2018 Suzuki RMZ450 First Test
Cycle News Staff | August 10, 2017
2018 Suzuki RMZ450 First Test – We recently got our first taste of the all-new 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450 at the JGRMX test track in North Carolina, where Suzuki chose to introduce the bike to the media. Our initial impression is a good one after just our first couple of hours on the bike. Despite getting an all-new frame, suspension and many engine modifications, the RM-Z450 still feels like an RM-Z450–only better, in just about every area. The bike is better balanced, feels trimmer, has stronger braking, more power, and suspension is much improved overall. And, perhaps best of all, it did not lose its precise and quick turning abilities, which is something this bike was already well known for.
2018 Suzuki RMZ450 First Test
It might not be any lighter but it feels like it.
What didn’t impress us? Not much really. It still weighs about the same, which isn’t a great thing since it was already one of the heaviest bikes in its class (at least it feels a little lighter on the track thanks to the improved chassis), clutch still might need some beefing up for real aggressive riding, and it’s still uses a kick starting system (Husqvarna, KTM and now Honda and Yamaha 450s all have electric starting, something we are a big fan of).
2018 Suzuki RMZ450 First Test
Our first ride on the 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450 took place at the JGRMX test track in North Carolina.
The new coil spring fork is a big improvement over the previous pneumatic fork, and so far so good with the new BFRC (Balance Free Rear Cushion) shock. Internally, it’s all-new, and fully adjustable.
The engine makes great power. Its personality is much like that of the previous engine but with a bit more power from bottom to top.
2018 Suzuki RMZ450 First Test
It still turns. Yes!
Even after just a few hours on the track, we feel that people who are already fans of the RM-Z450 are really going to love it, and those who weren’t, just might change their minds.
We’re anxious to spend a lot more time on the 2018 RM-Z450 in the upcoming weeks and then follow up with a full-blown test.
Finally, Suzuki combined mechanical and cosmetic changes to the RM-Z450 at the same time.
