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/128366
2005 Suzuki RM-Z450 The RM gets titanium valves. (Abave) Unlike the RM-Z2S0, the 450 gets 5howa suspension components, including a 47mm cartridge fork. The tapered aluminum Renthal handlebar is a big improvement. Foatpegs are made aut of weight-saving titanium. makes tons of power. just like the folks at Suzuki had promised. but we were somewhat surprised by just how manageable the motor is. The RM-Z has a nice. smooth hit off the bottom. making the RM-Z easier to control than we thought it would be. It's not until you get into the middle of the powerband that the RM-Z really comes alive. and it stays that way until you're ready to catch another gear. Believe us, there's plenty of power here. but the RM-Z gives you a chance to regrip the handlebars and get the bike lined up down the straights before it hits the afterburners. Compared to the Honda CRF450R. the Suzuki seems to make similar power as a whole but isn't as explosive off the bonom and ramps up as quickly in the rpm department. But that's okay. really. because your arms will appreciate the smoother pull off the bonom in a long race and will probably last a lot longer before turning to jelly. As for the four-speed transmission. we're okay with it. A couple of our testers. however. said that they still prefer having a fIVe-speed but didn't really have a problem with the four-speed. One thing is for sure. however: It certainly does reduce your workload. 24 FEBRUARY 23, 2005 • CYCLE NEWS So far. we've had no qualms with the RM-Z's jetting, though we did richen things up a tad off the bottom by turning the fuel screw out I 1/2 turns from I 1/4 turns. This seemed to smooth things out even more off the bottom. We found the RM-Z to be extremely easy to start. Hot or cold. the RM-Z has yet to take more than a couple of kicks to fire. Even after a crash or a stall. the RM-Z always started right back up. The RM-Z is equipped with an automatic decompression system and has a hot-start knob mounted to the carburetor. but we have yet to use it. CHECKERED FLAG Even though the RM-Z450 is Suzuki's first solo effort in the four-stroke motocross wars, it doesn't seem that way because it's so good. Right out of the gate. the RM-Z will give the current class leader. the Honda CRF450R, a run for its money. and that right there is saying a lot. Without a doubt. the RM-Z has the motor to challenge anything in its class and can run up on the inside through the corners like nobody's busiCN ness - oh brother. can this bike tum! LIST PRiCE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE TYPE BORE X STROKE COMPRESSION RATIO CARBURETION IGNITION TRANSMISSION START SYSTEM FUEL CAPACITY WHEELBASE CASTER/TRAIL SEAT HEIGHT FRONT TIRE REAR TIRE FRONT WHEEL REAR WHEEL FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL... FRONT SUSPENSION $6499 449cc .4-stroke, liquid-cooled. DOHC. single 95.5 x 62.8mm 12.0:1 .Keihin FCR40 Digital AC-CDI 4-speed Primary kick 1.8 gal. 58.5 in. 25.5 degreesl4.4 in. 39.2 in. 90/100-21 Bridgestone 120/90-19 Bridgestone 21 x 1.60 19 x 2.15 12.2 in. 12.2 in. 5howa. 47mm inverted. cartridge, 22-way compression/20-way rebound REAR SUSPENSION 5wingarm, single-shock 5howa, piggyback-reservoir. 16-way compression/ 19-way rebound. 4-turn high-speed Disc BRAKES , " VALVES 4. titanium AIR FILTER Polyurethane EXHAUST Titanium header MUFFLER .A1uminum LUBRICATION SYSTEM 5emi-dry sump CLUTCH Wet multiplate FRAME TYPE Aluminum. twin-spar HANDLEBARS A1uminum. Renthal taper-type FOOTPEGS Titanium O/A LENGTH 86.0 in. O/A WIDTH 32.8 in. O/A HEIGHT 50.0 in. GROUND CLEARANCE I3.8 in. DRY WEIGHT (CLAIMED) 220 Ibs.