Motocross · Four stroke
Suzuki RM-Z450
Suzuki's 450 motocross bike. The best turning 450 in the class, a strong engine, and the cheapest 450 to buy used because it has not changed since 2018. Sold in Australia from 2005 to 2026, 22 model years.
About the Suzuki RM-Z450
The RM Z450 has one thing it does better than every other 450: it turns. The chassis was built around corner speed and it still carves an inside line better than anything. The 2018 model was the last big update, with a new frame, a Showa spring fork, launch control and traction control, and Suzuki has left it alone since. It is kick start only.
It suits a clubman or vet rider who wants a strong, easy turning 450 for the least money. It is heavier than the others and it lacks electric start, and the resale is the lowest in the class, which is exactly why a used one is such good value.
What changed by year
- 2008 to 2012
- Fuel injected from 2008. Strong engine, good handling, cheap now.
- 2013 to 2017
- Revised engine and frame, air fork on the later years that most buyers convert to springs.
- 2018 onwards
- New frame, Showa spring fork, launch and traction control. Small changes since. The bike to buy.
Servicing a RM-Z450
Oil every 5 to 10 hours depending on how hard it is ridden, filter every second change. It takes about a litre with a filter and a 10W 40 or 10W 50 full synthetic. Check the sight glass after a warm up.
Air filter every ride. Suzuki valves are fairly stable but check them at the interval in the table and any time it gets hard to start. Plan on a piston around 40 to 50 hours for a race bike.
Engine hours between jobs: the schedule the Digital Garage tracks for this bike, based on the manual. Racers and hard riders go sooner, as above. Ride in sand or mud and halve the engine ones.
| Job | Every |
|---|---|
| Air filter | 3h |
| Engine oil & filter | 15h |
| Gearbox oil | 15h |
| Valve clearance | 45h |
| Coolant flush | 60h |
Parts that fit a RM-Z450
Motorex Formula 4 Stroke 10W40 4L$99.95 · members $84.96
Motorex Cross Power 4T 10W60 - 1L$47.50 · members $40.38
Motorex Gear Oil Sae 10W30 1L$29.95 · members $25.46
Motorex Racing Pro Cross 10W40 4L$154.95 · members $131.71
Motorex White Grease 100g$31.95 · members $27.16
Motorex Hydraulic Fluid 75-200ml$29.95 · members $25.46
Motorex 4 Stroke 20W50 4L$79.95 · members $67.96
Motul Gearbox 1L 80W90 Moly$42.90 · members $36.46
Motul Chain Lube Factory Line$29.95 · members $25.46
Motul Parts Clean 840ml$21.99 · members $18.69
Muc-Off Motorcycle Snow Foam 5L$99.95 · members $84.96
Muc-Off Motorcycle Snow Foam 1L$24.95 · members $21.21
Buying a used Suzuki RM-Z450
Ask about hours, the last piston and the last valve check. Make sure it starts easily hot and cold (it is kick start only). Check the clutch for slip and the frame around the footpeg mounts. On the 2015 to 2017 air fork bikes ask whether it has been converted to springs. The RM Z450 is usually the cheapest 450 on the used market; a well kept one is a bargain.
Recent sold prices are on the Marketplace page linked below.
Used Suzuki RM-Z450s for sale
None listed right now. Selling one? List it free →
Suzuki RM-Z450 known issues
Kick start only
A hard starting 450 is hard work. Fresh valves and a clean throttle body fix most of them.
Weight
The heaviest 450 in the class. You feel it in the air, not in the corners.
Resale
Not a fault, but it sells for less than the others. Good if you are buying.
Suzuki RM-Z450 questions
- Does the RM Z450 have electric start?
- No. It is kick start only.
- How often should I change the oil in an RM Z450?
- Every 5 to 10 hours depending on how hard it is ridden, with a filter every second change.
- Is the RM Z450 a good used buy?
- Yes. It is usually the cheapest 450 used, it turns better than anything, and the engine is strong.
- What year RM Z450 is best?
- The 2018 onwards bikes with the spring fork and the new frame.