Suzuki RM-Z 2018
Published on 17/11/2017 Showa Suspension , Stefan Everts , Suzuki Belgium , Suzuki Germany , Suzuki Netherlands-NimagTEST: Suzuki RM-Z 450 2018
We met him in February. Back then it was just a prototype tested by the pilots of the MXGP championship. Today the new RM-Z 450 is a reality. Too good to be true, the third generation of the Suzuki 450 has been brought to life. In any case, it gives the 450 a new look, making the previous model immediately seem old-fashioned. We tested it on the track in Bitche (FR), and the new Suzuki was certainly one of the biggest surprises for the 2018 model year!
By Christophe Bertrand | Translation: YD
Since its release in 2003 and the introduction of injection in 2008, the RM-Z 450 has not been heard much. It took a long time before the manufacturer came out with a new yellow 450. We all got to know him at the start of the season under the tent of the Suzuki MXGP team in the form of a prototype. He was immediately taken care of by Kevin Strijbos and his young partner Arminas Jasikonis. The 450 was presented to us on the French track of Bitche, not far from the German and Luxembourg borders. Led by former team manager, ten-time world champion Stefan Everts, who was also behind the 350 SXF KTM when he still worked for the Austrian brand. It is only the third generation in its category since the first model in 2003. The stickers have been well taken care of with some bright blue touches from the 80s. The plactic, on the other hand, has been given a more modern look that will certainly make it stand out among its competitors.
Run – Turn – Stop
The Suzuki has been radically revised under the motto 'Keep It Simple' with an optimal ratio between engine, frame and brakes. That is the basis for the first part of the story, where the yellow engine gets a completely new frame with a shortened wheelbase, from 1495mm to 1480mm. With this, Suzuki's engineers make a profit of no less than 700 grams. They also use new lighter materials on the engine, which gains an extra 100 grams. The aluminum reservoir provides a factory look that is a feast for the eyes, but it also saves 275 grams on the scale, but increases the volume from 6,2 l to 6,3 l.
The completely updated plastic and seat lightens the Suzuki by a further 246gr and a nice bonus, the riding position of the bike has improved overall. Despite the weight loss of the 450 RMZ 2018, the scale still shows a good 112 kg. How is this possible? Very simple because of the return of the Showa 49 mm suspension. The air suspensions are lighter but much more difficult to adjust properly.
At the rear, the Showa continues to be equipped with a new system, BFRC (Balance Free Rear Cushion), a first on the RMZ. A negative point for some but in line with the motto, the BFRC system reduces the number of variations in pressure in the pump. All this results in better absorption by the suspension, simplified adjustment, no longer by clicking but by turning and, most importantly, everything based on pressure that reduces the sensitivity of friction.
In the next chapter we note a Pro Taper handlebar, which is much straighter compared to the previous model. A front brake disc of no less than 270mm, a completely new rear brake and a new Bridgestone Battlecross X3 completes Suzuki's offer.
On the trail
Let's be honest, it was not fun in the morning, the weather gods were not kind to us. It was on a rain-soaked track that we had to imagine for ourselves the potential of this bike. One push and it started, we will have to wait until the 4th generation, preferably not an extra 8 years, before we find the electric starter on the Suzuki. The engine crackles and the sound is rather exciting, very sharp without any hiccups. You immediately feel that they have offered us serious material. In terms of driving behavior, there is one point that immediately stands head and shoulders above the rest: the finesse in general. This new 450 is one of the most straightforward models in its category.
In terms of the engine, it is clear that Hamamatsu engineers have concentrated on the new cylinder head. The mixture is now injected from above into the cylinder head for better filling that results in more power. The engine remains largely the same as the 450 engine from a few years ago. Without too many radical differences, but with some very efficient adjustments, they have improved the 2018 engine a lot. The engine's power remains omnipresent, but it is smoother and more progressive.
Of course, thanks to the new chassis, the RMZ remains very pleasant to drive. Entering the bends and tracks is done with great ease, leaving the bends without much brutality.
We are still talking about a 450 here, a cylinder capacity that best suits riders with reasonable technical background and a calm style. Riders who play rough with the throttle will be quickly calmed down while riding the RMZ.
Three power programs are available thanks to the three settings, in 10 seconds the engine behavior can be immediately changed by switching on the ignition mechanism. We did not hesitate to test the 3 alternatives and check their effectiveness. Once again it is the gentle curve, richer with a softened aggressiveness that is the most accessible, at least on this very delicate track.
The standard curve already gives you quite an exciting kick in the ass, but that requires good physique. As for the third curve, we will recommend it more to 'thrill seekers' and supercross riders, but I don't think it is for the majority of us!
Still at the motorcycle level, we took the chance to test the Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC). As a reminder, it is a commodo on the left side of the handlebar that activates two aids at the start to maintain as much grip as possible during acceleration.
We try a first start without assistance, I let the engine vibrate, I maintain maximum concentration to take care of my technique as best as possible. Personally, I still find it exciting to control the power of such an engine without any driving assistance and, with or without assistance, a good “starter” will always be among the first at the end of the starting lane. One touch to switch to “soft” mode to improve the start, the engine is less aggressive. I can easily keep my line despite the boggy track, it's less impressive but very effective. We checked the latter with multiple starts and with the chrono in hand!
Conclusion
We had to be patient, but in the end this all-new RMZ 450 is a nice surprise. The good engine qualities are maintained and even improved. The Suzuki positions itself firmly among the best 450s on the market, but loses valuable points with the absence of an electric starter, which has become unavoidable on modern machines and especially on large motorcycles.
Price RM-Z 450 2018: €8.699 (Belgium) and €8.499 (Netherlands)
Find a Suzuki dealer in Belgium: www.suzuki2wheels.be/nl/dealers
Find a Suzuki dealer in the Netherlands: http://www.suzuki.nl/motoren/dealers/motocross-dealers
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