2026 RMZ450

biondo wrote:

Ok y’all someone needs to Fly the White Flag 🏳 Life is Short ! Peace to All! Luckily we can choose what color bike we like...

Ok y’all someone needs to Fly the White Flag 🏳 Life is Short ! Peace to All! Luckily we can choose what color bike we like ...
Yellow lives matter Too😎 Stay Safe out the there !

biondo wrote:

Ok y’all someone needs to Fly the White Flag 🏳 Life is Short ! Peace to All! Luckily we can choose what color bike we like...

Ok y’all someone needs to Fly the White Flag 🏳 Life is Short ! Peace to All! Luckily we can choose what color bike we like ...
Yellow lives matter Too😎 Stay Safe out the there !

biondo wrote:

Ok y’all someone needs to Fly the White Flag 🏳 Life is Short ! Peace to All! Luckily we can choose what color bike we like...

Ok y’all someone needs to Fly the White Flag 🏳 Life is Short ! Peace to All! Luckily we can choose what color bike we like ...
Yellow lives matter Too😎 Stay Safe out the there !

TeamGreen wrote:

Is it OK if I'm currently riding a KTM; but, still enjoy riding an RMZ and think it's an excellent bike? Is it also OK if...

Is it OK if I'm currently riding a KTM; but, still enjoy riding an RMZ and think it's an excellent bike? Is it also OK if I build another one and go racing on it?

Because, I don't wanna upset some of these key-board warriors and all their angst...as they "back-fired" and created one of the "biggest" threads in recent-Vitaldom...even-though it started out as an Ignoramous-Hater-thread...

biondo wrote:

Ok y’all someone needs to Fly the White Flag 🏳 Life is Short ! Peace to All! Luckily we can choose what color bike we like...

Ok y’all someone needs to Fly the White Flag 🏳 Life is Short ! Peace to All! Luckily we can choose what color bike we like ...
Yellow lives matter Too😎 Stay Safe out the there !

TeamGreen wrote:

Is it OK if I'm currently riding a KTM; but, still enjoy riding an RMZ and think it's an excellent bike? Is it also OK if...

Is it OK if I'm currently riding a KTM; but, still enjoy riding an RMZ and think it's an excellent bike? Is it also OK if I build another one and go racing on it?

Because, I don't wanna upset some of these key-board warriors and all their angst...as they "back-fired" and created one of the "biggest" threads in recent-Vitaldom...even-though it started out as an Ignoramous-Hater-thread...

Sc2 wrote:

The rmz reminds of the similarities of the sherco in the enduro World Everyone took piss out of them or talked shit on them, without even...

The rmz reminds of the similarities of the sherco in the enduro World

Everyone took piss out of them or talked shit on them, without even riding one.. There cheaper than the ktm/husky, so everyone thinks they must be shit....

Sherco are a decent bike and more than enough for the avarage Joe bloggs, just like the rmz I would imagine
I like the look of them, never ridden one, but would buy one, as I'm a realist

BroFoSho wrote:

Oh lord.... We're now comparing Suzukis to Shercos...

Poor Suzuki

Luke_Richards wrote:

So have we found out if roostbuckets even rides? I think I may start a thread on something I have no idea about as well

Bruce372 wrote:

Mr afterbar, how many rmz450s have you owned?

Mr. Afterbar wrote:

I’ve had five Suzuki’s. Not all 450’s. I’ve got no problem with anyone that doesn’t like Suzuki, but the ones who won’t shut up about it...

I’ve had five Suzuki’s. Not all 450’s. I’ve got no problem with anyone that doesn’t like Suzuki, but the ones who won’t shut up about it get old. I don’t have time to argue with a bunch of know it alls trolling on Vital all day. You were obviously interested in buying one. They must not be too bad.

OLDMOTO wrote:

Everyone seems to have their favorite brand and their favorite rider. The loyalties are very strong. Its comical the lengths they will go to defend their...

Everyone seems to have their favorite brand and their favorite rider. The loyalties are very strong. Its comical the lengths they will go to defend their brand or rider. Thats good for the industry and sport.

Different companies have different business models. KTM is still strongly focused on the dirt bike market. KTM has a shorter logistical chain from concept to production and can change and evolve quickly. KTM has the flexibility to deploy updates and redesigns much faster than the other manufacturers.

To the big four dirtbikes are just another product and account for a comparatively small portion of their total sales.

Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha mass produce models in every category of motorcycle, ATV, Side by side and watercraft. These three have a much longer chain from CEO, budget, money allocation, concept,, design, prototype to production. They have longer cycle for a model platform and offer small changes during their model cycle.

Suzuki with all of their models seems to have the longest cycle between complete platform change, offers few model year changes and appears to be more conservative in deploying technological changes. Suzuki seems to wait for other the manufacturers to spend the money to research and develope new technology. Then Suzuki incorporates the new features much later than the othe brands. It would appear that Suzuki has a lower investment in design and development with a lower production cost over the life of model platform. Suzuki squeezes more profit for a longer period out of their models then the other brands.

Each company has its own marketing strategy and goes after a certain part of the market. Suzuki has a specific part of the market that they persue. They have specific type of customer that buys their product. Suzuki manages to sell everything they produce eventually. You can find lots of new old stock at Suzuki dealers at reduced prices. Suzuki can afford to do this by limiting the per unit production cost of their products.

sf702/410 wrote:

Hey rustbuckets and deadlo check me out. Flipping pizza dough I think you said. Just bought that blue '21 fat pig to throw in the trailer...

Hey rustbuckets and deadlo check me out. Flipping pizza dough I think you said.

Just bought that blue '21 fat pig to throw in the trailer with my yellow 18 fat pig, in this stupid new diesel fat pig.

Wish I wasn't paid by Suzuki

Gotta go pick up my new burgman scooter now. You know, cause I'm tough bro's...

Might have to climb on my fat 150 lb, ddd nattied wife to take out life's frustrations when im done buying stupid things

Have a great weekend

Gillboy67 wrote:

Hey when you get that Blue crew out and ride it on a moto track give me a comparison to your zook!

Gillboy67 wrote:

Steve is jumping ship back to HONDA!!!

sf702/410 wrote:

Hey rustbuckets and deadlo check me out. Flipping pizza dough I think you said. Just bought that blue '21 fat pig to throw in the trailer...

Hey rustbuckets and deadlo check me out. Flipping pizza dough I think you said.

Just bought that blue '21 fat pig to throw in the trailer with my yellow 18 fat pig, in this stupid new diesel fat pig.

Wish I wasn't paid by Suzuki

Gotta go pick up my new burgman scooter now. You know, cause I'm tough bro's...

Might have to climb on my fat 150 lb, ddd nattied wife to take out life's frustrations when im done buying stupid things

Have a great weekend

Gillboy67 wrote:

Hey when you get that Blue crew out and ride it on a moto track give me a comparison to your zook!

sf702/410 wrote:

I'll give you a rough first impression. Just breaking in around the streets in my hood, here's what I observed. (Last Yamaha I owned was an...

I'll give you a rough first impression. Just breaking in around the streets in my hood, here's what I observed. (Last Yamaha I owned was an 89 yz250 when I was 12, but I loved that bike until it seized)

-Its Nice. Lightest steering bike I've ever ridden. Like, lighter than pedal bike light. More engine noise than I've ever had. Hopefully not an issue or suggestive. The bike feels good and well built though. Everything's greased up nice from factory and seems to have great fit and finish. Materials seem to be quality and well engineered. Suspension feels very good, on the stiffer side of what I've owned for stock, which excites me being heavy. The farthest out position of the bar clamps is sweet too, feels like the riding position of the rmz, the rest all feel more compact. One thing that bothers me, the steering stem bearing has no dust cover, like you can watch the bearing rotate and grease is exposed. Don't know if that's normal, or if there's some design integrated that will not suck dirt, but for now That's worrisome. Stock pipe sounds mean. Unless the weight seems excessive I'll leave that alone. My rmz sounded great, was balanced and was snappier w/ the stock exhaust, plus had the heat shield which would've saved two pairs of pants from the fmf full ti, so I'm going to trust the factory engineers here and save the loot. Im excited to get it to the track. If the kyb performs for me like I've heard, I think I'll get along good with it. Might just go up 20cc in fork oil and leave the springs alone, based on initial feel and sag.

That said, looks like the rmz is going to a buddy who wants it pretty bad and is coming back from a wreck injury. Hate to see it go, but figured itll help him out and quiet my wife down. Plus I have 3 other model years to find at bargains if I need to replace it, and know it's exactly what I love! I'll keep you updated.

Gillboy67 wrote:

Hey when you get that Blue crew out and ride it on a moto track give me a comparison to your zook!

sf702/410 wrote:

I'll give you a rough first impression. Just breaking in around the streets in my hood, here's what I observed. (Last Yamaha I owned was an...

I'll give you a rough first impression. Just breaking in around the streets in my hood, here's what I observed. (Last Yamaha I owned was an 89 yz250 when I was 12, but I loved that bike until it seized)

-Its Nice. Lightest steering bike I've ever ridden. Like, lighter than pedal bike light. More engine noise than I've ever had. Hopefully not an issue or suggestive. The bike feels good and well built though. Everything's greased up nice from factory and seems to have great fit and finish. Materials seem to be quality and well engineered. Suspension feels very good, on the stiffer side of what I've owned for stock, which excites me being heavy. The farthest out position of the bar clamps is sweet too, feels like the riding position of the rmz, the rest all feel more compact. One thing that bothers me, the steering stem bearing has no dust cover, like you can watch the bearing rotate and grease is exposed. Don't know if that's normal, or if there's some design integrated that will not suck dirt, but for now That's worrisome. Stock pipe sounds mean. Unless the weight seems excessive I'll leave that alone. My rmz sounded great, was balanced and was snappier w/ the stock exhaust, plus had the heat shield which would've saved two pairs of pants from the fmf full ti, so I'm going to trust the factory engineers here and save the loot. Im excited to get it to the track. If the kyb performs for me like I've heard, I think I'll get along good with it. Might just go up 20cc in fork oil and leave the springs alone, based on initial feel and sag.

That said, looks like the rmz is going to a buddy who wants it pretty bad and is coming back from a wreck injury. Hate to see it go, but figured itll help him out and quiet my wife down. Plus I have 3 other model years to find at bargains if I need to replace it, and know it's exactly what I love! I'll keep you updated.

Gillboy67 wrote:

Cool thx let me know when you get it on the track. Thats where I get picky lol. The suzuki has always handles so damn good...

Cool thx let me know when you get it on the track. Thats where I get picky lol. The suzuki has always handles so damn good on the track save for some minor issues on the latest chassis but was a easy fix with the link. HA BTW my son has always had that issue with his boots and pants on the aftermarket headers he always rubs the pipe. I dont seem to do that lol. Anyways thanks for the update.

sf702/410 wrote:

I'll give you a rough first impression. Just breaking in around the streets in my hood, here's what I observed. (Last Yamaha I owned was an...

I'll give you a rough first impression. Just breaking in around the streets in my hood, here's what I observed. (Last Yamaha I owned was an 89 yz250 when I was 12, but I loved that bike until it seized)

-Its Nice. Lightest steering bike I've ever ridden. Like, lighter than pedal bike light. More engine noise than I've ever had. Hopefully not an issue or suggestive. The bike feels good and well built though. Everything's greased up nice from factory and seems to have great fit and finish. Materials seem to be quality and well engineered. Suspension feels very good, on the stiffer side of what I've owned for stock, which excites me being heavy. The farthest out position of the bar clamps is sweet too, feels like the riding position of the rmz, the rest all feel more compact. One thing that bothers me, the steering stem bearing has no dust cover, like you can watch the bearing rotate and grease is exposed. Don't know if that's normal, or if there's some design integrated that will not suck dirt, but for now That's worrisome. Stock pipe sounds mean. Unless the weight seems excessive I'll leave that alone. My rmz sounded great, was balanced and was snappier w/ the stock exhaust, plus had the heat shield which would've saved two pairs of pants from the fmf full ti, so I'm going to trust the factory engineers here and save the loot. Im excited to get it to the track. If the kyb performs for me like I've heard, I think I'll get along good with it. Might just go up 20cc in fork oil and leave the springs alone, based on initial feel and sag.

That said, looks like the rmz is going to a buddy who wants it pretty bad and is coming back from a wreck injury. Hate to see it go, but figured itll help him out and quiet my wife down. Plus I have 3 other model years to find at bargains if I need to replace it, and know it's exactly what I love! I'll keep you updated.

MelonFan123 wrote:

Suzuki owners, curious what have you paid OTD for your bikes? I know cost a strong argument for Suzuki’s compared to other bikes but I listened...

Suzuki owners, curious what have you paid OTD for your bikes?

I know cost a strong argument for Suzuki’s compared to other bikes but I listened to the Keefer podcast review of his 450RMZ and his buddy paid $8100 OTD. Higher than I would have thought

sf702/410 wrote:

I'll give you a rough first impression. Just breaking in around the streets in my hood, here's what I observed. (Last Yamaha I owned was an...

I'll give you a rough first impression. Just breaking in around the streets in my hood, here's what I observed. (Last Yamaha I owned was an 89 yz250 when I was 12, but I loved that bike until it seized)

-Its Nice. Lightest steering bike I've ever ridden. Like, lighter than pedal bike light. More engine noise than I've ever had. Hopefully not an issue or suggestive. The bike feels good and well built though. Everything's greased up nice from factory and seems to have great fit and finish. Materials seem to be quality and well engineered. Suspension feels very good, on the stiffer side of what I've owned for stock, which excites me being heavy. The farthest out position of the bar clamps is sweet too, feels like the riding position of the rmz, the rest all feel more compact. One thing that bothers me, the steering stem bearing has no dust cover, like you can watch the bearing rotate and grease is exposed. Don't know if that's normal, or if there's some design integrated that will not suck dirt, but for now That's worrisome. Stock pipe sounds mean. Unless the weight seems excessive I'll leave that alone. My rmz sounded great, was balanced and was snappier w/ the stock exhaust, plus had the heat shield which would've saved two pairs of pants from the fmf full ti, so I'm going to trust the factory engineers here and save the loot. Im excited to get it to the track. If the kyb performs for me like I've heard, I think I'll get along good with it. Might just go up 20cc in fork oil and leave the springs alone, based on initial feel and sag.

That said, looks like the rmz is going to a buddy who wants it pretty bad and is coming back from a wreck injury. Hate to see it go, but figured itll help him out and quiet my wife down. Plus I have 3 other model years to find at bargains if I need to replace it, and know it's exactly what I love! I'll keep you updated.

SwapperMX wrote:

You have a real problem on your hands with no dust seal sitting on top of the top steering head bearing. Are you saying it is...

You have a real problem on your hands with no dust seal sitting on top of the top steering head bearing. Are you saying it is currently assembled with bearing, then spacer, then locknut then top clamp ?? Either the shop had it apart before assembly to grease the bearings and put it together without the seal (worst dealer in existence if true) or you lost the seal when pulling it apart to grease it. And seriously dude, how can you think it's "some sort of integrated design that will not suck dirt"?? Are you high?? You need to sort that asap.

MelonFan123 wrote:

Suzuki owners, curious what have you paid OTD for your bikes? I know cost a strong argument for Suzuki’s compared to other bikes but I listened...

Suzuki owners, curious what have you paid OTD for your bikes?

I know cost a strong argument for Suzuki’s compared to other bikes but I listened to the Keefer podcast review of his 450RMZ and his buddy paid $8100 OTD. Higher than I would have thought

sf702/410 wrote:

It's got a thin rubber ring but not a metal cover like my Hondas, ktm and Suzukis. Nope, not high friend.

sf702/410 wrote:

It's got a thin rubber ring but not a metal cover like my Hondas, ktm and Suzukis. Nope, not high friend.

SwapperMX wrote:

Ok. The outer of that dust seal is rubber and if installed correctly the lip seals against the frame. This keeps water, dirt and dust out...

Ok. The outer of that dust seal is rubber and if installed correctly the lip seals against the frame. This keeps water, dirt and dust out. The centre is alloy where the locknut tightens against. You definitely shouldn't be able to see grease and the bearing exposed. I'd be pulling it apart, re-inspecting, checking the seal to ensure its not damaged before riding it. Otherwise those headset bearings will be destroyed after one ride. Not what you need.

sf702/410 wrote:

Makes sense. Yeah its not the typical design I'm used to. I nm pulled up a diagram and I'll inspect closer when i get home today...

Makes sense. Yeah its not the typical design I'm used to. I nm pulled up a diagram and I'll inspect closer when i get home today. I assumed the rubber was a dust seal, i would just prefer an over the top metal cover.

Part number 6 is what I want to look at

sf702/410 wrote:

Makes sense. Yeah its not the typical design I'm used to. I nm pulled up a diagram and I'll inspect closer when i get home today...

Makes sense. Yeah its not the typical design I'm used to. I nm pulled up a diagram and I'll inspect closer when i get home today. I assumed the rubber was a dust seal, i would just prefer an over the top metal cover.

Part number 6 is what I want to look at

SwapperMX wrote:

Yeah correct. It's definitely different to other manufacturers but something Yamaha have done for a lot of years and works just fine if installed correctly. If...

Yeah correct. It's definitely different to other manufacturers but something Yamaha have done for a lot of years and works just fine if installed correctly. If that seal does get any damage to it though it will let water past and that will torch those bearings in no time flat. Check both lips for damage and make sure it seals properly when re-assembling.

MelonFan123 wrote:

Suzuki owners, curious what have you paid OTD for your bikes? I know cost a strong argument for Suzuki’s compared to other bikes but I listened...

Suzuki owners, curious what have you paid OTD for your bikes?

I know cost a strong argument for Suzuki’s compared to other bikes but I listened to the Keefer podcast review of his 450RMZ and his buddy paid $8100 OTD. Higher than I would have thought

MelonFan123 wrote:

Suzuki owners, curious what have you paid OTD for your bikes? I know cost a strong argument for Suzuki’s compared to other bikes but I listened...

Suzuki owners, curious what have you paid OTD for your bikes?

I know cost a strong argument for Suzuki’s compared to other bikes but I listened to the Keefer podcast review of his 450RMZ and his buddy paid $8100 OTD. Higher than I would have thought

MelonFan123 wrote:

Suzuki owners, curious what have you paid OTD for your bikes? I know cost a strong argument for Suzuki’s compared to other bikes but I listened...

Suzuki owners, curious what have you paid OTD for your bikes?

I know cost a strong argument for Suzuki’s compared to other bikes but I listened to the Keefer podcast review of his 450RMZ and his buddy paid $8100 OTD. Higher than I would have thought

tuttle425 wrote:

Not a Suzuki owner but here is a 20 listed at $5999 at a dealership in San Diego. Not OTD but figured I'd pass along the...

Not a Suzuki owner but here is a 20 listed at $5999 at a dealership in San Diego. Not OTD but figured I'd pass along the find.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3528079883902690/

MelonFan123 wrote:

Suzuki owners, curious what have you paid OTD for your bikes? I know cost a strong argument for Suzuki’s compared to other bikes but I listened...

Suzuki owners, curious what have you paid OTD for your bikes?

I know cost a strong argument for Suzuki’s compared to other bikes but I listened to the Keefer podcast review of his 450RMZ and his buddy paid $8100 OTD. Higher than I would have thought

tuttle425 wrote:

Not a Suzuki owner but here is a 20 listed at $5999 at a dealership in San Diego. Not OTD but figured I'd pass along the...

Not a Suzuki owner but here is a 20 listed at $5999 at a dealership in San Diego. Not OTD but figured I'd pass along the find.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3528079883902690/

MelonFan123 wrote:

Suzuki owners, curious what have you paid OTD for your bikes? I know cost a strong argument for Suzuki’s compared to other bikes but I listened...

Suzuki owners, curious what have you paid OTD for your bikes?

I know cost a strong argument for Suzuki’s compared to other bikes but I listened to the Keefer podcast review of his 450RMZ and his buddy paid $8100 OTD. Higher than I would have thought

tuttle425 wrote:

Not a Suzuki owner but here is a 20 listed at $5999 at a dealership in San Diego. Not OTD but figured I'd pass along the...

Not a Suzuki owner but here is a 20 listed at $5999 at a dealership in San Diego. Not OTD but figured I'd pass along the find.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3528079883902690/

Bruce372 wrote:

I called them. It was either 8700 or 9600 otd or something crazy like that