Suzuki DR250
1982—1988 UNDER CONSTRUCTION

I have tried to tell the DR 350 model history on this page as I know it. This page is still under construction. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

DR250 – the offroader After the air-cooled two-stroker TS250 was discontinued after 1981 the four-stroke DR250 took over. It was a small and affordable enduro type dirt bike with a single cylinder four-stroke engine produced from 1981 to 1987, made in both street legal (with ”S” suffix) and enduro models. It shares a nearly identical design with the DR350 aside from the piston size and related hardware, and as such, many people upgrade theirs with larger cylinders meant for the DR350. There have also been Big bore kits which allow the stock cylinder to reach a larger size than 350cc. The oddly shaped headlight and small number plate are the bike's less attractive points, but the bike has adjustable front and rear suspension, which allows the owner to tune the bike for dirt, trail, or street riding. The DR250Z was launched in late 1981 as 1982-year's mode and continued as the DR250D model in 1983, seemingly with only the addition of a tool bag. The DR 250 remained machanically unchanged until in 1985 when it was upgraded with a front disc brake. Although officially they have later year suffix letters, these models are all basically the 1982-83 "Z", albeit some years received minor changes or upgrades. The dirt bike world generally refers to all the dirt versions of the early SOHC DR250 as "Z". Z model 1982-83 (launched late 1981, with the RM and PE "Z" range for 1982) D model 1983-84 (gold rims, tool bag and new graphics, same white bodywork) E model 1984-85 (unchanged) F model 1985-86 (VM30SS carb, disc front brake and "RM" style yellow colour scheme) G model 1986-87 (unchanged) DR250S – for road use A road legal version with headlight, turning lights and a license plate holderwas also released. For 1987 they were still making a DR250SH, but it looks like it was the "S" version again. The "Z" looks to have died in 1986-87. Its a pity they never put the bigger forks and double leading shoe brake from the RM - D / E family on to it. That plus changing to the VM30SS carb a bit earlier could have given it a new lease on life back in 1983/84 for little cost.

The Suzuki DR250 was a small and affordable trail bike with a single cylinder four-stroke engine produced between 1982 and 1987. It shares a nearly identical design with the DR350 aside from the piston size and related hardware, and as such, many people upgrade theirs with larger cylinders meant for the DR350. There have also been Big bore kits which allow the stock cylinder to reach a larger size than 350cc. The oddly shaped headlight and small number plate are the bike's less attractive points, but the bike has adjustable front and rear suspension, which allows the owner to tune the bike for dirt, trail, or street riding.   On the topic of how long the DR250Z lasted, I just found a USA / Canada spec PDF factory service manual that shows them in production until 1987!  ; Z model 1982-83 (launched late 1981, with the RM and PE "Z" range for 1982) D model 1983-84 (gold rims, tool bag and new graphics, same white bodywork) E model 1984-85 F model 1985-86 (Went to a VM30SS carb, disc front brake & "RM" style yellow colour scheme) G model 1986-87 1995 Suzuki DR250SES 1994 Suzuki DR250SER 1993 Suzuki DR250P DR250SEP 1992 Suzuki DR250N DR250SN 1991 Suzuki DR250M DR250SM 1990 Suzuki DR250L DR250SL 1985 Suzuki DR250F SP250F 1984 Suzuki DR250E SP250E 1983 Suzuki DR250D SP250D 1982 Suzuki DR250Z SP250Z

1982 Suzuki year code: Z

DR250Z, model code 382, engine code J402, introduced in late 1981 Color: White, 3-tone blue stripes on tank and side covers The DR250SZ has Gold rimes, different muffler and as being made for road, even head and rear lights and turning signals. Available in White, Black or Red.

DR 250 1982 Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 860 mm (33.9 in) Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49.2 in) Seat height: 890 mm (35.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 420 mm (55.9 in) Ground Clearance: 320 mm (12.6 in) Dry Weight: 113 kg (249 lbs) Engine: Airl-cooled 249 cc single cylinder 4-stroke. OHC, TSCC 22 hp (16,5 kW)/ 8.500 rpm, 19,5 Nm (2,0 kg-m, 14.5 lb-ft)/ 6.500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

DR 250 S 1982 Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 860 mm (33.9 in) Overall Height: 1 200 mm (47.2 in) Seat height: 890 mm (35.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 374 mm (54.1 in) Ground Clearance: 260 mm (10.2 in) Dry Weight: 113 kg (249 lbs) Engine: Airl-cooled 249 cc single cylinder 4-stroke. OHC, TSCC 22 hp (16,5 kW)/ 8.500 rpm, 19,5 Nm (2,0 kg-m, 14.5 lb-ft)/ 6.500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1982–1987 Suzuki DR250 specifications
Engine:	Air-cooled single cylinder 4-stroke  OHC, TSCC
Cylinder Volume:	249 cc (15.2 cu-in)
Bore x Stroke:	72,0 x 61,2 mm (2.834 x 2.409 in.)
Compression Ratio:	8,9:1
Maximum horsepower:	22 hp (16,5 kW)/ 8.500 rpm
Maximum torque:	19,5 Nm (2,0 kg-m, 14.5 lb-ft)/ 6.500 rpm
Carburetor:	Mikuni VM28SS
Air cleaner:	Polyurethane foam element
Starter system:	Primary kick, right side
Lubrication system:	Wet sump
Fuel tank capacity:	9,5 liter (10.0 US qt, 8.4 Imp qt)
Clutch:	Wet multi-plate type
Transmission:	5-speed constant mesh
Gearshift pattern:	1-down, 4-up
Spark plug:	NGK D8EA
Overall Length:	2 115 mm (83.3 in)
Overall Width:	860 mm (33.9 in)
Overall Height:	1 250 mm (49.2 in)
Wheelbase:	1 420 mm (55.9 in)
Seat Height:	770 mm (30.3 in)
Ground Clearance:	320 mm (12.6 in)
Dry Weight:	113 kg (249 lbs)
Front suspension:	Telescopic, pneumatic/coil spring, oil dampened
Rear suspension:	Full-floating suspension system
Front Tire:	110/80-16 55S
Rear Tire:	140/70-15 64S
Front Brake:	Internal expanding
Rear Brake:	Internal expanding
Front tyre dimension:	3.00-21 4PR
Rear tyre dimension:	5.10-17 4PR

1982–1987 Suzuki DR250S specifications
Engine:	Air-cooled single cylinder 4-stroke  OHC, TSCC
Cylinder Volume:	249 cc (15.2 cu-in)
Bore x Stroke:	72,0 x 61,2 mm (2.834 x 2.409 in.)
Compression Ratio:	8,9:1
Maximum horsepower:	22 hp (16,5 kW)/ 8.500 rpm
Maximum torque:	19,5 Nm (2,0 kg-m, 14.5 lb-ft)/ 6.500 rpm
Carburetor:	Mikuni BS34SS
Ignition:	Suzuki PEI
Starter system:	Primary kick, right side
Lubrication system:	Wet sump
Fuel tank capacity:	9,5 liter (10.0 US qt, 8.4 Imp qt)
Fuel reserve:	1,0 liter (1.1 US qt, 0.9 Imp qt)
Oil capacity:	1,2 liter (1.3 US qt, 1.1 Imp qt)
Clutch:	Wet multi-plate type
Transmission:	5-speed constant mesh
Gearshift pattern:	1-down, 4-up
Spark plug:	NGK D8EA
Overall Length:	2 115 mm (83.3 in)
Overall Width:	860 mm (33.9 in)
Overall Height:	1 200 mm (49.0 in)
Wheelbase:	1 374 mm (54.1 in)
Seat Height:	770 mm (30.3 in)
Ground Clearance:	260 mm (10.2 in)
Dry Weight:	113 kg (249 lbs)
Front suspension:	Air/oil telescopic forks, 148 mm travel
Rear suspension:	Gas/oil Full floater, preload & damping adj. 148 mm travel
Front Tire:	110/80-16 55S
Rear Tire:	140/70-15 64S
Front Brake:	Hydraulic disc
Rear Brake:	Internal expanding
Front tyre dimension:	3.00-21 4PR
Rear tyre dimension:	4.60-17 4PR

1983 Suzuki year code: D

DR250D, model code 382, engine code J402 Color: White White, 3-tone blue stripes on tank and side covers Blue seat with white outlined ”DR” Gold rims

DR 250 1983 Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 860 mm (33.9 in) Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49.2 in) Seat height: 890 mm (35.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 420 mm (55.9 in) Ground Clearance: 260 mm (10.2 in) Dry Weight: 113 kg (249 lbs) Engine: Airl-cooled 249 cc single cylinder 4-stroke. OHC, TSCC 22 hp (16,5 kW)/ 8.500 rpm, 19,5 Nm (2,0 kg-m, 14.5 lb-ft)/ 6.500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

DR 250 S 1983 Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 860 mm (33.9 in) Overall Height: 1 200 mm (47.2 in) Seat height: 890 mm (35.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 374 mm (54.1 in) Ground Clearance: 260 mm (10.2 in) Dry Weight: 113 kg (249 lbs) Engine: Airl-cooled 249 cc single cylinder 4-stroke. OHC, TSCC 22 hp (16,5 kW)/ 8.500 rpm, 19,5 Nm (2,0 kg-m, 14.5 lb-ft)/ 6.500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1984 Suzuki year code: E

DR250E, model code 382, engine code J402 Unchaged from the previous model year

DR 250 1984 Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 860 mm (33.9 in) Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49.2 in) Seat height: 890 mm (35.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 420 mm (55.9 in) Ground Clearance: 320 mm (12.6 in) Dry Weight: 113 kg (249 lbs) Engine: Airl-cooled 249 cc single cylinder 4-stroke. OHC, TSCC 22 hp (16,5 kW)/ 8.500 rpm, 19,5 Nm (2,0 kg-m, 14.5 lb-ft)/ 6.500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1985 Suzuki year code: F

DR250F, model code 382 Color: Yellow, Yellow lower forks Front disc brake White White, 3-tone blue stripes on tank and side covers Blue seat with white outlined ”DR” Gold rims

When the disc brake model came in 1985 there was also 2 models. Disc with short travel 35mm forks (SF model) and Disc with long travel 36mm forks (F model) S - the basic frame and motor (except the carb) is the same, so if you throw away the lights, battery etc and swap the rear suspension and carb for the Z version

1986 Suzuki year code: G



1987 Suzuki year code: H


1988 Suzuki year code: J



1989 Suzuki year code: K







1990 Suzuki year code: L

DR250L, model code 15D, engine code J419 Color: White & Yellow, Yellow frame, Yellow fork boot,Blue and Silver ”DR” tank decals

DR250SL, model code 15D, engine code J419 Color: White & Blue, Blue frame, ”Dualsport” decal on side cover, Locking gas cap DR250SH - The front suspension was a USD fork while the rear was equipped with a Mono shock.

DR 250 S 1990 Overall Length: 2,230 mm (87.8 in) Overall Width: 885 mm (34.8 in) Overall Height: 1,255 mm (49.4 in) Wheelbase: 1,445 mm (56.9 in) Weight: 118 kg (260 lbs) Engine: air-cooled 249 cc DOHC single cylinder, 4 valves. 29 hp/ 8,500 rpm, 2.5 kg-m/ 7,000 rpm. Here's more Suzuki DR info.

DR 250 S 1991 Overall Length: 2,230 mm (87.8 in) Overall Width: 885 mm (34.8 in) Overall Height: 1,255 mm (49.4 in) Wheelbase: 1,445 mm (56.9 in) Weight: 118 kg (260 lbs) Engine: air-cooled 249 cc DOHC single cylinder, 4 valves. 29 hp/ 8,500 rpm, 2.5 kg-m/ 7,000 rpm. Here's more Suzuki DR info.

DR 250 S 1991 Overall Length: 2,230 mm (87.8 in) Overall Width: 885 mm (34.8 in) Overall Height: 1,255 mm (49.4 in) Wheelbase: 1,445 mm (56.9 in) Weight: 118 kg (260 lbs) Engine: air-cooled 249 cc DOHC single cylinder, 4 valves. 29 hp/ 8,500 rpm, 2.5 kg-m/ 7,000 rpm. Here's more Suzuki DR info.

Spark Plug	NGK D8EA '82-85 NGK DPR9EA-9 '90-92

Specifications:

Engine:	Oil-Cooled 4 Stroke/OHC 4-Valve/Single Cylinder
Engine Displacement:	249cc
Max. Power Output/Rev (PS/rpm):	29PS/8500rpm
Max. Torque/Rev (kg-m/rpm):	2.5kg-m/7000rpm
Weight(kg):	118kg
Tire Size(Front/Rear):	80/100-21·110/90-18
Price(JPY):	419 thousand yen/449 thousand yen

1991 Suzuki year code: M

DR250M, model code 15D, engine code J419 Color: White & Yellow, Yellow frame and seat, White ”Suzuki” on seat, ”DR250” tank decal with yellow/pink gradation stripe, Yellow/pink gradation side panel decal

DR250SM, model code 15D, engine code J419 Color: White & Blue, Blue frame and seat, Blue/green tank and side panel decals, Blue & Green gradation headlight cover decal.

The DR350 (without the S) was introduced in 1991. It was a pure trail machine, different from the DR350S in many details. The DR350 had plastic fuel tank (instead of steel), different carburetor, other type of tyres and better suspension than the DR350S.

DR 250 SHM 1991 Overall Length: 2,230 mm (87.8 in) Overall Width: 885 mm (34.8 in) Overall Height: 1,255 mm (49.4 in) Wheelbase: 1,445 mm (56.9 in) Weight: 117 kg (257 lbs) Engine: air-cooled 249 cc DOHC single cylinder, 4 valves. 29 hp/ 8,500 rpm, 2.5 kg-m/ 7,000 rpm. Here's more Suzuki DR info.

DR 250 S 1991 Overall Length: 2,230 mm (87.8 in) Overall Width: 885 mm (34.8 in) Overall Height: 1,255 mm (49.4 in) Wheelbase: 1,445 mm (56.9 in) Weight: 118 kg (260 lbs) Engine: air-cooled 249 cc DOHC single cylinder, 4 valves. 29 hp/ 8,500 rpm, 2.5 kg-m/ 7,000 rpm. Here's more Suzuki DR info.

DR 250 S 1991 Overall Length: 2,230 mm (87.8 in) Overall Width: 885 mm (34.8 in) Overall Height: 1,255 mm (49.4 in) Wheelbase: 1,445 mm (56.9 in) Weight: 118 kg (260 lbs) Engine: air-cooled 249 cc DOHC single cylinder, 4 valves. 29 hp/ 8,500 rpm, 2.5 kg-m/ 7,000 rpm.

1992 Suzuki year code: N

DR250N, model code 15D, engine code J419 Color: White & Yellow, Yellow frame and seat, White ”Suzuki” on seat, Pink/orange/blue ”DR” tank and side panel decals.

DR250SL, model code 15D, engine code J419 Color: White & Blue, Blue frame and seat, Purple/pink ”DR” tank decal with Blue stripe, Purple/pink ”250” decal on side panels.

In 1992 Suzuki added an SHC (Suzuki Height Control) function to the DR350. That made it possible to lower the seat height as much as 40 mm (1.6 inches).

1993 Suzuki year code: P

DR250P, model code 15D, engine code J419 Color: White, White frame, Yellow seat, Pink/orange/black ”DR” tank decal, small Pink, Orange & Black ”250” side panel decal

DR250SEP, model code 15D, engine code J419 E = Electric start system. The DR250SE with an electric starter replaced the DR250S with a kick starter. Color: White & Blue, Blue frame and seat, Pink/purple/black ”DR” tank decal and ”250” side panel decal

1994 Suzuki year code: R

DR250SER, model code 15D, engine code J419 E = Electric start system. Color: White & Blue, Blue frame and seat, Red/blue” DR" tank decal, Red/blue ”250” side panel decals, "Electric Start" on side panel

DR 250 SE 1994 Overall Length:2 230 mm (87.8 in) Overall Width: 885 mm (34.8 in) Overall Height: 1 255 mm (49.4 in) Seat height: 890 mm (35.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 445 mm (56.9 in) Ground Clearance: Dry Weight: 118 kg (260 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 249 cc single cylinder 4-stroke. OHC, 5 speeds. 29 hp (21,6 kW)/ 8.500 rpm, 24,5 Nm (2,5 kg-m, 18.1 lb-ft)/ 7.000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

DR 250 SE 1994 Overall Length:2 230 mm (87.8 in) Overall Width: 885 mm (34.8 in) Overall Height: 1 255 mm (49.4 in) Seat height: 890 mm (35.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 445 mm (56.9 in) Ground Clearance: Dry Weight: 118 kg (260 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 249 cc single cylinder 4-stroke. OHC, 5 speeds. 29 hp (21,6 kW)/ 8.500 rpm, 24,5 Nm (2,5 kg-m, 18.1 lb-ft)/ 7.000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

It was welcomed by the customers, the bike had been a bit difficult to start.   DR250R = 1995-1997

1994 Suzuki DR250 specifications
Engine:	Air-cooled single cylinder 4-stroke  OHC
Cylinder Volume:	249 cc (15.2 cu-in)
Bore x Stroke:	73,0 x 59,6 mm
Compression Ratio:	10,0:1
Maximum horsepower:	29 hp (21,6 kW)/ 8.500 rpm
Maximum torque:	24,5 Nm (2,5 kg-m, 18.1 lb-ft)/ 7.000 rpm
Starter system:	Primary kick, right side
Lubrication system:	Wet sump
Fuel tank capacity:	9,0 liter (2.4 US gal, 2.0 Imp gal)
Clutch:	Wet multi-plate type
Transmission:	5-speed
Induction:	Transistored
Final drive:	Chain
Overall Length:	2 230 mm (87.8 in)
Overall Width:	885 mm (34.8 in)
Overall Height:	1 255 mm (49.4 in)
Wheelbase:	1 445 mm (56.9 in)
Seat Height:	770 mm (30.3 in)
Ground Clearance:	320 mm (12.6 in)
Dry Weight:	118 kg (260 lbs)
Front suspension:	USD fork
Rear suspension:	Mono shock
Front Brake:	Single disc
Rear Brake:	Single disc
Front tyre dimension:	80/100-21
Rear tyre dimension:	110-90-18

1995 Suzuki year code: S

DR250SES, model code 15D, engine code J419 E = Electric start system. Color: White & Blue, Blue frame and seat, Blue ”DR” tank decal with Orange/red strip,"Electric Start" on side panels

DR 250 SE 1994 Overall Length:2 230 mm (87.8 in) Overall Width: 885 mm (34.8 in) Overall Height: 1 255 mm (49.4 in) Seat height: 890 mm (35.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 445 mm (56.9 in) Ground Clearance: Dry Weight: 118 kg (260 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 249 cc single cylinder 4-stroke. OHC, 5 speeds. 29 hp (21,6 kW)/ 8.500 rpm, 24,5 Nm (2,5 kg-m, 18.1 lb-ft)/ 7.000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1996 Suzuki year code: T

DR250SET, model code 15D, engine code J419 E = Electric start system. Color: White & Blue, Blue frame and seat, Blue ”DR” tank decal with Orange/red strip,"Electric Start" on side panels

DR 250 SE 1994 Overall Length:2 230 mm (87.8 in) Overall Width: 885 mm (34.8 in) Overall Height: 1 255 mm (49.4 in) Seat height: 890 mm (35.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 445 mm (56.9 in) Ground Clearance: Dry Weight: 118 kg (260 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 249 cc single cylinder 4-stroke. OHC, 5 speeds. 29 hp (21,6 kW)/ 8.500 rpm, 24,5 Nm (2,5 kg-m, 18.1 lb-ft)/ 7.000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1997 Suzuki year code: V


1998 Suzuki year code: W

DR 350 1998 Overall Length: 2,165 mm (85.2 in) Overall Width: 885 mm (34.8 in) Overall Height: 1,245 mm (49.0 in) Seat height: 920 mm (36.2 in) Wheelbase: 1,450 mm (57.1 in) Ground Clearance: 310 mm (12.2 in) Dry Weight: 113 kg (249 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 348 cc SOHC 1-cylinder, 4 valves.

DR 350 SE 1998 Overall Length: 2,235 mm (88.0 in) Overall Width: 885 mm (34.8 in) Overall Height: 1,245 mm (49.0 in) Seat height: 890 mm (35.0 in) Wheelbase: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 290 mm (11.4 in) Dry Weight: 130 kg (286 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 348 cc SOHC 1-cylinder, 4 valves.

Here's more 1998 DR350 specs. Here's more 1998 DR350SE specs.



1999 Suzuki year code: X

DR 350 1999 Overall Length: 2,165 mm (85.2 in) Overall Width: 885 mm (34.8 in) Overall Height: 1,245 mm (49.0 in) Seat height: 920 mm (36.2 in) Wheelbase: 1,450 mm (57.1 in) Ground Clearance: 310 mm (12.2 in) Dry Weight: 113 kg (249 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 348 cc SOHC 1-cylinder, 4 valves.

DR 350 SE 1999 Overall Length: 2,235 mm (88.0 in) Overall Width: 885 mm (34.8 in) Overall Height: 1,245 mm (49.0 in) Seat height: 890 mm (35.0 in) Wheelbase: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 290 mm (11.4 in) Dry Weight: 130 kg (286 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 348 cc SOHC 1-cylinder, 4 valves.

2000 Suzuki year code: Y


2001 Suzuki year code: K1

DR 350 SE 2001 Overall Length: 2,235 mm (88.0 in) Overall Width: 885 mm (34.8 in) Overall Height: 1,245 mm (49.0 in) Seat height: 920 mm (36.2 in) Wheelbase: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 290 mm (11.4 in) Dry Weight: 122 kg (268 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 349 cc SOHC single-cylinder, 4 valves. 30 hp (22.1 kW @ 7 600 rpm, 29.4 Nm/ 6,200 rpm (Sweden). 6-speed transmission.

More: Suzuki DR model

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