2018 Suzuki RM-Z450 First Look

Manbearpig
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Manbearpig 6/28/2017 11:31pm
6/28/2017 11:31pm
Wow... people love to bitch. Dirt bikes are rad as hell. I am by all means a Suzuki guy but most of all a dirt bike guy. Bitch about the weather or the 10 to 15 pounds you need to lose off your own fat ass. I'm stoked on all of the advancements that each manufacturer are bringing to the table.
Lastander
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Lastander 6/28/2017 11:38pm
6/28/2017 11:38pm
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
Damn, where the heck is KTM shaving off all their weight? Is it just a little everywhere or is there that big of a weight difference...
Damn, where the heck is KTM shaving off all their weight? Is it just a little everywhere or is there that big of a weight difference in the chassis?

and how much is the weight minimum for the factory bikes, ready to ride?
TbonesPop wrote:
I'll bet there is at least a 3-4 lb difference in the weight difference in the stock exhausts between the KTM and Zook exhausts. Just look...
I'll bet there is at least a 3-4 lb difference in the weight difference in the stock exhausts between the KTM and Zook exhausts. Just look at the size of the stock can on the RMZ versus the stocker on the KTM. Air forks versus spring could mean ~3 lbs. Seat could be ~1lb. Hubs could result in 1 lb on each wheel. Just all the little stuff adds up pretty quickly to get to10 lbs. As others have pointed out, I don't think it would be that tough to lighten up the RMZ by 5-10 lbs with some common after market upgrades.
Well, their wheels and spokes turned to shit after being to thin, and dont get me started on the fork..
The steel frame and the exhaust has to make up for half of it, and i bet the engine and the fork is the next half, the engine is so goddamn tight and compact that its ridiculous.
Best engine in the class, overall package? Not for me atleast
kiwifan
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kiwifan 6/28/2017 11:52pm
6/28/2017 11:52pm
Lets face it, everyone had a fucking bitch when the new 18 Yammie 450 came out, then the 18 Honda and now the 18 Suzuki....its getting old. Firstly you all moan about air forks, so they fixed that, then you moan about EC, they fix that....its still not good enough

I get that the KTM and Huskies are great bikes, no fucking doubt about it....but sweet jesus get over the weight of the other bikes (oh and the tank cover of the suzuki!) lol



HenryA
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HenryA 6/28/2017 11:53pm
6/28/2017 11:53pm
10 years later and they are still using the same engine. Hilarious.

The Shop

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kiwifan
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kiwifan 6/29/2017 1:15am
6/29/2017 1:15am
HenryA wrote:
10 years later and they are still using the same engine. Hilarious.
so is the Kawasaki
Aaryn234
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Aaryn234 6/29/2017 1:41am
6/29/2017 1:41am
HenryA wrote:
10 years later and they are still using the same engine. Hilarious.
10 years later there are more Suzuki's are the front of the first turn in a American MX race last weekend including a privateer than every other manufacture combined.

Fair to say I have never ever put any of my bikes on a scale, yet have enjoyed riding all of them!

Results have not varied one ioda due to the bike I was on. Image that.

Even this year jumping back on a 250 two stroke for the first time since 2003. Still racing the same guys in both MX and Off-Road.

The bike has little to do with squat. Buy one and ride one, its much more fun than worrying about weight or looks.

Though my current ride does look super sweet.

Turbojez
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Turbojez 6/29/2017 2:13am
6/29/2017 2:13am Edited Date/Time 6/29/2017 2:15am
kiwifan wrote:
Lets face it, everyone had a fucking bitch when the new 18 Yammie 450 came out, then the 18 Honda and now the 18 Suzuki....its getting...
Lets face it, everyone had a fucking bitch when the new 18 Yammie 450 came out, then the 18 Honda and now the 18 Suzuki....its getting old. Firstly you all moan about air forks, so they fixed that, then you moan about EC, they fix that....its still not good enough

I get that the KTM and Huskies are great bikes, no fucking doubt about it....but sweet jesus get over the weight of the other bikes (oh and the tank cover of the suzuki!) lol



I never had a fucking bitch Sad

Hah, seriously though, there is no bike in the world that would satisfy some of the members. In addition to that, some people around here have special superpowers, allowing them to judge HP and weight just by the looks of the bike in the pictures.

Continuing your thought - Seems like both "Old and slow" and the "New-but-heavy-with-slow-engine" zooks can still keep up with the "new-high-tech-superlight" bikes. Guess the Suzuki riders just aren't aware just what POS bikes they ride. Wink

This new yellow 450 looks sweet, I love the refreshed design. Can't wait for the 250, as 450 would probably be way too much for me.
kiwifan
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kiwifan 6/29/2017 2:22am
6/29/2017 2:22am
kiwifan wrote:
Lets face it, everyone had a fucking bitch when the new 18 Yammie 450 came out, then the 18 Honda and now the 18 Suzuki....its getting...
Lets face it, everyone had a fucking bitch when the new 18 Yammie 450 came out, then the 18 Honda and now the 18 Suzuki....its getting old. Firstly you all moan about air forks, so they fixed that, then you moan about EC, they fix that....its still not good enough

I get that the KTM and Huskies are great bikes, no fucking doubt about it....but sweet jesus get over the weight of the other bikes (oh and the tank cover of the suzuki!) lol



Turbojez wrote:
I never had a fucking bitch :( Hah, seriously though, there is no bike in the world that would satisfy some of the members. In addition...
I never had a fucking bitch Sad

Hah, seriously though, there is no bike in the world that would satisfy some of the members. In addition to that, some people around here have special superpowers, allowing them to judge HP and weight just by the looks of the bike in the pictures.

Continuing your thought - Seems like both "Old and slow" and the "New-but-heavy-with-slow-engine" zooks can still keep up with the "new-high-tech-superlight" bikes. Guess the Suzuki riders just aren't aware just what POS bikes they ride. Wink

This new yellow 450 looks sweet, I love the refreshed design. Can't wait for the 250, as 450 would probably be way too much for me.
100% agree with you....a new Zook could certainly be in my garage....!!!!!
mx1234
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mx1234 6/29/2017 2:35am
6/29/2017 2:35am
HenryA wrote:
10 years later and they are still using the same engine. Hilarious.
same kawasaki and honda.
jtiger12
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jtiger12 6/29/2017 2:46am
6/29/2017 2:46am
kiwifan wrote:
Lets face it, everyone had a fucking bitch when the new 18 Yammie 450 came out, then the 18 Honda and now the 18 Suzuki....its getting...
Lets face it, everyone had a fucking bitch when the new 18 Yammie 450 came out, then the 18 Honda and now the 18 Suzuki....its getting old. Firstly you all moan about air forks, so they fixed that, then you moan about EC, they fix that....its still not good enough

I get that the KTM and Huskies are great bikes, no fucking doubt about it....but sweet jesus get over the weight of the other bikes (oh and the tank cover of the suzuki!) lol



EC? Wtf is that. Electronic Control?
Harry Backmon 6/29/2017 3:11am
6/29/2017 3:11am
I think it is a fine looking machine.

I do have a bone to pick with some of you, however. If you don't think weight matters, put a bowling ball or a 15 pound dumbbell in a backpack and go do a moto. Take the challenge. Go for it.
Flip109
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Flip109 6/29/2017 4:26am
6/29/2017 4:26am
Boris "the Blade" says "Heavy is good, heavy is reliable. If it doesn't work … you can always hit them with it."
Sheriff245 6/29/2017 4:53am
6/29/2017 4:53am
kiwifan wrote:
Lets face it, everyone had a fucking bitch when the new 18 Yammie 450 came out, then the 18 Honda and now the 18 Suzuki....its getting...
Lets face it, everyone had a fucking bitch when the new 18 Yammie 450 came out, then the 18 Honda and now the 18 Suzuki....its getting old. Firstly you all moan about air forks, so they fixed that, then you moan about EC, they fix that....its still not good enough

I get that the KTM and Huskies are great bikes, no fucking doubt about it....but sweet jesus get over the weight of the other bikes (oh and the tank cover of the suzuki!) lol



jtiger12 wrote:
EC? Wtf is that. Electronic Control?
Electri Cstart
Lynch
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Lynch 6/29/2017 5:02am
6/29/2017 5:02am
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
Damn, where the heck is KTM shaving off all their weight? Is it just a little everywhere or is there that big of a weight difference...
Damn, where the heck is KTM shaving off all their weight? Is it just a little everywhere or is there that big of a weight difference in the chassis?

and how much is the weight minimum for the factory bikes, ready to ride?
TbonesPop wrote:
I'll bet there is at least a 3-4 lb difference in the weight difference in the stock exhausts between the KTM and Zook exhausts. Just look...
I'll bet there is at least a 3-4 lb difference in the weight difference in the stock exhausts between the KTM and Zook exhausts. Just look at the size of the stock can on the RMZ versus the stocker on the KTM. Air forks versus spring could mean ~3 lbs. Seat could be ~1lb. Hubs could result in 1 lb on each wheel. Just all the little stuff adds up pretty quickly to get to10 lbs. As others have pointed out, I don't think it would be that tough to lighten up the RMZ by 5-10 lbs with some common after market upgrades.
Lastander wrote:
Well, their wheels and spokes turned to shit after being to thin, and dont get me started on the fork.. The steel frame and the exhaust...
Well, their wheels and spokes turned to shit after being to thin, and dont get me started on the fork..
The steel frame and the exhaust has to make up for half of it, and i bet the engine and the fork is the next half, the engine is so goddamn tight and compact that its ridiculous.
Best engine in the class, overall package? Not for me atleast
The spokes on the ktm are way too thin, my front spokes on my A60's are thicker than the stock spokes in the stock back wheel... Personally I love the fork coming from bikes with 4CS forks which I never liked even after 200 hours on them and multiple revalves. I have been riding the austrian brands for 5 years but I have never been more into any other brand than right now, both the Suzuki and Yamaha looks amazing. Tried the Honda and absolutely hated it for some reason, could not get used to it at all with the enginge being slow imo and the bike itself feeling tiny.
motoxxx599 6/29/2017 5:17am
6/29/2017 5:17am
Price? Release date? I asked my dealer yesterday and he said should have them by next year. I hate dealers.
Steadman
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Steadman 6/29/2017 5:28am
6/29/2017 5:28am
Man, all this bitching and nobody here has even ridden one yet.

I find it hard to critique a motorcycle (other than maybe how it looks)....until I've ridden it.
Silas444
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Silas444 6/29/2017 5:29am
6/29/2017 5:29am
Fair to say, I am largely unimpressed with this new RMZ. I was really hoping Suzuki would come up with something truly innovative - but alas - they didn't. At this point, I'm just glad I grew up in the era I did. Consider this: a ten year old RMZ would likely do just fine against this "all new" bike, whereas "back in my day" a 1974 TM250 wouldn't stand a snowball's chance in hell against a 1984 RM250. The only, ONLY, similarity those two bikes had were their bolts, their tires, and the foam in their seats.
Motofinne
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Motofinne 6/29/2017 5:40am
6/29/2017 5:40am
I like the new look of it. Sadly i won't get to try one unless someone i know buys one, i'm pretty sure there wont be any demo days near me.

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jonesaustin
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jonesaustin 6/29/2017 5:43am
6/29/2017 5:43am
Silas444 wrote:
Fair to say, I am largely unimpressed with this new RMZ. I was really hoping Suzuki would come up with something truly innovative - but alas...
Fair to say, I am largely unimpressed with this new RMZ. I was really hoping Suzuki would come up with something truly innovative - but alas - they didn't. At this point, I'm just glad I grew up in the era I did. Consider this: a ten year old RMZ would likely do just fine against this "all new" bike, whereas "back in my day" a 1974 TM250 wouldn't stand a snowball's chance in hell against a 1984 RM250. The only, ONLY, similarity those two bikes had were their bolts, their tires, and the foam in their seats.
You explained it, but it's like no one hears. That 2009 Aprilia 450 was a good example of a company "trying" to make radical change, and if it doesn't look radically new, it's not. Contrary to the days you're referring to, when we couldn't wait for new models, because so much innovation was happening right before our eyes.

KTM and Husqvarna lead, and their next gen bikes will likely keep pushing the barriers, but Japan gave up over a decade ago. Incremental changes are
for cars, not race breed competition machines.
ML512
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ML512 6/29/2017 6:22am
6/29/2017 6:22am
motoxxx599 wrote:
Price? Release date? I asked my dealer yesterday and he said should have them by next year. I hate dealers.
No info on either the price or release date is available, yet.
coastlinecascot 6/29/2017 6:26am
6/29/2017 6:26am
Long time yamaha guy from the two strokes to a 08 450 to a new yz450. First time i rode a fairly stock rmz450. I was hooked. I traded my yz450f for rmz. Good bike. I never knew a bike was so easy to ride fast around a track. Turned like it was on a slot car track
Skerby
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Skerby 6/29/2017 6:27am
6/29/2017 6:27am
Silas444 wrote:
Fair to say, I am largely unimpressed with this new RMZ. I was really hoping Suzuki would come up with something truly innovative - but alas...
Fair to say, I am largely unimpressed with this new RMZ. I was really hoping Suzuki would come up with something truly innovative - but alas - they didn't. At this point, I'm just glad I grew up in the era I did. Consider this: a ten year old RMZ would likely do just fine against this "all new" bike, whereas "back in my day" a 1974 TM250 wouldn't stand a snowball's chance in hell against a 1984 RM250. The only, ONLY, similarity those two bikes had were their bolts, their tires, and the foam in their seats.
jonesaustin wrote:
You explained it, but it's like no one hears. That 2009 Aprilia 450 was a good example of a company "trying" to make radical change, and...
You explained it, but it's like no one hears. That 2009 Aprilia 450 was a good example of a company "trying" to make radical change, and if it doesn't look radically new, it's not. Contrary to the days you're referring to, when we couldn't wait for new models, because so much innovation was happening right before our eyes.

KTM and Husqvarna lead, and their next gen bikes will likely keep pushing the barriers, but Japan gave up over a decade ago. Incremental changes are
for cars, not race breed competition machines.

I still like the Japanese bikes, I haven't owned anything newer than a 2013 kx450 so they still feel pretty "advanced" when I'm riding them.
TXDirt
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TXDirt 6/29/2017 6:29am
6/29/2017 6:29am
Bike looks great but holy shit that silencer is a beast. Really looks strange because the rest of the bike looks so good.
Spydee
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Spydee 6/29/2017 6:53am
6/29/2017 6:53am
mikec265
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mikec265 6/29/2017 7:27am
6/29/2017 7:27am
after all these years, I don't think there is much they can do to make the bikes better for the average buyer. Aren't most bike owners vets or c riders?
Keep_Riding78
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Keep_Riding78 6/29/2017 7:54am
6/29/2017 7:54am
Well, after reading all of the post up to this
point two major things are very clear about the opinions of the Vital Members.
1- not a dam person can calculate the
Weight differences between bikes on
Dry weight and wet weight to compare
Correctly.
2- If you are worried about weight, buying
aftermarket seats or exhaust is a bad
answer until you have taken time to ride
the dam bike.
twotwosix
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twotwosix 6/29/2017 7:57am
6/29/2017 7:57am Edited Date/Time 6/29/2017 7:59am
ML512 wrote:
Electronics that Kawasaki has had for three or four years, a throttle body that KTM has had for longer than that even, and 14 pounds over...
Electronics that Kawasaki has had for three or four years, a throttle body that KTM has had for longer than that even, and 14 pounds over the current KTM (with a new one due in January). The Honda forks werent as good as the AER or SSS stuff this year.
^^^ This. However, I do applaud them for the choice of suspension. Their version of the TAC fork was rough.

After seeing how the "all new" RMZ250 came out, I honestly was not expecting an earth shattering, new RMZ450. Having said that, I do like it. Looks good, has a unique shock choice and if it's a few lbs lighter and a touch quicker, it will sell.
mattyhamz2 6/29/2017 7:59am
6/29/2017 7:59am
I love when I have guys slower than me(450c and +25c) tell me they need to get more power out of their 450's. Had a guy a few months back tell my dad and I that he needs to have his motor built on his 13 rmz450 because it was too slow. I passed the guy twice in 6 laps. Couldn't believe what we heard from his mouth!
twotwosix
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twotwosix 6/29/2017 8:01am
6/29/2017 8:01am Edited Date/Time 6/29/2017 8:02am
I have to say it. Your skill level must be fairly low to not notice or care about 20 pounds of mass on a 450... If you can't feel that kind of weight difference, how the hell do you notice the difference in clicker changes?!
Flip109
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Flip109 6/29/2017 8:17am
6/29/2017 8:17am
All this thread does is make me want to ride a ktm lol

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