First Look: 2010 Suzuki RM-Z450

By: ChrisWorden

Posted: 06/25/09

6056 Views

0 Comments

Tags:

Two years ago, Suzuki stunned the world with the first fuel-injected motocross racebike. It was more than unique...it was a winner. Around the globe, the RM-Z450 helped racers collect wins and trophies, fiercely competing in venues from the World MX1 series to America's AMA Supercross championship.

Now the question: Is there any way to improve on this incredible success? Sure there is. But you have to be Suzuki to do it.

Take a close look at the 2010 RM-Z450, a thoroughly updated, cutting-edge open-class motocrosser that's more potent than ever. Across-the-board engine upgrades boost power from awesome to awe-inspiring. Detailed frame and suspension modifications improve an already sharp-turning racebike. As a racer, you want quick, laser-accurate steering and confidence-inspiring high-speed handling in one package. And you want a high performance machine whose racing pedigree enables it to be competitive right out of the crate? Here is Suzuki's answer!

When Suzuki introduced the first fuel-injected motocrosser in history, it jumped way ahead of the pack.

With the new 2010 RM-Z450, your competitive advantage just got that much bigger.

Powered Up!
Suzuki's engineers have carefully developed the RM-Z450's powerful 449cm3, DOHC, 4-valve engine to increase power throughout the rev range. Always known for its incredible midrange grunt, the 2010 RM-Z450 also has arm-stretching high-rpm power. A combination of revised cam profiles and reworked cylinder-head porting give the RM-Z450 amazing idle-to-redline thrust. An improved camchain tensioner provides more consistent performance. Also a modified throttle linkage makes the low-speed response more progressive. How's that? More power and better manners.

Fuel Injection, Pioneered and Improved
For 2010, the RM-Z450's electronic fuel injection is improved with a reversed throttle valve movement. Such a simple alteration pays handsomely: The fine fuel-air mist from the 12-hole fuel injector is directed away from the throttle valve for a more uniform mixture producing increased power and enhanced throttle response.

Chassis Dynamic
Everywhere you look, the RM-Z450's twin-spar aluminum alloy frame has received detail improvements to optimize rigidity balance. It starts with the head stock, which is now a two-piece design that's 9mm taller than before. Further back, the sections at the rear of the frame, which are made up of extruded and cast members, are now wider for increased rigidity. More strength comes from a wider upper frame bridge beneath the saddle, while material wall thickness was strategically designed to save weight.

High-Quality Showa Suspension
The RM-Z450 employs race-bred, state-of-the-art Showa suspension front and rear. For 2010, both ends of the bike are given suitably revised spring and damping rates—the new rates work together with the chassis' optimized rigidity balance to improve handling. 47mm inverted forks provide optimum wheel travel and can be adjusted for compression as well as rebound damping for maximum rider adjustability. A Showa piggyback reservoir rear shock offers both high- and low-speed compression damping adjustment along with rebound damping and spring preload adjustments. Working through Suzuki's superlative rising-rate linkage system—now with revised link-bearing tolerances for precise handling performance—the shock provides 310mm of wheel travel delivering maximum traction.

2010 RM-Z450 Technical Specifications
Overall Length: 2,190 mm (86.2 in.)
Overall Width: 830 mm (32.7 in.)
Overall Height: 1,270 mm (50.0 in.)
Wheelbase: 1,495 mm (58.9 in.)
Ground Clearance 325 mm (12.8 in.)
Seat Height: 955 mm (37.6 in.)
Curb Weight: 112.5 kg (248.0 lbs.)
Engine Type: 4-stroke, liquid cooled, DOHC
Bore: 96.0 mm
Stroke: 62.1 mm
Displacement: 449 cm³
Compression Ratio 12.2:1
Fuel System: Fuel Injection
Lubrication System Suzuki Advanced Sump System
Clutch: Wet multi-plate type
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Primary Reduction Ratio 2.625 (63/24)
Gear Ratios:
1st 1.800 (27/15)
2nd 1.471 (25/17)
3rd 1.235 (21/17)
4th 1.050 (21/20)
5th: 0.909 (20/22)
Final Reduction Ratio 3.846 (50/13)
Front Suspension: SHOWA 47mm telescopic forks, pneumatic/coil spring, oil damped
Rear Suspension: Swingarm, link type, SHOWA piggyback-reservoir shock
Caster: 29°40'
Trail: 130mm (5.1 in.)
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Front Tire Size: 80/100-21
Rear Tire Size: 110/90-19
Fuel Tank Capacity 6.2 L (1.6 US gal.)
Body Color: Sold Black/Champion Yellow No. 2 (GY8)