The two Suzuki RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 motocross bikes for 2011 are not quite new as such, but rather present some minor updates for the new season.
Suzuki has decided to modify some style aspects of the two bikes, and unlike other manufacturers, doesn’t seem to be in the race to develop new 350 dirt bikes at this stage.
The RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 get new bi-colour seats, and updated protection for the front forks.
Suzuki claims that the bikes have reduced noise but is still focusing on the previously introduced fuel injection system as the main selling point in the technology of its dirt bikes.
Most of the features seem to be the same as last year, but we were hoping for more from Suzuki for its 2011 motocross range.
Details and specs after the jump.
Suzuki RM-Z250 FeaturesKey FeaturesNew graphics complete the 2011 package.
In addition, the number plates have a black background to conform to rules for competition numbers.
For 2011, the RM-Z250 meets stricter AMA noise limit (94db) while keeping smooth engine output.
Engine FeaturesThe RM-Z is powered by a compact and lightweight 249cc, fuel-injected, DOHC, titanium four-valve, semi-dry-sump, four-stroke engine.
Its advanced, battery-less fuel-injection (FI) system, features a 44mm throttle body with progressive throttle linkage and a 16-bit computer.
The FI system uses a unique capacitor-assisted starting system, and is powered by a durable, lightweight magneto-generator after starting.
The engine’s aluminum cylinder is treated with Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) coating.
The cylinder is built for durability, is light weight and the coating allows for efficient heat transfer.
A sturdy connecting rod and mirror finishing permits a stunning 13,500-rpm maximum engine speed.
Transmission FeaturesA 5-speed transmission provides extra flexibility, offering gear ratios suited for various terrains and conditions.
Chassis FeaturesInverted twin chamber Showa 47mm forks and Showa piggyback shock designed with emphasis on smooth shock absorption and ample bottoming resistance.
Tuned to offer superb handling for a wide range of riders, the suspension delivers excellent traction without sacrificing quick-turning ability.
The RM-Z250 features a twin-spar aluminum frame and aluminum swingarm developed and refined for a highly optimized balance between rigidity and superb high-speed traction.
Smart chassis design details include footpeg brackets shaped to help prevent mud from clogging.
Radiator louvers (for the twin side-mounted aluminum-alloy radiators) are joined to the outer bodywork to add strength without adding weight.
Race-inspired brake disc rotors offer enhanced cooling performance and efficient mud slinging.
High-quality Renthal handlebars featuring a tapered design are fixed to the rubber mounted triple clamp.
A gripper seat, with projected cross-shaped patterns on the top surface, provide additional grip.
Suzuki RM-Z450 FeaturesKey FeaturesFor 2011, the RM-Z450 meets a stricter AMA noise limit (94db) while keeping smooth engine output.
Suzuki’s class-leading fuel-injection system uses technology from Suzuki’s championship-winning models-the GSX-R motorcycles and the QuadRacer R450 ATV.
The RM-Z450, the first motocross bike to ever use fuel injection, has won both outdoor championships as well as a Supercross championship.
Engine FeaturesThe RM-Z450’s 449cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, fuel-injected engine was developed and refined to deliver phenomenal idle-to-redline thrust.
The lightweight, battery-less, motocross-use electronic fuel injection system uses progressive throttle linkage for efficient power delivery.
A 12-hole fuel injector delivers a fine fuel/air mist for efficient operation.
The RM-Z450’s aluminum cylinder is treated with Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) coating, and was built for durability, light weight and efficient heat transfer.
Transmission FeaturesA 5-speed transmission provides extra flexibility, offering gear ratios suited for various terrains and conditions.
The RM-Z450 has a link-type shifting system, which offers smooth transitions through the gears.
Chassis FeaturesThe RM-Z450’s slim chassis design makes for a comfortable riding position, opening up the cockpit to help allow the rider to actively take control of the machine.
Class-leading 47mm Showa inverted forks provide optimum wheel travel and are compression- and rebound-damping adjustable.
A Showa piggyback-reservoir rear shock with high/low-speed compression damping adjustment and rebound damping and spring preload adjustments.
The rear shock, working through Suzuki’s superlative rising-rate linkage system, provides 310mm of wheel travel, delivering maximum traction.
The RM-Z450’s twin-spar aluminum frame and swingarm was developed and refined for a highly optimized balance between rigidity and superb high-speed traction.
The lightweight swingarm helps enhance terrain-traversing performance over bumps.
Race-inspired disc rotors offer enhanced cooling performance and efficient mud slinging.
A stylish two-tone radiator shrouds accentuate the RM-Z450’s agile looks.
The RM-Z450 comes with a gripper seat, with projected cross-shaped patterns on the top surface to provide additional grip.
RM-Z250 SpecificationsChassis:Overall Length 2170 mm (85.
4 in)Overall Width 830 mm (32.
7 in)Wheelbase 1475 mm (58.
1 in)Ground Clearance 345 mm (13.
6 in)Seat Height 955 mm (37.
6 in)Curb Weight 104.
5 kg (230 lbs)Transmission 5-speed constant meshFinal Drive Chain, DID520DMA4, 114 linksSuspension Front Telescopic inverted, coil spring, oil dampedSuspension Rear Swingarm, link type, coil spring, oil dampedBrakes Front Disc brakeBrakes Rear Disc brakeTires Front 80/100-21 51M, tube typeTires Rear 100/90-19 57M, tube typeFuel Tank Capacity 6.
5 L (1.
7 US gallons)Engine:Engine 249cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHCBore Stroke 77.
0mm (3.
03 in) x 53.
6mm (2.
11 in)Compression Ratio 13.
4:1Fuel System Suzuki fuel injectionStarter Primary kickLubrication Suzuki Advanced Sump System (SASS)Ignition Electronic ignition (CDI)RM-Z450 SpecificationsChassis:Overall Length 2190 mm (86.
2 in)Overall Width 830 mm (32.
7 in)Wheelbase 1495 mm (58.
9 in)Ground Clearance 325 mm (12.
8 in)Seat Height 955 mm (37.
6 in)Curb Weight 113 kg (249 lbs)Transmission 5-speed constant meshFinal Drive Chain, DID520MXV4, 114 linksSuspension Front Telescopic inverted, coil spring, oil dampedSuspension Rear Swingarm, link type, coil spring, oil dampedBrakes Front Disc brakeBrakes Rear Disc brakeTires Front 80/100-21 51M, tube typeTires Rear 110/90-19 62M, tube typeFuel Tank Capacity 6.
2 L (1.
6 US gallons)Engine:Engine 449cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHCBore Stroke 96.
0mm (3.
780 in) x 62.
1mm (2.
445 in)Compression Ratio 12.
5:1Fuel System Suzuki fuel injectionStarter Primary kickLubrication Suzuki Advanced Sump System (SASS)Ignition Electronic ignition (CDI)