Dirt Bikes

2023 Suzuki RM-Z450 Technical Information

Features and specifications on the RM Army’s flagship motocrosser.

November 21, 2022

In some ways, it doesn’t seem like all that long ago we were in Japan testing a Suzuki RM-Z450WS (Works Special) racebike and getting a first look at the 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450 production machine, but that was over five years ago now. Maybe it’s because Suzuki’s flagship motocrosser hasn’t changed all that much since its extensive overhaul in 2018, but the years of testing the 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 models seem to blend together.

Since then, we’ve built some RM-Z450 project bikes and have learned how much better it can be with some modifications. We know the bike has potential; it’s just not readily apparent when riding it in stock trim. Still, the big RM-Z has plenty of qualities that make it a good motocross bike. Not to mention its price hasn’t increased since 2020 despite inflation. To top it off, Suzuki is offering an RM Army Edition promotion that applies to buyers of the 2023 RM-Z250 and RM-Z450. Let’s take a look at the details of that, plus the features and specifications of the yellow 450cc motocross bike.

After an extensive overhaul in 2018, Suzuki’s flagship motocrosser was given a softer shock spring rate the following year. Revisions from 2019 to 2022 were strictly cosmetic, and the RM-Z450 is completely unchanged for 2023.Mason Owens

With its 1.7-gallon fuel tank topped off, the Suzuki weighs 251 pounds on the Dirt Rider automotive scales, making it the heaviest 450cc motocross bike on the market.Mason Owens

A lengthy kickstarter makes it difficult to lift your leg high enough to set the engine at top dead center (TDC), but the bike fires to life fairly easily so long as you put it there and give a deliberate kick.Mason Owens

Suzuki’s fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 449cc engine spins 50.9 hp at 8,500 rpm and 33.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,300 rpm on our in-house dyno.Suzuki

The stock header pipe and muffler weigh a hefty 9.2 pounds. Investing in a full titanium exhaust system can save up to 4 pounds along with adding power.Mason Owens

This Showa 49mm coil-spring fork is the same one used by Honda and Kawasaki on their respective 450cc motocross bikes, albeit with an eye-catching upper tube color.Mason Owens

Although it’s easy to adjust having only compression and rebound screws on the body, Showa’s Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC) shock holds the RM-Z450 back in stock trim.Mason Owens

OEM shock spring rate is 56 Nm.Mason Owens

Suzuki is the only manufacturer to spec Bridgestone’s Battlecross X30 tires.Mason Owens

You can’t tell a 2022 Suzuki RM-Z450 from a 2023 by looking at the graphics. They’re identical.Mason Owens

Suzuki is running an RM Army Edition promotion that applies to the 2023 RM-Z250 and RM-Z450. The purchase of either model in the continental United States (excluding Hawaii) will include a Yoshimura RS-12 exhaust system and Throttle Syndicate RM Army Edition graphics kit. The offer is effective from participating Suzuki dealers until December 31, 2022.Mason Owens

The Yoshimura RS-12 full exhaust system (stainless steel header pipe and aluminum muffler) is a $779 value that not only looks awesome, but is said to weigh a pound less than stock.Mason Owens

Suzuki makes some of the best looking dirt bikes, and that’s only enhanced by the RM Army Edition graphics kit, which would normally set you back $149.99, but is included with the promotion that runs through the end of the year.Mason Owens

2023 Suzuki RM-Z450 Specifications

MSRP:	$8,999
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder
Displacement:	449cc
Bore x Stroke:	96.0 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio:	12.5:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Dirt Rider Measured Horsepower:	50.9 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:	33.7 lb.-ft. @ 7,300 rpm
Fuel System:	EFI w/ 44mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate; cable actuation
Frame:	Twin-spar aluminum
Front Suspension:	Showa 49mm coil-spring fork, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 12.0 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC) shock, spring preload, compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.3 in. travel
Front Brake:	Nissin 2-piston caliper, 270mm disc
Rear Brake:	Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Tires, Front/Rear:	Bridgestone Battlecross X30; 80/100-21 / 110/90-19
Rake/Trail:	27.8°/4.7 in.
Wheelbase:	58.3 in.
Ground Clearance:	13.0 in.
Dirt Rider Measured Seat Height:	37.1 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.7 gal.
Dirt Rider Measured Wet Weight:	251 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	suzukicycles.com