First Impressions: 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450 8

Honestly this is why i like Lindsay , genuine guy who likes the deep technical aspect. Meanwhile over at MXA you hear Ecklund reading a script and constantly comparing everything to the KTM.

Same here! Couldn't have said it any better.
Great review and serious information about the BFRC shock.

Really like the whole VitalMX work!

Thumbs up from me too. Appreciate the indepth review and feedback, especially on the feel of the new shock. For me it was easy to understand and get a feel for what you were feeling on the bike

Awesome job Michael! I enjoy how much more in depth your reviews are compared to others. I do have one question about the shroud design... toward the back of the shroud, around mid frame there is a pretty sharp point that points down. Do you see that ever being an issue with possibly catching the top of your boot on, or is it tucked away enough that I won't be an issue?

Great review as always. Thanks. ML512

Great review Michael,

I appreciate your candor about the RMZ in pointing out the areas that will require setting changes and so forth. I anticipate that a lighter engine with electric start would bring the bike to a more competitive weight and features with Husqvarna and KTM, but it was not in the budget for 2018.

As one of the honest members of the media, you have one of the most difficult jobs in MX journalism and testing. A manufacturer or company invites you test their new machine, and then you ride it and give them the honest answer. The honest answer actually serves the manufacture better than pandering, but it does have to be a bit difficult. Ex. Thanks for in the invite, but your bike needs work.

The stakes being that readers can sense when a tester is hyping a product to draw in an advertiser and you loose credibility, therefore they no longer read your report. On the other hand, you provide an honest review with negative aspects and the manufacturer or advertisers no longer invite you back.

It's all about the delivery of the message and your craft at doing so is exceptional.

I enjoyed the review.

Thank you, I really appreciate the words of encouragement for our work, I'm trying!

Best reviewer in the business. Good job!