The 2013 RM-Z450 has arrived in UK dealers, following its successful launch to UK press at Apex Motocross Track earlier this month.

Stemming from development work at the hands of Suzuki’s factory riders the world over, the new model boasts a number of major updates and changes, offering improved handling and enhanced performance.

Developed through Finite Element Method analysis, the new piston is 13% lighter, without compromising strength and durability, while the connecting rod is reshaped and lighter, too, all allowing for a faster and smoother throttle response.

To deal with the increase in power, the chassis has been stiffened, and the bike benefits from second generation, Showa SFF front forks, which separates the damper in the left leg from the spring housed in the right, allowing for lighter construction, reduced friction, improved damping and better ride control.

Suzuki GB’s Marketing Manager, George Cheeseman, commented, “Following continued worldwide race development at the hands of Suzuki’s factory riders, the RM-Z450 has undergone some major changes, increasing the power and enhancing the handling. After the successful launch of the bike earlier this month and the positive feedback it received, we’re now very pleased to unveil the 2013 RM-Z450 in UK dealers.”

Tyco Suzuki rider and Red Bull Pro Nationals runner-up Martin Barr said, “The bike is absolutely fantastic, straight out of the crate. The power delivery, the handling; all the bits that have been played about with have improved the bike and make a really big difference. With the new SFF forks, the bike is really, really stable coming into a corner and you can put it where you want it basically. I love the bike straight off.”

The 2013 RM-Z450 is available for £6,549 and is in dealer showrooms. To find your nearest dealer, visit www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/dealers/offroad/

The 2013 RM-Z450

Suzuki’s Official Video of the new 2013 RM-Z450 motocrosser.

Derived from Suzuki Motor Corporation’s on-going development programme with the world-leading Rockstar Energy Suzuki MX1 team of Clement Desalle and Tanel Leok, plus the Yoshimura Suzuki AMA team of Brett Metcalfe, development rider Ricky Carmichael and new team signing James Stewart, the new 2013 RM-Z450 is a production racer modelled-on the machines racing at Grand Prix level.

The video also includes an RM-Z450 at-a-glance ‘Walkthrough’ by American Suzuki’s Motorcycles and ATV Product Manager Derek Schoeberle.

The 2013 RM-Z250

Suzuki’s new 2013 RM-Z250 is unveiled in this Official Team Suzuki Video of the award-winning range.

Developed from Suzuki Motor Corporation’s on-going development programme with the Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe and Rockstar Energy Suzuki American teams, the new RM-Z250 is both refined and improved as a direct-result of World Championship action by Team Suzuki’s Factory riders worldwide.

Following continued worldwide race development at the hands of Suzuki’s factory riders including Clement Desalle and James Stewart, Suzuki customers can expect direct feedback from the World MX and AMA factory race stars on both 2013 RM-Z machines, with upgraded engine technology delivering increased performance, as well as enhanced handling thanks to new suspension and chassis refinements for both models too.

ENGINE

Boosting holeshot potential for 2013, the proven RM-Z450 engine has been the subject of particular attention from Suzuki’s engineers with feedback from the factory racing teams. With a redesigned piston engineered through Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis, piston weight has been reduced by 13% without sacrificing strength and durability. The reshaped connecting rod is lighter too, which combined with the lighter piston and a shorter pin that utilises a Diamond-Like Carbon Coating (as used on the fork stanchions of the legendary Hayabusa road bike), enables a faster throttle response with increased bottom to mid-range power.

On the class-leading RM-Z250, further development to the already potent engine provides a further 3% reduction in piston weight, which thanks to its new shape, FEM treatment, thinner skirts and a shorter piston pin, aid power too. As well as top-end engine development, the RM-Z250 also gets an all-new 5-speed transmission, while the 450 benefits from an update resulting in better shifting precision and smoother shift feel too.

CHASSIS

A highlight for both models in 2013, is the use of Showa’s Separate Function Fork (SFF), which separates the damper in the left leg from the spring housed in the right. The division of the fork’s functions allows for lighter construction, reduced friction, improved damping and better ride control. The forks inner tubes are now 48mm in diameter, giving improved stability and absorption. Spring pre-load is now adjustable and the wide range of adjustment also offer precise set-up for excellent handling.

On top of the adoption of SFF, Suzuki engineers set about refining the overall package on both machines, with a revision to the shape and construction of the frame and seat rail to optimise rigidity. Rear end chassis performance is enhanced with setting changes to further improve traction and offer consistent feel in association with the frame changes and new front forks.

MAINTENANCE

As well as offering increased performance both in terms of engine and chassis, Suzuki engineers also paid attention to ease of maintenance with durability and easier service schedules a consideration. For 2013, a self-diagnosis function is incorporated into the ECM and accessed with the optional Fuel Injection indicator (sold separately). This indicator now also incorporates a new engine hour-meter function that makes it much easier to stay on top of maintenance schedules.

With noise an increasing consideration for every rider, the use of bolts instead of rivets on the silencer end cap enables much easier muffler repacking, keeping all Suzuki riders responsibly quiet.

AVAILABILITY

The 2013 RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 are expected to arrive in dealer showrooms from September 2012. For more information contact your local authorised dealer or visit www.suzuki-gb.co.uk. Stay up to date on 2013 model information by following Suzuki on Twitter – @SuzukiBikesUK