The RM250 is a replica model of the RH80 factory motocrosser from the previous year. The engine intake system was converted from a power reed valve to a full reed valve, increasing maximum horsepower from 40.5 to 41.5 PS. The Full Floater suspension was newly adopted at the rear.

This model-changed RM250 features a newly developed liquid-cooled engine designed to prevent a loss of peak performance due to overheating during races. The bore × stroke dimensions were changed from 67 × 70 mm in the previous model to 70 × 64 mm, increasing maximum horsepower from 41.5 to 43 PS. To achieve the lowest weight allowed under the competition regulations, a lightweight yet tough semi-double cradle frame made of chromium molybdenum steel was adopted to complement efforts to reduce the weight of parts throughout the model. This RM250 also features the Full Floater rear suspension.

With the Full-Floater Suspension having demonstrated superlative performance in World Grand Prix races, the RM250 was equipped with the even more competitive Excellent Full-Floater Suspension that features an offset cam. This new mechanism generates a progressive suspension feel that combines softness at the outset of the stroke, smoothness in the middle, and strength at the bottom end. This helps to realize a superb balance between excellent handling and ride comfort. The liquid-cooled 1-cylinder engine features a newly designed full reed value and a longer stroke (the bore × stroke dimensions were adjusted from 70 × 64 mm in the previous model to 67 × 70 mm). Maximum horsepower was increased from 46 to 48 PS, and low- to mid-range torque was substantially increased.

This model adopts a new crankcase reed valve type engine, a technology that was directly passed down from factory motocrossers. This valve realizes high filling efficiency across a wide range of engine speeds, as well as improved cooling and lubrication of engine parts, resulting in substantially higher reliability. In addition, the bore × stroke dimensions were changed from 67 × 70 mm in the previous model to 67 × 70.8 mm. The adoption of inverted front forks raised the rigidity of the whole fork system as a whole, and at the same time, the size of the protrusion under the axle shaft was minimized to further improve running performance over deep ruts.

This RM250 is equipped with a new crankcase reed valve type engine featuring optimized exhaust port geometry, a newly designed reed valve, and an air cleaner box with 20% lower airflow resistance, resulting in higher power in the mid-rpm range as well as drastically improved traction performance. A semi-double cradle frame that incorporates a high proportion of large-diameter angular-cross-section chromium molybdenum steel tubes was adopted that reduces weight and increases torsional rigidity by 35%, taking the riding performance of the RM250 to the next level.

With this model change, the RM250 features a new engine with a piston reed valve and a long stroke design (the bore × stroke dimensions were increased from 67 × 70.8 mm in the previous model to 66.4 × 72 mm). Combined with sub ports adopting an open/shut-type power chamber device system, the result is a highly versatile engine under all conditions. Maximum horsepower was increased from 51 to 53 PS. The newly designed frame features a detachable aluminum subframe that enhances the ease of maintenance and reduces the weight around the rear of the bike. In addition, the front features newly developed upright twin-chamber cartridge forks. Maintenance was also made substantially easier by the adoption of a completely redesigned new link-type rear suspension.

The engine and chassis of the RM250 were almost completely redesigned to realize a sweeping reduction in weight, higher power, and greater torque, creating a superb balance between road handling and controllability. The new 2-stroke engine with a newly engineered piston reed valve is 1,133 g lighter and 21 mm shorter than the previous model. This engine boosts torque in the mid-rpm range, lifting the rideability of the bike onto the next level. Although the semi-double cradle frame of the previous model was retained, the specifications and design, including the rigidity balance, weight distribution, swingarm, suspensions, and geometry, were all completely updated to increase rigidity and realize a tremendous reduction in weight. The result is an ideal motocrosser that creates a winning balance with its new high-performance engine.

The new RM250 features a new engine that combines low- to mid-range torque with high-end power thanks to features such as new cylinder ports and an exhaust valve control system that were developed based on actual racing experience. Course following performance and traction under a wide-range of riding conditions were enhanced by the adoption of a highly tuned chassis, as well as by the refinements applied to the superbly balanced suspensions, brakes, and other features.