2008 Suzuki RM250
General Specifications
| Model | Suzuki RM250 |
| Year | 2008 |
| Category | Motocross |
| Engine Type | 249 cc single-cylinder, two-stroke, liquid-cooled, piston reed-valve |
| Weight | 96 kg dry |
Engine
| Displacement | 249 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 66.4 x 72.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel System | Keihin PWK38S 38 mm carburettor | Replacement Options |
| Ignition | Electronic CDI, 4.5° BTDC at 1,000 rpm |
| Spark Plug | NGK BR8EG |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.5-0.6 mm |
| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled |
| Starting System | Primary kick starter |
Transmission
| Transmission | 5-speed constant-mesh |
| Clutch | Wet multi-plate |
| Final Drive | Chain |
Dimensions
| Overall Length | 2,170 mm |
| Overall Width | 830 mm |
| Overall Height | 1,280 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,465 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 370 mm |
| Seat Height | 950 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 8.0 L |
Chassis
| Frame | Steel motocross frame with aluminium rear subframe and aluminium swingarm |
| Front Tyre | 80/100-21 51M | Tyre Size Guide |
| Rear Tyre | 110/90-19 62M | Tyre Size Guide |
Suspension
| Front Suspension | 47 mm Showa inverted twin-chamber cartridge fork, adjustable compression and rebound damping | Fork Oil Levels |
| Front Suspension Travel | 310 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Showa link-type monoshock, adjustable spring preload, high/low-speed compression and rebound damping |
| Rear Suspension Travel | 310 mm |
| Fork Oil | Suzuki Fork Oil SS-05 or equivalent; 350 ml outer chamber and 193 ml inner chamber per fork leg |
Brakes & Wheels
| Front Brake | Single hydraulic disc, twin-piston caliper |
| Rear Brake | Single hydraulic disc, single-piston caliper |
| Front Wheel Size | 21 x 1.60 in |
| Rear Wheel Size | 19 x 2.15 in |
Service Data
| Fuel Type | Unleaded petrol, minimum 95 RON |
| Premix Information | 30:1 fuel/oil mixture using quality two-stroke racing lubricant | Premix Calculator |
| Gearbox Oil | SAE 10W-40, API SF/SG or SH/SJ with JASO MA; 750 ml oil change / 850 ml overhaul |
| Air Filter | Washable polyurethane foam element, oiled with foam air-filter oil |
| Service Notes | Competition motocross machine. Spark plug gap 0.5-0.6 mm. Front and rear cold tyre pressure 70-110 kPa (10-16 psi). Inspect air filter, chain, brakes, coolant and transmission oil frequently. |
2008 Suzuki RM250 – The Final-Era Two-Stroke RM
The 2008 Suzuki RM250 was essentially a continuation of the established late-generation RM250 rather than a major redesign. Suzuki retained the engine, chassis and suspension package developed over the preceding seasons, with the most visible change for 2008 being updated graphics. By this stage the RM250 had become a highly refined version of Suzuki's long-running 250 cc two-stroke motocrosser.
Its 249 cc liquid-cooled engine retained the 66.4 x 72.0 mm bore and stroke, Keihin 38 mm carburettor, reed-valve induction and five-speed transmission. The combination produced the responsive power delivery for which later RM250s became well known. Owners replacing damaged or missing induction components can compare carburettor replacement options for suitable alternatives.
Showa suspension remained at both ends, with a 47 mm inverted twin-chamber fork and link-type rear shock providing approximately 310 mm of travel. These components offer extensive adjustment but depend heavily on correct servicing, oil quantity and setup. The MXOwners fork oil reference is useful when servicing the front suspension.
The RM250 also retained premix lubrication, with Suzuki specifying a 30:1 fuel-to-oil ratio using a suitable two-stroke racing lubricant. The MXOwners premix calculator makes it easy to calculate oil quantities accurately.
Today the 2008 RM250 is particularly interesting because it belongs to the final period of Suzuki's full-size two-stroke motocross development. Rather than introducing another new generation, Suzuki carried forward a mature, lightweight and sharp-handling package that represented decades of RM250 evolution.
