Back to 2012 Suzuki Motorcycle Model Review Page

Click photos to enlarge.
They make great desktop images.

2012 Suzuki RM-Z450

2012 Suzuki RM-Z450

– 2012 Suzuki RM-Z450

2012 Suzuki RM-Z450 Review

The 2012 RM-Z450 is an open-class motocross machine that’s ready to dominate the toughest of tracks. As a racer, you need quick, laser-accurate steering and confidence-inspiring high-speed handling all in one package. And you want a high performance machine with a racing pedigree that makes it competitive right out of the crate. The RM-Z450 has been taking champions across the finish line ahead of the pack for years, fiercely competing across the globe from the World MX1 series to America’s prestigious AMA Supercross and outdoor motocross championships. It’s no secret that Champions Choose Suzuki!

Mount up. Because 1st place doesn’t come without a fight. Razor-sharp handling. Beastly torque. Quick-response braking. They’re not features, they’re the difference between podium and parking lot. Our legendary RM-Zs put the track—and the competition—at your mercy.

The 2012 Suzuki RM-Z450 is now available and as only can be expected from this championship-winning motorcycle, it is ready to race right out of the crate.

In 2007, the RM-Z450 became the world’s first mass production motocross motorcycle to feature electronic fuel injection, a ground-breaking move which has seen Suzuki lead race fields across the globe.

The 449cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC, 4-valve engine features the latest cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, throttle body, cam shafts and valve springs.

Pioneered by Suzuki in the motocross category, the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) System uses a reversed throttle movement, which directs mist away from the valve to produce more power and enhanced throttle response.

The RM-Z450’s rigid, twin-spar aluminium frame is accompanied by an advanced subframe, linkage and rear swingarm, whilst the race-bred Showa suspension provides sharp handling, improved manoeuvrability and maximum traction.

This potent powerplant also features a five-speed, constant mesh transmission and impressive brakes package to produce a race-winning package.

Built with lessons learned from racetrack domination, Suzuki’s ultimate weapon can now be yours.

 

 

 

2012 Suzuki RM-Z450 Key Features

NEW FEATURES:

Meets AMA noise limit (94dB/A) & FIM (115 dB/A) and improve performance:

– Meets 94db AMA & FIM (115 dB/A) race regulation while keeping smooth engine output.

– Compression ration has been increased from 12.2 to 12.5 for higher output. – Intake & Exhaust cam timing has been changed for better engine feeling with lower noise (94db).

– ECU settings have been updated for more linear acceleration and improved over-rev.
Easier maintenance:

– Two optional couplers come with the unit to change the carburetion setting (Richer & Leaner)

– Convenient fuel line cap for regular maintenance.

Suzuki’s class-leading fuel-injection system uses technology derived from Suzuki’s championship-winning models. The RM-Z450, the first motocross bike to ever use fuel injection, has won both outdoor championships as well as a Supercross championship.

449cm3 4-stroke liquid cooled DOHC engine featuring the first fuel injection on a production motocross bike.

The fuel-injection system uses technology from Suzuki’s championship-winning models – the GSX-R supersport bikes and the QuadRacer R450 ATV.

The innovative lightweight battery-less electronic fuel injection system brings about better “roll-on” power and responsive low-to-mid range.

KEIHIN throttle body built specifically for the motocross environment. Progressive throttle linkage improves controllability and efficiently puts the power at low throttle.

18-pin magneto senses feedback on crankshaft position, rotation speed and stroke for the ECU to calculate optimum injection and ignition timings.

Single-phase all-charging system, with the magneto supplying all the necessary electric power.

Suzuki Advanced Sump System (SASS) with separate crankshaft and transmission compartments allows a highly compact, short and low-slung engine.

Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) cylinder coating improves heat transfer, durability and weight reduction.

5-speed transmission provides extra flexibility for various terrains and conditions.

Link-type shifting system offers smooth transitions through the gears.

Hot starter position on the right handlebar, helping allow rider’s left hand to focus on clutch operation.

Slim chassis design while opening up the cockpit for additional room to allow the rider to actively take control of the machine.

Lightweight twin-spar aluminum frame incorporates racing feedback to deliver corner-railing, whoops-blazing performance and agile handling on various terrains.

Lightweight rear swingarm to reduce weight and enhances terrain-traversing performance over bumps.

Inverted twin-chamber SHOWA front forks and piggyback-reservoir SHOWA rear shock absorber, both designed focused on lightweight and better shock absorption.

Race-inspired disc rotors offer better cooling performance and more efficient mud slinging.

Factory aluminum fuel tank. Better fuel efficiency offered by fuel injection allowed a reduced, 6.2-litre tank capacity.

Foot pegs include increased clearance between the mounting bracket and footrest to prevent mud from caking up.

Stylish front number plate, front and rear fenders, radiator shrouds and louvers improving cooling airflow.

Gripper seat, with projected cross-shaped patterns on top surface to provide additional grip.

Factory gold-colored chain adds the finishing touches to the RM-Z450.

 

 

2012 Suzuki RM-Z450 Features and Benefits

Engine Features

The RM-Z450’s 449cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, fuel-injected engine was developed and refined to deliver phenomenal idle-to-redline thrust.

The lightweight, battery-less, motocross-use electronic fuel injection system uses progressive throttle linkage for efficient power delivery.

A 12-hole fuel injector delivers a fine fuel/air mist for efficient operation.

The RM-Z450’s aluminum cylinder is treated with Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) coating, and was built for durability, light weight and efficient heat transfer.

 

Transmission Features

A 5-speed transmission provides extra flexibility, offering gear ratios suited for various terrains and conditions.

The RM-Z450 has a link-type shifting system, which offers smooth transitions through the gears.

 

Chassis Features

The RM-Z450’s slim chassis design makes for a comfortable riding position, opening up the cockpit to help allow the rider to actively take control of the machine.

Class-leading 47mm Showa inverted forks provide optimum wheel travel and are compression- and rebound-damping adjustable.

A Showa piggyback-reservoir rear shock with high/low-speed compression damping adjustment and rebound damping and spring preload adjustments. The rear shock, working through Suzuki’s superlative rising-rate linkage system, provides 310mm of wheel travel, delivering maximum traction.

The RM-Z450’s twin-spar aluminum frame and swingarm was developed and refined for a highly optimized balance between rigidity and superb high-speed traction. The lightweight swingarm helps enhance terrain-traversing performance over bumps.

Race-inspired disc rotors offer enhanced cooling performance and efficient mud slinging.

A stylish two-tone radiator shrouds accentuate the RM-Z450’s agile looks.

The RM-Z450 comes with a gripper seat, with projected cross-shaped patterns on the top surface to provide additional grip.

 

---

 

2012 Suzuki RM-Z450 – USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $8,399 USD

Chassis
Overall Length 2190 mm (86.2 in)
Overall Width 830 mm (32.7 in)
Overall Height 1270 mm (50.0 in)
Wheelbase 1495 mm (58.9 in)
Ground Clearance 325 mm (12.8 in)
Seat Height 955 mm (37.6 in)
Curb Weight 113 kg (249 lbs)
Transmission 5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive Chain, DID520MXV4, 114 links
Suspension Front Telescopic inverted, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear Swingarm, link type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front Disc brake
Brakes Rear Disc brake
Tires Front 80/100-21 51M, tube type
Tires Rear 110/90-19 62M, tube type
Fuel Tank Capacity 6.2 L (1.6/1.4 US/Imp gallons)
Color Champion Yellow

Engine
Engine 449cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC
Bore Stroke 96.0mm (3.780 in) x 62.1mm (2.445 in)
Compression Ratio 12.5:1
Fuel System New 12-hole fuel injector increases fuel atomization for better power delivery
Starter Primary kick
Lubrication Suzuki Advanced Sump System (SASS)
Ignition Electronic ignition (CDI)

Warranty
Warranty No Warranty

---

 

2012 Suzuki RM-Z450 – Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: See Canadian Suzuki Dealer for pricing.

Chassis
Overall Length 2190 mm (86.2 in)
Overall Width 830 mm (32.7 in)
Wheelbase 1495 mm (58.9 in)
Ground Clearance 325 mm (12.8 in)
Seat Height 955 mm (37.6 in)
Curb Weight 113 kg (249 lbs)
Transmission 5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive Chain, DID520MXV4, 114 links
Suspension Front Telescopic inverted, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear Swingarm, link type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front Disc brake
Brakes Rear Disc brake
Tires Front 80/100-21 51M, tube type
Tires Rear 110/90-19 62M, tube type
Fuel Tank Capacity 6.2 L (1.6 US gallons)

Engine
Displacement 449cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC
Fuel System Fuel injection
Starter Primary kick
Lubrication Suzuki Advanced Sump System (SASS)
Ignition Electronic ignition (CDI)

Warranty
Warranty No Warranty

 

---

 

2012 Suzuki RM-Z450 – Australian Specifications/Technical Details
Australian MSRP Price: See dealer for pricing.

ENGINE
449cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC, 4-valve
STARTER
Primary Kick
TRANSMISSION
5-speed constant mesh
FRONT SUSPENSION
Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
REAR SUSPENSION
Link type, coil spring, oil damped
FRONT BRAKES
Disc
REAR BRAKES
Disc
WHEELBASE
1,480mm
SEAT HEIGHT
955mm
LENGTH
2,185mm
WIDTH
830mm
HEIGHT
1,260mm
WET WEIGHT
112kg
FUEL CAPACITY
6.2 litres
COLOURS
Champion Yellow / Solid Black

 

---

 

2012 Suzuki RM-Z450 – UK Specifications/Technical Details
RRP Price: £6,430 GBP

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS

Overall length: 2190mm (86.2in)
Overall width: 830mm (32.7in)
Overall height: 1270mm (50in)
Wheelbase: 1495mm (58.9in)
Seat height: 955mm (37.6in)
Kerb Mass: 113kg (249.1lbs)
Fuel capacity: 6.2litres (1.4 UK gallons)
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

Engine capacity: 449cc
Engine: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Bore: 96.0 mm x 62.1 mm
Compression ratio: 12.2:1
Lubrication: Suzuki Advanced Sump System
Fuel system: Fuel injection
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Drive: Chain
CHASSIS SPECIFICATION

Front suspension: SHOWA 47mm telescopic forks, pneumatic/coil spring, oil damped
Rear suspension: Swingarm, link type, SHOWA piggyback-reservoir shock
Front brakes: Disc
Rear brakes: Disc brake
Front tyres: 80/100-21
Rear tyres: 110/90-19

 

*Price, Specifications and photos may change without notice.