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Suzuki Dirt BikesAfter some years the business branched out into automobiles because of growing consumer demand. This was short lived however when the government forced the company to cease production after deciding civilian cars were a non essential commodity. After the end of the war in 1945, Suzuki resumed production of silk looms but also diversified into various other products such as musical instruments and agricultural machinery. Suzuki produced its first bicycle/motorbike hyrid called the 'Power Free' in 1951, a 36cc two stroke powered bike with pedals and a two speed transmission. The 'Power Free' was designed as an inexpensive form of transport for the Japanese people. 
It was followed up by a 60cc version called the 'Diamond Free' which, with the 'Power Free', gained enormous popularity resulting in Suzuki producing 6000 bikes a month. In 1954 Suzuki changed its name to Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd and motorcycle production ramped up with the forerunners of the Suzuki dirt bikes range being exported to America for the first time in 1963. With the sport of motocross gaining popularity from the late 60's, Suzuki dirt bikes cemented their dominance on the sport with a string of 500cc World MX championships during the early 70's and continue to win titles all over the world. '07 Suzuki Dirt BikesRMZ450 There are a number of changes to the RMZ450 for '07, these include a higher final drive ratio, up to 49/14 from 48/14. In the motor/gearbox department there's new shift fork guide pins for better gear shift feel and also a different cylinder head and piston ring design. Out back the RMZ gets a new swingarm and revised front and rear suspension settings to improve traction, cornering and straight line stability. There's also a new rear brake caliper for improved stopping power and feel, I ride an '06 RMZ450 and one of the very few complaints I have with the bike is that the rear brake can be a bit vague making it easy to lock under braking.
RMZ250 The RMZ250 for '07 is all new and all Suzuki. The bike has a twin spar aluminium alloy perimeter frame and is suspended front and rear with Showa suspension. The 249cc DOHC motor has all sorts of technology including a dual map igniton which automatically increases the idle speed to overcome the effects of engine braking. The 250 has a 5 speed transmission compared to the 450's four speed and uses a semi-dry sump system that utilises the transmission as an oil sump, allowing a crank design that keeps the motor's centre of gravity as low as possible. The bike comes with Renthal bars as standard and a Kevlar front brake line for improved feel. RM250/125 The '07 RM250 has a swag of engine updates including improvements in the exhaust valve timing and components, a re-designed, more durable clutch and a revised igniton map for improved bottom end response.
RM85The RM85 is the baby of the Suzuki dirt bikes but still has features similar to the full size motocrossers. The bike is powered by a 84.7cc liquid cooled motor with aluminium exhaust valves and an exhaust valve governor system similar to the RM125. Suspension is taken care of by 37mm Showa inverted forks up front and a Showa rear shock with an aluminium swingarm at the rear featuring an easy chain adjust set up like the RM125 and 250. Suzuki dirt bikes are hard not to notice in the world of motocross, particularly with one of the most talented riders on the planet, Ricky Carmichael, winning races and championships on one. (photos courtesy of suzukicycles.com)
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