Six Fast Facts – 2017 Suzuki RMX450Z
Off-road riders rejoice! Suzuki has released an all-new 2017 Suzuki RMX450Z trail bike that fits into an interesting niche. Let’s go over what we know about the new RMX450Z.
- The 2017 Suzuki RMX450Z is the brand’s first full-sized off-road bike since 2011. The 1990s RMX250 two-stroke is one of our all-time favorite enduro bikes, so we’re pleased to see Suzuki return to selling serious off-road bikes. The first RMX450Z was an ill-fated venture in the United States due to onerous government regulations, so we’re sure Suzuki has everything right for 2017.
- The motor in the 2017 Suzuki RMX450Z is a retuned version of the RM-Z450 motocross powerplant. Suzuki has changed the inlet tract, cam profiles, and added a larger magneto to redirect the power to lower in the rev range, which is what trail riding demands. A wide-ratio transmission is fitted to match the changed power delivery. Suzuki doesn’t mention it, but we’d suspect the EFI is also revised. The new tuning also makes the RMX450Z EPA and CARB compliant, so it is Green Sticker legal in California.
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- Also based on the RM-Z450 MX bike, the chassis is different on the 2017 RMX450Z. In addition to getting an 18-inch rear wheel, the aluminum swingarm and linkage is described as “descended from the RM-Z line.” Still, the RMX450Z gets fully adjustable Showa suspension at both ends. Suzuki calls the waved discs on the RMX450Z “race-inspired”, while the rims are black-anodized Excel units.
- The RMX450Z gets additional features for off-roading. The big one is the two-mode
(sport/standard) dash. The sport mode shows info needed for enduro competition, while the standard mode includes two tripmeters and voltage info. A bit of high-tech comes from the ability to adjust the speedo/odo to the size of the rear tire for the accuracy needed for enduros with timekeeping. A low fuel light warns you that you’re running out of gas, as there is no reserve with EFI. There’s also a plastic skid plate, a headlight, and an LED taillight. The fork protectors and rear disc protector from the RM-Z450 carry over to the RMX450Z. One thing the RMX450Z doesn’t get is a large fuel tank—the Z carries just 1.6 gallons of fuel.
- Suzuki is not marketing the 2017 RMX450Z as a GNCC or race bike, so it’s not competition for the Yamaha YZ450X. Press info describes the RMX450Z as “trail ready” rather than race-ready and “The new RMX450Z is ready to give trail riders the high-performance edge they desire,” with no mention of racers. Think of it as a high-end trail bike that goes up against the Green Stickerable Honda CRF450X and Yamaha WR450F, as well as a variety of Euro bikes.
- The Suzuki RMX450Z is competitively priced. At $8999, it is $100 less than the 2017 Yamaha WR450F. Honda hasn’t announced information on a 2017 CRF450X yet, but the carbureted 2016 version runs $8440.
2017 Suzuki RMX450Z Specs
ENGINE | ||
Engine | 449cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC | |
Bore x stroke | 96.0 x 62.1mm | |
Compression ratio | 11.6:1 | |
Fuel system | EFI | |
Starting | Electric with backup kick starter | |
Lubrication | Semi-dry sump | |
DRIVE TRAIN | ||
Transmission | Wide-ratio 5-speed constant mesh | |
Final drive | DID520MXV chain | |
CHASSIS | ||
Front suspension | Fully adjustable inverted Showa forks | |
Rear suspension | Linkage assisted fully adjustable Showa shock | |
Front tire | 80/100-21 51M, tube type | |
Rear tire | 110/90-18 64M, tube type | |
ELECTRICAL | ||
Ignition | CDI | |
Headlight | 35W | |
Tail light | LED | |
DIMENSIONS | ||
L x W x H | 86.0 x 33.1 x 49.8 inches | |
Wheelbase | 58.5 inches | |
Ground Clearance | 12.6 inches | |
Seat Height | 37.4 inches | |
Curb Weight | 272 pounds | |
Fuel tank capacity | 1.6 gallons | |
Warranty | 6 month limited warranty (extendable) | |
Color | Champion Yellow / Solid Black | |
2017 Suzuki RMX450Z Price | $8999 MSRP |
Why not follow the rmx of early days and put a plate on it to register,as a 44 year old whos been on bikes for 39 years i could garantee it would out sell anything in its class by massive margins maybe 2018 ??
250CC green sticker ersion please