Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1178480
P94 2020 450 MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT SHOOTOUT in our testing allowed more quality time with the RM-Z. Even in the rough afternoon conditions at Glen Helen, the RM-Z was praised as supple and plush by our pro testers, both commenting that the 49mm Showa fork and Showa BFRC shock hold up well without blowing through the stroke. Handling remains a shining point on the Suzuki, which can hook into inside lines effortlessly, handle deep ruts and maintain good straight-line stability. Although several testers did still report the occasional kicking from the shock, and another tester talked about front-end push that he couldn't quite tune out (which could have been a simple matter of tire choice). Overall, the Suzuki scored high marks in both suspension and handling, with most of our crew admitting they'd be happy to live with the RM-Z. The power department is where the Suzuki continues to suffer in the performance comparison. Next to the PROS •EXCELLENT HANDLING •USER-FRIENDLY PL ATFORM •LIGHTEST PRICE TAG CONS •MELLOW POWER •NO ELECTRIC START •HEAVIEST IN ITS CL ASS BY THE NUMBERS ACTUAL WEIGHT (FULL FUEL): 252 LBS. MSRP: $8999 rest of its class, the RM-Z power is very mellow, lacking the hard-hitting power that our pro testers prefer (and depend on) to explode out of turns. "It didn't have the raw torque to pull me out, like if I'd over-jump into soft stuff," one tester remarked. "I just feel like it lacked everywhere," another said. The Suzuki comes equipped with three different power couplers—perhaps an outdated design, but effective enough if you plan to pick one map and leave it. Even in the most aggressive map, the power simply isn't up to the level of the rest of the class. That said, our novice and intermediate testers had no problems with the power, commenting that it had a strong midrange, and with a little more shifting, the RM-Z has plenty for boost for their needs. As an overall package, the Suzuki does plenty of things right, but nothing particularly outstanding. As far as braking power, ergonomics, fit and finish, the Suzuki is on par with the rest of the class. The lack of electric start, the mellow power delivery, and the fact that it tips the scales as the heaviest in the test are what hold it back in our shootout. On the whole, the Suzuki continues to be a great platform, just a few steps behind the others. 6 th Place SUZUKI RM-Z450