Suzuki RM-Z450 2022 — Specifications

So, are we still doing things the old way at Suzuki? With the RM-Z450, the answer is yes, and it’s a choice that stands out in 2024. Imagine the scene: you’re on the starting grid, surrounded by competitors idling, ready to launch with the press of a button. You, however, will need to give a good, firm kick to the starter, a ritual that’s almost archaeological in the premier motocross class. That’s the first observation, and it’s significant: the Suzuki RM-Z450 is indeed the only 450 motocross bike not equipped as standard with an electric starter. A radical, perhaps a little too much, choice that makes some smile and irritates others seeking uncompromising modernity.

However, don't be fooled. Beneath this veneer of tradition lies a racing beast with an undeniable pedigree, forged by decades of championship success. Its 449 cc engine, which delivers approximately 60 horsepower, has been reworked to offer lower torque and a flatter power curve. The goal? A bike that is easier to ride, more predictable, that exits corners smoothly without abrupt jolts. It weighs 112 kg fully fueled, a weight within the average of the segment, but it is in its handling that it seeks to distinguish itself. The chassis, with a wheelbase of 1480 mm, has been revised to better distribute the weight and gain agility, notably thanks to a fork tube set back 10 mm. The whole is suspended by serious Showa equipment, with a spring fork at the front and the famous BFRC shock at the rear, which provides real comfort and quality terrain tracking.

The major electronic asset is its S-HAC system, an adjustable launch assist with three modes. It analyzes throttle opening and gear selection to optimize ignition during the crucial first six seconds. It’s intelligent, effective, and somewhat compensates for the absence of electric start by propelling you as needed from the starting grid. The arrival of MX Tuner 2.0 as standard is also appreciated, a unit that allows via an app to modify the injection and ignition mapping on 36 points. A valuable tool for demanding riders who want to fine-tune their machine. But let's admit it, faced with a KTM 450 SX-F or a Kawasaki KX450, crammed with traction control electronics and engines with a more explosive response, the Suzuki plays the card of simplicity and progressiveness.

So, who is the rider of the RM-Z450? It’s the seasoned veteran, the one who prioritizes the pure sensation and mechanical connection over digital sophistication. It’s the one who doesn’t mind a kick and is looking for a balanced, reliable, and incredibly easy-to-turn bike. For a little over €9300, it offers a coherent package, even if this price for the Suzuki RM-Z450 2022 (and which should remain stable for the 2025 model) sets the bar high against more modern approaches. It’s not the most radical, nor the most powerful, but it has a soul and a logic that will appeal to purists. A dinosaur? No. Rather, an irreducibly authentic machine.