VOL. 53 ISSUE 50 DECEMBER 20, 2016 P149
6
th
PLACE
SUZUKI
RM-Z450
PROS
•Easy to turn
•Broad power delivery
•Comfortable ergos
•Easy to start
CONS
•Complex forks
•Rigid chassis
•Dated looks
•Heavy
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Weight (full fuel): 248.0 lbs.
(w/o fuel): 236.0 lbs.
MSRP: $8749
Overall the Suzuki has a
harsh feel, and it isn't just
from the suspension. The
general opinion amongst our
testers was that the Suzuki
just felt stiff, which is nothing
new, really. This is fine on a
smooth track with lots of turns
and jumps (think supercross)
but when the bumps begin
to develop, the suspension
shows its weaknesses. Hitting
harsh bumps and even brak-
ing bumps can feel like riding
into a curb on the Suzuki. We
have tried just about every
setting on the TAC fork with
little positive results. Either it
is way too harsh or it is just
plain harsh with a tendency to
blow through the stroke. The
RM-Z450 is an amazing turning
bike, especially if there aren't
any big bumps or harsh hack
leading into the corner. It is the
best bike to rip the inside line
in a corner. While it has ruled
the class for a long time in the
turns, others, like the KTM/
Husky and Honda, are giving it
a run for its money now.
We can't stress enough that
the Suzuki RM-Z450 isn't a
bad dirt bike; in fact it has a lot
of potential, especially if you
spend some time getting the
forks dialed in. We're con-
vinced that a better spring fork
(or even a better air fork) would
do wonders for this motorcycle.
A serious diet would help,
too.
