First Fuel-Injected

With Austin Stroupe taking second place this past weekend at the Indianapolis round of Supercross in the Lites class, his new 2010 Suzuki RM-Z250 is proving itself to be a noteworthy contender on the track.

If you happen to be living under a rock, you should know that Suzuki decided to ditch the carburetor and fuel inject the new 2010 RM-Z250. You heard me correctly. Suzuki is the first of the Big Four to fuel inject their 4-stroke 250cc motocross bike. The new battery-less fuel injection system is powered by a magneto-generator system after starting. Yes, a magnetic powered generator but that's not all. The folks over at Suzuki also threw in a unique capacitor-assisted starting system. Basically, it's a hell of a lot easier for you to start.

With the recent change to EFI, the new system added five pounds of weight, taking the Suzuki RM-Z250 from 225 to 230 pounds. Have no worry though, Suzuki thought of that for you already. They made some engine modifications like updating the intake ports and revising the cam timing to give you more power and make up for that little extra weight. Suzuki specifications also go so far as to mention, "because all engine systems are related in performance, a new muffler is fitted to optimize the benefits of fuel injection." Also added this year are radiator louvers that direct more air to the twin side-mounted radiators for some extra cooling.

Suzuki has always been known for nimble, razor sharp handling and the 2010 Suzuki RM-Z250 won't leave you disappointed. With a new, updated chassis, initial tests indicate that the motorcycle turns very quick. The twin-spar alloy frame has been redesigned with thicker lower frame tubes and more shallow side rails. Also included on the Suzuki is a new swingarm that will help concentrate all that inertial mass and improve your traction.

One more noteworthy feature on the RM-Z250 is the option of a Yoshimura MX Tuner. For a slight added cost, this nifty little contraption will tune your bike to whatever condition you might be facing that day. On a cold morning, you might need to go a little richer and then lean it out as the day progresses. You can do it all with the twist of a dial. This little box will save your laptop from the grit of a day on the track. Unlike it's competitor's, you don't need a laptop to change your settings.

Suzuki has definitely upped the ante with the new 2010 RM-Z250 for the rest of the Lites competitors. For just $7,199, this yellow beast could be yours to showcase on the track. (Opening action shots is the 2009 bike)