Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128003
Suzuki concentrated on providing the 2000 RM250 with better low- to midrange eng ine performance. As a result, the cy linder has rece ived modified exhaust-port shape and timing, plus slight changes to sC8venging-port shape. The reed-valve seat has also been shortened 8mm . Also new to the 250 is an exhaust-valve breather: A solenoid valve is now used to contro l the exhaust-chamber breather system. Based on eng ine rpm, the system maintains optimum exhaust chamber pressure to . Improve low- to midrange power. The piston crown shape has been changed from a dome to a flat shape, while the exhaust valves received treatment similar to the 125. Other eng ine changes include a new exhaust pipe, ignitio n ti mi ng changes and increased crankshaft inert ia. Exce pt for sp ring rates, the 2000 RM125 and 250 sh are the same chas sis chan ges. The lower-fr amereinforcement tubes have been welded to the outside of the mainframe tubes. The main-frame tubes now turn inward toward the cushion-bra cket attachment secti on for additional strength and to improve rear-end sta bility. Swingarm rigidity has been Improved by a 10mm height increase of the forward cast section of the swingarm . The dusl seals use d at the cushion-rod attachment points have also been improved to reduce friction. as have the dust seal s used on the cushion lever. The rear sh ock took on significant changes. The diameter of the com pression damper valve and case has been increased and changed from an In-line to a parallel-type design, which includes a low-speed valve. The increased compressi on' dam per size is said to create a larger oil -fl ow route, which redu ces oil -flo w resistance and creates a more linear feel of the rearsuspension stroke. The low-speed valve helps stabilize damping force at low suspension-stroke speeds and smoothes the transition from inilial compression to midstroke. As far as spring rates , the RMl2S uses stiffer .42 (from .40) springs. and the RM250 .435 (up from .42) springs. In the back, both bikes feature slightly stiffer springs. Other chassis changes Include new brake-pad material, wider footpegs with three rows of teeth, and a larger-diameter (20 to 22mm) rear axle , with a corresponding change to the rear-wheel hub for improved stability. The hub is also wi der and lighter, with spoke attachment at a wider angle for added strength. To cap things off, both bikes feature new gr ips. And how much will they cost? The RM80 is priced at $2999,the RM125 at $4949, and the RM250 at 55699. All three of the RMs are scheduled to be released around September. The RM80 features no major changes for 2000. en en en ~ 27