Suzuki RMX450Z Returns for 2017
The RMX450Z enduro is back for 2017, rejoining Suzuki‘s lineup for the first time since 2010. The frame, suspension and bodywork are nearly identical to the RM-Z450 motocrosser but Suzuki added electric start, full-function instrumentation, an 18-inch rear wheel and lighting to adapt it for trail riding.
“The 2017 RMX450Z delivers renowned Suzuki handling, power and reliability to off-road riders,” said Kerry Graeber, Suzuki Motor of America vice president of Sales and Marketing. “Suzuki has established a performance edge with the RM-Z family of competition bikes, and we are excited to introduce an off-road-focused motorcycle derived from that family. This expansion of the Suzuki line gives riders who grew up with smaller Suzuki off-road bikes a new model to step up to.”
The fuel-injected 449cc Single is similar to the one powering the RM-Z450 but with a modified inlet tract and revised cam profiles, changes Suzuki claim will increase low and mid-rpm power. The five-speed constant-mesh transmission offers wider gear ratios than the motocross bike, making it better suited for enduro riding. Suzuki also added a protector plate while adding a coolant reservoir tank to improve trail-riding reliability.
Though the RMX450Z has a kickstarter, Suzuki added an electric starter. The starter’s battery is centrally located to avoid upsetting weight distribution. Suzuki also added a larger magneto-generator to help charge the battery and power the 35W headlight and LED taillight.
Above the Renthal Fatbar is a dual-mode LCD instrument cluster. In Sport mode, the display shows a timer, tripmeter, average speed and tire-diameter correction. Switching to Standard mode changes the display to show speed, time, two trip lengths and voltage. The instrument panel also has an indicator light to show when the 1.6-gallon fuel tank is running low.
The aluminum-alloy twin-spar frame is identical to the one on the RM-Z450. Suzuki combined cast and extruded sections to reduce weight while maintaining high rigidity and durability. Showa supplies the fork and piggyback-reservoir-style rear shock, both offering full adjustability.
The RMX shares the same 21-inch black-anodized Excel aluminum front wheel as the RM-Z, but Suzuki substituted a shorter 18-inch wheel at the back. Both wheels use race-inspired wave-style brake rotors.
The 2017 Suzuki RMX450Z will be offered in Champion Yellow/Solid Black graphics with a $8,999 price tag.
2017 Suzuki RMX450Z Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 449cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC |
| Fuel System | Suzuki fuel injection |
| Ignition | Electronic ignition (CDI) |
| Starter | Electric and backup kick starter |
| Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh |
| Final Drive | Chain, DID520MXV, 114 links |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
| Rear Suspension | Link type, coil spring, oil damped |
| Front Brakes | Disc brake |
| Rear Brakes | Disc brake |
| Front Tires | 80/100-21 51M, tube type |
| Rear Tires | 110/100-18 64M, tube type |
| Overall Length | 2185 mm (86.0 in) |
| Overall Width | 840 mm (33.1 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1485 mm (58.5 in) |
| Ground Clearance | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Seat Height | 950 mm (37.4 in) |
| Curb Weight | 123.5 kg (272 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 6.2 L (1.6 US gal) |
Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
More by Dennis Chung
Comments
Join the conversation
1. Why is it the horsepower and torque are not mentioned?
2. What is the horsepower and torque?
1.6 gallon fuel tank on a trail bike? That is just silly.
It is going to take a lot more than this to make a dent in KTM's grip on the off road market. Their new counterbalanced air fork equipped 300 two stroke is the total and complete shiznits. The other Euro makers like Beta and Sherco have cool looking exiting bikes too. In comparison, this Suzuki elicits a yawn. It would be interesting if it cost a grand less. Don't worry, it will, soon enough, as they are forced to clear out the leftovers that are bolted to the showroom floor.
When people spend 9 large (or more) on a dirt bike, they demand a machine with a strong "cool factor". They are buying the dream that their bike is just like his and that they can go riding like Graham Jarvis. This bike does not have that. Few Japanese bikes, on road or off, do have that hard to pin down cool factor quality these days. Like pornography, I know cool factor when I see it. This poor recycled parts bin afterthought bike lacks in that area, big time.