Ergonomics are comfortable and allow riders to take full advantage of the aggressive chassis.The smooth, usable power is puts down fast lap times, but of the EFI trio, the RM-Z is the most difficult to get started. Although our tester’s had mixed feelings about the RM-Z’s handing, all praised the quality Showa suspension components. While both the fork and the shock aren’t the plushest in this moto quartet, action and response are amongst the best. Another plus was the RM-Z’s narrow seat, Pro Taper handlebars, and extra-wide footpegs, combining for a very intuitive riding position. The Suzuki feels just as good as it did last year and is still on par against its rejuvenated competition.Deep ruts and sharp corners are just one of the many features of Racetown’s main track and this is one area where the RM-Z impresses. Not only do the Suzuki’s extra few pounds of mass make it less agile in the sky, it also seemed to affect its ability to shed excess speed. All but one of our testers ranked the Suzuki’s brake setup the lowest. Problems with Suzuki’s drivetrain were few and far between. Although Minor claimed that the bike popped out of out gear once or twice. Showa and Suzuki have a good working relationship. Suspension was suitable for our wide range of physical size and riding ability. The entire crop of Japanese MXers is flying high this season
Engine: 449cc liquid-cooled Single, DOHC, 4-valves
Bore x Stroke: 96 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio: 12.2:1
Fuel Delivery: Fuel-Injection
Horsepower: 46.4 hp @ 8400 rpm
Torque: 30.8 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
Transmission: 5-Speed
Front Suspension: Showa Twin-Chamber 47mm fork, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustment; 12.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Showa gas charged shock, 20-position low-speed and step-less high-speed compression damping, 19-position rebound dampening and adjustable spring preload; 12.2 in. travel
Front Brake: 250mm wave disc, double-piston caliper
Rear Brake: 240mm wave disc, single-piston caliper
Handlebar: Pro Taper
Tires: Bridgestone M403 80/100-21, M404 110/90-19
Curb Weight: 250 lbs. (ready to ride)
Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Length: 86.0 in.
Width: 32.7 in.
Ground Clearance: 13.8 in.
Seat Height: 37.6 in.
Fuel Capacity: 1.6 gal.
MSRP: $7499 Champion Yellow No. 2; Solid Black
Bore x Stroke: 96 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio: 12.2:1
Fuel Delivery: Fuel-Injection
Horsepower: 46.4 hp @ 8400 rpm
Torque: 30.8 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
Transmission: 5-Speed
Front Suspension: Showa Twin-Chamber 47mm fork, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustment; 12.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Showa gas charged shock, 20-position low-speed and step-less high-speed compression damping, 19-position rebound dampening and adjustable spring preload; 12.2 in. travel
Front Brake: 250mm wave disc, double-piston caliper
Rear Brake: 240mm wave disc, single-piston caliper
Handlebar: Pro Taper
Tires: Bridgestone M403 80/100-21, M404 110/90-19
Curb Weight: 250 lbs. (ready to ride)
Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Length: 86.0 in.
Width: 32.7 in.
Ground Clearance: 13.8 in.
Seat Height: 37.6 in.
Fuel Capacity: 1.6 gal.
MSRP: $7499 Champion Yellow No. 2; Solid Black
