2010 Suzuki RM-Z 450 First Look

No one expected 2010 to be such a big year for Suzuki dirt bikes.

Suzuki Dirt Bike engineers have been busy dialing in and improving on its big RMZ450 MX bike. Modifications to the 2010 RM-Z450 engine include revised cam profiles, cylinder-head porting, and an improved camchain tensioner. Suzuki also optimized the RM-Z450’s electronic fuel injection, reversing the throttle valve movement. Changes to the chassis include a two-piece head stock that’s 9mm-taller than last year. The Showa 47mm forks have new spring rates. The extruded and cast members on the rear section of the frame are now wider, and the motorcycle’s wheelbase is 0.6-inches longer. The Showa rear suspension features revised spring and damping rates.

Suzuki Dirt Bike engineers have carefully developed the RM-Z450’s powerful 449cm3, DOHC, 4-valve engine to increase power throughout the rev range. Always known for its incredible midrange, the 2010 RM-Z450 now has arm-stretching high-rpm power. A combination of revised cam profiles and reworked cylinder-head porting give the 2010 RM-Z450 amazing idle-to-redline thrust. An improved camchain tensioner provides more consistent performance. Also a modified throttle linkage makes the low-speed throttle response more progressive.

Improved Fuel Injection: For 2010, the RM-Z450’s electronic fuel injection is improved with a reversed throttle valve movement. Such a simple alteration pays handsomely: The fine fuel-air mist from the 12-hole fuel injector is directed away from the throttle valve for a more uniform mixture producing increased power and enhanced throttle response.

Chassis Dynamics: Everywhere you look, the RM-Z450’s twin-spar aluminum alloy frame has received detailed improvements to optimize rigidity & balance. It starts with the head stock, which is now a two-piece design that’s 9mm taller than before. The sections at the rear of the frame, which are made up of extruded and cast members, are now wider for increased rigidity. More strength comes from a wider upper frame bridge beneath the saddle, while material wall thickness was strategically designed to save weight.

High-Quality Showa Suspension: The RM-Z450 employs race-bred, state-of-the-art Showa suspension front and rear. For 2010, both ends of the bike are given suitably revised spring and damping rates. The new rates work together with the chassis’ optimized rigidity balance to improve handling. Showa 47mm inverted forks provide optimum wheel travel and can be adjusted for compression as well as rebound damping. A Showa rear shock offers both high- and low-speed compression damping adjustment along with rebound damping and spring preload adjustments. Working through Suzuki’s rising-rate linkage system (now with revised link-bearing tolerances for precise handling performance) the shock provides 310mm of wheel travel while delivering maximum traction.

MSRP $7,990