Suzuki RM-Z450 model history
2005—

I have tried to tell the Suzuki RM-Z 450 model history on this page as I know it. This page is still under construction. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

2005 Suzuki year code: K5

New model. A four-stroke RM motocrosser, totally different from any two-stoke RM model, not just enginewise but even the frame and almosty every detail of the bike is specially designed for this competition motocrosser. Big brother to the RM-Z250, with aluminum frame instead or steel. Presented in Japan in June 2004 and available in the shops in Japan July 29th. The pictures below show the Japanese version.

RM-Z 450 2005 Overall Length: 2,185 mm (86.0 in) Overall Width: 830 mm (32.7 in) Overall Height: 1,260 mm (49.6 in) Seat Height: 955 mm (37.6 in) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13.8 in) Wheelbase: 1,480 mm (58.3 in) Dry Weight: 100 kg (221 lbs) Engine type: Water-cooled 449 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. Effect, torque: 56.2 hp (41,9 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 53.9 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

RM-Z 450 2005 Overall Length: 2,185 mm (86.0 in) Overall Width: 830 mm (32.7 in) Overall Height: 1,260 mm (49.6 in) Seat Height: 955 mm (37.6 in) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13.8 in) Wheelbase: 1,480 mm (58.3 in) Dry Weight: 100 kg (221 lbs) Engine type: Water-cooled 449 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. Effect, torque: 56.2 hp (41,9 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 53.9 Nm/ 6,500 rpm.

2005 RM-Z450 specifications
Engine type:	liquid-cooled 1-cylinder 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve
Cylinder displacement:	449cc
Bore x stroke:	95,5 x 62,8 mm
Compression ratio:	11,9 : 1
Carburetor:	Keihin FCR40MX
Lubrication:	Semi-dry sump (SASS)
Ignition:	Digital AC-CDI
Transmission:	5-speed constant mesh
Final drive:	chain
Rake/trail:	25,5° 30' / 108 mm (4.25 in)
Front suspension:	Kayaba 48mm telescopic, cartridge-type, 22 compression & rebound settings
Front suspension stroke:	310 mm (12.2 in.)
Rear suspension:	Link-type, fully-adjustable spring preload, 16-way compression & 19-way rebound damping
Rear suspension travel:	310 mm (12.2 in.)
Front brake:	Single hydraulic disc, 2-piston caliper
Rear brake:	Single hydraulic disc, 1-piston caliper
Front tyre dimension:	90/100-21
Rear tyre dimension:	120/80-19
Fuel tank capacity:	7,0 liter incl.reserve (1.8/1.5 US/UK gal.)
Color:	YU1: Champion Yellow No. 2

2006 Suzuki year code: K6

Engine: Several changes for 2006 increase power output, especially at lower and mid-range rpm, including a new, reshaped intake port, revised carburetor settings and an improved ignition map. The extra power allows slightly taller gearing, smoothing power delivery, and redesigned shift forks improve shifting feel. The hot start lever is repositioned for easier operation. The 2006 RM-Z450’s steering head was modified and the swingarm now has 5mm-taller arms, changes that off-season testing proved to improve traction over bumpy surfaces. Wheelbase is 1,480 mm (58.3 inches) with 25.5 degrees of rake and 111 mm (4.4 inches) of trail. Seat height is 955 mm (37.6 inches) and dry weight is 100 kg (220 lbs).

RM-Z 450 2006 Overall Length: 2,185 mm (86.0 in) Overall Width: 830 mm (32.7 in) Overall Height: 1,260 mm (49.6 in) Seat Height: 955 mm (37.6 in) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13.8 in) Wheelbase: 1,480 mm (58.3 in) Dry Weight: 100 kg (221 lbs) Engine type: Water-cooled 449 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. Effect: 58.5 hp (43 kW).

2007 Suzuki year code: K7

Looks quite similar to the K6 model... I will get back to you with a bit better model info...

RM-Z 450 2007 Overall Length: 2,185 mm (86.0 in) Overall Width: 830 mm (32.7 in) Overall Height: 1,260 mm (49.6 in) Seat Height: 955 mm (37.6 in) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13.8 in) Wheelbase: 1,480 mm (58.3 in) Dry Weight: 100 kg (221 lbs) Engine type: Water-cooled 449 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. Effect: 58.5 hp (43 kW).

2008 Suzuki year code: K8

The 2008-year's RM-Z450 K8 got a new engine and a new chassis. Other new features: Hot start lever is relocated to the right hand side of the handlebar for easy operation while holding the clutch, race inspired wave-rotors provide better cooling performance and increased mud deflection in muddy conditions, gripper seat has been improved by adding projected cross-shaped patterns on the top surface to provide additional grip. 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. 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. Flywheel inertia increased to produce a smoother revving engine and improve overall acceleration feel. Airbox is constructed as a separate unit which is sealed by a lid to prevent air leakage and improve overall intake efficiency. KEIHIN fuel pump located inside the fuel tank provides stable pressure delivery to operate the fuel injection system. 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. 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. Battery-less fuel injection system features a single-phase all-charging system with which the magneto supplies all of the necessary power. 18-pin magneto senses feedback on crankshaft position, rotation speed and stroke which is fed back to the ECU to calculate optimum injection and ignition timings. New Chassis All-new frame is lighter and has improved rigidity balance for incredibly agile handling and unmatched performance over bumps. 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-brand rear shock absorber with a newly designed damper case and modified internal structure for a better controlled feel and increased bottoming resistance. Redesigned rear swing arm.Thinner wall thickness swingarm to reduce weight and improve terrain-traversing performance over bumps. 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 two-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. Newly designed pegs include increased clearance between the mounting bracket and footrest to prevent mud from caking up. Gold-colored chain give a full factory look.

RM-Z 450 2008 Overall Length: 2,182 mm (85.9 in) Overall Width: 822 mm (32.3 in) Overall Height: 1,260 mm (49.6 in) Seat Height: 1,302 mm (51.2 in) Ground Clearance: 375 mm (14.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,482 mm (58.3 in) Dry Weight: 103 kg (227 lbs) Engine type: Water-cooled 449 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. Effect: 58.5 hp (43 kW).

More: Suzuki RM-RMX series

More: All Suzuki models

Sources: Suzuki Motor Company

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