Review of the Suzuki RMX450 (RMX450Z) motorcycle

Model of motocross motorcycle Suzuki RM-Z450

was first introduced to the market in 2005 and was positioned as the flagship 4-stroke motocross model. The first versions of the motorcycle (2005-2007) were equipped with a 4-speed gearbox, which was immediately criticized by experts and athletes, and led to the fact that by 2008 the Suzuki RM-Z450 received a traditional 5-speed gearbox. In the same year, the model received a new engine and fuel injection system.

In the period from 2005 to the present, the Suzuki RM-Z450 has undergone many technical changes affecting the engine, frame, suspension and chassis configuration.

In 2010, based on the Suzuki RM-Z450, a hard enduro version was built - the Suzuki RMX450Z.

The key features of the motorcycle include an aluminum frame, sports adjustable suspension, a 4-stroke liquid-cooled engine, fuel injection, a 5-speed gearbox, disc brakes, a 6.3-liter fuel tank and a 112 kg curb weight.

Suzuki RM-Z450: electronic equipment

• Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC) - since 2015

Model range of the Suzuki RM-Z series:

• Suzuki RM-Z250
• Suzuki RM-Z450

The main competitors of the Suzuki RM-Z450 in the class:

• Honda CRF450R
• Kawasaki KX450F
• Yamaha YZ450F

Brief history of the model

• 2005 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450K5.

• 2006 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450K6.

• 2007 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450K7.

• 2008 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450K8.

• 2009 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450K9.

• 2010 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450L0.

• 2011 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450L1.

• 2012 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450L2.

• 2013 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450L3.

• 2014 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450L4.

• 2015 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450L5.

• 2016 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450L6.

• 2017 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450L7.

• 2018 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450L8.

• 2019 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450L9.

• 2020 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450M0.

• 2021 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450M1.

• 2022 - Model
  : Suzuki RM-Z450 (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia).
  Factory designation:
  RM-Z450M2.

Specifications

Technical characteristics of Suzuki RM-Z450:

Suzuki RMX 450Z test

The world around us is changing rapidly. Just yesterday, motocross rightfully bore the title of king, and today new young leaders of the off-road industry are claiming the throne. The paradox of the situation is that in the world there are fewer and fewer free, no-man’s territories, but the enduro movement is still gaining momentum. Yes, yes, it’s enduro, which implies the absence of any prepared tracks, boundaries or conventions. This boom is especially noticeable in law-abiding Europe, where there is practically not a piece of public land left, and to cross, for example, a forest area on a motorcycle, you will have to ask permission from the owner and the mayor's office.

And if in the Old World you risk receiving a considerable monetary punishment for your enduro tricks, then in the USA you can easily run into several leaden fines. Despite this, the number of enduro motorcycles sold is growing every year. And it is European manufacturers that satisfy the massive interest of buyers. You can choose a motorcycle to suit almost every taste. Off-road models from industry giants KTM , Husqvarna and Husaberg or exotic Ossa and TM , legendary Gas Gas or rare Sherco and Fantic .

The production range of Japanese manufacturers also includes such motorcycles. As a rule, they are not as perky and angry as their continental colleagues, but, perhaps, they also do not “sip cabbage soup.” Yamaha WR and its numerous derivatives are most widespread The second most common “enduric” was the Honda CRF450X . Kawasaki and Suzuki motorcycles have always remained quite exotic for the public. Perhaps even more than some European models. In any case, the Suzuki RMX 450Z in real life only twice. And one of them is on this test.

The power plant of this endurik is equipped with a direct fuel injection system. It was Suzuki in 2008 was the first to put into mass production an off-road motorcycle with an EFI . The use of this technology has improved the throttle response of the Suzuki RMX 450Z , optimized its fuel efficiency and reduced the amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. The first copies of the “injection” motorcycle had problems starting, but over 2 years of production the company managed to cure many problems, and the EFI was successfully transferred to the enduro Suzuki RMX 450Z .

Quite naturally, thanks to the “injector” the nature of the power plant has changed. Responses to manipulations with the throttle became almost instantaneous. So, despite the presence of a restrictor in the exhaust pipe, the engine has a rather harsh and nervous character. It has weak lows, but quite a lot of mids. Even with a “stock” muffler, the engine power (it is not declared by the manufacturer, but according to my estimates is about 50 hp) is enough everywhere. In any case, definitely for an amateur athlete. Thanks to the injection system, the “gluttony” of the motorcycle has decreased significantly. Accordingly, the volume of the gas tank has also decreased (to 6.2 liters). The box operates without any parasitic or “woolly” misconnections or false “neutrals”. Shifts occur very clearly, with excellent intermediate fixation.

Damping on the Suzuki RMX450Z is traditionally handled by Showa components - a front fork with a 47 mm diameter of feathers and a rear monoshock absorber. The suspensions are quite “assembled” and rigid. For my taste they are a little “oaky”, but setting up these systems is not difficult. I don’t know how much technically the RMX450Z differ from “cross” ones, but on the prepared track I definitely didn’t feel inferior. Sandy “tight” and viscous ruts or broken “concrete”, 25-meter jumps and landings “on a flat” - the energy intensity of the Showa was enough for me, as they say, “beyond my eyes”. I was never able to push them all the way through or feel the “parasitic” rebounds of the rear shock absorber. True, the front shock absorber is a little harsh for my taste as a lover of Yamaha and Kayaba , but in moderation. In any case, riding with it is much more comfortable than, for example, with WP KTM enduro motorcycles .

Suzuki enduro is dry and lean, like a professional racing horse. Of course, by modern standards, this handsome man hides a few extra pounds, but from his appearance it’s hard to guess that he’s overweight. The stock Suzuki RMX 450Z is equipped with a Rentha-L “Fat bar” steering wheel and a multifunctional instrument panel. It can operate in two modes: sports and standard. In the first, the display readings are simplified as much as possible; only the timer and odometer readings are displayed on the screen. In standard mode, the display shows speed, time and two odometer modes. When changing tires, the dashboard has a function for adjusting the tire size to correctly display the speed and distance traveled. The engineers also took care of the ease of maintenance of the air filter. It is not located under the saddle, as on the cross model, but under the external hinged cover on the left.

In general, despite the rarity of this “beast,” the motorcycle is quite good. In any case, it is definitely more fun and “angrier” than its counterparts in the form of the old WR or the somewhat “vegetable” KLX . Western colleagues, for example, having compared the RMX450Z with their direct competitors, came to the conclusion that Suzuki is closest to its motocross ancestor, both in terms of engine characteristics and suspension behavior.

Suzuki RMX450Z motorcycle model hastily released in 2010 to follow the outgoing lineup of Yamaha WR450F (2002), Honda CRF450X (2005), Kawasaki KLX450F Aimed primarily at the American market, this motorcycle without the “street legal” option package was intended exclusively for trail riding by middle-aged, well-fed Americans and for rental in national parks. Suzuki marketers considered the competitive advantages of the injection engine from the 2008 motocross model, sporty ergonomics, similar to a racing muffler (which does not require immediately throwing it into a landfill as is the case with the CRF and KLX), a fuel reserve indicator on the dashboard and a lensed flashlight instead of a headlight.

In all other respects, the motorcycle is the same as trail bikes from other Japanese manufacturers: heavy weight, soft suspension and a stretched range of gear ratios in the box. The motorcycle turned out to be lean and sportier than its competitors and... significantly more expensive. Remember the story about conservative American truck drivers who until recently dictated that local manufacturers install drum brakes on their trucks? They say their pads last longer. Well, it’s the same story with enduro, sorry, trail bikes. The Yankees did not like the injection, high cost and complexity of its maintenance, as did the meager aluminum gas tank with a built-in gas pump (only a year later they offered an enlarged plastic tank), the reliability of the motorcycle also raised questions.

As a blank for a racing motorcycle, the RMX450Z was also not the best choice. The volume of alterations is comparable to buying a “stock” KTM , which, in terms of engine and suspension, will completely suit the average enthusiast. Moreover, American racing series are democratic in their rules; a motocross motorcycle with a larger gas tank is quite enough there. As they say, “if there is no difference, then why pay more”?

In Europe, this treasure was initially offered for no less than 1,1000 euros, which is more expensive than even such exotics as TM, Gas Gas, Sherco, assembled almost to order with Brembo , Marzocchi . So in the popular endurocross series of Great Britain, France and other countries, RMX is an extremely rare guest. And for extreme series like Romaniacs and Hell Gate's, a heavy motorcycle with a meager tank and expensive plastic turned out to be generally uncompetitive. The WR450 has glorious pages in its history of David Fretinier’s participation in Dakar, the CRF450X has the legendary BAJA1000 and the no less legendary JRC Johnny Campbell, even the BMW , with German pedantry, included its short-lived G450X with victories in Erzberg and Romaniax. KLX and RMX have nothing . Except that these are really beautiful and expensive toys. By the way, in the USA the official websites of Kawasaki and Suzuki have been without these models for a long time. Suzuki RMX450Z is one of the most neglected sports enduros on the Russian market! Moreover, undeservedly and, presumably, solely due to the low popularity of the model and the complete disinterest of the Suzuki in promoting off-road equipment in our country. In America, the Suzuki RMX 450Z was in good demand, as it was the most affordable sports enduro on the US market and at the same time a very worthy device, undoubtedly worthy of attention.

Suzuki RMX 450Z model is a 100% sports enduro, but not a Trail bike. In order to understand this, just look at the table of technical characteristics of the motorcycle! Moreover, if we compare the RMX with its competitors, for example, with the much more popular Yamaha WR450F or KTM 450 EXC-F , then the device from Suzuki is a much more “sports” machine! Because the RMX450Z was not just built on the basis of the motocross RMZ450 , but almost completely copies it, with minimal changes in the design. And in this sense, it is even closer to its cross-country cousin than the previous generation WR450F Suzuki .

Frame, suspension, engine, brakes, ergonomics, design - almost everything in the RMX is exactly the same as the RMZ ! And this is both an advantage and at the same time a disadvantage of the motorcycle, because it is no coincidence that motocross equipment is usually noticeably different from enduro class machines, because such a close relationship is not always beneficial. For example, Showa Suzuki sports enduro from the RMZ450 , are stiff in a cross-country style. They are much better suited for cross-country riding than for overcoming forest obstacles or storming hills and mountains! The same applies to the “oak” aluminum frame of the motorcycle, which, unlike the steel spine of the KTM , is almost unable to partially absorb shocks and copes with loads like cast iron scrap - it is strong and unshakable. This gives the RMX450Z very precise and light handling on the motocross track, but does not add comfort at all when riding on the “beating” enduro tracks. The surprisingly peppy engine for a standard sports enduro, the ridiculously small aluminum gas tank, and the 5-speed gearbox were taken from the “cross planet.”

In my opinion, the Suzuki RMX450Z is an excellent choice for those riders who came to the world of sports enduro from motocross, because they will not need as much time to adapt to this device as, for example, it will take to get used to the features of the KTM 450 EXC-F . OHC engine . RMX model is the passage of high-speed special stages, combining cross-country sections and straight runs. But for full-fledged enduro racing, the RMX450Z has a catastrophically small gas tank - only 6.2 liters! This device is not suitable for particularly technical trails. And even more so for extreme enduro - completely different machines reign there - mostly two-stroke...

Personally, I don’t see any contraindications for using this sports enduro and as a weekend machine, just to ride around the dacha for your own pleasure! Here, however, you should avoid deep fords, muddy puddles and, in general, the clay so beloved by the Russian people, because poking around in a swamp on an almost cross-country car is at least stupid and, at maximum, colossally inconvenient.

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Reviews

Reviews about Suzuki RM-Z450:

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It can compete with any other bike on the track. The bottom-end power is very good, but the best thing is that it doesn't have the sudden, sharp pickup that wears out owners of the 2009 CRF450 and 2010 YZ450F. It delivers power smoothly and feels good in the mid-range. From 7000 to 9000 rpm the engine does not show the greatest power, but is only slightly inferior to the dyno monsters. But after 9000 rpm, the 2011 Suzuki RM-Z450 surprised Motocross Action experts the most. They confidently expected the Suzuki to rev hard to the rev limiter and to sap power faster than the Titanic. But that's not true! The 2011 Suzuki RM-Z450 rides on top a la KTM, and that's a compliment. The combination of measured bottom-end power, solid mid-range pickup and impressive top end makes the Suzuki RM-Z450 competitive for the first time in several years. The character of the power can be called sleepy, it is not impressive at first glance, but when on the highway the fence posts rush past as if in a fog, you realize that you are flying.

Suzuki RM-Z450 2022

And Suzuki quite consistently keep the price as low as possible. So the 2022 version, despite last year’s price, received a new MX-Tuner 2.0 system, thanks to which you can configure the fuel map and ignition map from a special application for a smartphone. True, you will have to buy an additional battery, but by installing the motorcycle communication module, the user will be able to change the character of the motorcycle literally on the fly.

The smartphone application is called WiGET, it was developed by the Italian ignition system manufacturer GET and has approximately the same functionality as the myKTM and myHusqvarna applications. Four factory maps (Aggressive, Smooth, Rich and Lean) are included along with the ability to create your own and try them out right away.