Bike: 2015 Suzuki RMX450Z

Suzuki has announced the introduction of the RMX450Z enduro racer to its product line-up, which the brand will seek ADR approval for prior to its release Down Under.

Set to arrive in Australia early next year, the RMX450Z shares the DNA of Suzuki’s championship winning RM-Z450 motocrosser, including a fuel-injected 449cc engine, race-bred frame, suspension and bodywork. Developed to maximise off-road performance, the model heads Suzuki’s popular off-road range, which includes one of Australia’s iconic trail enduro bikes, the street-legal DR-Z400E.

“The introduction of the ADR-approved RMX450Z adds some serious firepower to Suzuki’s off-road line-up,”said Lewis Croft, National Marketing Manager, Motorcycles, Suzuki Australia. “It takes advanced technology developed by Suzuki in motocross competition, and puts it into a race-ready enduro package. The RMX450Z features the same 449cc fuel-injected engine that revolutionised motocross in the Suzuki RM-Z450, along with a host of other common components – it’s a high-spec off-road weapon.”

Delivering exceptional power and torque, the RMX450Z is powered by a 449cc, four-stroke single-cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC, 4-valve engine, sharing the key technologies of the RM-Z450. Utilising Suzuki’s vast experience and knowledge on- and off-road, the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system ensures crisp and strong power delivery, lower emissions and impressive fuel economy. A modified inlet tract and revised cam profiles enhance low and mid-range power, while the airbox features a hinged lid for quick air filter access, easier maintenance and better dust protection.

To meet the demands of trail riding, the RMX450Z has an extra coolant reservoir tank and relocated filler cap, along with a bash plate. Wider primary and final drive ratios in the five-speed transmission help riders get the most from the impressive engine when off the beaten track, from tackling a rutted uphill goat track to open fire roads. The trail is no place to be kick-starting, and the RMX450Z features an electric starter, while the starter and lights’ centrally-located batteries are charged by a larger magneto-generator.

Based on the RM-Z450 but optimised for off-road riding, an aluminium alloy frame utilises cast and extruded sections in a slim, lightweight, rigid and tough package. The RMX450Z features a Showa suspension package derived from the championship winning RM-Z450 – the 47mm inverted front forks are fully adjustable for rebound and compression settings, while the rear shock unit offers fully adjustable rebound, compression and pre-load settings. Spring rates and suspension geometry on the Suzuki have been developed for off-road riding, combining with an 18 inch rear wheel to offer razor-sharp cornering and a smooth ride across rugged terrain. Slim bodywork, a low-profile aluminium fuel tank and a motocross-developed seat gives RMX450Z pilots a functional riding position to focus on the terrain ahead to optimise line selection.

The RMX450Z’s compact instrumentation offers riders the choice between two modes, a sports mode showing the basic information a rider needs in competition, such as a trip meter, timer and average speed, while a standard mode displays additional information including speed, time and information of two trip lengths. An integrated tyre diameter calculator allows precise fine tuning for different tyres, giving racers accurate live data for speed and distance displays. Suzuki’s trademark Black/Champion Yellow livery with black, white and red graphics accompanies the aggressive styling of the class-leading RMX450Z.

The 2015 Suzuki RMX450Z will be available in Australia in early 2015, with Suzuki announcing pricing details and full specifications closer to launch.