While some other manufacturers have expanded their line of dirt bikes (KTM is the clear leader here, with their amazing selection of models), others have chosen to concentrate on their best sellers. Such is the case with Suzuki. Long gone are the big two strokes and even their street-legal trail bike line has tightened up. Naturally, with a small line-up, Suzuki cannot sit on its corporate haunches. Their big sellers - the RM 250 and 125 - get lots of attention serious changes and improvements. So let's take a look at what's up for next year.

FEATURES

• All new engine is lighter weight, more compact, with increased overall power/ torque and emphasis on midrange power.
• New cylinder head with reduced outside diameter and wall thickness to minimize weight.
• Lighter weight cylinder with reduced wall thickness and shorter stud bolts.
• New two-stage exhaust valve system features a wider operating range for optimum exhaust port timing and a broad powerband.
• Improved sub-exhaust port timing control enhances main exhaust port timing with new side exhaust valves mounted on needle bearings for more precise control.
• New exhaust pipe and muffler are lighter weight with reduced wall thickness and a new aluminum exhaust pipe mount.
• Keihin 38mm carburetor features a new throttle position sensor to improve throttle response, especially at low rpm. Ignition timing is determined by throttle opening and engine rpm.
• Revised exhaust port shape/timing, scavenging port shape and shorter reed valve seat for better low-to-mid range power.
• New piston with flat-shaped crown for better combustion and improved power.
• Solenoid controlled breather for exhaust chamber provides stronger low- to-mid range power and acceleration.
• Revised exhaust valve shape and new L-arm actuation system provide more precise exhaust valve sealing and control.
• New exhaust pipe tuned for better low- to-mid range power.
• Keihin carburetor (PWK38PWJ), with new by-pass starter circuit for improved power pick-up at low rpm.
• Revised ignition timing enhances cylinder/carburetion changes, plus GDI box relocated to airbox for better protection.
• Reinforced lower frame tubes routed toward the center of the frame and cushion bracket for more stable rear end performance.
• Revised main spring and rebound spring rate for more stable movement at full fork extension.
• Larger diameter, parallel-type rear shock compression valve with internal low speed compression valve and 2-stage spring, provide more stable damping from initial movement to mid-stroke.
• More rigid swingarm with increased height of cast section and improved dust seals at cushion lever mount.
• Improved braking performance with new front & rear brake pad material.
• Wider footpegs with three rows of teeth for better grip on the rider's boot.
• Larger diameter rear axle and lighter weight rear hub for improved rear wheel stability.
• New grips with ribbed lower section for more comfortable shape and feel.

KEY FEATURES

• Long stroke, piston-reed engine design develops wide tractable power.
• Water pump mounted inside the crankcase for better protection.
• Push-rod type clutch eliminates rack & pinion from clutch cover for better right foot brake action.
• One-piece airbox design with large volume filter enhances intake performance and throttle response.
• Low swept exhaust pipe and muffler keep the center of gravity low for better handling.
• Coolant hose routing is designed for thorough air bleeding when filling the cooling system.
• Waterproof ignition lead wire improves reliability in wet weather conditions.
• Chrome-moly frame with detachable aluminum subframe reduces weight and simplifies maintenance.

DETAIL CHANGES TO REDUCE WEIGHT

• Reduced thickness of rear brake rotor.
• Chamfered corners of chain adjuster blocks.
• Simplified rear master cylinder design and elimination of reservoir guard.
• Reduced thickness of chain guide.
• Smaller diameter chain roller.
• Reshaped swingarm chain buffer.
• Reshaped rear brake caliper bracket.
• Thinner rear brake pedal construction.
• Redesigned fenders and front number plate.
• Front fender is louvered for radiator airflow - rear fender has built-in hand grip.
• Smaller diameter clutch cable housing and smaller clutch cable adjuster.
• Smaller metal end piece on throttle cable.
• Reduced front wheel hub width, plus larger diameter aluminum axle spacers.
• Larger cutouts in front brake rotor.
• Small front brake hose cover instead of full brake disc cover.
• All new lightweight design with more power, torque and aggressive new styling.
• New, more compact engine is tuned with emphasis on stronger low-to-mid rpm power.
• Externally mounted water pump reduces crankcase length 21mm and simplifies radiator hose routing to further reduce weight.
• New cylinder head has smaller outside diameter and reduced wall thickness to reduce weight.
• New cylinder features reduced wall thickness, and shorter stud bolts to reduce weight.
• New dual-stage, two-piece exhaust valve system provides more accurate exhaust port timing over a wider rpm range - main and sub-exhaust ports have been reshaped to optimize exhaust valve system.
• Keihin 38mm carburetor is equipped with a throttle position sensor for more accurate ignition timing based on throttle opening and engine rpm.
• New exhaust system with reduced wall thickness and aluminum frame mount, is lighter weight and designed to work with exhaust valve and port changes.
• Lighter weight clutch pushrod made of steel and aluminum.
• Gear-type shift drum operation for improved gear shift feel and precision.
• Additional weight savings from narrower magneto rotor and lighter weight primary drive gear.
• Completely new chassis with improved balance of rigidity, weight placement, suspension calibration and overall geometry.
• New lightweight frame features smaller cross-section downtubes and a new rear cradle section made of lightweight stamped sections.
• Aggressive new bodywork is more compact and designed for improved rider mobility.
• New Kayaba cartridge fork has lighter weight 46mm inner tubes and a new internal air bladder/cartridge design for improved high-speed damping control.
• Kayaba rear shock absorber features a lighter weight 46mm body, plus adjustable high and low speed compression damping.
• Improved rear linkage leverage ratio for better rear suspension response.

SPECIFICATIONS