2009 Suzuki RM-Z450 Review

Exterior

2009 Suzuki RM-Z450

Suzuki couldn’t leave such a radical revision pass without design changes that would mark the upgrade so it gave the RM-Z450 a new, more aggressive look.

Starting with the front fender, it has the sloped-down shape which is for cooling purposes, but makes the new RM look very stylish and ready to race. At the rear, the air intakes on both sides are for heighten intake efficiency and also stand out.

For 2009, we very much appreciate the way the fender blends in with the number plate, creating a harmonious angry looking thing. That look is being sustained by the side panels which share black and yellow color for an even more compact feel.

The seat is a two-tone color and if you can still spot the rear fender in the clouds of dust, you will surely appreciate its arrow-like design.

Yellow is the color of choice for Suzuki dirt bikes and the RM-Z450 makes no exception. But there are also stylish white number plates and the two-tone seat we’ve just mentioned.

Test Ride

Having worked quite hard at the 2009 RM-Z450, Suzuki gets us motivated to swing a leg over the bike and see what it can do. Well, it is hard to decide on what to start with between the way it handles and the way it accelerates, but these exact qualities set the Suzuki apart from the crowd.

The bike is very quick and response, feels light so it goes around the corners very well, especially with that grippy front end which never managed to lose the front wheel, not to mention the rider. Backed up by the very potent fuel-injected and liquid-cooled four-stroke engine, this machine is a real blast either you’re going out of corners and need that great amount of mid-range grunt or on the straight and over the whoops. The strong and yet smooth motor is easy to get accustomed with and although it doesn’t rev as hard as other 450s, it is a ripper.

What I’ve come to notice is the fact that Suzuki manages to establish the best fast in, fast out strategy as the well engineered chassis requires some heavy leaning and over the tank positioning and that’s pretty much it. As you go out of the corners, the durable clutch engages smoothly, leaving the engine to work its magic on that rear wheel and on the competition.

Shifting is also easy and precise and I must say that I didn’t even reached fifth more than twice as the engine is great fun and the track pretty demanding. In these conditions, the seat and footpegs must have the rider almost glued to them and riding the RM-Z450 makes you indeed feel like one with the machine. The handlebars are at quick reach so the rider is properly accommodated on Suzuki’s prod and joy.

Other units worthy of appreciation are the Showa suspensions. These make landing the easiest thing and bottoming resistance is quite rarely reached. The fully-adjustable cartridge-style front fork means serious business no matter how rough the terrain might be while the new shock absorber keeps the bike stable under hard acceleration (that means always) and at high speeds.

The hot start lever on the side of the handlebars is a great feature and while we’re here, applying the front brake seems like a good idea considering the new waved rotors that the bike gets for 2009. Braking performance is very reassuring both front and rear (you’ll apply both brakes instinctively, anyway) and stopping is fast and confidence inspiring.

Overall, the Suzuki RM-Z450 is a great step forward for the Japanese manufacturer and a great much expected step for dirt fans.

Price

A 2009 Suzuki RM-Z450 comes with a price tag of $7,499. Considering Honda’s $7,599, Yamaha’s $7,399 and Kawasaki’s $7,549, the Suzuki situates on top of our preferences. You do the appreciation and choose from here.

Conclusion

One of the most highly competitive dirt bikes on the market today, the yellow blast has followed an ascended run in its short career until this time and we reckon that it has much to prove yet as it stands for innovation and advancement in a class where development and competition never end. There’s the Suzuki blowing away everything!

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