2022 Suzuki RM-Z450

Motocross is a relentless game, and the technology and training needed for bike and rider to excel are too. Suzuki poured more than 40 years of open-class racebike engineering into the FRM-Z250 to make it the hardest-hitting, sharpest-handling, best-balanced and most rider-friendly production motocrosser in company history.

Superb Engine Performance

• 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.

  Exceptional Cornering Performance

• Frame and swingarm balances lightness with strength.
• Engine placement and mounting aid chassis’ nimble handling.
• Coil spring KYB fork provides superb performance and easy tuning.
• KYB rear shock and linkage deliver remarkable control.
• Race-ready, high-grip Dunlop MX33 tires.

• Controlled Braking Performance

• Large-diameter front brake increases stopping power and feel.
• Compact rear master cylinder is designed to prevent mud from collecting on it and from catching on the rider’s boots.

• Functional Styling

• Aggressive new styling from the championship caliber RM-Z450.
• Narrow cockpit lets the rider move with ease for maximum racing performance.
• Fuel couplers are included for quick and easy EFI tuning.

ENGINE FEATURES

• Fitted with a center-port cylinder head, the fuel-injected, 249cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-valve, DOHC engine remains proven and reliable.
• The engine delivers strong peak power and superb throttle response through the entire rev range.
• The cylinder head features a refined intake port shape and finish that fine-tunes the fuel/air charge into the combustion chamber to increase engine output.
• A large air cleaner opening is combined with a more direct air cleaner outlet tube path into the throttle body for high-volume airflow.
• The fuel injection system has extra-smooth power delivery, high fuel efficiency, superb reliability, and easy tuning capability.
• First introduced on the RM-Z250, twin fuel injectors are used to deliver excellent combustion chamber efficiency and increases high rpm power.

• The primary fuel injector is at the bottom of the throttle body and sprays fuel at the butterfly valve for outstanding fuel and air atomization. The secondary injector is positioned in the air cleaner inlet duct so the fuel and air have more time to mix and cool before entering the engine.
• To feed the new twin-injector system and mix the fuel and air charge for outstanding throttle response, the RM-Z250 uses a high-capacity fuel pump.
• The special design of the throttle body eliminates complex control linkage, so the rider feels a more direct connection to the engine.
• The intake camshaft profile has more valve lift that the prior generation RM-Z250, increasing power at all engine speeds.
• The cam chain tension adjuster and guide have been designed to reduce friction and mechanical loss.
• The compact aluminum cylinder is finished with Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) coating for durability, lightweight, and efficient heat transfer.
• The machining process at the piston pin holes is changed to reduce stress at the piston crown to increase reliability.
• Engine starting remains simple, due to a proven kickstarter and automatic decompression system that works precisely and efficiently (eliminating the need for a heavy and costly electric start system).
• The high-flow exhaust system has a longer head-pipe, tapered mid-section, and multi-layer silencer with good flow through the entire rev range, with an emphasis on low-rpm performance.
• The exhaust silencer is a four-layer design that enhances performance and maintains compliance with AMA sound regulations.
• The resin engine protectors help guard the coolant pump (on the right) and the stator cover (on the left) from debris and stones.

Traction Control

The RM-Z250 features an evolved and faster traction management system that reacts to engine speed changes quickly. The Electronic Control Module (ECM) continually measures throttle opening, engine speed, and gear position, and then adjusts the ignition timing and fuel injector duration to fine-tune the engine output to deliver the best traction for the riding conditions.

• The RM-Z250’s traction management system is different from a street bike traction control system, as it does not measure rear tire spin. Because the needs of a motocrosser are different than a street bike, this system offers constant adjustment that maximizes traction at all times.

EFI Tuning

Suzuki’s proven, easy-to-use fuel couplers are included to simplify EFI tuning.

• For quick fuel adjustments to suit riding conditions, two couplers are provided. One is for a richer-than-stock and another for a leaner-than-stock fuel setting. Riders can change fuel settings in seconds by simply connecting either coupler to the wire harness.

HOLESHOT ASSIST CONTROL

The Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC) is a selectable launch system derived from the factory race bike to help takeoff from the starting gate for an early lead.
*To aid riders at the moment of launch, there are three stages of power adjustment from the S-HAC system: 1) the moment of initial launch, 2) when crossing the starting gate, and 3) acceleration up to full-speed.

There are two S-HAC modes riders and off-riders can choose for the best option per their skill level and starting conditions.

Mode A: For hard surfaces or slippery conditions at the starting gate. In this mode, S-HAC alters ignition timing at the moment of launch and the ride over the gate to reduce wheel slip to deliver a smooth takeoff. It also advances ignition timing during this sequence for stronger acceleration. After six seconds or when you reach fourth gear, the system shuts off and returns to normal ignition timing.

• Benefit of Mode A: For novice riders, and/or hard and slippery traction conditions, use Mode A for a more controlled launch.

Mode B: When conditions at the starting gate have better traction, and a more aggressive launch is desired. S-HAC will advance the ignition timing to allow increased throttle response and stronger acceleration off the line. The ignition timing alternation is in a similar sequence as Mode A, but with increased overall timing. One of three conditions will return the ignition to normal operation (whichever happens first): After six seconds or when you reach fourth gear, the system shuts off and returns to normal ignition timing.

• Benefit of Mode B: For skilled riders, and/or good starting conditions, use Mode B for a more aggressive launch.

Base Mode: Standard power launch, no action required on the S-HAC switch.

CHASSIS FEATURES

• The RM-Z250 features a frame and swingarm design that continues Suzuki’s reputation for creating the best-handling motocross motorcycles.
• The aluminum alloy, twin-spar frame combines cast and extruded sections to achieve superior front-and-rear weight distribution, while balancing strength and weight.
• The 2022 RM-Z250 frame is 370 grams (0.8 pounds) lighter but has a 10 percent increase in torsional rigidity as compared to the prior generation frame.
• The engine’s position in the frame is rotated up so the crankshaft sits higher in the chassis to further the bike’s nimble handling characteristics.
• The rear, upper engine mounts are outboard of the cylinder head to increase rigidity and allow a direct intake path to the engine.