For 2012, Suzuki has a couple of surprises up its sleeve, starting with the RM-Z450->ke2148 dirt bike. Whereas it would've been perfectly fine for the Japanese bike maker to stand pat with their models, they still did its customers a favor by bringing a model that comes with aesthetic, suspension, and engine upgrades.

After all, with history attached to its name as the first motocross bike to ever use fuel injection on its way to winning both outdoor championships and Supercross championships, the RM-Z450 deserves nothing but the best.

The first of these enhancements involves the use of a new twin-spar aluminum frame and swing arm that was developed and refined for a highly optimized balance between rigidity and superb high-speed traction. The lightweight swing arm of the RM-Z450 also helps to enhance the bike's terrain-traversing performance over bumps while race-inspired disc rotors offer enhanced cooling performance and efficient mud slinging. Finally, the RM-Z450 also comes with a gripper seat that has been designed with projected cross-shaped patterns on the top surface to provide additional grip.

The other change on the bike is the front and rear suspension, particularly the use of Showa separate function forks whereas its competitors, particularly Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki now just use the Kayaba pneumatic spring on the shock breaker. The new front suspension also has a lighter weight and a better absorbing system.

Finally, the RM-Z450 is powered by a 449cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC engine with an upgraded fuel injection system that, in turn, improves on its ECU in controlling the fuel flow to the injector.

Find out more about the Suzuki RM-Z450 after the jump.

suzuki-rm-z450

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: suzuki-rm-z450

2012 Suzuki RM-Z450

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Suzuki RM-Z450
  • Engine/Motor: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC
  • Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Key Features

- The RM-Z450 meets a stricter AMA noise limit (94db) while keeping smooth engine output.

- Suzuki's class-leading fuel-injection system uses technology derived from Suzuki's championship-winning models. The RM-Z450, the first motocross bike to ever use fuel injection, has won both outdoor championships as well as a Supercross championship.

Engine

- The RM-Z450's 449cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, fuel-injected engine was developed and refined to deliver phenomenal idle-to-redline thrust.

- The lightweight, battery-less, motocross-use electronic fuel injection system uses progressive throttle linkage for efficient power delivery.

- A 12-hole fuel injector delivers a fine fuel/air mist for efficient operation.

- The RM-Z450's aluminum cylinder is treated with Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) coating, and was built for durability, light weight and efficient heat transfer.

Transmission

- A 5-speed transmission provides extra flexibility, offering gear ratios suited for various terrains and conditions.

- The RM-Z450 has a link-type shifting system, which offers smooth transitions through the gears.

Chassis

- The RM-Z450's slim chassis design makes for a comfortable riding position, opening up the cockpit to help allow the rider to actively take control of the machine.

- Class-leading 47mm Showa inverted forks provide optimum wheel travel and are compression- and rebound-damping adjustable.

- A Showa piggyback-reservoir rear shock with high/low-speed compression damping adjustment and rebound damping and spring preload adjustments. The rear shock, working through Suzuki's superlative rising-rate linkage system, provides 310mm of wheel travel, delivering maximum traction.

- The RM-Z450's twin-spar aluminum frame and swingarm was developed and refined for a highly optimized balance between rigidity and superb high-speed traction. The lightweight swingarm helps enhance terrain-traversing performance over bumps.

- Race-inspired disc rotors offer enhanced cooling performance and efficient mud slinging.

- A stylish two-tone radiator shrouds accentuate the RM-Z450's agile looks.

- The RM-Z450 comes with a gripper seat, with projected cross-shaped patterns on the top surface to provide additional grip.

Specifications

Engine

449cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC

Bore Stroke

96.0mm (3.780 in) x 62.1mm (2.445 in)

Compression Ratio

12.5:1

Fuel System

Suzuki fuel injection

Starter

Primary kick

Lubrication

Suzuki Advanced Sump System (SASS)

Ignition

Electronic ignition (CDI)

Overall Length

2190 mm (86.2 in)

Overall Width

830 mm (32.7 in)

Wheelbase

1495 mm (58.9 in)

Ground Clearance

325 mm (12.8 in)

Seat Height

955 mm (37.6 in)

Curb Weight

113 kg (249 lbs)

Transmission

5-speed constant mesh

Final Drive

Chain, DID520MXV4, 114 links

Suspension Front

Telescopic inverted, coil spring, oil damped

Suspension Rear

Swingarm, link type, coil spring, oil damped

Brakes Front

Disc brake

Brakes Rear

Disc brake

Tires Front

80/100-21 51M, tube type

Tires Rear

110/90-19 62M, tube type

Fuel Tank Capacity

6.2 L (1.6 US gallons)


Quotes

Motorcyclistonline ---- "If not for different colored numberplates, it would be difficult to tell the 2012 Suzuki RM-Z250 from its 450cc sibling"

Motorcycle-usa ---- "Just like the RM-Z250, Suzuki has decided to forgo making any significant changes to the for the 2012 model year."

Dirtrider ---- "The 2012 Suzuki RM-Z450 has that steady do-what-you-want feel that many of our Dirt Rider testers appreciate."