In-Depth 2022 450 Shootout: 2022 Suzuki RM-Z450

With our 2022 450 Shootout wrapped up, we wanted to dive deep into the pros and cons of each bike individually. Even though the Suzuki RM-Z450 has remained unchanged for some time now, we decided to still break it down in our #450Shootout. We discuss how and why the 2022 Suzuki #RM-Z450 scored last place but still checks the boxes for most riders.
We have three different versions of our 2022 450 Shootout: a complete article on VitalMX.com, a short and sweet video where we briefly cover how all seven bikes are placed, and these bike-specific videos. Make sure to keep an eye out as we release the rest of the line-up as the week goes on.

[@thinkandrepent3175]

Im 40, I'm never gonna be racing a national or gp, it makes 0 sense to buy a 12000 dirt bike when the RMZ has everything you need for the lowest price. Honestly I respect Zuke for that.

[@MrDan1509]

Too bad the heads are sh!t!!

[@TheJoeml85]

i like the suzuki

[@dustin9035]

I still think it's the best looking

[@jrsalazar24]

Yes forsures, the front plate and fender look amazing on Suzuki 🔥

[@Tigerloco70]

I prefer orange , red or blue

[@danielc5205]

As a weekend warrior and a vet rider, I could live with the RM-Z450's short comings for the savings. Plus, I kinda like that it has a kick starter.

[@Equinsu_Ocha]

Rmz is where it's at. Cant beat that price. Get the suspension done and you're set!

[@jamieargent7139]

Yes exactly great bike I have a 19 and added a light from Lottworx bikes set and didn't break the bank

[@DesertDudee]

I bought a 19 RMZ450 added a Yoshi RS12 exhaust and a new spring and it's Gucci! Love it!

[@DavidJDiehl]

I've always had a soft spot for the Suzukis. Not sure why, but I hope the moto division can get some updates to bring the RMs back to relevance. They are good bikes.

[@briangillard695]

Absolutely love my 19! Gave 6500.00 for it new in march of 19 spent a lil $$$ on it setting it up for me and with the exception of e start wouldnt consider another brand.. Mods: Enzo re-valve. PC lowering link. FMF full exhaust, High comp PC piston and reworked head.

[@1969cmp]

....sounds good to me.

[@donbrashsux]

RMZ certainly has its place in today’s market..truthfully it’s not all about winning an AMA title is it

[@trebekanalbumcover]

Purchased an RMZ 450 the same day that my buddy got his YZ450F. He's bike is clearly the better bike, all day. But, I got a 50 and a 450 out the door for less than his YZ. I'm not a racer, just a guy with his son having fun on the weekends. I don't regret it at all. It got me on the track and I am having a blast.

[@Matt_729]

Let’s be honest if Suzuki came out with 125 and 250 2 strokes everyone would want one #rmarmy

[@1969cmp]

Yep.

[@microsoft790]

a supercharged 2 stroke engine platform could save suzuki. unfortunately they dug their grave long ago

[@sdb92]

And, so everyone’d if Honda or Kawie did!

[@borntwice4724]

At least it’s the best looking bike in the bunch.

[@Corey_Fox]

I picked up a brand new 2019 model in late 2020 for $6500. For a weekend rider you can’t beat the savings. Added some personal touches and it’s all the bike I need.

[@bradf8225]

I really just started riding last year and although it sounds weird but ive always been loyal to Suzuki and for some reason I love a yellow bike, but if I continue riding which I will I think I’ll have to move on from them, i respect that one builder has to build the affordable bike but the negatives will outweigh the cost and positives sooner or later. 💛 Suzuki Army

[@MX-CO]

The next most affordable is usually Kawasaki, I have always liked the yellow also I just think yellow looks good on a dirt bike!

[@jordancassells165]

Suzuki seem like a good 450 it says on Google u can remap them to 60 hp

[@Team_Banchamek]

Your the same as me but am a Kawasaki guy, loyal to them but only been riding a year, Kawasaki bolts always strip away and it’s bad. 3 of my bolts that hold the plastics on have stripped, it’s only a matter of time before they all go. I don’t want to have to change brand because I love Kawasaki but they need to sort this nick name of ‘Kawasaki’s fall apart’

[@MX-CO]

@@Team_Banchamek I've always loved the look of Kawasaki and I feel tho most comfortable sitting on them, but I'm leaning towards Honda 250f this year or maybe KTM or Husky

[@jordancassells165]

@@Team_Banchamek I was watching 450s on KZbin about which one has the most horsepower and Honda is the dyno King it gos to 55.1 husqvarna fc 450 can go from 55hp to 63 hp they tend to do 123 mph which is quick for a 450

[@jamieargent7139]

Suzukis always look the best and got my vote

[@vaughanscott7308]

Great review lindsey and I respect your review on the suzuki. Thanks for the good work you do.

[@josephforcino6399]

My son bought an 18 and got a great deal , had the suspension revolved , titanium motor mounts for more flex and lower links and the bike is amazing and still saved alot of money . What you save buying the bike you can do all the things to make work perfectly. Maybe when you do a shoot out you can do the mods to the Suzuki were the price is equal to all the other brands and then compare apples to apples.

[@TwistedTriggerEnduro]

Appreciate the breakdown and detail. Hearing it from the experts helps us understand what were feeling when we saddle up. 💪😀

[@mx118racer]

I love how they say outdated suspension. Yamaha essentially running a fork from 2006.

[@joez6798]

and it’s still arguably the best suspension you can ever put on a dirt bike. Kyb suspension might be old but it’s not outdated not by far, it was just years ahead of its time.

[@MrKdr500]

@@joez6798 WP suspension is far better than KYB.

[@joez6798]

@@MrKdr500 far better? That’s a joke. It’s preference, guys constantly have issues with wp, re valve adjust float, they use stiff ass ics springs with no pre load, there not far better in any way. If you can get the wp dialed in there good, but imo the kyb are easier all around and more reliable.

[@1969cmp]

@@MrKdr500 Kayaba...Showa.....as good as anything out there. It's simply a matter of taking time to set any suspension to suit that person.

[@reedgalbraith6508]

​@@MrKdr500 😂😂😂

[@terryfonz4603]

Look 99% of the people buying them cannot ride that bike to its potential! For those who race everyone spends money on suspension and motor mods anyway! So all things even doing engine work and suspension which everyone does suspension! The bike is indeed equal!!!

[@1969cmp]

...took the words right out of my mouth.

[@shadowkick2852]

Finally, the Suzuki video! I've been waiting for this.

[@dannysmith6035]

Suzuki RM my 2nd choice, that yellow is a pretty boy.%100!

[@jamieargent7139]

2019 rmz 450 Here had Factory Connections do the Suspension threw a Lottworx Headlight on it no battery a light and Kick it with Suzuki Love the bike. Suspension was terrible till it got dont what a difference and being 6ft3 I dont mine kicking it's easy and no dead battery ever.

[@truckingswe]

If you modify every bike to same sum of money, like the Husky is most expensive you get 500 dollar to modify + msrp for the bike: Lets say that it total 12tdollars for the most expensive bike + 500 usd the you get to modify all other brands to the same sum of money. Like the Suzuki maybe you can buy aftermarkets part and modyfies för 3000usd that would be a cool shootout to se.

[@terryfonz4603]

Exactly what I’m sayin make me one person who races at a moderate level without doing suspension and engine work? All racers do that!!! When you do the bike is equal!!

[@josephforcino6399]

Exactly let's compare prices, if a ktm is $12,000 and the Suzuki cost $ 7,000 you have $ 5000 to spend on the suk to match the price of the ktm . Now that would be a fair shoot out. Suzuki is making bikes people can afford. The price of bikes is out of control.

[@mrsamick24]

I’ll always be a Suzuki guy. Got a 13 rmz450 but yea, it’s a shame that they don’t put any money into their sx/mx stuff:/

[@mr.matteroffact2822]

Get some heavy vet racer on it and he’ll give the fairest review for the shoot out since the bike is set up for 200lb and up. If you’re not a hefty guy you’ll likely need to be re-sprung and re-valved, add the rear lower suspension link. Pipe it and drop in a hi-comp piston in it and you’ll have a bike that would win this shootout while still saving a little money. You’ll be surprised by how light the bike will feel while smoking your buddies.

[@crunch_amp9282]

My valves in spec on my Suzuki starts first kit

[@MrDan1509]

The harsh feel can easily be fixed by removing 2 face shims from the compression stack.. Simple job!

[@dlocomx783]

I have a 18 awesome bike but a 2019 rmz250 shock and respring it and you will be amazed awesome bike

[@stevenl8687]

Rmz just feels good I love how skinny it feels handling so awesome! For me it’s great course I’m 45 vet rider and just play around. Serious riders pros etc. of course want the best of best for competition RMZ is for me. Good review guys!

[@freddyeriksson1667]

I LOVE IT I GOT MINE FOR ONLY 6800 BUCKS WHAT A STEAL. IF I GOT A KTM THEY R WHAT 11K. SO I GOT 4K I CAN MOD IF I WANT.

[@Chrissy-H]

My 2018 is my favourite bike I’ve ever ridden. My old 15’ kiwi was a total mess in the corners, my KTM before that was too small and had awful suspension. At 6 foot 2, for some reason the RMZ seems to be the only bike I’ve ever ridden which actually fits me, it feels roomy and tall. I can lay it into turns and follow ruts with minimal effort, and the engine is super smooth and isn’t scary to ride.

[@bryceaebi4059]

Spend the money you save on fresh tires…winning combo👍

[@hencetirta7633]

very excited when vidio aBout rmz

[@450brucey2]

Video

[@Harry..Highpants]

I ride a Suzuki better than any other bike.. love them. I will always buy a suzuki. Just bring out the start button on them already!!!!!

[@bjornchristiansson2827]

The one who fix the balance in suspension will notice how much more easy it is to ride. I still today happy owner of a full factory RMZ450 the older chassi and have no plans of changing any best bike for my riding! Its dyno to 62bhp and for me 6,5' 230lbs that fits perfectly and I have 17 year as pro 500cc so I'm a A class vet today. I still love the RMZ just get some fix exhaust porting cams mapping and fork & shock. And you be surprised how fast you go. I run hydraulic clutch and many upgrades because it's a factory bike even it has a few years! Dont let that fool you it revs high it pull hard and the only downside is the weigh bit heavy still it been shaved off as much is possible. Price is awesome for a new bike. Best regards from Sweden Scandinavia 🇸🇪

[@mrtoyotatrd6126]

The Suzuki is a no brainer. The thousands you’re saving on price buying it will pay for all the parts you need to make it outperform any other bike. By the time you pay $11k+ on another bike, you could’ve spent the same amount on a Suzuki and got a far better bike. People who talk shit about the bike don’t understand that.

[@grecoconduris6716]

If you get one of these are the following mods advisable?: -Suspension spring and re valve for weight and riding style. -Rear link? I am not sure what this does? -Engine mounts, I heard this helps with the chassis harshness -Pipe for power? (If you need it) Anything else?

[@chriscardoza9785]

I don't know if they still make the RMXZ which has estart on it and I'm a Yamaha guy but I would own a RMZ any day because they are just simple bikes to own you don't have to worry about a battery going Dead and if you really want a E start one you could just buy the RMXZ if it's still available that is.

[@mrdj3926]

I think rmz 450 is a must

[@jarnosjourneyjj4628]

I'm 53 your old, your content is mx topic is very interesting and updated, can I ask your t-shirt vital Mx , Philippines..more power to your channel

[@marcspencer800]

There are only a select few people in the world that can ride that bike to its full potential.. any 450 is more bike than most can handle

[@libertyfighter1]

you have to change torque settings and motor mounts and put the gold valves motors great the suspnsion yes is harder to set up but if you can it is great bike

[@scottchelmford7136]

i feel like suzukis were always better suited for shorter riders..does this still ring true?

[@driftmax5180]

I love rmz

[@maico125]

Suzuki is still #1 in looks. Much better than the orange, white, and red KTMs.

[@crunch_amp9282]

The great champs raced Suzuki James Stewart Ricky Carmichael Chad Reed there was no better motocross riders nothing wrong with Suzuki

[@jonruger]

All those guys had their best years not on Suzuki’s though so that’s a very dumb argument.

[@kwade220]

You're also comparing an RM-z out of the crate vs. a full factory bike with suspension that costs more than the bike to begin with.

[@crunch_amp9282]

@@jonruger oh really Ricky Carmichael race for Suzuki for 15 years I think you better get your shit straight

[@jonruger]

@@crunch_amp9282 his perfect seasons were all on Honda’s lol his favorite bike in his own words in multiple interviews was his perfect season outdoor CRF450

[@josephforcino6399]

@@jonruger Carmichael never rode a crf 450. He rode a Honda cr 250 two stroke, and then switched to Suzuki 2 stroke and had a perfect season and both brands. Then he help with the rmz 450 with Suzuki. Your fact are way off.

[@plynch113]

Just picked up a 2022 freshy. $5999.....couldn't say no!

[@5150mxVw2]

out the door ??

[@joeyallison4144]

Jacob Hayes #sandbagking! Amateur MX's best known sandbagger.

[@andrewmendoza1578]

I have a feeling they are going to change it here next year…

[@stevestiffler9120]

If they add E -start , hydraulic clutch and 3 hp without gaining any weight they be right back in the game

[@450brucey2]

@@stevestiffler9120 im with you on everything but the clutch thats opinion based

[@briangillard695]

@@stevestiffler9120 Agree 100%

[@TheBlobGaziev]

I really hope they do. I don’t want them to drag out this model like they did 08-17

[@jonruger]

They haven’t changed this bike since what 2018 and really since 2008 if we are honest. Suzuki has completely given up on dirt bikes they will probably fold all together by 2025 or sooner.

[@rodrichamilton3554]

For the price go for the motocross M2 you won't regret it

[@ketillundsrensen6167]

How much suspension can you do for 500-1500 dollars and would it then be ass good or better than the rivals? Is it still air fork or have the ditch that shit long ago? I ride RM125 and I like it. But want to buy a 450 because my age makes me a OB-C rider and if I'm staying on my 125 I would have 2-3 rivals in my class. The 450f /250 2stroke. Have 20-25 riders to the gate. And I love the way you can ride them. (my riding style has always been 4stroke but the simpel and cheap 2stroke made me chose it. I have invested around 600dollars on suspension upgrades so it fits my weight. (I'm lucky to have the Shows suspension Frome 07 that should be so good stock and take upgrades really well. )

[@Tigerloco70]

Suzuki was lost in the mid 80s , was a dominant brand , but not the same with the street bikes 👍🏻

[@KJ-ym1qg]

Found a left over model for 7399. Plenty of bike for me.

[@TORTLESSS]

Save your money and buy this, tune the suspension and other settings, and just get better. The top 50 dudes will demolish anyone using a stock rmz450.

[@crunch_amp9282]

Here's the thing with motocross bikes and they do these shootouts every year and say the same stuff these bikes when they get into the hands of a pro-class rider are completely factory made bikes this suspension is changed the motor has changed brakes wheels tires everything you can take a Suzuki and put all the same stuff that everybody else is putting on the bike and it will perform the same nobody's getting paid to ride them that is the answer for all of this just like Honda suspension is not all that great so what do you do you put swap out the suspension parts it's the same thing every class pro class Rider does the two best Motocross riders of all times one more national championships on a Suzuki than any other bike ever made Ricky Carmichael James Stewart need I say anymore not all about the bike it's who's sitting on it I have a Suzuki that is all factory with a vortec ECU showa fcr valve works shocks yoshimura exhaust and it will smoke any new stock bike guaranteed 450 turns out 11,600 RPMs and suspension is dialed

[@jro341]

Most people love to hate the Suzuki. Ride what you want and shut up about it. Motocross used to be a tough sport, now it has turned into a lot of bitching and complaining. How about ride and enjoy yourself?

[@Slotmassacre]

Who doesn’t just ride on the weekends?

[@jdirt1982]

This or a CR 50??

[@Stinky_sack]

Why are people saying this bike is so cheap? It's 9k. Vs a new yz450 at 9500. It's only 500 bucks cheaper than the other bikes?? Where are you guys finding these brand new cheap rmz's

[@TheBlobGaziev]

Where is a brand new Rmz 9k? Where I live you can get a new rmz450 for somewhere around $7000-$8000

[@Stinky_sack]

@@TheBlobGaziev I'm in Oklahoma. Everywhere I've looked it's $8,999

[@sludge86]

This was just stupid. Why did they even waste the time. I understand the bike is not updated but ML was arrogant about it throughout.

[@robertmacleod1451]

Suzuki need a starter

[@ColKurtz-pi1ku]

I really ask why suzuki again build rmz.....

[@weekay9603]

Not keen on the rm at all... I'm all about the cr450r and kxefe450f

[@danielresch2975]

Where's the new sheriff in town Boise New year's gone by that yellow machine is going to be up your asses but my boy Kenny g riding at 94 baby I'll show you where it belongs at the top modified modified it don't work change it they did all the way HEP!!!!