Suzuki RM-Z450 specifications
Suzuki · Motocross
Suzuki lists a 247 lb curb weight, a 37.8 in seat, a 58.3 in wheelbase, 13.0 in of ground clearance and a 1.7 gal tank. The front suspension is an inverted fork with adjustable damping and the rear a link shock with adjustable preload and damping. It weighs 9 lb more than Honda's CRF450R at 238 lb curb, and 4 lb more than Yamaha's YZ450F at 243 lb wet.
Suzuki RM-Z450
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2027 |
| Engine | 449cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC |
| Displacement | 449cc |
| Bore x stroke | 96.0x62.1 mm |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection, 44mm throttle body |
| Final drive | Chain, DID® 520DMA2K, 114 links |
| Rear suspension | Link type, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable spring preload, and damping force |
| Seat height | 37.8 in |
| Wet weight (curb) | 247 lb |
| Wheelbase | 58.3 in |
| Fuel capacity | 1.7 gal |
| Length x width | 85.6x32.9 in |
| Starting MSRP | $9,699 |
| Class | Motocross |
| Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh |
| Front suspension | Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable damping force |
| Front brake | Disc brake, single rotor |
| Ground clearance | 13.0 in |
| Starter | Primary kickstarter with automatic decompressor |
| Lubrication | Semi-dry sump |
| Clutch | Wet multi-plate |
| Ignition | Electronic ignition (CDI) |
| Warranty | Not applicable |
RM-Z450 against the 450s
At $9,699 the RM-Z450 costs $400 less than Honda's CRF450R at $10,099, $600 less than Yamaha's YZ450F at $10,299, $1,950 less than KTM's 450 SX-F at $11,649 and $4,000 less than Kawasaki's KX450SR at $13,699. It is the cheapest and the heaviest of the group.
What Motocross Action found
Motocross Action's race test of the 2025 bike is blunt. It says added weight is not a plus for braking, acceleration, suspension or lifting the bike on a stand, that after 9,000 rpm the engine makes noise, not horsepower, and that the bike is the heaviest 450 on the track at 241 pounds without gas, or 239 with the aftermarket exhaust that removes 2 pounds.
It concludes the 2025 engine delivers usable low-to-mid power but top-end power is lacking.
Suzuki's own listing gives 247 lb curb weight, a different basis.
Price and setup argument
Dirt Bike Magazine tested the RM Army edition and says that today's 450s are a little excessive and horsepower is often the enemy of handling, that an aftermarket exhaust adds a little power on top and takes a little weight off, and that the bike is the second-most affordable 450 in its class behind Honda's CRF450R-S. Use the suspension settings and adjustment procedure for the rider and track.
The current $9,699 RM-Z450 and $8,499 RM-Z250 base prices differ by $1,200; an older review’s price comparison belongs to its tested edition. The RM-Z450 at $9,699 is $400 under Honda's CRF450R.
The argument for it is value, not top speed.
RM-Z450 against the CRF450R and YZ450F
Honda's CRF450R and Yamaha's YZ450F are the closest 450cc four-stroke rivals.
Suzuki RM-Z450 — specification referenceTotal Motorcycle says the fully adjustable BFRC suspension controls damping during minute movements so well that ride comfort increases at lower speeds while handling improves at higher speeds, and that the engine is controllable with high peak power while the chassis is the class standard for cornering.
The report adds that the bike was developed with Suzuki's RUN, TURN and STOP philosophy, with stronger brakes for better stopping power and a wider spread of engine power.
- Model-year range
- 2025–2027
- Compared editions
- 3
- Specification entries
- 24
- Entries that differ
- 1
- Suspension Rear
- BFRC-link type, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable spring preload and damping force; BFRC-link type, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable spring preload and damping force; Link type, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable spring preload, and damping force.
2027 Suzuki RM-Z450 questions
What is BFRC suspension?
Total Motorcycle says the fully adjustable BFRC controls damping during minute suspension movements, improving comfort at low speeds and handling at higher speeds.
How much does the Suzuki RM-Z450 cost?
Suzuki lists $9,699 for the 2027 RM-Z450, with a 247 lb curb weight and a 37.8 in seat. Motocross Action calls it the heaviest 450 on the track.
The Suzuki RM-Z450 is Suzuki's 449cc liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke motocross bike, with a 12.5:1 compression ratio, 44 mm throttle-body fuel injection and a five-speed gearbox. Suzuki prices it at $9,699. It is a closed-course race bike, so it is not a street-legal choice.
Dirt Bike Magazine tested the RM Army edition and says that today's 450s are a little excessive and horsepower is often the enemy of handling, that an aftermarket exhaust adds a little power on top and takes a little weight off, and that the bike is the second-most affordable 450 in its class behind Honda's CRF450R-S.
It suggests you can dial in the suspension without much work and put the roughly $1,000 saved in your pocket. The RM-Z450 at $9,699 is $400 under Honda's CRF450R. The argument for it is value, not top speed.
Other models in this reference: Suzuki SV-7GX, Suzuki SV650 ABS.