Suzi's new flagship RM-Z450
By TMX Archives on 13th Aug 09
HAVING already launched their exciting new 2010 RM-Z250, Suzuki is proud to give the latest RM-Z450 an airing and the popular MX1 challenger has been uprated in both the engine and chassis departments to keep it running hard at the head of the field.
'Laser-accurate' steering and 'confidence-inspiring' high-speed stability is the claim.
Refinement is the name of the game for 2010 with the motor benefitting from revised cam profiles, cylinder head porting and detailing like an improved camchain tensioner for more consistent performance. A revised fuel injection system is enhanced by a new throttle linkage featuring "reverse throttle valve movement" which, Suzuki claims, allows the fine fuel-air mist from the 12-hole injector to provide a more uniform mixture with the result being yet more power and an enhanced throttle response.
On the chassis front it is also down to the detail with an overall wider frame section, upper frame bridge and a two-piece headstock, nine millimetres taller than previous, all of which adds-up to extra rigidity in the aluminium work of art.
Working hand in glove with the revised chassis spec is the very latest Showa suspension. Up front, the 47mm inverted forks come with revised spring and damping rates for optimum tuning on compression and rebound. At the rear the piggyback reservoir Showa shock offers high and low speed compression damping along with rebound damping and preload adjustment. Add a new link bearing and the suspenders are as plush as you're going to get in a standard package.
The RM-Z450 was the very first production MXer to feature fuel injection and Suzuki has worked hard to stay ahead of the game as the opposition followed suit.
Said Suzuki GB marketing manager George Cheeseman, "With the recent news of our all-new RM-Z250 (and the cross-country RMX450Z) these significant updates on our flagship RM-Z450 give us an extremely strong range. The bike will also be available in your Suzuki dealer as early as this month with a RRP of £5,799.
SPECIFICATIONS
2010 model Suzuki RM-Z450
ENGINE
Type: Single cylinder liquid-cooled, DOHC four-stroke
Bore: 96.0 mm x 62.1 mm
Capacity: 449cc
Compression ratio: 12.2 : 1
Lubrication: Suzuki Advanced Sump System
Fuel system: Fuel injection
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Drive: Chain
CHASSIS
Front: Showa 47mm inverted tele-scopic forks, pneumatic/coil spring, oil damped
Rear: Swingarm with link type suspension system & Showa piggyback-reservoir shock
Front brakes: Disc
Rear brakes: Disc brake
Front tyre: 80/100-21
Rear tyre: 110/90-19
DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 2,190mm
Overall width: 830mm
Overall height: 1,270mm
Wheelbase: 1,495mm
Seat height: 955mm
Kerb Mass: 113kg
Fuel capacity: 6.2 litres
Specification:
