Not bad for a 6 year old platform...

zookie
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zookie
Edited Date/Time 1/6/2013 4:44pm
2008 was the first year of the current Suzuki platform. 6 model years later the bike looks fantastic out on the track. No gizmos, no fancy gadgets, no gimmicks. Funny how a good base platform and years of tweaks and experience results in a bike that is great.

I don't understand why more people are not riding Suzuki bikes.....
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dirtnapper
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dirtnapper 1/6/2013 12:43am
1/6/2013 12:43am
I rode / raced a 250F in a Regional series here in Alberta in 2008 and it was JUNK. Worst bike I have ever had.

I have not ridden one since, but would like to.
dehann
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dehann 1/6/2013 12:56am
1/6/2013 12:56am
Not to pile on but the 2006 450 was the worst bike I ever had. I would like to try the 2008+ versions but I have jumped ship & I am never going back.
dirtnapper
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dirtnapper 1/6/2013 1:00am
1/6/2013 1:00am
dehann wrote:
Not to pile on but the 2006 450 was the worst bike I ever had. I would like to try the 2008+ versions but I have...
Not to pile on but the 2006 450 was the worst bike I ever had. I would like to try the 2008+ versions but I have jumped ship & I am never going back.
haha, yeah I hear ya.

I got lucky, my 250F was a fully sponsered ride from a local Suzuki dealership, so I just gave it back at the end of the season, never had to pay a thing.

Like you ( and just because of that bike ) I will likely never buy one, but I would like to ride one, just to see.
MX690
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MX690 1/6/2013 1:11am
1/6/2013 1:11am
I just brought a 2011 RMZ 450 with 20 hours on it, and coming from an 07 YZ 450, chalk and cheese unbelievable power delivery is so smooth.

The Shop

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JJO741
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JJO741 1/6/2013 1:15am
1/6/2013 1:15am
Suzuki from 2010 to now are the best bikes I have ridden personally.
Lone Wolf
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Lone Wolf 1/6/2013 1:31am
1/6/2013 1:31am
The emphasis always seems to be on the latest and greatest, but I think there is something to be said for just tweaking a proven design - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The RMZ's are perhaps due for a remodel, though.

I have always ridden Suzuki's (13 years) and have never really been given a good reason to change. The bikes perform well and I haven't had any out of the ordinary problems. They are considerably cheaper than the other brands over here, too. What specifically did you guys not like about yours?
wow123
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wow123 1/6/2013 3:22am
1/6/2013 3:22am
Goes to show what I think: bikes aren't improving much at all these days,
Brad Nemeth 1/6/2013 3:25am
1/6/2013 3:25am
They feel way smaller than any other current 450 I have ridden. Probably feels like a BMX bike to Davi. haha
velocitygear
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velocitygear 1/6/2013 6:03am
1/6/2013 6:03am
I see the same thing in the AUTO Industry. Bought my wife an 07 GMC Yukon Denali. I also recently bought a 2000 Dakota, 4wd with the 4.7 and a manual trans. I would take 7-10 Dakota's before I ever look at GMC again! Total piece of shit!

My 06' CRF450 is set-up for me better than any bike I've ever owned and I wouldn't trade it for any "new" bike. Anymore, technology is such that a 10 year old machine is just as capable as the new stuff, don't buy into commercialism and the belief that the newest is the best!
CRF505
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CRF505 1/6/2013 6:10am
1/6/2013 6:10am
dirtnapper wrote:
I rode / raced a 250F in a Regional series here in Alberta in 2008 and it was JUNK. Worst bike I have ever had. I...
I rode / raced a 250F in a Regional series here in Alberta in 2008 and it was JUNK. Worst bike I have ever had.

I have not ridden one since, but would like to.
I had the '08 RMZ 250F as well and while I wouldn't say it was "junk", I will pile on and say it was definitely a TURD. However, having ridden the late model RMZ 450 (a 2013 to be exact) I will say that it is a VERY different bike than the 250F. Cannot even be compared. The late model 'Zook is good stuff.
wfo250
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wfo250 1/6/2013 6:15am
1/6/2013 6:15am
I had an '12 kx450,and briefly rode an'13 rmz450. Motor weak imo. Getting another Kaw.
downard254
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downard254 1/6/2013 6:18am
1/6/2013 6:18am
For those old enough to remember, I owned a 1986 RM125. THAT was a true slug dragging an anchor. I did jump ship to a CR125 in '87 (which was an incredible bike by the way) but did find my way back to Suzuki. Thing is, all of my Suzuki's have been bulletproof, troublefee, and solid bikes. They simply have never let me down. Back to the old saying, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
chrisbuehler
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chrisbuehler 1/6/2013 6:25am
1/6/2013 6:25am
wfo250 wrote:
I had an '12 kx450,and briefly rode an'13 rmz450. Motor weak imo. Getting another Kaw.
The Zook will turn circles around the Kawi. You must be pro to think a 450 motor is "weak"
Sheriff245 1/6/2013 6:34am
1/6/2013 6:34am
I had an 08, would get a 2013 if I was looking for a 450. Hands down. The only 450 I've liked better was the 06-08 CRF.

dirtnapper, the 250 was changed in 2010. Not the same bike at all.
tmauto769
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tmauto769 1/6/2013 6:45am
1/6/2013 6:45am
dirtnapper wrote:
I rode / raced a 250F in a Regional series here in Alberta in 2008 and it was JUNK. Worst bike I have ever had. I...
I rode / raced a 250F in a Regional series here in Alberta in 2008 and it was JUNK. Worst bike I have ever had.

I have not ridden one since, but would like to.
CRF505 wrote:
I had the '08 RMZ 250F as well and while I wouldn't say it was "junk", I will pile on and say it was definitely a...
I had the '08 RMZ 250F as well and while I wouldn't say it was "junk", I will pile on and say it was definitely a TURD. However, having ridden the late model RMZ 450 (a 2013 to be exact) I will say that it is a VERY different bike than the 250F. Cannot even be compared. The late model 'Zook is good stuff.
agreed, I had an 08 rmz250 and hated it, rode a '10 rmz450 the other day and loved it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a rmz450 now. I know everybody says it that rides one,but I will say it again, they turn unbelievably well for a 450. The one I rode the dude had what looked like a '70's metzler tire on the front dry rot and all, and that bike still went where ever I looked, with no effort at all.
zookie
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zookie 1/6/2013 9:49am
1/6/2013 9:49am
Lone Wolf wrote:
The emphasis always seems to be on the latest and greatest, but I think there is something to be said for just tweaking a proven design...
The emphasis always seems to be on the latest and greatest, but I think there is something to be said for just tweaking a proven design - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The RMZ's are perhaps due for a remodel, though.

I have always ridden Suzuki's (13 years) and have never really been given a good reason to change. The bikes perform well and I haven't had any out of the ordinary problems. They are considerably cheaper than the other brands over here, too. What specifically did you guys not like about yours?
There is a lot to be said for using iterative design and making major changes once you have enough major items to fix.

A big part of bike design for the other Japanese manufacturers is what I like to call "shock and awe". They put gizmos and shit on bikes and then the consumers go "WOW TWO EXHAUSTS, LAUNCH CONTROL, BACKWARD ENGINE! THAT CRAP WILL DEFINITELY BE BETTER BECAUSE IT IS NEW!"...not necessarily true.

The Suzuki has something that is hard to tune into a bike: great chassis behavior. You can fix an engine and suspension, can't really fix a chassis easily.
captmoto
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captmoto 1/6/2013 9:56am
1/6/2013 9:56am
Well, they could do what Yamaha did. How did that go for them? What is junk about them?
Racer92
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Racer92 1/6/2013 9:57am
1/6/2013 9:57am Edited Date/Time 1/6/2013 9:57am
wfo250 wrote:
I had an '12 kx450,and briefly rode an'13 rmz450. Motor weak imo. Getting another Kaw.
chrisbuehler wrote:
The Zook will turn circles around the Kawi. You must be pro to think a 450 motor is "weak"
Ive never seen any weekend warrior who was remotely using all the motor the OEM bikes have anyway. Not even close.

Pit Row

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mynewcr250
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mynewcr250 1/6/2013 11:07am
1/6/2013 11:07am
velocitygear wrote:
I see the same thing in the AUTO Industry. Bought my wife an 07 GMC Yukon Denali. I also recently bought a 2000 Dakota, 4wd with...
I see the same thing in the AUTO Industry. Bought my wife an 07 GMC Yukon Denali. I also recently bought a 2000 Dakota, 4wd with the 4.7 and a manual trans. I would take 7-10 Dakota's before I ever look at GMC again! Total piece of shit!

My 06' CRF450 is set-up for me better than any bike I've ever owned and I wouldn't trade it for any "new" bike. Anymore, technology is such that a 10 year old machine is just as capable as the new stuff, don't buy into commercialism and the belief that the newest is the best!
i like that logic...just trying to figure out why you own an 06 450 and not some iteration of a 1980 2 stroke? i mean, you dont buy into the hype right?

i really hope youre right though and nobody buys any new bikes, that'll give you broke folk lots to choose from in the used market down the road.
velocitygear
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velocitygear 1/6/2013 11:14am
1/6/2013 11:14am Edited Date/Time 1/6/2013 11:16am
velocitygear wrote:
I see the same thing in the AUTO Industry. Bought my wife an 07 GMC Yukon Denali. I also recently bought a 2000 Dakota, 4wd with...
I see the same thing in the AUTO Industry. Bought my wife an 07 GMC Yukon Denali. I also recently bought a 2000 Dakota, 4wd with the 4.7 and a manual trans. I would take 7-10 Dakota's before I ever look at GMC again! Total piece of shit!

My 06' CRF450 is set-up for me better than any bike I've ever owned and I wouldn't trade it for any "new" bike. Anymore, technology is such that a 10 year old machine is just as capable as the new stuff, don't buy into commercialism and the belief that the newest is the best!
mynewcr250 wrote:
i like that logic...just trying to figure out why you own an 06 450 and not some iteration of a 1980 2 stroke? i mean, you...
i like that logic...just trying to figure out why you own an 06 450 and not some iteration of a 1980 2 stroke? i mean, you dont buy into the hype right?

i really hope youre right though and nobody buys any new bikes, that'll give you broke folk lots to choose from in the used market down the road.
I think the ability to use logic, is what you're missing. 1980? Really?

If you can't figure out the obvious point of my post, then it's not worth my time! GO FISH somewhere else Wink
flomiester
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flomiester 1/6/2013 11:41am
1/6/2013 11:41am
I had the motoconcepts suzuki here last summer for a few mounths i was testing a fuel system that did not have much to offer the bike made major hp im old and far from a pro the bike was probally 1 of the eazyer bikes to ride even compared to a stock 450.
mxb2
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mxb2 1/6/2013 12:00pm
1/6/2013 12:00pm
zookie wrote:
2008 was the first year of the current Suzuki platform. 6 model years later the bike looks fantastic out on the track. No gizmos, no fancy...
2008 was the first year of the current Suzuki platform. 6 model years later the bike looks fantastic out on the track. No gizmos, no fancy gadgets, no gimmicks. Funny how a good base platform and years of tweaks and experience results in a bike that is great.

I don't understand why more people are not riding Suzuki bikes.....
How does 2008-2013 equal 6 years?
RM127
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RM127 1/6/2013 12:18pm
1/6/2013 12:18pm
mxb2 wrote:
How does 2008-2013 equal 6 years?
Count... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,.......6.........
RM127
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RM127 1/6/2013 12:22pm
1/6/2013 12:22pm Edited Date/Time 1/6/2013 12:22pm
And guys you do know that the rmz250 was not upgraded in 2008 like the 450? The 250 got the new frame in 2010.

So '08-'13 rmz450 = '10-'13 rmz250
mxb2
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mxb2 1/6/2013 12:30pm
1/6/2013 12:30pm
mxb2 wrote:
How does 2008-2013 equal 6 years?
RM127 wrote:
Count... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,.......6.........
I did 13-5 is 8. Lol
ATKpilot99
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ATKpilot99 1/6/2013 2:07pm
1/6/2013 2:07pm Edited Date/Time 1/6/2013 2:08pm
2008-1
2009-2
2010-3
2011-4
2012-5
2013-6
youre welcome
onenastynotch
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onenastynotch 1/6/2013 2:32pm
1/6/2013 2:32pm
2008-2009 had same engine and chassis 2010 got new frame and about 2 hp more upstairs ...they changed piston ,cams , and exhaust on 2011 and 12 were almost the same the 2010 stock for stock is faster then the 2011 and the 12 ,
zookie
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zookie 1/6/2013 2:57pm
1/6/2013 2:57pm
onenastynotch wrote:
2008-2009 had same engine and chassis 2010 got new frame and about 2 hp more upstairs ...they changed piston ,cams , and exhaust on 2011 and...
2008-2009 had same engine and chassis 2010 got new frame and about 2 hp more upstairs ...they changed piston ,cams , and exhaust on 2011 and 12 were almost the same the 2010 stock for stock is faster then the 2011 and the 12 ,
The changes you describe are incremental changes. The overall layout of the bike is the same for 6 model years.
zookie
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zookie 1/6/2013 2:57pm
1/6/2013 2:57pm
ATKpilot99 wrote:
2008-1
2009-2
2010-3
2011-4
2012-5
2013-6
youre welcome
LOL.

Seeing it like that makes me feel like my 2008 is really old Sad . Oh well, I like the bike a lot!
TeamPropainTurbo38t 1/6/2013 3:58pm
1/6/2013 3:58pm
I switched to 4 smokes in 06......I rode an 05 crf450 and 05 rmz450....I immediately bought a 2005 rmz. I was previously a die hard Honda guy riding cr125s, 250s and 500s......the rmz was so smooth power wise and turned wherever u put it. The crf was all midrange hit....felt very harsh and handled abruptly as well.I then bought an 07 which was great and bought an 08 with the updated motor.....the 08n was so much lighter and had a 5 speed an FI....the shifting was a little notchy but overall the best bike I had ever ridden to that point. I then briefly switched to 2 strokes until this year and my next bike will be a 2 stroke. I currently have a 12 rmz450 and the bike is unbelievable. Motor is great, hardware is 10x better than older rm stuff....quality nuts, bolts and finish. Only mods I have done are RG3 suspension, an acerbis x seat and renthal rc high bars. The chassis is unbelievable. The only problem I ever had with any rmz was the carb version had the needle keep sticking if I didn't ride for a couple weeks. This I believe was due to the shitty gas. Ricky set those bikes up for success.......would love to try the new suspension on the 13.......on a side note I rode my buddies 12 kawi 250f and the motor was pretty awesome, suspension was decent but the hardware is cheap as shit. Junky bolts and finish. The nutserts for the frame guards came lose after 10 hours or less....I'll stick with zukes for now...

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