I rode the bike for 19 more hours without incident, then finally retired the Suzuki to the studio for the final teardown and photos. With the help of Jimmy Lewis, I tore through the motor, inspecting every part. We noticed the moderate wear on certain parts and the minimal wear to other components. I hadn't seen any metal in the sidecover oil filter from the ignition bolts coming loose. Well, when the cases came apart, we saw that the filter screens had done their job! We found where the missing particles had ended up. It is a shame you have to split the cases on this bike to get to them, but on the 2007 RM-Z450 you have easier access. The only other issue was the small end of the rod had some small galling inside and on the piston pin. I've learned that at my riding level and speed I need to be inspecting the top end of a 450 every 40 hours. This one might have been on its last leg. And that metal from the ignition didn't help.
I've put a lot of good hours on this RM-Z450. One hundred forty-one, to be exact. I can honestly say that I was impressed with the bike-and surprised when I finally saw how expensive it is to be a struggling privateer, just in terms of bike parts! The first problem at 64 hours was my fault. The bottom end snafu at 84 hours is something that was going to happen on any bike; I just rode it too long while it was making noise. And the magneto bolts backing could have been prevented if I had put in new bolts. Truthfully, all I ever did to the bike was put in gas and change the oil and air filters. I never checked the valves, and the bike always started on the first or second kick. I'm going to miss this machine, but it won't miss me!
Running Tally
Hours on Bike: 141
(55 since last update)
Modifications: $2647.53
Factory Effex dual-grip seat cover: $59.95
Factory Effex Signature Series graphics kit: $109.95
Factory Effex Signature Series matching backgrounds: $59.95
Maintenance and Repairs: $7345.87 (not including tires)
13 qt Torco T-4MXR: $8.75 each
4 oil filters: $8.95 each
Tag Metals rear sprocket, 50T: $59.95
Tag Metals front sprocket, 14T: $29.95
Oury grips: $7.95
2 bolts: $2.98
Magneto cover: $129.91
Magneto gasket: $7.21
Clutch plates, metal and fiber: $140.50
6 clutch springs: $19.38
Magneto assembly: $354.29
Subframe: $367.67
Chain buffer: $32.13
Chain guide: $40.72
Chain plate: $29.68
Rear disc: $100.84
Rear brake pad: $28
5 sets Bridgestone front 401A ($92.97 each) and rear 402A ($116.42 each) tires*
*Mostly used takeoffs from race bike.