People were shocked when Suzuki elected to re-use the same RM-Z250 in 2006. Well, fear not Yellow faithful because Suzuki is back on track with its all-new 2007 model.

With only 203 claimed pounds of dry weight, the RM-Z lofts itself skyward with relative ease.

The frame looks just like one supporting Suzuki's RM-Z450, but a few dimensional changes adapt the aluminum unit to suit the smaller machine.

Suzuki decided to show the American press a good time in conjunction with a good bike. We zipped around Pole Position Raceway in between technical briefings at the RM-Z unveiling.

Blasting through loamy corners is a hoot with Suzuki’s new powerplant. The new RM-Z won’t knock your socks off with sheer power, but the motor feels strong and very competitive.

A new Showa fork is near perfect for the Z250. The 47mm unit handled everything we threw at it.

Suzuki has reasserted itself in the battle for Lites-class supremacy. Yellow riders have been waiting a long time for this machine.

Suzuki says the new bodywork creates a speedy and energetic image, but what do you think? We tend to agree.

The new bike was very stable yet managed to retain that traditional Suzuki quickness in the turns. Combine the two and you have a machine that can go inside or outside with equal ease.

Straight off the RM-Z450, this 50mm shock has a larger reservoir than in ’06 and an 18mm shaft.

This rear brake is an underrated asset on the new machine. Rave reviews about Suzuki's binders aren't as abundant as say those for Honda, but Yellow engineers have found a near-perfect blend of strength and compliance.

Jumping the RM-Z was one of the most enjoyable things about riding the yellow 250. Light and well suspended, Suzuki should be a favorite among the anti-gravity crowd.

A narrow, comfortable design and roomy cockpit make it easy to move around and give good reason to do so with responsive handling characteristics. Suzuki is known for sharp handling and cornering prowess and the smallest RM-Z hasn’t fallen far from the tree.

A little European influence is finding its way into Japanese engineering instead of the other way around. That seat/fender junction looks like it took a clue from KTM.

Even though he’s not much of a jumper, JC felt comfortable in the air at all times on the RM-Z.

Renthal handlebars are new this year as is the re-designed triple clamp.

Suzuki engineers were aiming for midrange performance and they hit their mark with stunning accuracy.

Suzuki had some retro graphics made up for the introduction that matched the style of each former champion. Here’s Ezra Lusk’s get-up from back in ’94.