Suzuki RM-Z450 (2010) Tested

Suzuki RM-Z450 (2010) Tested  -  Page 1  /  Page 2  / Pictorial By Mark Willis The chassis has come in for some major improvements also with a new sub-frame, swing arm and rear linkage and upgraded rear shock with Showa 47mm inverted forks holding the front end up. Both front and rear suspension are fully adjustable with rebound and compression and the rear shock also has the bonus of preload adjustment. Out on the track again, I find that the suspension works really well over the small sharp edge bumps without being compromised on the bigger jumps. It doesn’t want to deflect on big braking bumps and holds itself together well while setting up for the rutted corners. Suzuki seem to have their spring rates sorted as there were riders from 60kg up to 95kg and the bikes seem to handle all weights well with just some simple spring preload adjustments on the rear to get the race sag right. Ergonomically the bike feels good. It’s nice and narrow, far better than the early models and you sit on top of the bike rather than in it which gives you the sense of being more in control. The alloy tank gives the bike a factory look, and Renthal taper fat bars are nice to hang on to when swinging off the back after a 30 min moto! Wave rotors are standard front and rear with the rear brake offering good feel, while the front brake offers good feel it seems to lack a little bit of initial bite. This is especially noticeable as the brakes get hotter. The bike feels aggressive and stable in the tight rutted corners. My only real concern on the handling side of things was the bike’s tendency to run a little wide on the flat hard pack corners. Overall Suzuki has done a great job in updating an already impressive package.

Suzuki RM-Z450 (2010) Test  -  Page 1  /  Page 2  / Pictorial

Sexy in race attire

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