First Look: 2008 Suzuki RM-Z450

2008 Suzuki RM-Z450.

Features

New Engine

• Electronic Fuel Injection offers better roll on power and improved low-to-mid range power. KEIHIN throttle body specifically designed for motocross. Fuel is delivered via an internal fuel pump and is a battery-less system.
• KEIHIN fuel pump located inside the fuel tank provides stable pressure delivery to operate the fuel injection system.
• 5-Speed Transmission makes the RM-Z450 more versatile for various terrains and features an all new link type shifting mechanism.
• Intake port angle and cam timing are revised and result in reduced intake resistance and heightened intake efficiency.
• Exhaust port and cam timing are designed to regulate exhaust pulses for maximum engine performance.
• Redesigned combustion chamber for better power output and improved low-to-mid range response. Narrower intake and exhaust valve angle guides along with increased squish areas improve air/fuel mixing and faster flame-propagation speed when mixture ignites.
• Flywheel inertia increased to produce a smoother revving engine and improve overall acceleration feel.
• Battery-less fuel injection system features a single-phase allcharging system with which the magneto supplies all of the necessary power.
• 18-pin magneto V-rotor senses feedback on crankshaft position, rotation speed and stroke which is fed back to the ECU to calculate optimum injection and ignition timings.
• Semi-dry-sump lubrication system features separate oil chambers for the transmission and crankshaft using the transmission as the oil sump, allowing low crankshaft placement, reduced engine height and a low center of gravity

New Chassis

• All-new frame is lighter and has improved rigidity balance for incredibly agile handling and unmatched performance over bumps.
• New aluminum fuel tank houses a KEIHIN fuel pump for optimum performance and a factory bike look.
• Slim riding position opens up the cockpit for additional room to allow the rider to actively take control of the machine.
• Showa cartridge-style front fork is fully adjustable for rebound, compression and preload settings and designed for reduced weight and improved shock absorption.
• Showa rear shock absorber with a newly designed damper case and modified internal structure for a better controlled feel and increased bottoming resistance.
• Redesigned swingarm. Thinner wall thickness swingarm to reduce weight and improve terrain-traversing performance over bumps.
• Hot start lever is relocated to the right hand side of the handlebar for easy operation while holding the clutch.
• Front number plate design helps guide fresh air to the radiators for better cooling performance.
• Front fender incorporates a sloped-down shape to efficiently guide wind to the front number plate air ducts for improved cooling performance. Rear fender incorporates air intakes on both sides for heighten intake efficiency while tying in a fresh new look.
• New 2-tone molded-plastic radiator shrouds give the RM-Z450 a slim feel and stylish look for 2008 while also complimenting an all-new graphics design and color way. Redesigned outer louver plates offer better cooling performance by improving airflow to the radiators.
• Race inspired wave-rotors provide better cooling performance and increased mud deflection in muddy conditions.
• Newly designed pegs include increased clearance between the mounting bracket and footrest to prevent mud from caking up.
• Gold-colored chain and axle blocks give a full factory look.

Specifications

Engine: 449cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC, 4-valve*
Bore & Stroke: 96.0mm x 62.1mm*
Compression Ratio: .12.8:1*
Carburetor: .Electronic Fuel Injection*
Lubrication: Semi-dry sump*
Ignition: Digital AC-CDI*
Starter: Kick*
Transmission: .5-speed*
Final Drive: #520 chain*
Overall Length: .2185mm (86.0 in)*
Overall Width: .830mm (32.7 in)*
Overall Height: .1260mm (50.0 in)*
Seat Height: 955mm (37.6 in)*
Ground Clearance: 350mm (13.8 in)*
Wheelbase: .1480 mm (58.3 in)*
Dry Weight: .101.5kg (224 lbs.)*
Front Suspension: Telescopic, cartridge-type fully adjustable rebound, compression and pre-load settings*
Rear Suspension: .Link-type, spring preload fully-adjustable rebound, compression and pre-load settings *
Front Brakes: Single hydraulic disc*
Rear Brakes: Single hydraulic disc*
Front Tires: .90/100-21 51M*
Rear Tires: 120/80-19 57M*
Fuel Tank Capacity: 6.2 Liters (1.6 gal.)*
Color: Yellow