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450 SHOOTOUT SHOOTOUT

Track Tested | 2020 SML 450 MX Shootout

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Sixth Place: Suzuki RM-Z450

Test Rider Scores: 6-6-6-6-6-6

It’s no secret that among the current crop of machines the Suzuki RM-Z450 is the most outdated, as it returns with no changes for 2020 and hasn’t received a complete overhaul in years. Critics are quick to point out that the RM-Z450 is one of the heaviest bikes in the field at 247 pounds, without the battery and starter weight associated with the electric start system that all five of its rivals have.

Still, unless you’re one of the sport’s elite few, the RM-Z450 remains a solid machine off the showroom floor that packs more performance than most riders could ever make good use of. The Suzuki is highly regarded for its cornering prowess and light feel on the track in spite of its weight on the stand, and that’s thanks to its slim ergonomics and snappy, easy-to-ride engine character. Is it the fastest of all the bikes? No. Is it the best handling? No. However, Suzuki die-hards are fiercely loyal and the yellow bike can be fine-tuned into an absolute weapon with a few well-chosen mods.

While the Showa fork delivers great performance, the bike’s Achilles heel remains the BFRC shock, which offers limited tuning options and quirky performance for more test riders. Set up traditionally, the RM-Z450 lacks balance as the shock overpowers the front of the bike and gives it a stinkbug stance that costs the machine stability and predictability. Our target rear shock sag was a low 110mm (last year we experimented with as much as 166mm!), and we balanced out the machine even further by lowering the fork in the triple clamps 2 to 3mm. In this configuration, the bike exhibited a much more predictable and balanced feel, but the inability to easily add rebound dampening to the shock is one of the flaws that ultimately held the RM-Z back the most.

Hits

  • Friendly, easy to ride powerband
  • Corners like no other when set up properly
  • Buttery smooth transmission action
  • Good looks
  • Great low-end power

Misses

  • Kickstart
  • Poor suspension balance
  • Quirky rear shock performance
  • Seat is too soft
  • Bike has a rigid chassis feel that transfers too much feedback to rider

Rene Garcia on the Suzuki RM-Z450

Test Rider Props

The bike handles well and corners great. It rolls over nicely into the corners and stays planted, especially in ruts.” – Connor Ericsson

The Suzuki doesn’t swap, kick, or do anything too out of line. It was predictable and it definitely delivers when it comes to cornering. The RM-Z’s power is totally adequate: smooth, manageable, and pretty strong throughout.” – Pat Foster

The best part of the Suzuki is that it corners quite well.” – Rene Garcia

After a few laps, I feel completely comfortable on the Suzuki and know what it is going to do. It’s an easy bike to ride as it has a friendly powerband that has no abrupt hit or surprises. It feels way lighter on the track than it does when you lift it off the stand.” – Donn Maeda

I like how the Suzuki has some weight on the front end. It sticks well in corners and inspires a lot of confidence. It corners well and can track the inside line with the best of them.” – Kyle Puerner

A very rideable bike with good power. For the average guy, the Suzuki is a great choice. It is a very good platform, it’s just a step behind the others.” – Mike Sleeter

Test Rider Chops

The Suzuki feels old and outdated compared to the others. It’s not a bad bike, it’s just clearly not as good as its competition.” – Connor Ericsson

The suspension is confusing. The action of the fork is smooth and progressive, but the shock throws the bike balance out of whack. The shock is fast and it overpowers the front of the bike…needs more rebound dampening.” – Pat Foster

The engine is soft and it revs out too quickly. Because of the poor suspension balance, the bike tends to oversteer in the corners. The Suzuki just feels old.” – Rene Garcia

The lack of electric start wouldn’t be that bad if the bike was easier to start with the kickstarter. The rear of the bike overpowers the front and gives it a stinkbug feel, and the chassis is the most rigid and least forgiving of the bunch.” – Donn Maeda

The bike goes pretty good but it is clearly slower than the other bikes and it has the most vibration. The chassis also has a rigid feel that is unforgiving, and I suspect it will feel the same even with dialed-in suspension.” – Kyle Puerner

It’s a good platform, but everything about the Suzuki left me wanting more. The fork is harsh on slap-downs, and the performance of the shock isn’t constant or predictable.” – Mike Sleeter

 

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Donn Maeda

Donn Maeda is a 30-year veteran in moto-journalism, having worked at Cycle News and Dirt Rider before launching MXracer Magazine and TransWorld Motocross Magazine. Maeda is the Editor-In-Chief at Swapmoto Live and you can catch him on a dirt bike or in the saddle of a mountain bike on most days.

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5 Comments

  1. Isaiah September 9, 2019

    I’d like to see someone really short ride these bikes and leave a camparison. Someone like 5’5″

    1. Pop Tarts September 16, 2019

      or 5’4″… either one. either one is good.

  2. Shane B September 9, 2019

    I have a few different set up points I would love to know . For example , I would love to know some torque specs for my bikes handling and feel . I own the 2020 kx450f , I always play with my triple clamp bolt torques and axle lug bolts . Different nm for different tracks but an overall nm for better feel would help on a guide for testing .
    Recently when I visited America , being from Australia , I noticed the USA Kawasaki 450f standard motor and exhaust was a lot different from my Australian model . Any idea what that could be why ?

    Thanks 👊🏻
    Blinksell 27

    P.s – Ac helmet would look good in the pool room !

  3. Bill M September 10, 2019

    *principals

  4. Evan Nystrom September 13, 2019

    Love the shoot outs. I’ve always read and followed the sugesstions the testers give.