampings welded into a single unit. The whole package is supported by a Showa inverted cartridge fork
and Showa reservoir rear shock that includes a 4-turn range of high-speed compression damping. The
RM-Z450 features a unique aluminum rear swingarm built using hydroformed, thick-wall tapered arms
welded to a cast linkage bracket and forged axle holders.The forged-aluminum link pivots on the swingarm itself, with a one-piece forged-aluminum link rod
connected to the frame. The system ensures that the rear shock absorber moves in a smooth arc as it
compresses, reducing side loads. Other features include specially-designed Bridgestone tires mounted
on lightweight aluminum rims with a special spoke/nipple design, plus Renthal aluminum handlebars as
standard equipment. The Ultimate Four-Stroke Weapon, Suzuki RM-Z450 – a lightweight, exciting package,
combining 2-stroke RM size and feel with responsive four-stroke power and torque. The product of Genuine
Suzuki Engineering.Updates to the 2006 RM-Z450 include the following:
Engine Updates
- New cylinder head with redesigned intake port shape for increased low-to-mid-range power
- Revised carburetor settings for improved low-to-midrange power
- New piston oil-control rings featuring chrome-nitride coating for improved sealing and reduced friction
- Revised ignition mapping for increased power output especially at low-to-mid-range rpm
- Higher final drive ratio, (49/14 to 48/14), for smoother power delivery control at all rpm
- Reshaped shift fork guide pins for more positive feeling gear shifts
- Relocated hot-start lever for easier access
Chassis Updates
- Reinforced steering head pipe for improved frame rigidity
- New swingarm with increased main beam height dimension for improved traction and straight line stability
- New front fork and rear shock settings for improved cornering and straight line performance
- New rear brake caliper with higher rigidity for increased stopping power and better brake feel
RM-Z450 (K6) AT A GLANCE
Suggested Retail: $6,599
Engine Type: 449cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Bore and Stroke: 95.5 mm x 62.8 mm
Front Brake: Single Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brake: Single Hydraulic Disc
Wheelbase: 58.3 in. (1480 mm)
Dry Weight: 220 lbs. (100 kg.)2006 SUZUKI RM-Z250The 2006 RM-Z250 is Suzuki’s smallest 4-stroke motocross model featuring a compact, lightweight and
powerful 250cc 4-stroke engine design, a strong and lightweight chassis and many high-performance
features for the ultimate 250cc 4-stroke racing machine. For 2006 the RM-Z250 receives new Blue graphics
and a new seat. Included with this year’s upgrades are all the benefits of Suzuki’s race contingency and
support program, exclusive to Suzuki riders.RM-Z250 (K6) AT A GLANCE
Suggested Retail: $5,599
Engine Type: 249cc, 4-stroke single, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Bore and Stroke: 77.0 mm x 53.6 mm
Front Brake: Single Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brake: Single Hydraulic Disc
Wheelbase: 58.1 in. (1475 mm)
Dry Weight: 204 lbs. (92.5 kg.)2006 SUZUKI RM250Fresh from a championship-winning Supercross season, the Suzuki RM250 is back with engine refinements
that center around improved power/torque delivery and improved low rpm power, plus chassis updates
aimed at better cornering and straight line performance. Also new for 2006 is the RM250Z, a limited edition
RM250 with special Team Makita Suzuki graphics, gold-colored wheels and a black seat similar to Ricky
Carmichael’s championship-winning bike.As with the entire RM family, the RM250 rider also benefits from Suzuki’s racing contingency program,
Good Scholar Program and the Tony D Motocross School.Updates to the 2006 RM250 include the following:
Engine Updates
- Redesigned cylinder exhaust ports to improve roll-on acceleration at very low rpm, power output at low-to-mid rpm and higher torque feel from mid-to-high rpm:
- Exhaust port timing advanced
- Sub-exhaust port timing advanced and port shape revised for optimum flow
- Revised exhaust valve system for improved roll-on acceleration, increased power at all rpm levels with increased torque at low rpm:
- Tip of main exhaust valve reshaped to delay exhaust port timing
- Redesigned side exhaust valve cam for improved valve sealing
- Improved side exhaust valve cam rod, main exhaust valve arm and linkage
- Shorter intake pipe for improved low rpm engine response
- New carbon fiber reed valve to improve low rpm engine response
- Increased clearance between the crankshaft and crankcase to change the primary compression ratio and improve mid-range rpm torque and controllability
- Increased clutch durability with redesigned plates and more durable clutch housing
- Revised ignition map for increased low rpm engine response
Chassis Updates
- Renthal tapered aluminum handlebars with Renthal-labeled handlebar pad – lighter than standard bars – rubber-mounted to reduce vibration
- New frame with reinforced tank rail, reinforced lower engine bracket, plus head pipe relocated 5mm rearward for increased straight line stability
- Updated swingarm design featuring increased main beam height dimension for more rigidity and improved straight line performance
- New front fork and rear shock settings for improved cornering and straight line performance
- Improved front fork with emphasis on better cornering and straight line performance:
- Increased slide pipe thickness for improved overall chassis balance and smoother mid-stroke movement
- Revised compression and rebound damping valve settings for smoother mid-stroke movement and better overall suspension balance
- New handlebar mount for Renthal handlebars
- Improved rear shock performance with emphasis on better cornering and straight line performance:
- Revised compression and rebound damping valve settings for smoother mid-stroke movement and better overall suspension balance
- Revised spring rate for better overall chassis balance
- New hex-head-style rear brake rotor mounting bolts for easier brake disc maintenance
- New rear brake pad material for increased braking performance and improved rider feedback
RM250/RM250Z (K6) AT A GLANCE
Suggested Retail: $6,099 (RM250), $6,399 (RM250Z)
Engine Type: 249cc, liquid-cooled, 2-stroke single
Bore and Stroke: 66.4 mm x 72.0 mm
Front Brake: Single Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brake: Single Hydraulic Disc
Wheelbase: 57.9 in. (1470 mm)
Dry Weight: 212 lbs. (96 kg.)2006 SUZUKI RM125The RM125 is a proven championship-winning race machine and the choice of numerous young pro-riders
such as Team Makita Suzuki’s Davi Millsaps. Updates to the 2006 RM125 engine emphasize improved
power delivery and low rpm engine response. Chassis modifications center on even better cornering and
straight line performance to create a balanced race-winning machine. In addition to the many new updates
for 2006, RM125 riders benefit from Suzuki’s generous race contingency program, the Good Scholar
Program and the Tony D. Motocross School.Updates to the 2006 RM125 include the following:
Engine Updates
- Increased piston ring knock pin diameter for improved ring seal and power/torque feel at all rpm ranges
- Narrower reed valve intake passage for improved engine response and power output at low rpm
- Reshaped reed valve air guide for increased engine response and power feel at low rpm
- Narrower crankshaft diameter for improved primary compression ratio and torque feel at low-to-mid rpm range
- Reshaped exhaust chamber similar to factory race specs for increased torque feel at low-to-mid rpm range
- New CDI ignition map optimized for low rpm engine response
Chassis Updates
- Renthal tapered aluminum handlebars with Renthal-labeled handlebar pad – lighter than standard bars – rubber-mounted to reduce vibration
- Updated swingarm design featuring increased main beam height dimension for more rigidity and improved straight-line performance
- Improved front fork with emphasis on better cornering and straight line performance:
- Increased slide pipe thickness for improved overall chassis balance and smoother mid-stroke movement
- Revised compression and rebound damping valve settings for smoother mid-stroke movement and better overall suspension balance
- New handlebar mount for Renthal handlebars
- Improved rear shock performance with emphasis on better cornering and straight line performance:
- Revised compression and rebound damping valve settings for smoother mid-stroke movement and better overall suspension balance
- Revised spring rate for better overall chassis balance
- New hex-head-style rear brake rotor mounting bolts for easier brake disc maintenance
- New rear brake pad material for increased braking performance and improved rider feedback
RM125 (K6) AT A GLANCE
Suggested Retail: $5,099
Engine Type: 124.8cc, liquid-cooled, 2-stroke single
Bore and Stroke: 54.0 mm x 54.5 mm
Front Brake: Single Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brake: Single Hydraulic Disc
Wheelbase: 57.1 in. (1450 mm)
Dry Weight: 192 lbs. (87 kg.)2006 SUZUKI RM85/RM85LAlready the choice of up-and-coming motocross stars, the RM85 has proven to be a balanced and capable
race-winning machine. The Suzuki RM85 has consistently seen top market share among all brands at the
World Mini Grand Prix and many other national level amateur events. The RM85 and large wheel RM85L
are back for 2006 with new blue graphics and a new seat, plus Suzuki’s continued commitment to amateur
riders with the best contingency program in the industry.RM85/RM85L (K6) AT A GLANCE
Suggested Retail: $3,099 (RM85), $3,199 (RM85L)
Engine Type: liquid-cooled, 2-stroke single
Bore and Stroke: 48.0 mm x 46.8 mm
Front Brake: Single Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brake: Single Hydraulic Disc
Wheelbase: 48.8 in. (1240 mm) (RM85),
50.4 in. (1280 mm) (RM85L)
Dry Weight: 143 lbs. (65 kg.) (RM85),
152 lbs. (69 kg.) (RM85L)