Suzuki's DR-Z250 gets filthy

By GARY MORELLO

If the sales figures are anything to go by, Australians are enjoying dirt tracks, more than sealed ones. Dirt bikes are selling like hotcakes at the moment, with all the marques getting into the act. Now - Suzuki is joining in with its DR-Z250.

Suzuki has been winning over motocrossers with the thumping DR-Z400, but how will its little brother follow in its tyre marks.

Together with the obligatory kick-starter, the 2001 model DR-Z250 comes with an electric start, too. The bike weighs a little under 120kg with no fuel in the tank, which is pretty standard for this class of four-stroke. It comes standard with one disc brake - both at the front and back - twin pot and single calipers respectively.

But what makes the DR-Z250 more impressive than anything else is the 249cc engine. This engine creates nice amounts of low-down torque, just the thing for hammering up steep hills, but it is also learner legal. It comes with headlight, tail-light and even digital dash with trip computer, thanks to its Australian Safari Enduro-winning heritage.

With more and more people opting for a new two-wheeled vehicle, in light of fuel hikes and traffic congestion, such a bike is well positioned for those after a bit more bite than your average scoot. With a 10.5-litre fuel capacity, those long bush trails will pose no problems, though it's always good to have a jerry-can around.

The four-stroke engine features duel overhead camshafts, a four-valve twin-swirl combustion chamber cylinder-head and a quick release airbox cover for easy maintenance.

The air and oil-cooled powerplant provides excellent acceleration throughout the rev range. Using Mikuni (TM28SS) carbs to feed the engine fuel, the single-cylinder bike is reknowned for its reliability, as well as power. Mated to the 249cc mill is a six-speed constant mesh gearbox built for being knocked about.

The bike has an extra-large air inlet, which increases the amount of air getting to the engine. More air equals more power. Suspension wise, the new Suzuki bush-basher is well-equipped. It comes standard with all-new fully adjustable front and rear suspension. You can change the rebound and compression damping front and rear, plus the new cartridge-style, telescopic, oil damped forks allow for plenty of travel.

"Suzuki's DR-Z250 has a very strong pedigree and I think it will soon become a favourite among dirtbike riders," said Suzuki Australia head honcho, Perry Morison.

He added: "The DR-Z250 is the perfect example of a user-friendly, affordable machine - we anticipate it will strongly appeal to the market."

And so do we. The bike is very impressive and is perfect for a broad range of off and on-road activities. The only problem we have with it is the choice of colour - you can have yellow. The bike comes with Suzuki's one year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and fetches $7990, including the goods and services tax.

For more info on the new DR-Z250 visit Suzuki Australia's website or call them on (03) 9931 0500.