Yellow fever
By Martin Craven on 12th Oct 12
Race wins deliver great memories and one of my fondest recollections is the summer of 1978, when mum and dad took me to White Cafe Farm for my first motocross race with the Thorne club, run by the legend himself, Ron Green.
My horse for the occasion was a Suzuki RM 85 in bright yellow and black livery – it looked awesome.
It was far too big and far too quick for me – but I loved it.
So, my first trophy had arrived in a glorious 70s summer on an equally glorious 70s machine. I couldn't be happier.
Unfortunately my over-coddling mum didn't have the same opinion and duly forced my dad to swap the Suzook for a TY80.
I was gutted to start with, until I realised I was better at riding over things than jumping things!
Still, nearly 30 years later I remember that day as if it was yesterday. With an off-road riding heritage spanning more than 50 years, Suzuki has produced many of the world's greatest racing champions.
And while those champions celebrate their victories, Suzuki engineers continue to mark accomplishments by designing motorcycles that extend their winning tradition.
To get to the point, the Suzuki RM-Z 450 has carried some of the world's greatest racers to the top of the podium.
And after first glimpses of the 2013 bike you can see why with its subtle but important changes over last year.
SPECIFICATIONS
2013 Suzuki RM-Z450
ENGINE
Engine capacity: 449cc
Engine: Single cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke with DOHC
Bore: 96.0mm x 62.1mm
Compression ratio: 12.5:1
Lubrication: Semi-dry sump
Ignition: Electronic Ignition (CDI)
Fuel system: Fuel injection
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Drive: Chain
CHASSIS
Type: Aluminium twin-spar frame
suspension
Front: Showa SSF inverted telescopic fork, coil spring, oil damped
Rear: Monoshock, link type, coil spring, oil damped
BRAKES
Front: Disc Rear: Disc
TYRES
Front: 80/100-21 51M, tube type
Rear: 110/90-19 62M, tube type
DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 2,190mm (86.2 in)
Overall width: 830mm (32.7 in)
Overall height: 1,270mm (50 in)
Wheelbase: 1,495mm (58.9 in)
Seat height: 955mm (37.6 in)
Kerb Mass: 113kg (249.1 lbs)
Fuel capacity: 6.2litres
FOR FULL TEST AND PICTURES SEE TMX OCTOBER 12
