VOL. 54 ISSUE 12 MARCH 28, 2017 P101
SUZUKI
RMx450Z
3
rd
PLACE
T
he 2017 RMX450Z is a trail
bike built off the 2009 RM-
Z450 motocross platform.
For the RMX, its trail ability sits hid-
den beneath lean ECU tuning and
suspension that is set up for faster
riding. The RMX works best in open
spaces and at higher speeds where
the suspension can move through
the stroke and the engine isn't being
used right above idle in the pop-stall
zone. In slower, more technical ter-
rain the fork deflects and gives the
rider a harsh ride.
The lean ECU settings cause ter-
ribly annoying engine-stalling issues
at low speeds. We went through
multiple clutch and front-brake levers
after dropping the bike due to many
untimely pop-stalls, i.e. flameouts.
Unfortunately, since the ECU is
tamper-proof, there is no easy fix. To
compensate for the stalling, the bike
must be ridden with a lot of clutch-
work, but the clutch doesn't hold up
well to a lot of abuse. It'll get hot and
fade.
In stock form the 2017 RMX450Z
isn't nearly as trail-ready as the
The RMX is hampered by ultra-lean
mapping and a small gas tank but has
tons of potential.
