Kris Keefer getting loose,...
Kris Keefer getting loose, as usual, on someone else's bike-this time on the FMF/Race Tech RM-Z450.
The FMF/Race Tech RM-Z450 has you covered. It has the engine and suspension performance for fast guys, and it is so trick it will definitely make you look quick if you aren't that fast! The motor is always fun on a 450, and this Suzuki has great pulling power from gear to gear. It shines in second-to-third gear transitions. Roll it on and shift early or leave it in third gear in tight corners! Fourth gear is where the fun begins. The bike just wanted to keep pulling down long straights, and only my throttle hand prevented it from accelerating for what seemed like forever. A switch on the bar gave me a choice of two ignition maps on the fly, and I preferred the map that was closest to stock. It gave the bike more power everywhere. Overall, the motor retained the stock engine's strong, smooth roll-on power delivery, just pulling longer than the somewhat flat-feeling stocker. The slipper clutch was a real bonus! We tested on a slippery track with very steep uphills and descents. You could keep your hand off of the clutch and let the motor do the braking for you with no stalling or loss of traction. Nice!
Suspension on the big yellow bike was a mixed bag for me. The fork worked extremely well, absorbing fast chop whether it was braking or accelerating. It had a plush feel that gave great feedback through the handlebar and didn't dive under heavy braking. I just couldn't get along with the shock. It felt both harsh when braking hard and across acceleration bumps. It didn't want to settle and bounced and kicked around a little more than normal. The bike didn't feel balanced for my riding style. The suspension was dialed in for "Lil' Donnie" Emler, and he is a lot taller than me, so it makes sense that the rear would be stiffer for him.
See the full parts list here on www.dirtrider.com.
 |  "Lil' Donnie" Emler isn't...  "Lil' Donnie" Emler isn't actually little, and neither is his influence in the industry. |  This RM-Z450 shows the influence...  This RM-Z450 shows the influence of his height and his connections. The FMF Ti twin-pipe setup has a "Yikes!" price and a rad visual effect. |
 Ride Engineering clamps add...  Ride Engineering clamps add bling and rider compartment adjustability. |  Works Connection makes the...  Works Connection makes the hot-start easy. |  The Oneighty Decals graphics...  The Oneighty Decals graphics are clean. |
 The rear wheel and drive system...  The rear wheel and drive system are sweet-looking-and proved trouble-free. |  Tokyo mods provided 10 ignition...  Tokyo mods provided 10 ignition map choices. | |