2018 SUZUKI RM-Z450

Since introducing the very first fuel-injected 450cc four-stroke back in 2008, Suzuki’s thengroundbreaking RM-Z450 has been quiet on the update front for the past decade. Only minor changes have trickled in and— to be blunt—the flagship RM-Z has fallen behind the cutting edge. For 2018 the RM-Z450 has a reworked engine, an updated frame and swingarm, plus fresh suspension components. All key items in any recipe for a return to greatness.

Suzuki claims higher peak horsepower and broader torque from the updated completely new, now with a higher-pressure fuel pump and the injector relocated to spray fuel directly at the throttle butterfly. Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control system (S-HAC) remains for 2018, which helps to smoothly apply power during starts via two available modes, A (updated from last year) and B. Lastly, the engine received improvements to the transmission and clutch, mostly to increase durability.