2018 Suzuki RM-Z450

Back in April we journeyed to the All Japan National MX Championship series opener at Kyushu Sportsland in Kumamoto, Japan, and saw what was ultimately a great preview of the 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450.

Piloted by former All Japan National Champion Yohei Kojima, the factory Suzuki RM-Z450WS featured the same all-new bodywork and chassis that found its way onto the production machine that will arrive on Suzuki dealership floors in September.

The most obvious change made to the 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450 is the all-new chassis and bodywork. Both the new frame and swingarm were redesigned with the target of maintaining Suzuki’s traditionally excellent handling and cornering characteristics. The chassis itself is thinner and features new cast and extruded aluminum frame parts, as well as new hexagonal tubing in the subframe for lighter weight and better flex characteristics. All told, the new main frame weighs 1.32 pounds less, and the new swingarm—which has thinner construction—saves an additional quarter pound. The aluminum fuel tank of the previous model has been replaced with a plastic unit that saves weight, and the new frame is wrapped in all-new bodywork that has a refreshing new look and sleek profile.

The first thing that you notice when sitting on the ‘18 RM-Z450 is how narrow it is. The old bike was not a porker by any means, but the new bike feels very thin between your legs and the new bodywork is smooth and easy to slide fore and aft on. Conversely, it is not so thin that it is hard to grip with your knees and boots. It’s just right, just like Baby Bear’s porridge. The seat is flat and is just firm enough to hold you up without feeling like a sofa like older Suzuki saddles did. Not only is the new bike slim, it also retains a light feeling on the track. Let’s not kid ourselves—the Suzuki is still one of the heaviest bikes on the stand, but on the track and in the air, it feels light, nimble, and quick handing.