VOLUME 59 ISSUE 42 OCTOBER 18, 2022 P101
pep that it desperately craves.
It lacks a little down low, but it's
easy to find the sweet spot in
that upper mid-to-top range. A
quick feather of the easy-pulling
clutch wakes the bike up and
puts it right where it wants to be.
The brakes, clutch and rider
cockpit are the same as before,
which are up to par as far as
we're concerned. It's a super
neutral setup that's easy to get
used to right away. The bars,
pegs, and seat relationship is
like a classic Japanese dirt bike
and will be comfortable for most
riders straight out of the gate.
Nothing crazy in this depart-
ment, just tried and true Suzuki.
As far as handling, the bike
is as nimble as they come. In
smooth conditions, the RM-Z
slices up the track on inside or
outside lines, and lean-in on
corner entry is as good as they
come. Despite a claimed weight
of 233 pounds, the bike doesn't
feel overly heavy, as side-to-
side movements on the ground
or in the air don't require a ton
of rider exertion. It does feel
sluggish, though. Once the mo-
tor is revved up, the drivetrain
feels like it is working overtime
to get the rest of the bike up the
hill or through the section.
...Same with the 450.
Both bikes are good
motocross bikes, just
not the best.
Suspension is the RM-Z's weakest
link. You'll want to dedicate
plenty of suspension tuning days
at your local track.
