The Suzuki RM-Z450 received extensive updates in 2018 that enhanced its top-end engine performance, but the suspension and chassis left something to be desired and did not complement each other very well. For 2019, Suzuki made an effort to address these issues by reducing shock-spring rate and spec’ing different damping settings on the fork and shock, which improved the stance of the bike slightly but didn’t level out the bike enough and its rear-end-high sensation was still detectable. Even so, the RM-Z450 remained one of the sharpest-turning bikes in its class.
The only other revision made in 2019 was non-performance-related in the form of new graphics, and that is the only change Suzuki’s flagship motocrosser received for 2020. On our in-house dynamometer, the RM-Z450 produced 49.9 hp at 8,900 rpm and 32.4 pound-feet of torque at 7,600 rpm, putting it fifth in horsepower and fourth in torque output of the six 450cc MXers. At 251 pounds wet, it’s the heaviest bike in its class and the only one to not come with electric start. Bottom line? A good motocross bike in a segment filled with greats.
