Motorcycle specifications SuzukiRM-Z 450 2024 Twirl on 3 axes

The Suzuki 450 RM-Z continues its career, but without any evolution. Yet it deserves more attention, as its track record speaks for itself. The big RM-Z has never done things by halves, nor wanted to compromise. Back to basics, a motocross bike has to do three vital things: go, turn and stop - better than any other. The RM-Z 450 has been completely redesigned for 2018, with particular attention paid to winning balance. Fortunately, the RM-Z 450 can look back on 26 national and world championship wins, including five AMA 450 motocross titles and two AMA 450 super cross titles. To this success story is now added a completely redesigned engine, chassis and electronics system and, what's more, radically renewed aesthetics.

The result? An RM-Z 450 that's more powerful, more balanced and more competitive than ever.

getting off to a flying start

A 'good start' is more than decisive in MX. That's what Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC) delivers. An essential part of the RM-Z 450's electronic system, the updated 3-stage S-HAC system evaluates throttle position and gear selection, then adjusts ignition timing to optimize engine performance for a fast start.
All this is managed at lightning speed, without rider intervention - a brilliant feat of motocross engineering. By interpreting the position of the throttle and the gear engaged, the S-HAC continuously modifies the timing to maximize power delivery during the three critical stages of starting, namely: the exact moment of starting, passing through the gate and accelerating on the first straightaway. Regardless of the driver, track conditions or the nature of the starting block - dirt, mud or concrete - the S-HAC automatically adapts to deliver the fastest, most powerful thrust possible. Six seconds after start-up, the system resets the ignition timing to normal operation, or when the driver shifts into fifth gear or when the throttle is closed, giving the driver enough time to launch out of the gate and into the first corner.
The S-HAC version of this RM-Z 450 offers the rider a choice of three easy-to-select configurations via a handlebar-mounted switch. Mode "A" is intended for hard surfaces such as a concrete, clay or dirt starting block, where controlling wheel spin is essential for a good start. In 2018, the "A" mode algorithms have been updated to provide even finer control to the rider when opening the throttle, and improved traction feel during the critical moments of initial start-up. B" is the mode for normal ground conditions. Drivers can also select the "Off" setting to maintain standard ignition timing.

power all the way

In motocross, you need to hit the ground running - out of the gate and into the corners - and go downhill at a blistering pace. To give riders a stronger, winning balance, the RM-Z 450's redesigned engine is lower in torque, with a generally flattened torque curve, faster, more controllable throttle response and higher maximum power.
All this is linked to a full range of intake and fuel system changes. Inside the airbox, the air filter opening is now 30% wider for better airflow, and an MXGP-style mudguard helps deflect mud and dirt to better protect the engine. The exhaust pipe from the airbox to the fuel injection block is also straighter, reducing intake resistance for more power in all rpm ranges. Similarly, the throttle body has been revised to provide a more homogeneous air-fuel mixture, further boosting power while ensuring a smooth acceleration feel. Higher fuel pump pressure strengthens the air-fuel mixture for better response, and the elimination of throttle coupling enhances the feeling of acceleration.
The fuel injector spray path is now directed upwards to reach the throttle butterfly valve directly, for a more efficient explosion. The shape of the intake port has been updated for improved swirl flow of the charge entering the cylinder, enhancing power at all engine speeds. The shape of the intake port matches the profile of the high-lift camshaft, further enhancing intake efficiency and engine output. In the combustion chamber, a piston rib design adds strength and durability to match the engine's higher output. The muffler ensures compliance with the latest regulations on noise levels.

maximum traction

The RM-Z 450's electronic systems cooperate flawlessly with the rider to divert power to the ground. To maximize traction, the Engine Control Module (ECM) automatically adjusts ignition timing and fuel injection according to throttle position, engine speed and gear engaged. The RM-Z 450's first ECM debuted in 2008, and the second generation arrived in 2013. Today, the ECU in the RM-Z 450's third-generation traction management system processes data 1.6 times faster and offers 2.5 times more memory capacity than the first-generation system.

cornering control

The Suzuki RM-Z 450 offers the rider sharper handling, clearer feel and greater control than ever before. The lightweight swingarm dramatically improves cornering performance, whether sliding along a berm or diving into an inside line. The head tube has been moved back 10 mm, resulting in a 1480 mm wheelbase and more weight distributed forward for greater agility and stability.
In terms of the chassis, advances include a more rectangular cross-section of the main spars, improved front-to-rear stiffness and optimized rigidity generally with a 700g reduction in weight. All this directly enhances cornering performance, impact absorption and stability. The revised swingarm features thinner materials to achieve a 100g weight reduction and optimized stiffness, which translates into improved cornering performance and stability.
Other chassis upgrades, such as hexagonal rails in the sub-frame, increase airbox capacity and stiffen the whole, while the slimmer dimensions make room for the Showa Blance Free Rear Cushion shock absorber. In the cockpit, the straighter line of the Renthal Fatbar aluminum handlebars helps riders shift their weight forward for better cornering. Finally, a lighter chain guide provides more uniform contact and improved durability, while the water pump and magneto cover are protected by an engine fairing.

improved suspension

Showa suspension front and rear provides better rider response and ground following. It absorbs forces better, enhances chassis stability and ground feel, and offers greater comfort. The rider benefits through better control, faster lap times and less fatigue under tough training or race conditions.
At the front, the SFF-Air fork of the previous generation RM-Z 450 has been replaced by an updated Showa spring fork. It offers comfortable use for a wide range of customers. The upper triple clamp is also lighter, with optimized dimensions. At the rear, the Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC) shock absorber is based on the same technology as the sporty GSX-R 1000 R, which balances pressure above and below the piston to better control travel and thus attenuate reactions to bumps and bumps, even when braking hard.

wheelsand tires

Lightweight Bridgestone wheels and tires maximize grip to enhance agility and control under a wide range of different track conditions. Finished in black for a factory look, the rims have an optimized cross-section that maintains strength while reducing critical rotational mass by a total of 70g. The bike comes with latest-generation Bridgestone Battlecross X30 tires.

more agile. Faster. Higher. Tougher.

Motocross is an unforgiving discipline, requiring cutting-edge motorcycle technology and relentless rider training to be at the top of your game. Suzuki has incorporated over 40 years of racing engineering into the RM-Z 450 to create the hardest-hitting, sharpest, best-balanced and most comfortable motocross machine in the company's history.

mX Tuner 2.0

Because good performance on the track depends on precise tuning, Suzuki now offers MX Tuner 2.0 as standard on the RM-Z450. Developed in collaboration with GET, MX Tuner enables optimum tuning of the injection via an app to be downloaded to a smartphone or tablet. By default, four types of maps are offered to the user, enabling easy change of settings and serving as a basis for the user to follow his or her skills and preferences.

The injection and ignition maps have an adjustable range of 36 points to best match the user's riding style: from -10% to +20% for injection, and from -12 to +3 degrees for ignition. This information is sent to the RM-Z unit via wireless communication, when connected to an exclusive coupler installed on the machine and powered by a 12V battery.

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Information and image credits: Suzuki