Thank you, Kenny. If not for HEP Motorsports and Ken Roczen, we’d have forgotten in regards to the Suzuki RM-Z450. Now, after profitable races within the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross sequence and the 2023 World Supercross sequence, plus ending second within the Supermotocross finals, Kenny has confirmed that the Suzuki remains to be a world-class motocross bike within the palms of knowledgeable staff. The irony of all of it is that the bike’s true power lies in what it could do for newbie riders.
THE YELLOW ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
As the social media universe delights in mentioning, Suzuki misplaced curiosity in yearly updates for its motocross bikes a while in the past. The RM-Z450 hasn’t modified a lot in 10 years; in reality, it hasn’t modified in any respect since 2018 when it received a brand new look and a reasonably lengthy checklist of up to date elements. What didn’t change was the general character and habits of the bike. It was nonetheless a well-behaved, predictable bike with glorious turning manners—and a kickstarter. That final level appeared to dominate the dialogue till the arrival of Roczen.
Now, the 2024 mannequin has arrived amidst rekindled consideration. The mechanical core of the bike is once more unchanged. It has Showa suspension parts with a reasonably uncommon shock within the rear, dubbed the “balancefree rear cushion.” This differs from a traditional shock as a result of all of the valving is stationary within the shock physique reasonably than plunging up and down on the tip of the shock shaft. The fork is a coil-spring unit that changed the considerably ridiculous air fork from the earlier technology.
The Suzuki does have a considerably superior electronics bundle. It has three preprogrammed maps that may be chosen by altering digital couplers. On prime of that, the bike comes with a smartphone-based tuning system known as the “Suzuki MX Tuner 2.0.” This is definitely an aftermarket system manufactured by GET/Athena, however it does permit you to make mapping modifications on the observe. The bike doesn’t have its personal battery like a Yamaha, so it’s a must to join it to an exterior energy supply to make the system work. Most riders simply convey a generic motorbike battery to the observe. Suzuki additionally has a reasonably refined launch help known as “S-HAC.” It has two ranges and is barely lively for six seconds after urgent the button till you shift to fourth or till you fully chop the throttle. That means there’s no hazard of getting the facility output curtailed any longer than you want.
The bike examined right here is the RM Army Edition. This is a limited-time promotion that provides you a Pro Circuit T-6 exhaust with a titanium shell, a carbon fiber finish cap and a chrome steel head pipe, together with a particular graphics equipment. The beauty of this in comparison with different particular editions is that it doesn’t price further, and also you get to maintain your authentic pipe. The 2024 RM-Z450 has a steered retail worth of $9,199. That makes it the second-most inexpensive 450 within the class behind the Honda CRF450R-S.
THE PECKING ORDER
There are over a dozen 450 motocross bikes at the moment out there. It’s extraordinarily tough to position the Suzuki in some contrived pecking order as a result of, in inventory type, it has a number of points that should be addressed.
Across the board, although, the one asset that everybody loves in regards to the Suzuki is its total dealing with. There are a number of phases that make up any change in course, and the RM-Z does properly in all of them. The entrance finish tracks properly on deceleration, then it drops in with little or no effort and accelerates out with management and stability. When you set all of it collectively, the RM-Z offers glorious rider confidence. That mixes properly with a easy, linear energy supply. It’s not the quickest 450; it’s barely even the quickest 350. But, as everyone knows, at the moment’s 450s are somewhat extreme, and horsepower is usually the enemy of dealing with. You can definitely tailor the mapping with the MX Tuner, however on the finish of the day, the facility it has is the facility you get, and dyno output is definitely the least of its points.
What’s the most important? The inventory suspension setup is unbalanced. The entrance is softer than the rear, and that creates a stinkbug really feel. First issues first, it’s a must to transfer the forks flush with the highest of the triple clamps and enhance compression by a minimum of 4 clicks. Resist the urge to reduce compression damping within the rear shock; it’s already very busy again there. Add somewhat rebound damping and name it a day. It might be good all the way in which to the intermediate class; execs may look into suspension re-valving.
HOW ‘BOUT THAT KICKSTARTER?
Obviously, there’s a national-caliber bike just under the floor. Kenny has confirmed that, and it didn’t take manufacturing facility elements to get there. The Suzuki simply wants somewhat understanding and setup. With the Pro Circuit exhaust you get somewhat extra energy on prime and rather less weight. You can dial within the suspension with out an excessive amount of work, after which stick the $1000 you saved in your pocket. The solely factor you may’t do is add an electrical starter. If that’s a deal-breaker, then so be it. Kenny Roczen did his personal shootout on the finish of 2022 and determined the RM-Z450 is the most effective bike within the class, kickstarter and all.
