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Suzuki RM-Z 450 (model year 2018) in the test

How good is the 2018 model?

New frame, new swing arm, new fork, new look – the Suzuki technicians fully concentrated on the Suzuki RM-Z 450 for the coming season. The 250 cm³ model remains unchanged.

Since the ten-time world champion Stefan Everts was responsible for the works for the Motocross World Championship team from Suzuki at the beginning of this season, a fresh wind has been blowing among the yellows. Unmistakable sign: the yellow squad has been using a heavily modified MX1 bike since the start of the season. Obviously, the strong breeze has also blown the dust from the somewhat aged production model. Just a look at the list of innovations reveals: The new Suzuki R.M-Z 450 was almost completely redesigned. As soon as you sit up, you notice how slim the new one has become. The tank / cooler area as well as the number plates on the side and the air filter box are noticeably slimmer, allowing the pilot to sit smoothly on the motorcycle.

Suzuki RM-Z 450 (model year 2018) in the test

How good is the 2018 model?

15 millimeters shorter wheelbase

In terms of handling, the Suzuki RM-Z 450 throws itself into the chest not only because of the more successful ergonomics. With a 15 millimeter shorter wheelbase and revised flexibility of the frame and swing arm, it cuts into tight corners more precisely than before. So precise that the pilot can allow himself to push the fork legs five millimeters deeper into the fork bridges. First, because the RM-Z is a bit more stable on the straights, and secondly, to compensate for the slightly high rear.

Motor now noticeably stronger

Act of insight: A conventional fork with springs is now working again at the front. Nobody will regret the time-consuming tuning of the air fork. The new shock absorber also performed well in the standard setup. Deep bumps swallows
it is better than its predecessor with a slightly further reduced pressure level. The engine of the new Suzuki RM-Z 450 is noticeably more powerful than before and has a well-balanced performance. With the standard mapping, however, it tended to die off at low speeds, which meant that the clutch was used a little more than is normally the case with a 450. An experienced driver can handle this biting characteristic well.

Stronger, handier and visually more modern

But not only hobby riders will be able to cope better with the gentler performance characteristics activated by the mapping plug provided. By the way: You won’t find a button for the electric starter. It’s a shame – especially because after KTM, Honda and Yamaha have now also made it through to electric starters for their 450 cc engines. Apart from that, the hard work on the Suzuki RM-Z 450 has paid off. The Suzuki has become a stronger, more manageable and optically more modern bike. It is quite possible that it will stir up a little more dust in the future.

2018 Suzuki RM-Z 450 – what’s new?

Engine:

  • Inlet cam with 0.2 mm larger stroke
  • Inlet tract (air filter / airbox) enlarged
  • Fuel pump with 17 percent higher pressure

Landing gear:

  • Frame (minus 700 g) and swing arm (minus 100 g) lighter
  • Rear frame slimmer
  • Showa shock absorber new (technology taken from the Superbike GSX-R 1000 R)
  • Showa fork with one spring per spar (previously: air spring)
  • Wheelbase shortened by 15 mm to 1,480 mm
  • Brake disc enlarged by 20 mm to 270 mm

Miscellaneous:

  • Plastic parts slimmer
  • Seat narrower and 500 g lighter
  • Plastic tank instead of aluminum. Content increased by 0.1 to 6.3 liters
  • Price is not yet fixed

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