The 2017 Suzuki rmx450 was a tricky one when you read our fast facts you’ll get the initial impression that we don’t like the bike. The 2017 Suzuki rmx450 is something like the US version of the honda rc211v tailpipe sniffers. It’s difficult to fully assess the rmx 450 Z’s capabilities with it in stock configuration however we wanted to establish a baseline before modifying the rmx. We’re interested in how it worked right out of the box. The stock rmx 450 c is not all new based on the short-lived 2010 rmx 450 z.
The 2017 version is essentially the same motorcycle. The big difference is that the EPA and carb are now satisfied. Suzuki would rather forget the 2010 and the 2017 rmx. It is a green sticker legal machine to reduce sound and emissions. Only a single power mode for our single track test was challenging for us. We selected for the first test of the stock rmx 450 Z we were constantly installing the bike. Thank you Suzuki for an electric start even with an emission strangled engine. We expected a decent boost off the bottom due to the torque focused cam timing.
Unfortunately, it’s just not there five mid-speed trails are what the rmx 450 Z craves. If you can find a trail that is open enough to keep the revs in the mid-range. The rmx is a reasonably fun bike to ride the power is enough to get up to speed though not even vaguely overwhelming at that speed. The chassis allows you to make the most of the power six forget about any top and power on. The stock rmx 450 z while it has a 41 millimeters Keon throttle body. The throttle plate rotates open less than 33 degrees the result is no top-end power. So timely shifting of the precise gearbox is crucial. It’s difficult to even pull 4th and 5th gear Suzuki widened the 5-speed Rani’s ratios compared to the RM 450 z motocrosser.
The 1st and 2nd are lower and useful while 4th and 5th are higher and hard on. The motor with the weak bottom end we were constantly looking for a lower than 1st gear. On the technical trails even with the shorter gearing on the bottom 8. The good news is that the chassis is excellent while 2010 might seem like Ian’s ago in some facets of motorcycling it isn’t ancient history for trail bikes. Remember the only green sticker competition for the rMX is the aging carbureted Honda CRF 450 X.
The very fresh new Yamaha WR 450 f9 adds the speeds we were riding. We like the cus show is suspension both fully adjustable the soft damping and spring action of the 47 millimeters Forks. The linkage assisted shock was pleasant. The rMX 450 C has no problem finding traction and doesn’t get Z flagged. It easily travels in inches at both ends which is certainly enough for the motor. We can’t wait to see how it works when we dial more power into the engine 10.
It’s fortunate that the suspension is excellent. It is lifting the front end feat with a curb weight of 272 pounds. Almost identical to the WR 450 F and CR f 450 X. The suffocated motor has zero interest in the throttle blade still off. The front end over obstacles you have to choose your lines wisely. The upper side superb steering habits make that possible and the bike feels great on downhills where power is less of an issue. Suzuki could have done better than the Dunlop sports tires. The traction on test day was perfect and a nearly bald knobby would have done fine.
So we don’t have any specific complaints regardless we’d have liked to see Suzuki upgrade to Dunlop Geo max. Bringing back the rmx 450 z12 if you don’t do any mods to the rmx 450 z. It’s hard to imagine you will be a contented customer is fully stocked rim. The r MX 450 c can be a difficult ride without low or top and power. The strangled engine is not satisfying this test is only part one of our 2017 Suzuki RM x 450 z evaluation. We got one of the first our MX 450 Z’s off the boat from Japan and tested at the same day. We snagged it however when we got home and consulted with our team of engineers.
It looks like there are some easily doable and cost-free modifications that can triple the peak horsepower of the 450 motor. This will bring it up to GNCC competitive engine performance. Suzuki is even offering contingency money in that series. Though no one will be collecting it on a stalker. The mods we expect to execute will invalidate our the MX 450 Z’s green sticker compliance. We don’t buy California’s fraudulent green sticker program as the science behind. It is politically motivated how you deal with that issue is up to your lawyer and your conscience.
