2016 RMZ250 with 80 new changes

Suzuki’s new 2016 RMZ250 may look virtually identical to the old model but has a new frame, engine, launch control and new suspension. The bike is lighter, has new KYB PSF2 air suspension and is designed to have less engine braking for a more free-revving feel. It’s a huge surprise as Suzuki’s 2016 bike was thought to only have minor changes. But as the bike looks so similar, it’s been tested in racing in Japan with nobody noticing.

The frame may look like the old one and have the same geometry to keep the legendary nimble handling, but is 2.5% lighter. There is less webbing on the inside of the lower frame spars, the lower frame cradles are new, and the steering head is longer – making it the same as the RMZ450 head tube.

Suzuki has switched from Showa air triple chamber forks to KYB all round. The fork is the latest PSF2 unit while the rear shock has high and low speed compression adjustment and rebound all on the shock reservoir. The front brake caliper is lighter, too.

The motor has 80 new components. There are new intake valves for more compression, lighter tappets, new intake and exhaust cams and the exhaust valve now has a new compression release to help starting which deactivated faster.

The engine cases are new with a new oil bypass to reduce engine braking. The engine’s clutch cover now has an oil sight window. The crank web diameter by 0.5mm smaller to reduce friction for less engine braking and faster response. The crank is smaller and lighter, while the magneto has weight added to its outer edge.

The piston gets shot-peened, the pin is DLC coated to reduce friction and the ring is an L-shape with a lip around its outer edge to put more ring surface on the cylinder – a first for a dirt bike.

Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC):

• S-HAC has two selectable modes so riders can choose the best option for the starting conditions.

• For hard surfaces or slippery conditions at the starting gate, choose A-Mode. In this setting, Holeshot Assist Control alters ignition timing in moment of launch and ride over the gate to reduce wheel slip and to deliver smooth launch, and it advances ignition in the acceleration sequence for stronger acceleration. Then one of three conditions will return the ignition to normal operation – after 6 seconds from start – when you shift to fourth gear; or when the throttle is closed, whichever happens first.

• When conditions at the starting gate provide better traction, and a more aggressive launch is needed, choose B-Mode. For these conditions, Holeshot Assist Control advances ignition timing to allow increased throttle response and stronger acceleration off the line. But level of ignition advance is optimised for each three sequences. The system returns the normal ignition map by same conditions of A-mode.

• You can turn the Holeshot Assist Control system off when no holeshot assistance is desired.

Other new 2016 Upgrades:

More-than 80 engine internal parts are redesigned on the 2016 RM-Z250 along with a new frame and suspension.

• New piston, piston pin and piston ring.
• Reduced crank inertia, increased Magneto inertia.
• Redesigned camshafts and intake valve.
• Redesigned decompression system.
• Redesigned kick drive gear, breather gear and kick idle gear.
• Redesigned Cam chain tensioner and adjuster.
• Redesigned Crank case.
• New clutch cover.
• Redesigned main frame.
• New KYB rear shock.
• New front brake caliper.
• New Dunlop tyres.