RM-Z450

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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 2020 RM-Z450 to make it the hardest-hitting, sharpest-handling, best-balanced and most rider-friendly production motocrosser in company history.

Increased Engine Performance

• Greater power output and improved throttle response
• Evolved traction management
• Updated Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC)

Higher Cornering Performance

• All-new frame and swingarm
• Improved coil spring front forks
• New SHOWA Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC)
• Renthal Fatbar aluminum handlebar
• New BRIDGESTONE BATTLECROSS X30 tires

Better Braking Force

• Larger 270mm front brake disc

Watch any raceday motocross interview, and you’ll invariably hear “get a good start” cited as a must-do proposition. And getting holeshots is exactly what the latest version of the Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC) is all about. An integral part of the 2020 RM-Z450’s electronics package, the updated 3-stage S-HAC system assesses throttle position and gear selection, and then adjusts ignition timing to optimize engine output for fast launches.

The latest version of S-HAC included on the new RM-Z450 gives riders a choice of three settings which can be quickly selected via a handlebar-mounted switch. The “A” mode is programmed for hard surfaces, such as a concrete starting pad, clay or hard-packed dirt where controlling wheelspin is crucial to good starts. For 2020, the “A” mode algorithms are updated to provide even finer control as the throttle is being opened, giving the rider an even better feel for traction in the crucial initial moments of a launch. The “B” mode is for normal dirt conditions. Riders can also select the “Off” setting to retain standard ignition timing.

The RM-Z450’s traction management system is different from a street-bike traction control system as it does not measure rear tire spin. Beacsue the needs of a motocrosser are different than a street bike, this system offers constant adjustment that maximizes traction at all times. The first RM-Z450 traction management system debuted for 2008, and a revised second generation system arrived for 2013. In the RM-Z450’s third-generation traction management system, a revised ECU has fully 1.6-times faster data processing and 2.5-times more memory capacity than the first-generation system.

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.

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.

Inspired by the advanced suspension from the GSX-R1000R Superbike, the RM-Z450 is fitted with a Showa BFRC shock absorber. The BFRC uses a separate, external damping circuit that improves the responsiveness of damping force to deliver excellent traction and better absorption over bumps.The fully adjustable BFRC controls damping so well during minute suspension movements that ride comfort is increased at lower speeds, while stability is enhanced at higher speeds.

The strong Renthal aluminum tapered handlebar has a straighter bend than prior models to help aid the rider during aggressive maneuvering.

Suzuki beak-inspired styling has a sharper front fender and radiator shrouds blending into side covers and an upswept tail, to promote the impression of speed while reducing weight and easing service. 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.