I'm no stranger to the RM-Z450, so it
was easy for me to feel the difference
between the RM Army bike and the
stocker. The throttle is more responsive,
and the power is throatier and cleaner
throughout the rev range. A stock RM-Z
feels sluggish in certain areas, like when
you wick the throttle midway through a
loamy corner. The PC exhaust system
makes the RM-Z's power come alive
from top to bottom while still retaining its
overall manageability, which is something
the RM-Z450 is well-known for. The motor still
feels extremely controllable but with more power
across the board. No wonder people fork out large
sums of money for aftermarket exhaust systems,
but with the RM Army bike, it's free—for now.
Unfortunately, a new exhaust system and
graphics don't do anything about the RM-Z450's
ongoing suspension woes. Since 2018, the
RM-Z's suspension has been unbalanced from
the production line, with an overly stiff
front end and a soft rear shock. On a
deep and loamy track like Fox Race-
way, it's hard to get the forks to engage,
so you can't trust what the front end is
going to do all the time. The rear end is
soft, but at least it works well enough,
and it's more predictable. Overall, the
COMPARISON I 2024 SUZUKI RM-Z450 VS. KEN ROCZEN'S SUZUKI RM-Z450
P84
(Above) Roczen's
bike is tuned for
comfort. (Below)
Roczen's bike
makes strong
and very
useable power.
