Suzuki made major changes last year but the 2009 RM-Z450 only gets a few minor changes to the styling.
raised the stakes in 2008 by equipping the RM-Z450 with fuel injection, but the 2009 version isn't making nearly the splash of excitement with only aesthetic upgrades for the new model. The big-bore MXer still features the EFI and five-speed transmission that vastly improved the bike last year, but a new set of graphics, matching seat cover, yellow front numberplate and color change on the radiator shroud to yellow/black instead of yellow/blue are the highlights this season.
The 2009
RM-Z250 also hosts the same visual upgrades except for the shrouds which are all yellow this year. Bad news for the 2-stoke lovers, Suzuki has officially stopped importing any full-size smokers with the exclusion of the RM250 for '09. The big-wheeled RM85L has also been dropped, leaving only the RM85.
Kids do have other options, however, with the DR-Z125(L) and DR-Z70.
Here's what Suzuki has to say about the two new full-size models.
Courtesy of Suzuki
2009 RM-Z450 - $7499
Boasting championship-winning technology, the
Suzuki fuel-injected RM-Z450 offers exceptional performance across the powerband - complemented by advanced chassis and suspension systems for unrivaled versatility on a variety of tracks.
Incredibly crisp throttle response, thanks to its Suzuki fuel injection system with a fuel pump enclosed inside a factory aluminum fuel tank to provide optimum fuel pressure.
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine with dual overhead camshafts operating four titanium valves is compact, powerful and lightweight for smooth, controllable power delivery.
Smooth suspension performance and crisp handling provided by fully adjustable inverted, twin-chamber 47mm cartridge-type Showa front forks and fully adjustable Showa 50mm piggyback-reservoir shock Race-inspired front (250mm) and rear (240mm) disc rotors offer excellent cooling efficiency for outstanding stopping power and outstanding performance in muddy conditions. Available in Champion Yellow
Ryan Dungey has proved that the 2009 RM-Z250 is capable of winning races. He did it by winning on a 2008 model, which is the same machine in '09 with a new set of graphics.
Here's your ticket to race-winning performance right off the dealer floor. The RM-Z250 is engineered to make you feel comfortable blasting out of corners or blowing by the competition on the straights. It's designed to shift the balance of power in your favor.
Compact, powerful and lightweight liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine offers exceptional performance across the powerband.
Billet-type hollow camshafts and durable titanium valves are lightweight to ensure reliable performance even at high rpm.
RM-Z450-style twin-spar aluminum frame provides maneuverability and stability on rough tracks Easy starting, hot or cold, thanks to an automatic centrifugal decompression system and a carburetor with hot start circuit.
SHOWA 50mm piggyback-reservoir rear shock provides smooth performance Showa inverted, twin-chamber 47mm cartridge-type front fork offers plush response complemented by exceptional straight-line stability. Available in Champion Yellow.
