2018 Suzuki RM-Z450 launched at Taupo
S
uzuki launched the eagerly awaited, all-new RM-Z450 at the start of
September in Taupo. Rather than make you wait another couple of weeks
for our first impression of the new bike, we’ve done a quick video edit to give
you something to watch while we write up the test and cut a longer video
for the next issue. Check out the video across the page, and read
what’s been done to the new bike on a tech front down below.
ENGINE/FUEL INJECTION
More power and improved throttle
response come courtesy of some
significant tinkering. There’s a
stronger piston (bracing ribs on the
underside), new inlet port shape
to promote fuel mixture swirl,
higher lift intake cam, new injector
firing down the inlet towards the
inlet valve (rather than across it),
and a new airbox with larger filter
inlet (which is better protected to
keep the filter cleaner for longer)
to give a flatter torque curve with
better midrange and increased
peak power. A new throttle body
and a higher pressure fuel pump
give better throttle response.
BRAKES
Up front there’s a larger diameter
disc but nobody seems to know how
big it is, so we’ll have to wait and see.
The rear master cylinder is smaller to
avoid crash damage by the look of it.
STYLING
Fresh styling gives the bike a more
angular look than last year and is
much closer to the Suzuki factory
machines. With a graphics kit and a
pipe it’d be almost indistinguishable
from the factory bike – very trick.
The bike is slimmer in the seat
area which should make it easier
to move around on. There’s a
new muffler which looks pretty
big but has been built to meet
the new FIM noise regulations.
The wheels get a factory-style black look and are a little
lighter. There’s also an engine protector (splash guards)
to shield the water pump and magneto cover.
ELECTRONICS
There’s a new (third generation) Electronic Control Module
(ECM) for Suzuki’s traction control that’s faster at processing
the incoming sensor data with more memory capacity to give
better traction management. The Holeshot Assist (S-HAC) also
gets an update to its A-mode (hard or slippery surfaces) giving
finer throttle control to improve the rider’s feel for grip.