2019 Suzuki RM-Z450

The Suzuki RM-Z450 is the Japanese brand’s flagship motocross bike. This past year, it benefited from a significant number of updates, so for 2019 it receives only minor changes: a lighter-rate shock spring, different damping settings for the fork and shock, and new graphics. The RM-Z450 was the first 450cc motocross bike to benefit from electronic fuel injection back in 2008. A decade later, the RM-Z450 was also the first production motocross bike to come with a Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC) shock, a high-spec component to which only factory-level supercross and motocross racers previously had access.

As of 2019, the RM-Z450 is the only 450cc motocross bike that does not come equipped from the factory with “the button”—an electric starter. Thankfully, the otherwise fully modern engine kicks to life fairly easily. It produced 50 hp at 8,380 rpm and 33 pound-feet of torque at 7,350 rpm on the Cycle World Dynojet dynamometer. With those figures, the RM-Z450 ranks fifth in horsepower output and second in the torque category among the big six 450cc motocrossers; in alphabetical order: Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, and Yamaha.

Likes: Corners well and has comfortable ergonomics

Dislikes: Old-school four-stroke engine character and no electric start

Verdict: An easy-to-ride 450cc motocross bike

After Suzuki significantly updated the RM-Z450 in 2018, the bike was praised by test riders for its much-plusher and hassle-free fork, a slightly more powerful engine, and living up to its reputation as being one of the best cornering machines in the category.

2019 Suzuki RM-Z450 Dyno

2018 Suzuki RM-Z450 Has Better Torque And Higher Peak Horsepower

2019 450cc Motocross Shootout

The 450cc motocross-bike market is one of the most competitive in the world of motorcycling with six manufacturers constantly improving their bikes. If you are interested in the Suzuki RM-Z450, you should also consider these motorcycles with similar pricing, specifications, and intended use:

2019 Honda CRF450R

2019 Kawasaki KX450

2019 KTM 450 SX-F

The 2019 Suzuki RM-Z450 retails for $8,949, which makes it the most affordable—or least expensive, depending on how you roll—of the top six 450cc motocross bikes on the market. The RM-Z, however, weighs 250 pounds, which ties it with the Honda CRF450R as the heaviest bike in the class.