Suzuki’s back into enduro in a big way for 2010 with the new RMX450Z, a bike that claim is “descended from the Championship winning RM-Z450”. And from the spec sheets, it’s looking like there’s a lot of shared DNA.

The RMX450Z is first motocross bike to offer high-performance Suzuki fuel injection, and and the RMX450Z shares all key technologies with the RM-Z450. Beyond that there’s the 449cm3 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected DOHC powerplant based on that of Suzuki’s winning open-class motocrosser RM-Z450. Its frame, suspension and bodywork are all nearly identical to the RM-Z450’s—maintaining that model’s slim, aggressive styling and chassis dynamic.

The RMX450Z utilizes high performance rebound and compression damping adjustable Showa forks combined with a Showa piggyback reservoir style rear shock featuring two-way adjustable compression damping with adjustable rebound damping and preload adjustments. Spring rates have been optimized for off-road riding. So it appears that the RMX450Z’s has been carefully designed for uncompromised offroad riding.

There’s even a few niceties, like an electric starter, with the compact battery centrally located to reduce its influence on weight distribution and balance of the bike. To charge the battery and power the RMX450Z’s lights, a larger magneto-generator is fitted.

Suzuki has made minimal modifications to the RM-Z450’s engine for the RMX450Z. The lightweight plan now features a modified inlet tract along with revised cam profiles to increase low and mid-rpm power. Wider gear ratios in the 5-speed constant-mesh transmission that work with revised primary and final-drive ratios are ideally suited for a broad range of conditions, from scaling steep trails to high-speed open-terrain riding. The addition of a coolant reservoir tank increases on-trail reliability, while a relocated filler cap improves access. Because the trail can be a rocky place, a new engine protector plate is fitted.

Key Features:

• Powerful 449cm3 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine.
• The lightweight engine features a modified inlet tract along with revised cam profiles to increase low and mid-rpm power.
• Electrical start with manual kick back up.
• Narrower intake and exhaust valve angle.
• Suzuki’s light and effective aluminum alloy twin-spar frame construction is used in the RMX450Z, employing both cast and extruded sections for the utmost benefits of both: low weight, high rigidity, and high durability.
• Race inspired brake rotors provide better cooling performance and increased mud deflection in muddy conditions.

The RMX450ZA retails at MSRP $9,399 Canadian.

Details:
Overall Length: 86.0 in.
Overall Width:  32.7 in.
Overall Height:  50.0 in.
Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Ground Clearance: 12.6 in.
Seat Height: 37.6 in.
Curb Weight: 272.3 lbs.
Engine: 4-stroke, liquid cooled, DOHC
Bore/Stroke: 96.0 X 62.1mm
Displacement: 449 cc
Compression Ratio: 11.6:1
Fuel System: Fuel Injection
Lubrication: Suzuki Advanced Sump System
Clutch: Wet multi-plate type
Starter: Electric and Manual
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Primary Reduction Ratio: 2.708 (65/24)
Gear Ratios:
1st 2.153 (28/13)
2nd 1.611 (29/18)
3rd 1.250 (25/20)
4th 1.000 (19/19)
5th 0.826 (19/23)
Final Reduction Ratio: 3.923 (51/13)
Front Suspension: SHOWA 47mm telescopic forks, pneumatic/coil spring, oil damped
Rear Suspension: Swingarm, link type, SHOWA piggyback-reservoir shock
Caster: 29°18’
Trail:  5.1 in.
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake; Disc
Front Tire: 80/100-21
Rear Tire: 110/100-18
Fuel Tank: 1.6 US gal.
Body Color: Sold Black/Champion Yellow No. 2 (GY8)