Way back in 2004, Suzuki debuted their very first RM-Z: The RM-Z250. Created in collaboration with Kawasaki Heavy Industries, this baby was Suzuki’s very first four-stroke motocross motorcycle – and she was quite a catch for her time.
Showing off a shiny new 249cc, single-cylinder engine with Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), the 2004 RM-Z250 was capable of 43hp @ 11,000rpm and 29Nm (21 lb-ft) of yank @ 8,500rpm – hardly a sniff in today’s market, but arguably the “lightest, most compact, most powerful four-stroke motocross engine of its size ever put into mass production” (via Motorcycle Daily).
Today, the RM-Z250’s legacy is carried by a whole hecking range of rev-happy motocross beasties – and Suzuki’s MY2024 Motocross range might not see a lot of change (translation: none), but Suzuki DID make sure to give us affordable pricing.
Let’s dive in.
2024 Suzuki RM-Z250
For 2024, the RM-Z250 remains largely unchanged; per usual, the machine sports a dual injector EFI system, a center-port cylinder head, and an AMA-compliant exhaust system.
Handling is still top-notch, thanks to the RM-Z250’s twin-spar aluminum frame, hydro-formed swingarm and coil spring KYB fork (plus the matching rear shock with four-way damping force adjustment).
Here are the key features of Suzuki’s 2024 RM-Z250, based on the press release published to Dirt Bike Magazine:
- Dual-injected engine delivers excellent throttle response and peak power.
- KYB coil spring fork and shock have efficient spring rates and damping force settings.
- Aggressive Suzuki race styling and race-ready ergonomics
- Center-port cylinder head increases output and throttle response.
- Dual fuel injector system boosts high rpm power.
- Traction management system helps the bike hook up.
- Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC) gets you out front.
- Coil spring KYB fork provides outstanding performance and easy tuning.
- KYB rear shock and linkage deliver remarkable smoothness.
- Race-ready, high-grip Dunlop MX33 tires
- Large-diameter front brake helps increase stopping power and feel.
- Compact rear master cylinder design helps prevent mud from collecting on it and from catching on the rider’s boots.
- Aggressive styling from the championship caliber RM-Z450
- Narrow cockpit helps the rider move with ease for maximum racing performance.
- Suzuki’s MX-Tuner 2.0 is supplied, providing quick fuel injection and ignition tuning through the easy-to-use smartphone application.
- Fuel couplers are also included for quick and easy EFI tuning.
Expect the 2024 RM-Z250 to retail at an MSRP of $8,099 USD.
2024 Suzuki RM-Z450
This is the same machine that Ken Roczen tied for third on at the recent AMA Supercross season; as such, expect the usual adherence to Suzuki’s “Winning Balance” philosophy: “RUN, TURN, and STOP.”
The bike carries the same heart as last year: A very nice 449cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC heart capable of peaking anywhere between 50.9hp @ 8,500rpm and 54.1hp @ 8800rpm (via Dirt Riders and Motocross Action Magazine).
Included in the residual perks are “Suzuki’s smartphone-based MX-Tuner 2.0 and proven fuel-coupler system” – a novel bit of tech that was introduced back in 2020, and a miracle worker for adjusting fuel injection and ignition tuning from the comfort of a digital device.
Here are the key features of Suzuki’s 2024 RM-Z450, based on the press release published to Dirt Bike Magazine:
- Fuel-injected engine delivers great throttle response delivering high peak power.
- Evolved traction management system helps the bike hook up.
- Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC) gets you out front.
- Light, aluminum frame and swingarm balance lightness with strength.
- Chassis dimensions blend nimble handling with stability.
- Coil spring fork provides impressive performance and easy tuning.
- Showa BFRC (Balance Free Rear Cushion) shock settings deliver remarkable damping response.
- Bridgestone X30 tires bring outstanding grip.
- Large 270mm front brake rotor helps increase stopping power and feel.
- Compact rear master cylinder design helps prevent mud from collecting on it, and from snagging on rider’s boots.
- Narrow cockpit lets rider move with ease for maximum racing performance.
- Suzuki’s MX-Tuner 2.0 is supplied, providing quick fuel injection and ignition tuning through an easy-to-use smartphone application.
- Fuel couplers are also included for quick and easy EFI tuning.
Expect the 2024 RM-Z450 to retail at an MSRP of $9,199 USD.
2024 Suzuki RM-Z450 Army Edition
When you see the RM-Z450 Army Edition, think “race-ready;” for 2024, Suzuki’s decked the RM-Z450 out with a nice pipe and sweet visuals; a full Pro Circuit pipe system comes complete with “Stainless-Steel Head Pipe, a Titanium Silencer Shell, and a Carbon Fiber End Cap wrapped with a custom RM Army Edition decal.”
Throttle Syndicate’s RM Army graphics (aka, the “RM Army Edition Kit”) are added free of charge if you purchase any 2024 RM-Z model before the end of September.
Happy shopping.