Cycle News Staff | July 6, 2016
Suzuki is getting back into the performance off-road game in the U.S. The company announced the long-awaited return of the RMX450Z off-roader, which features electric starting.
Here is what Suzuki says about its new enduro machine.
Yes! It has electric starting.
2017 Suzuki RMX450Z
Engineered from championship-winning lineage, the all-new 2017 Suzuki RMX450Z is the enduro motorcycle for serious off-road riders. Suzuki has taken the best of the RM-Z450 and added trail-mastering features such as electric start, full-function instrumentation, 18-inch EXCEL rear wheel, and enduro lighting to create the new RMX450Z .
“The 2017 RMX450Z delivers renowned Suzuki handling, power and reliability to off-road riders,” said Kerry Graeber, Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. “Suzuki has established a performance edge with the RM-Z family of competition bikes, and we are excited to introduce an off-road-focused motorcycle derived from that family. This expansion of the Suzuki line gives riders who grew up with smaller Suzuki off-road bikes a new model to step up to.”
The new 2017 Suzuki RMX450Z delivers an enduro punch for trail riders who want a higher level of performance. This new off-road achiever shares core componentry with the championship-winning RM-Z450 motocross bike. It begins with a 449cc four-stroke, four-valve engine featuring Suzuki fuel-injection technology that delivers smooth power, trusted reliability and high fuel efficiency. For off-road uses, Suzuki engineers modified the engine’s intake, added an easy-access hinged airbox, and revised the cam profiles for improved low- to mid-range power delivery. The package also includes a larger magneto-generator for battery charging and headlight power. A wide-ratio, five-speed transmission helps riders power through a variety of conditions.
The RMX uses an aluminum-alloy twin-spar frame that is lightweight and provides the needed rigidity and durability to triumph over tough trails. Fully adjustable SHOWA forks and piggyback-reservoir-style shock are off-road focused, delivering the handling edge that makes the RM-Zs famous. The RMX runs on trail-ready, black-anodized Excel aluminum rims, 18-inch rear and 21-inch front.
A bright 35W headlight is well-integrated into this enduro’s front number plate. Rear illumination is handled by a small, low-draw LED taillight tucked under the fender. The bike’s frame gets needed protection items such as high-impact guards for fork legs, rear brake rotor and caliper. A full-function instrument panel features sport and standard-mode operation to provide riders with just the information needed for the ride. The instruments rest on the standard-equipment Renthal Fatbar handlebars – the strong and vibration-reducing choice for high-performance riders.
MSRP: $8,999
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