2005–2006 Suzuki RM250 Transmission Bearing Orientation Question (Factory Manual Appears to Contradict Itself)

I’m rebuilding the bottom end of a 2005 RM250 and have run into something that’s confusing me.

The Suzuki factory service manual (Transmission & Crankshaft section, pages 10-12 and 10-13) states:

• Bearings #1, #2, #5, #6, #7, #10, #11 → Stamped face OUTSIDE
• Bearings #3, #4, #8, #9 → Stamped face INSIDE

However, the photos in the manual appear to show bearings #2 and #6 with the open ball side facing out, which seems to contradict the written instructions.

To make matters more confusing, the original bearings I removed had the stamped side on the shielded side, but I no longer trust their orientation because I discovered the engine had previously been rebuilt incorrectly. The previous owner:

• Installed the power valve incorrectly.
• Continued running the engine with a broken clutch basket spline.
• Damaged the cylinder head from detonation.

So I can’t assume the bearing orientation was correct.

My questions:

1. Is the factory manual text correct, and the photos just misleading?
2. Which way should bearings #2 and #6 actually be installed?
3. If anyone has an untouched OEM engine or clear photos of an original case, I’d really appreciate seeing them.

I’d rather verify this before pressing bearings in or out again.

Thanks!

Aaron