Suzuki RM-Z450 2020 — Specifications

Is it still possible to dominate a start in a 450 without the magical help of an electric button? Suzuki seems to believe that yes, and the 2020 RM-Z450 is living, and somewhat provocative, proof of it. In the world of motocross where every gram and every watt are scrutinized, this Japanese bike makes a radical choice: it remains faithful to the kick starter, the pedal-operated start. At nearly €9100, it is the only one in the queen category of 450s not to offer an electric starter as standard. A bold, almost archaic, gamble that immediately places it on the sidelines of its competitors like the KTM 450 SX-F or the Honda CRF450R. But behind this apparent austerity lies a machine that has been redesigned for the start hole war.

Because everything starts with the start hole. Suzuki has developed its S-HAC system, an electronic start-up aid that adjusts the ignition timing according to the throttle position and the gear engaged. Three modes are offered via a handlebar-mounted switch: one for hardened surfaces, one for normal dirt, and one to deactivate the assistance. The idea is to maximize propulsion during the critical first three seconds, the system acting up to fifth gear or six seconds after launch. In practice, this gives a bike that exits the gate with a controlled rage, seeking to compensate for intelligence what others obtain with a simple button. The engine itself, a 449 cc single-cylinder, has been reworked to deliver its power, announced at 60 horsepower, with more linearity. The intake has been widened, the injection optimized, for a more direct response and a better spread torque curve. The goal is clear: to offer the rider a power curve that can be exploited, from the bottom to the maximum RPM, without brutal surprises.

This power must translate into traction, and that's where the third electronic system comes in, traction management. The ECM, faster than previous generations, modifies the ignition timing and injection in real time to adapt the power delivery to the available grip. Coupled with a refined chassis – an aluminum twin-spar frame whose rigidity has been optimized to lose 700 grams – and a lighter swingarm, the RM-Z450 aims for remarkable agility in corners. The wheelbase of 1480 mm and the weight distribution towards the front contribute to this feeling. The suspension, entirely Showa, marks a return to mechanical spring at the front, abandoning the previous air system, while the rear benefits from BFRC technology, derived from the GSX-R1000, for more precise control of the travel. The rider is invited to move on a high seat at 960 mm, aided by a Renthal handlebar that encourages an aggressive riding position.

But who is the rider of this RM-Z450? Without an electric starter, it imposes an additional physical constraint, especially in racing situations where a quick restart is crucial. It is therefore aimed at the experienced motorcyclist, capable of managing this penalty, and above all looking for a motorcycle extremely focused on pure performance. Its dry weight of 112 kg is within the standard, but every element – lightweight rims, latest generation Bridgestone tires – is chosen for reactivity. It is a track weapon, tailored for the rider who prioritizes direct mechanical feel and the ultimate connection with the machine. In this way, Suzuki plays a different game, almost nostalgic, but technically very current. The RM-Z450 is not the easiest, nor the most accommodating, but in the hands of a rider who masters his art, it can turn this absence of an electric button into an additional challenge to overcome, and into a reason to believe that victory also comes from simplicity.