Vehicle Category:
Motocross Competition Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Motocross racers, off-road enthusiasts, mechanics, and DIY enthusiasts for RM-Z250 models.
Key Competitors:
Honda CRF250R, Yamaha YZ250F, Kawasaki KX250F, KTM 250 SX-F.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth technical information for maintenance, repair, and restoration, empowering owners to service their own motorcycles.
Technical Documentation Quality:
Highly detailed, encompassing all aspects of vehicle repair and maintenance.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (or fuel injection system for later models), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines.
Ignition System:
Ignition coil, spark plug, CDI unit, timing.
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant hoses, water pump, thermostat.
Exhaust System:
Muffler, head pipe, heat shields.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Gearbox, clutch operation, chain and sprocket maintenance, internal transmission components.
Suspension Front:
Fork disassembly, seal replacement, oil level and type, valving adjustments.
Suspension Rear:
Shock absorber service, linkage maintenance, spring pre-load adjustments.
Brakes Front:
Caliper service, pad replacement, rotor inspection, hydraulic system bleeding.
Brakes Rear:
Caliper service, pad replacement, rotor inspection, hydraulic system bleeding.
Wheels And Tires:
Tire changing, wheel bearing maintenance, spoke tension adjustment.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery maintenance, stator and rectifier testing.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, plastic component removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, and fairing.
Controls:
Handlebar, levers, throttle, cables, footpegs.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain lubrication and adjustment, spark plug checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based repair guidance.
Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components like the engine and suspension.
Adjustments:
Carburetor tuning, suspension settings, clutch and throttle cable adjustments.
Inspections:
Pre-ride checks, periodic component inspections.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, component testing specifications.
Repair Scope:
Comprehensive repair procedures for all major systems.
Rebuild Detail:
Detailed specifications and tolerances for internal engine and transmission components.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, Single-cylinder
Displacement:
249cc (250 class)
Bore X Stroke:
Specific values vary by year, requires manual lookup for precise data.
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (typical for this class)
Horsepower:
Varies by year and tuning, typically in the high 30s to low 40s hp range.
Torque:
Specific values vary by year, requires manual lookup.
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (early models in this range) or Fuel Injection (later models within the 08-ON span).
Carburetor Type:
Likely Keihin FCR series (for carbureted models).
Fuel Injection System:
Suzuki's EFI system (for injected models), including ECU and injectors.
Oil Type Specification:
Specific SAE viscosity (e.g., 10W-40) and API classification (e.g., SG or higher) documented in the manual.
Oil Capacity:
Specific capacity for engine oil and clutch/transmission oil will be detailed.
Transmission Type:
Constant mesh, 5-speed manual
Transmission Options:
N/A (Standard 5-speed for this model)
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, cable-actuated
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios for each speed will be provided in the manual.
Transmission Oil Specification:
Dedicated transmission/clutch oil or engine oil meeting specific standards (e.g., API GL-4 or GL-5, often JASO MA rated) will be detailed.
Overall Length:
Varies slightly by year, consult manual for exact specifications.
Overall Width:
Varies slightly by year, consult manual for exact specifications.
Overall Height:
Varies slightly by year, consult manual for exact specifications.
Dry Weight:
Approximately 215-225 lbs (98-102 kg) depending on specific year and configuration.
Wet Weight:
Not typically specified as precisely as dry weight, but will include fluids.
Fuel Capacity:
Typically around 1.6 - 2.1 gallons (6 - 8 liters).
Crash Safety Ratings:
N/A (Off-road competition vehicles are not subject to automotive crash testing standards).
Braking System Type:
Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear).
Brake Rotor Specifications:
Front and rear disc sizes and recommended pad types will be in the manual.
Frame Construction:
Aluminum twin-spar frame for rigidity and light weight.
Handlebars:
Strong, often aluminum, handlebars designed for off-road control.
Infotainment System:
N/A (Competition motocross bikes do not feature infotainment systems).
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A (No electronic driver assistance features like ABS or traction control on this model).
Connectivity Options:
N/A (No Bluetooth or smartphone integration).
Engine Control Unit ECU:
For fuel-injected models, ECU mapping and diagnostics are covered. Manual may detail basic ECU reset procedures or troubleshooting.
Launch Control:
Some later RM-Z models feature launch control systems, which would be detailed in the manual if applicable to the specific year covered.
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 10-15 hours of race use or as specified by Suzuki for recreational riding. Manual will provide precise recommendations.
Air Filter Cleaning:
After every few rides, or more frequently in dusty conditions. Manual will detail cleaning and oiling procedures.
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Regularly, every 5-10 hours of riding. Manual will specify proper slack and lubrication.
Spark Plug Replacement:
At recommended hour intervals or as needed based on inspection. Manual will list recommended spark plug types.
Suspension Service:
Fork oil changes and shock service recommended at intervals like 20-30 hours of use for optimal performance.
Engine Oil Specification:
Suzuki recommends specific SAE viscosity grades (e.g., SAE 10W-40) and API classifications (e.g., API SG or higher).
Fork Oil Specification:
Specific viscosity and quantity for front fork oil (e.g., Showa SS-10 or equivalent) will be detailed.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with a specific mix ratio (e.g., 50/50 water/antifreeze).
Clutch Wear:
Clutch plates can wear with aggressive use, requiring adjustment or replacement. Manual covers clutch inspection and replacement.
Piston Ring Wear:
In high-hour engines, piston and ring wear can affect compression. Manual provides piston ring gap specifications.
Suspension Seals:
Fork and shock seals can leak over time, especially with hard riding. Manual provides seal replacement procedures.
Suzuki Motorcycle Legacy:
Suzuki has a long-standing reputation in motocross and off-road racing, with iconic models like the RM and RMX series.
Rm Z Series Introduction:
The RM-Z line represents Suzuki's modern four-stroke motocross offerings, evolving from earlier two-stroke RM models and earlier four-stroke designs.
2008 Model Year Significance:
The 2008 model year was a significant redesign for the RM-Z250, featuring a new chassis and engine updates, marking a key point in its development.
Manufacturing Location:
Typically manufactured in Japan.