2023 Suzuki RM-Z450

FASTER. HIGHER. HARDER.

Motocross is a relentless game, and the technology and training needed for bike and rider to excel are too. Suzuki poured more than 40 years of open-class racebike engineering into the FRM-Z250 to make it the hardest-hitting, sharpest-handling, best-balanced and most rider-friendly production motocrosser in company history.

RUN. TURN. STOP.

Strong, Usable Engine Performance

• Great throttle response delivers high peak power.
• Evolved traction management system helps the bike hook up.
• Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC) gets you out front.

Unmatched Cornering Performance

• Frame and swingarm balance lightness with strength.
• Chassis dimensions blend nimble handling with stability.
• Coil spring fork provides great performance and easy tuning.
• Showa BFRC (Balance Free Rear Cushion) shock settings delivers remarkable and controlled damping response.
• Bridgestone X30 tires bring outstanding grip.

Controlled Braking Performance

• Large 270mm front brake rotor increases stopping power and feel.
• Compact rear master cylinder is designed to prevent mud from collecting on it and from catching on the rider’s boots.

Functional Styling

• Aggressive styling blends function with Suzuki character.
• Narrow cockpit lets rider move with ease for maximum racing performance.
• Fuel couplers are included for quick and easy EFI Tuning.

ENGINE FEATURES

• The 449cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-valve, DOHC engine is the latest incarnation of Suzuki’s proven and reliable fuel-injected powerplant.
• The engine has high peak horsepower with strong torque at lower engine speeds for excellent throttle response through the entire rev range.
• The cylinder head intake port shape creates a high amount of tumble flow to the incoming fuel/air to increase power output.
• The air cleaner’s large and straight opening creates a more direct air path to the throttle body to increase performance.
• Suzuki’s advanced fuel-injection system creates extra-smooth power delivery, high fuel efficiency, and superb reliability.

INCREASED POWER AT ALL ENGINE SPEEDS

• The RM-Z450’s throttle body design locates the fuel injector, fed by a high-pressure fuel pump, so it sprays fuel directly at the butterfly valve to improve atomization of the fuel/air charge.
• This throttle body design eliminates complex control linkage, so the rider feels a more direct connection to the engine.
• The intake camshaft profile has more valve lift than the prior generation RM-Z450, increasing power at all engine speeds.
• The compact aluminum cylinder is finished with Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) coating for durability, lightweight, and efficient heat transfer.
• The piston’s casting includes strengthening ribs near the wrist pin bosses to match component reliability to the engine’s high horsepower.
• Engine starting is simple and efficient due to a long kick-start lever, well-matched internal gear ratios, a large air cleaner and breather system, plus an automatic decompression system that works precisely and efficiently (eliminating the need for a heavy and costly electric start system).
• Tough resin engine protectors help guard the coolant pump (on the right) and the stator cover (on the left) from debris and stones.
  The high-flow exhaust system complies with AMA sound regulations.

ADVANCED ELECTRONICS

Traction Control

The RM-Z450 features an evolved and efficient traction management system. The Electronic Control Module (ECM) continually measures throttle opening, engine speed, and gear position and then adjusts the ignition timing and fuel injector duration to fine-tune the engine output to deliver the best traction for the riding conditions.

The RM-Z450’s traction management system is different from a street bike traction control system, as it does not measure rear tire spin. Because the needs of a motocrosser are different than a street bike, this system offers constant adjustment that maximizes traction at all times.

Fuel Injection

Designed for motocross use, the lightweight, battery-less, electronic fuel injection system is key to the engine’s efficient power delivery.

Suzuki’s proven, easy-to-use fuel couplers are also included to simplify EFI tuning.

• For quick fuel adjustments to suit riding conditions, two couplers are provided. One is for a richer-than-stock and another for a leaner-than-stock fuel setting. Riders can change fuel settings in seconds by simply connecting either coupler to the wire harness.

HOLESHOT ASSIST CONTROL

The Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC) is a selectable launch system derived from the factory race bike to help the rider’s takeoff from the starting gate for an early lead. There are three launch modes riders can choose for the best option per their skill level and starting conditions. There are also three stages to Mode A and Mode B of the S-HAC system. This helps riders at the moment of launch, when crossing the gate, and through acceleration to the full speed. The S-HAC settings for Mode A on the RM-Z450 are specially tuned to aid the rider’s throttle control during launches.

MODES

Mode A: For hard surfaces or slippery conditions at the starting gate. In this mode, S-HAC alters ignition timing at the moment of launch and the ride over the gate to reduce wheel slip to deliver a smooth takeoff. It also advances ignition timing during this sequence for stronger acceleration. After six seconds or when you reach fourth gear, the system shuts off and returns to normal ignition timing.

• Benefit of Mode A: For novice riders, and/or hard and slippery traction conditions, use Mode A for a more controlled launch.

Mode B: When conditions at the starting gate have better traction, and a more aggressive launch is desired. S-HAC will advance the ignition timing to allow increased throttle response and stronger acceleration off the line. The ignition timing alternation is in a similar sequence as Mode A, but with increased overall timing advance. The system will return the ignition to normal operation in three situations (whichever happens first): After six seconds, when you reach fourth gear, or when the throttle is closed. The system then shuts off and returns to normal ignition timing.

• Benefit of Mode B: For skilled riders, and/or good starting conditions, use Mode B for a more aggressive launch.

Base Mode: Standard power launch, no action required on the S-HAC switch.

TRANSMISSION FEATURES

The well-sorted, five-speed transmission enables precise gear shift operation. This precise transmission feel is the result of an accurately machined shift cam for exact gear selection. Specialized machining processes also increase the precision of the matching gears.

The multi-plate, wet-clutch uses a rack-and-pinion clutch release mechanism for precise feel of the engagement and disengagement points while riding.

The lightweight chain guide is shaped to accurately route the drive chain smoothly.

CHASSIS FEATURES

• “The RM-Z450’s twin-spar frame and twin-beam swingarm design continues Suzuki’s tradition of delivering the best-handling motocross machines available.
• This aluminum alloy, twin-spar frame combines cast and extruded sections to achieve superior front-and-rear weight distribution while balancing strength and weight.
• The frame is 700 grams (1.32 pounds) lighter than the prior generation RM-Z450 to improve cornering performance and shock absorption while delivering stable handling.
• The swingarm is assembled with thin, yet strong, materials for improved cornering performance and stable handling.
• The short wheelbase and frame head pipe location produces quick and nimble handling characteristics.

LIGHTWEIGHT FRAME