QUICKSPIN I 2022 RM-Z250 & RM -Z450
P104
The RM-Z450 is a solid mo-
torcycle. It feels heavier than the
other bikes we've ridden lately, but
that will equate to a more "planted"
feeling for some. The power is
meaty and has a good pull in the
midrange RPMs, which is not a
bad thing at all. It makes it more
user-friendly compared to the
more powerful 450s. But I want a
little more "snap" from the Suzuki—
a little more response. I usually fa-
vor smoother, more mellow maps
on other 450cc motocrossers,
but I quickly opted for the aggres-
sive coupler on the Suzuki. For
me, it needs it. The map we used
was programmed by Suzuki and
is available as a standard option in
their MX Tuner App. I instantly felt
more connection from the throttle
to the rear wheel. This is some-
thing that I hadn't felt before from
the RM-Z, and it gave the bike a
faster yet more controlled char-
acter all at the same time. Since
dropping this map in the bike, I
have not switched.
The 450 feels nearly identical
to the 250 as far as ergos. We
like the comfortable and neutral
characteristics that are classic
for Japanese-style machines.
The bars, seat and pegs offer a
solid platform that is easy to get
used to right away. The brakes
have good bite front and rear,
and the clutch system works well
but doesn't have a reputation for
being super strong.
In the looks department, the
sharp lines, yellow/blue color
combo, and gold forks still make
this bike one of the best looking,
in our opinion.
Ultimately, the Suzuki falls
short in the suspension/chassis
department. We've said it before,
but both the 250 and 450 are
overly sprung and simply way too
stiff. For a few laps on a prepped
track, it's okay, but as soon as
the braking bumps start to form,
your arms and legs are in for a
serious workout. It's an obvious
hiccup, so it is a mystery to us
why it still comes from the factory
set up this way.
Yes, a trip to your favorite
suspension guy can surely fix you
right up, but that's not what you
probably want to do after hav-
Keep it pinned and
the RM-Z250 can be
a blast to ride.
