2013 Suzuki ATV Motocross RM-Z250 & RM-Z450

Suzuki has just released details of its 2013 RM-Z250 and RM-Z450 motocross bikes, which feature a raft of updates are will make it to the market within months

Suzuki has lifted the lid on its 2013-spec RM-Z250 and RM-Z450 motocross bikes, which it says incorporate improvements gleaned through feedback from some of its top factory pilots, including Clement Desalle and James Stewart.

Both machines feature a number of updates in the engine, chassis and suspension departments, leading to increased performance and enhanced handling, says Suzuki.

The 450's piston is now some 13 per cent lighter thanks to Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis, while the reshaped con-rod is lighter too, and Suzuki says this enables improved throttle response and increased low-end to mid-range power. The 250's redesigned piston is now three per cent lighter, while the quarter-litre bike gets a new five-speed transmission. Suzuki says the 450's transmission has been refined, the updates producing a smoother, more precise gear shift.


As for the chassis, both models will benefit from Showa's Separate Function Fork (SFF), which sees the damping function and spring located in separate fork legs. Those 48mm-diameter fork legs are said to offer improved stability and shock-absorption capability, while the SFF unit also offers spring preload adjustment, for a more precise set-up.

Both bikes' frames are also said to have been tweaked with a revision to the frame's shape and construction, while the settings of the rear monoshocks have also been revised, to better match the expanded capability of the Showa SFF fork.

Finally, the muffler end caps on both models are now fixed with bolts, not rivets, so the mufflers can be repacked more easily, and the bikes feature aggressive, eye-catching graphics.