Offroad 2009: the Suzuki RM-Z 450 and 250

After seeing the 2009 Kawasaki cross models, KX-F 450 and 250, here we have a look at the new, yellow-dressed Suzuki RM-Z 450 and 250.
Suzuki has also seen fit to include some juicy novelties for 2009, following suit with electronic ignition for the RM-Z450, replacing the old carburator and further confirming that electronics will now be boss in the offroad field.

This is a solution which offers cleaner engines, easier acceleration and managing lower regimes, now combined with five-speed gear change for the 2009 RM-Z 450.

Much attention has been gained for this model, from the engine to the revised chassis with its improved rigidity and alluminium petrol tank.
The Showa fork has reduced weight and refined suspension, together with the single shock absorber that now functions on a reinforced alluminium fork.
The smaller four-stroke, RM-Z250, keep its classic Keihin FCR37Mx, but has a new airbox.
Other modifications are similar to its bigger sister with a lighter fork and Showa suspension.

The front telescopic fork is 47mm, while on the rear the piggyback style has been used.
Below are the technical specs from both 2009 Suzuki models.

RMZ450K9Type MotocrossWarrantySuggested Retail $7499SEP $0Engine 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHCBore & Stroke 96.
0 mm (3.
780 in) x 62.
1 mm (2.
445 in)Compression Ratio 12.
2 : 1Fuel System Fuel injectionLubrication Semi Dry sumpIgnition Electronic ignition (CDI)Starter Primary kickTransmission 5-speed constant meshFinal Drive D.
I.
D 520MXV, 114 linksOverall Length 2185 mm (86.
0 in)Overall Width 830 mm (32.
7 in)Overall Height 1260 mm (49.
6 in)Seat Height 955 mm (37.
6 in)Ground Clearance 350 mm (13.
8 in)Wheelbase 1480 mm (58.
3 in)Dry Weight 112 kg (247 lbs)Suspension Front Telescopic, coil spring, oil dampedSuspension Rear Link type, coil spring, oil dampedBrakes FrontBrakes Rear Disc brakeTires Front 80/100-21Tires Rear 110/90-19Fuel Tank Capacity 6.
2 L (1.
6/1.
4US/Imp gal)Color Solid Black/ChamRMZ250K9Type MotocrossWarrantySuggested Retail $6299SEP $0Engine 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHCBore & Stroke 77.
0 mm (3.
03 in) x 53.
6 mm (2.
11 in)Compression Ratio 13.
4 : 1Fuel System KEIHIN FCR37MXLubrication Semi-dry sumpIgnition Electronic ignition (CDI)Starter Primary kickTransmission 5-speed constant meshFinal Drive D.
I.
D 520DMA2, 112 linksOverall Length 2165 mm (85.
2 in)Overall Width 830 mm (32.
7 in)Overall Height 1260 mm (49.
6 in)Seat Height 955 mm (37.
6 in)Ground Clearance 350 mm (13.
8 in)Wheelbase 1465 mm (57.
7 in)Dry Weight 102 kg (225 lbs)Suspension Front Upside-down telescopic forkSuspension Rear Swingarm typeBrakes FrontBrakes Rear Disc brakeTires Front 80/100-21 51M, tube typeTires Rear 100/90-19 57M, tube typeFuel Tank Capacity 7.
0 L (1.
8/1.
5 US/Imp gal)Color Champion Yellow