TM 250Fi - the Star of 2010
By TMX Archives on 9th Jul 10
Its been a while since I did an official' bike test but after hearing about the new TM 250Fi from MX gossip I was definitely up for it. The bike features a brand new engine, a revised chassis and of course fuel injection.
The model has only just gone into production and the bike I rode is the very first that TM UK received from Italy. The venue was my Hucklebridge Events training track, Star Farm, Marshfield, it has fast rhythm sections, some nice sweepers, some really technical tight turns, a good mix of jumps and some nice loose surfaces where a bike really needs to hunt for grip.
Looking over the TM, it looks good and all the ‘trick' bits are there, TM have always gone for the expensive ‘add-ons' as standard and this bike is no different, billet hubs and blue Excels, billet triple clamps, HGS exhaust system, oversize wavy discs, nice bars, decent chain and sprockets etc, a lot of money's worth of kit.
The last TM I rode had a steel frame and the newer aluminium frame does feel slimmer, positioning yourself is easy on the flat seat and the peg placing is comfortable, however the bike does feel a little tall for me as I am not the longest in the leg department!. Before setting off I positioned the bars, adjusted the gear lever and brake pedal heights and got comfortable...sorted. Starting the Efi engine from cold is easy, clean her out, hold open the cold start lever and just kick right from the top down, hold the cold start for half a minute and she sets down to a rock steady idle.
The motor feels really strong, really smooth and quick without any excessive ‘pop and bang' on the top end, it is very linear in its power delivery and pulls incredibly well right up to the top where it will hold the revs. With the Efi system, throttle response is instant, no hesitation and no bogging, even 14 whoops in a row couldn't upset it and when in the wrong gear the motor would still pull without a fuss, no need to bang it down a gear in a panic.
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Full story in T+MX News, issue dated July 19, 2010.
SPECIFICATIONS
2010 model TM 250Fi
Bore and Stroke: 77 x 53.6mm
Displacement: 249.46cc
Timing System: DOHC, independent followers, titanium valves
Lubrication: Dry sump, double rotor pump
Induction: Fuel Injection, 44mm throttle body
Fuel: Super-unleaded
Ignition: Kokusan generator, Microtec Electronic
Clutch: Multiple-disc in oil-bath with hydraulic control
Gear: 5 gears
Cooling system: Coolant liquid with pump
Starting: Kick start (otional electric start)
Frame: Perimeter aluminium section
Front Fork: Marzocchi USD
Rear Shock: Ohlins
Front Tyre: 90/90 x 21
Front Tyre: 100/90 x 19
Front Brake: Braking wave disk 270mm, Nissin master cylinder and Brembo caliper
Rear Brake: Braking wave disk 245mm with Nissin master cylinder and caliper
Tank: Plastic 8.2 litres