2026 RMZ450

Sandusky26
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Sandusky26 4/17/2022 5:16pm
4/17/2022 5:16pm
TeamGreen wrote:
I put the better part of 2 years and an assortment of types of "racing" on the Vial MX '18 RM-Z450: It was BY FAR the...
I put the better part of 2 years and an assortment of types of "racing" on the Vial MX '18 RM-Z450: It was BY FAR the "Cheapest to keep Maintained" moto-track-bike that I've ridden. To this day it's the "Best Day In The Dirt” bike I've ridden, too.
Sandusky26 wrote:
Mine has been a damn good bike, one top end, one clutch, 4 shock bearings, and just did the rest of the linkage and swingarm bearings...
Mine has been a damn good bike, one top end, one clutch, 4 shock bearings, and just did the rest of the linkage and swingarm bearings. I have a hook up on OEM Suzuki parts and saved tons of money.

The only odd thing wearing is the rear brake master cylinder and left side subframe where my boot rubs. I started covering them in grip tape to stop the wear. I also have to replace fork bushings every 20 hours.
Luke_Richards wrote:
Are you talking upper shock bearing? I have a clunk in mine like when I take it off the stand and put the rear tire on...
Are you talking upper shock bearing? I have a clunk in mine like when I take it off the stand and put the rear tire on the ground, or pick up on the rear to take the weight off.
Every 10 to 15 hours I would get the clunk your talking about. A new top and bearings would tighten things up until around 80 hours. I just did linkage, swingarm, and shock bearings and I have zero play at the rear wheel now, I’m very happy my 90 hour bike is nice and tight.
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Bruce372
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Bruce372 4/17/2022 6:28pm
4/17/2022 6:28pm
On the showa shock on the older rmz450, the top bearing was slightly loose and I was told its actually by design.

Even a tiny amount will be amplified when you move the back wheel.
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Luke_Richards
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Luke_Richards 4/17/2022 6:39pm
4/17/2022 6:39pm
Sandusky26 wrote:
Mine has been a damn good bike, one top end, one clutch, 4 shock bearings, and just did the rest of the linkage and swingarm bearings...
Mine has been a damn good bike, one top end, one clutch, 4 shock bearings, and just did the rest of the linkage and swingarm bearings. I have a hook up on OEM Suzuki parts and saved tons of money.

The only odd thing wearing is the rear brake master cylinder and left side subframe where my boot rubs. I started covering them in grip tape to stop the wear. I also have to replace fork bushings every 20 hours.
Luke_Richards wrote:
Are you talking upper shock bearing? I have a clunk in mine like when I take it off the stand and put the rear tire on...
Are you talking upper shock bearing? I have a clunk in mine like when I take it off the stand and put the rear tire on the ground, or pick up on the rear to take the weight off.
Sandusky26 wrote:
Every 10 to 15 hours I would get the clunk your talking about. A new top and bearings would tighten things up until around 80 hours...
Every 10 to 15 hours I would get the clunk your talking about. A new top and bearings would tighten things up until around 80 hours. I just did linkage, swingarm, and shock bearings and I have zero play at the rear wheel now, I’m very happy my 90 hour bike is nice and tight.
I replaced a few lower bearings thinking it was there, thought I did the upper as well at the time, I’ve had the “clunk” for probably 12-13 hours now, I packed that thing as hard as I could with grease about 4 hours ago lol, guess I’ll order some tomorrow, do you just stick with OE?
Luke_Richards
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Luke_Richards 4/17/2022 6:40pm
4/17/2022 6:40pm
Bruce372 wrote:
On the showa shock on the older rmz450, the top bearing was slightly loose and I was told its actually by design. Even a tiny amount...
On the showa shock on the older rmz450, the top bearing was slightly loose and I was told its actually by design.

Even a tiny amount will be amplified when you move the back wheel.
I was told the same actually

The Shop

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MKMX
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MKMX 4/17/2022 6:57pm
4/17/2022 6:57pm
RCMXracing wrote:
Hydro clutch
If you zoom in enough you can still see the cable actuator - there isn’t a hydraulic slave cylinder, only a hydraulic master. Which means no updated engine cases.
Sandusky26
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Sandusky26 4/18/2022 12:57am
4/18/2022 12:57am Edited Date/Time 4/18/2022 1:01am
Bruce372 wrote:
On the showa shock on the older rmz450, the top bearing was slightly loose and I was told its actually by design. Even a tiny amount...
On the showa shock on the older rmz450, the top bearing was slightly loose and I was told its actually by design.

Even a tiny amount will be amplified when you move the back wheel.
The top bearings in a BFRC are the same regular needle bearings as the bottom shock bearing. I’m thinking the older RMZ had a spherical top bearing.

I only use OEM bearings and pull my bike apart to grease every 10-15 hours. Contact Paul from Armored Graphics in NC for your OEM Suzuki parts and thank me later.
Thisusernameisavailable 4/18/2022 1:16am
4/18/2022 1:16am
Sandusky26 wrote:
I need some good news, my 20 has 93 hours on it, and I’m about ready for a new one.
In that 93hrs, what motor work have you done?

I only ask, cos it appears to be a new trend that people are doing fewer engine rebuilds now. New bike every two maybe three years, never put a spanner on the motor.

I had a 2006 RMZ450- two years service and I thought I better put a piston in it- but it didnt NEED it.
I then had an 09 which I put a tonne of hours on and never put a spanner on it, sold it on and I knew the next two owners never touched it either.
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Sandusky26
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Sandusky26 4/18/2022 2:08am
4/18/2022 2:08am
Sandusky26 wrote:
I need some good news, my 20 has 93 hours on it, and I’m about ready for a new one.
Thisusernameisavailable wrote:
In that 93hrs, what motor work have you done? I only ask, cos it appears to be a new trend that people are doing fewer engine...
In that 93hrs, what motor work have you done?

I only ask, cos it appears to be a new trend that people are doing fewer engine rebuilds now. New bike every two maybe three years, never put a spanner on the motor.

I had a 2006 RMZ450- two years service and I thought I better put a piston in it- but it didnt NEED it.
I then had an 09 which I put a tonne of hours on and never put a spanner on it, sold it on and I knew the next two owners never touched it either.
I did piston and valves at 60 hours, I needed valves but the piston look good. The guy at Bundy Build said my valve wear most likely came from over revving, my new valves haven’t moved in 32 hours. My stock clutch started slipping at 45 hours. I replaced the clutch with new OEM plates and EBC heavy duty springs and it has been good since then.
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RoostBuckets 4/18/2022 3:34am
4/18/2022 3:34am
Sandusky26 wrote:
Come on Roost Buckets we know your a KTM guy.
I will say I am more biased towards Kawi than I am KTM. I currently own a KTM yes, but lets be realistic.... It's clearly obvious that Suzuki is years behind every other bike in terms of engineering and progression. You can consider me an "everything but Suzuki guy" if it makes you feel better.
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Sandusky26
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Sandusky26 4/18/2022 9:01am
4/18/2022 9:01am
Sandusky26 wrote:
Come on Roost Buckets we know your a KTM guy.
RoostBuckets wrote:
I will say I am more biased towards Kawi than I am KTM. I currently own a KTM yes, but lets be realistic.... It's clearly obvious...
I will say I am more biased towards Kawi than I am KTM. I currently own a KTM yes, but lets be realistic.... It's clearly obvious that Suzuki is years behind every other bike in terms of engineering and progression. You can consider me an "everything but Suzuki guy" if it makes you feel better.
Suzuki’s OEM triple clamp technology is ahead of its time, Suzuki figured out how to keep the forks from snapping off in the 70’s with Roger.
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David934
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David934 4/19/2022 11:30am
4/19/2022 11:30am
motofool wrote:
You can make fun of the Suzuki's all you want but they are still a fantastic bike and look better then most of the others. Im...
You can make fun of the Suzuki's all you want but they are still a fantastic bike and look better then most of the others. Im a big guy and race B class and have no problem beating people on every other brand as well as pulling holeshots on this "outdated heavy bike". I really dont understand the obsession around here with trashing them especially by people who dont ride them or never have.

This is really nice bike.
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husqvarnaUSA
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husqvarnaUSA 4/20/2022 5:10am
4/20/2022 5:10am
Just picked up a leftover '21 for $8k out the door!
49
Sandusky26
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Sandusky26 4/20/2022 6:24am
4/20/2022 6:24am
husqvarnaUSA wrote:
Just picked up a leftover '21 for $8k out the door![img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/04/20/544881/s1200_20220419_160643.jpg[/img]
Just picked up a leftover '21 for $8k out the door!
Nothing more American than a small block Chevy with a Suzuki in the back, congratulations.
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1
RoostBuckets 4/20/2022 7:39am
4/20/2022 7:39am
husqvarnaUSA wrote:
Just picked up a leftover '21 for $8k out the door![img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/04/20/544881/s1200_20220419_160643.jpg[/img]
Just picked up a leftover '21 for $8k out the door!
Sandusky26 wrote:
Nothing more American than a small block Chevy with a Suzuki in the back, congratulations.
I don't understand this.... How is an old Chevy with a Japanese bike in the back equal to "nothing more American". I know its 4/20 and all, but damn man chill.
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Sandusky26
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Sandusky26 4/20/2022 7:45am
4/20/2022 7:45am
husqvarnaUSA wrote:
Just picked up a leftover '21 for $8k out the door![img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/04/20/544881/s1200_20220419_160643.jpg[/img]
Just picked up a leftover '21 for $8k out the door!
Sandusky26 wrote:
Nothing more American than a small block Chevy with a Suzuki in the back, congratulations.
RoostBuckets wrote:
I don't understand this.... How is an old Chevy with a Japanese bike in the back equal to "nothing more American". I know its 4/20 and...
I don't understand this.... How is an old Chevy with a Japanese bike in the back equal to "nothing more American". I know its 4/20 and all, but damn man chill.
If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand. Be happy for the guy with the new bike.

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Moto520
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Moto520 4/20/2022 7:48am
4/20/2022 7:48am
Congrats on the new bike....there's nothing like new bike day!
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Spat24 4/20/2022 11:42am
4/20/2022 11:42am
husqvarnaUSA wrote:
Just picked up a leftover '21 for $8k out the door![img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/04/20/544881/s1200_20220419_160643.jpg[/img]
Just picked up a leftover '21 for $8k out the door!
Awesome - enjoy the bike and have fun riding!!
4
Richard Tease II 4/20/2022 4:18pm
4/20/2022 4:18pm
Sandusky26 wrote:
I need some good news, my 20 has 93 hours on it, and I’m about ready for a new one.
Thisusernameisavailable wrote:
In that 93hrs, what motor work have you done? I only ask, cos it appears to be a new trend that people are doing fewer engine...
In that 93hrs, what motor work have you done?

I only ask, cos it appears to be a new trend that people are doing fewer engine rebuilds now. New bike every two maybe three years, never put a spanner on the motor.

I had a 2006 RMZ450- two years service and I thought I better put a piston in it- but it didnt NEED it.
I then had an 09 which I put a tonne of hours on and never put a spanner on it, sold it on and I knew the next two owners never touched it either.
Sandusky26 wrote:
I did piston and valves at 60 hours, I needed valves but the piston look good. The guy at Bundy Build said my valve wear most...
I did piston and valves at 60 hours, I needed valves but the piston look good. The guy at Bundy Build said my valve wear most likely came from over revving, my new valves haven’t moved in 32 hours. My stock clutch started slipping at 45 hours. I replaced the clutch with new OEM plates and EBC heavy duty springs and it has been good since then.
Bundy,s a legend. Good to see him out and about as well

Pit Row

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Sandusky26
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Sandusky26 4/20/2022 6:29pm
4/20/2022 6:29pm
Thisusernameisavailable wrote:
In that 93hrs, what motor work have you done? I only ask, cos it appears to be a new trend that people are doing fewer engine...
In that 93hrs, what motor work have you done?

I only ask, cos it appears to be a new trend that people are doing fewer engine rebuilds now. New bike every two maybe three years, never put a spanner on the motor.

I had a 2006 RMZ450- two years service and I thought I better put a piston in it- but it didnt NEED it.
I then had an 09 which I put a tonne of hours on and never put a spanner on it, sold it on and I knew the next two owners never touched it either.
Sandusky26 wrote:
I did piston and valves at 60 hours, I needed valves but the piston look good. The guy at Bundy Build said my valve wear most...
I did piston and valves at 60 hours, I needed valves but the piston look good. The guy at Bundy Build said my valve wear most likely came from over revving, my new valves haven’t moved in 32 hours. My stock clutch started slipping at 45 hours. I replaced the clutch with new OEM plates and EBC heavy duty springs and it has been good since then.
Richard Tease II wrote:
Bundy,s a legend. Good to see him out and about as well
He did my stuff in one day, didn’t cool guy me, and hooked me up with a killer deal on OEM Suzuki parts, highly recommended.
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RoostBuckets 4/21/2022 3:21am
4/21/2022 3:21am
Sandusky26 wrote:
Nothing more American than a small block Chevy with a Suzuki in the back, congratulations.
RoostBuckets wrote:
I don't understand this.... How is an old Chevy with a Japanese bike in the back equal to "nothing more American". I know its 4/20 and...
I don't understand this.... How is an old Chevy with a Japanese bike in the back equal to "nothing more American". I know its 4/20 and all, but damn man chill.
Sandusky26 wrote:
If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand. Be happy for the guy with the new bike.

Oh trust me I understand as I too own an ole Chevy. Just pointing out how 1 American vehicle and 1 Japanese vehicle doesn't equal "nothing more American" cause its literally 1-1. I'm very happy for the guy who was able to pick up a leftover new 2023 450!
8
Sandusky26
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Sandusky26 4/21/2022 4:15am
4/21/2022 4:15am
RoostBuckets wrote:
Oh trust me I understand as I too own an ole Chevy. Just pointing out how 1 American vehicle and 1 Japanese vehicle doesn't equal "nothing...
Oh trust me I understand as I too own an ole Chevy. Just pointing out how 1 American vehicle and 1 Japanese vehicle doesn't equal "nothing more American" cause its literally 1-1. I'm very happy for the guy who was able to pick up a leftover new 2023 450!
You should try getting laid or maybe a pet cat, I don’t know what to tell you.
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mxb2
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mxb2 4/21/2022 5:02am
4/21/2022 5:02am
husqvarnaUSA wrote:
Just picked up a leftover '21 for $8k out the door![img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/04/20/544881/s1200_20220419_160643.jpg[/img]
Just picked up a leftover '21 for $8k out the door!
Congrats. Great bike.
3
burn1986
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burn1986 5/8/2022 5:42pm
5/8/2022 5:42pm
Any news on the 2023 Suzuki?
soggy
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soggy 5/8/2022 6:06pm
5/8/2022 6:06pm
burn1986 wrote:
Any news on the 2023 Suzuki?
SOSO - same old same old.
3
RoostBuckets 5/9/2022 4:31am
5/9/2022 4:31am
burn1986 wrote:
Any news on the 2023 Suzuki?
I honestly hope they do something..... but lets be realistic.
wr74
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wr74 5/15/2022 6:08pm
5/15/2022 6:08pm
It looks like the current bike with the previous generation swingarm ? I can't see anything else different?
Dirt.Squirt
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Dirt.Squirt 5/16/2022 3:55pm
5/16/2022 3:55pm
I miss Tyler
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RoostBuckets 5/20/2022 7:11am
5/20/2022 7:11am
I wonder if ML512 has heard anything yet?
Sandusky26
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Sandusky26 5/20/2022 7:19am
5/20/2022 7:19am
RoostBuckets wrote:
I wonder if ML512 has heard anything yet?
My Suzuki is loaded up headed to Pleasure Valley to race the heavy's. Hope to see Bob.
3
MXer391
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MXer391 5/20/2022 8:26am
5/20/2022 8:26am
RoostBuckets wrote:
I wonder if ML512 has heard anything yet?
Sandusky26 wrote:
My Suzuki is loaded up headed to Pleasure Valley to race the heavy's. Hope to see Bob.
I'll be there
1

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