2023 Suzuki RM-Z450 Garage Build Project Bike Build

Text: Kris Keefer
Build: Ryan Pursley
Photos: Spencer Owens
Video: Spencer Owens/Simon Cudby
Just because Suzuki hasn’t updated their RM-Z450 in a few years doesn’t mean this machine isn’t a viable option for most consumers. Sure, you still have to use your right foot instead of your finger to start it, but if you’ve been riding dirt bikes for a while, this isn’t some horrific news. When Ryan Pursley of Throttle Syndicate told me he wanted to build himself an RM-Z450, I immediately wanted to be a part of it to see if a yellow bike could make me smile while ripping around the hills of Glen Helen.
PARTS LIST:
Throttle Syndicate
Custom Graphic Kit, Pre-Printed Number Plate Backgrounds, Custom 3 Panel Grip Seat Cover w/Ribs
throttlesyndicate.com
Pro Circuit
Ti-6 Exhaust System, High Compression Piston, Cylinder Head Porting, Radiator Hoses, Suspension Re-Valve and Setup, Linkage, Throttle Tube
procircuit.com
Suzuki
KYB Rear Shock (RM-Z250)
suzukicycles.com
FCP
Engine Mounts, Foot Peg Pins
fcpracing.com
Hinson Racing
Billet Proof Ignition Cover, Billet Proof Clutch Cover, High Performance Clutch Plates and Springs
hinsonracing.com
Mika Metals
Pro Series 996 Handlebar, 50/50 Waffle Grips Soft, Rear Sprocket (14/53 Gearing), Front Sprocket, 520 Factory Series Chain
mikametals.com
MX Filters
DT1 Air Filter
mxfilters.com
Raptor Titanium
Apex Foot Pegs (5mm Lower/10mm Back)
raptortitanium.com
Works Connection
Elite Clutch Perch, Rotating Bar Clamp, Axle Block Upgrade Kit, Pro Launch Start Device, Rear Brake Master Cylinder Guard
worksconnection.com
Acerbis USA
Yellow Full Plastic Kit, Black Tank Cover, Front Disc Cover, Skid Plate, Chain Guide, 711 Bike Stand
acerbisusa.com
Guts Racing
Phantom Ultra Light Seat Foam (Tall +30mm)
gutsracing.com
EBC
270mm Front Disc, 240mm Rear Disc
ebcbrakes.com
Dunlop
MX33 Front, MX33 Rear
dunlopmotorcycletires.com
ABOUT DECAL WORKS
Founded in 1989 by Ron and Janeen Joynt, DeCal Works has been the industry leader in pre-printed decals and custom graphics for 30 years. With a passion for racing and innovation, DeCal Works has, since its early days, focused its attention on high-quality products with great customer service.
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[@hyslopboys9600]

Still one of the BEST LOOKING bikes out there!

[@stevenl8687]

Finally a solid experienced rider telling the truth. The yellow machine is plenty good enough for 90% of us weekend warriors. If I could find one at this price it be no brainer to put into my truck!

[@drkaymotorsports]

I am with keefer on the reliability. Nothing has broke on my bike. I've layed it over many times and slightly smashed a radiator with no guards. However All I've done is change the oil and clean the filter, and I've even ran it in the dunes and as a snowbike.

[@maverick2242]

Bring back the Full Floater, greatest rear ends ever. 81/82/83 RM 125s great bikes, what a fun time.

[@Houseof900]

I have each of those models and they really were years ahead of their time.

[@vinceedwards3978]

Owned 81, 82, and 85 Full Floater rear ends 125s!!! Great bikes, but I had what had to be the stupidest low speed accident on the 1985, and almost died!

[@brettwilson2544]

Preach keef!!! They’re great bikes! Awesome video 👍

[@jacobschwienebart5451]

I bought a 2023 RMZ last year love it!

[@TheSteveSteele]

Suzukis have always been reliable for me. And they’ve always been easy to work on. There was a time the RM was winning the shootouts. That was a long time ago! Hopefully they’ll get in the game. Still, most of the current RM is going to be near perfect for a lot of riders, with enough cash leftover to make changes that suit you. And the RMs always turn well as we all know. I love ‘em.

[@datractor]

Would have loved for you to talk more about the KYB shock that's in the bike

[@evo5349]

Yes instead of a load of waffle about BFRC shock and expensive work as they never worked and only suitable for the bin.

[@travisjones4992]

It’d be from an RMZ 250

[@datractor]

@@travisjones4992 yeah I have rebuilt and valved many kyb, wp, showa akit shocks etc. I was more wondering if it settled the rear more or made the forks softer or more compliant, how the rebound was different than the bfrc and if the sag was different and how it held up in the stroke.

[@evo5349]

@@travisjones4992 Yes.

[@briangillard695]

@@evo5349 Funny how Chase Sexton ran one outdoors last year. Hmmmmm Had Enzo do mine plus the PC link Im happy!

[@lizzydog5728]

As long as I'm not 3/4 of the way up a tough climb trying not to slide downhill? I enjoy kick starting my bike!

[@mikeandrews1899]

I wouldn't say I have ever enjoyed kick-starting my bike over the last 53yrs of riding . But at 58 , with bad knees and a hip that is worn fuuu out .... I can still kickstart my YZ450 to life quite easily 🤔

[@MXvsATV144]

Love how you reviewed it!!!! Finally watched the whole video and it’s exactly what you said it is… it’s plenty good enough of a bike for most the riders out there and it can be changed to whatever mod list people want and be on par with any other manufacturer.

[@pkmrsb2320]

Just picked up a left over 23 for $6443.00 out the door. I am going to start with a suspension re-valve and the FCP engine mounts and go from there. I'm excited to have all this left over money to customize a bike for myself.

[@Slipvayne1]

$8999 on the east coast, seen 1 "on sale" for $7399 but it sold pretty quick.

[@briantruxtonjr.6108]

There was a deal in Florida a couple months ago, buy a 450 get a free 85.

[@DSGB2199]

This is what im seeing. Aint no 5 grand new race model anywhere. Couldnt even get an 85 otd that price

[@359Joey]

@@briantruxtonjr.6108 You being serious?

[@briantruxtonjr.6108]

@TravelinMan yea it was a very limited deal they had like 1 or 2 of those combo deals but that was the deal. Buy a RMZ450 comes with a free RM85.

[@RobNaughton54]

I’m willing to bet money if I asked one of those dealers for an out the door price it’s going to between eight and $9000. At least that’s what’s happened to me in the past when I’ve called on bikes with low asking prices.

[@crispincurtis8585]

4k + less than a yz??? I'd like see that in person🤓

[@drkaymotorsports]

@@crispincurtis8585 I bought a 2017 rmz450 out the door new in spring of 2018 at $6200. The bike right next to it was a 2018 yz450f with an msrp at 9K, and that's without dealer fees.

[@nojwhat13]

I went into a shop for a 2021 rmz250 listed for 5,999 and they wanted about 9k out the door 😂

[@callumratcliffe7402]

ECU is the secret that they will never give you as they have a special allgarythem just like there is the industry secret or the song writer's secret you have a motorsport secret also!!!

[@unbalancednobody1014]

I know a guy who picked one up a month ago for $5800 out the door, even got a free Yoshi pipe

[@Millhouse84]

Cool to see, that Kenny revived the Suzuki brand.

[@seangavingregory4367]

Love your vids brother.

[@mxnoah409]

Yeah I'd like to find a new one for $4999......

[@Bruce.Wallace]

They are out there. AJ Catanzaro just posted a vid where his driver to the supercross races just picked one up for $5300 out the door.

[@mxnoah409]

@Juan Dinger that's awesome. Have not found anything close to that here on the east coast... still up around 7k.

[@jay1871]

@@mxnoah409 only homie deals are happening at that price point. I’ve been trying to get on yellow for months.

[@chazzgonzalez1356]

He mentioned California is doing blowout deals.. could be the reason

[@MSLAGLE663]

I just got quoted $9500 for a 250 😂 paid less than that in 2018 for a 450

[@Jerry-xb1wb]

Calling around all over Southern California today and nobody has one close to 5k. They are offering a free pipe with msrp price.

[@BAYAREAMX]

Same here. Also, looking on cycle trader there are none in the USA for under $6k. There must’ve been one dealer blowing them out at $5k as I heard a guy on AJ Catanzaros video got one for $5200 otd.

[@ShesRootedHomeSaffron]

@@BAYAREAMX same here, Southern California and I’m looking as soon as one of us find it please let us all know I will buy one today

[@drkaymotorsports]

Dealer in Grand Junction colorado put it on sale a few weeks back for under 6k. Sold right quick.

[@damonforrest1570]

I got one comment about the Suzuki remember when Ricky Carmichael used to go in the corners and blast right out of them. Noticed that Ken Roxsan is doing the exact same thing so that is a plus and Supercross. He starts getting everything else down. People might be eaten a lot of their words.

[@jonathondavis170]

Suzuki engines can produce the most torque stock and in aftermarket configurations, and have the most linear powercurve. People always want to talk smack on bikes but Ryan Sipes could take an old DRZ350 and whoop people on a KTM 450-XC-F or Yamaha YZ450FX - it's all about set-up, fitness, experience, and technique, and money can only buy one of those four!

[@lampenracer]

What about the KYB shock in this vid?

[@aaronhinojos1131]

I rode a 05 yz250f for a long time , and kicking the bike does take alot of energy especially if you lay it over fooorrrrget about it lol ! So pushing that little button to start my 21 yz, is very satisfying, if Suzuki just made thay 1 change i guarantee they'd sale more bikes , i think they look bad azz! ,

[@jonathandeemer257]

I just got a 19. All stock. Only ridden it once and like it so far. Where can I get the KYB shock for $400?

[@blakemaitland7858]

They stopped importing the rmz range here in nz

[@vaughanscott7308]

You're a legend keefer this was awesome that bike looks killa 👍👍👍

[@AUSTIN_457]

Gimme that link for the kyb shock for 400 bucks. Bonus points if you can also send me info on a rmz450 for 5k lol

[@pelster818]

Yeah I'm only seeing them in socal for 6800

[@AUSTIN_457]

@Pelster818 yeah there's a few for 6800 in my area (MI) but then add all the fees and taxes and you're more so spending 7.5k

[@jonathondavis170]

Look at Fun Bike Center in San Diego, CA - I've seen many San Diego shops sell them for that price and only know that from when I lived there from the military and would check their inventory from time to time...probably closer to 6-7k though! I got my 2022 Honda CRF450R-S OTD for 9k (the twin pipe 2020 remake) and this bike has been crazy fun building - unfortunately I'm over $20k into it now from building it with XPR Engines, Pro Wheels Racing, Art of War Showa A-kit Suspension, Honda Red Moto Enduro parts, Luxon MX, FCP, Ride Engineering, Hinson, and Worcs Connection...built it into an off-road weapon and it's a blast of a machine...have nothing to be embarrassed about on my machine - yes, it's heavier but I am too, and it's not a bad thing! Keefer is right that most people can't out ride even a 2005 CRF450R...Test Torture magazine dude beat everyone on an old clapped out platform because of his skill and technique. You don't need the latest and greatest even though the internet just shows you new bikes every year - dirt bike technology won't outgrow a machine that had been set-up and built to spec with ECU technology these days...they aren't re-inventing the wheel every year - it has a chassis, suspension, engine, and two wheels with the same braking technology for crying out loud!!!! lol It's a BIKE! haha 😂

[@mxcollin95]

So how was the KYB shock? You started with the BFRC then when you were talking you had the KYB installed and I was just curious about the difference in feel between the two shocks.

[@torr-michaelbennetta9785]

Great bike, great build.

[@hansmakela2450]

Keefer look comfy on Suzuki, more than blue Bike. I need to look Suzuki more

[@colbster54trains]

Only cali is moving them for these prices for some reason

[@MegaStreet11]

Is this exact bike bike better than a bone stock 2023 YZ450? I love to see lap time comps.

[@aydenrich262]

Probably better cause of the suspension and stuff

[@MegaStreet11]

@@aydenrich262 You think so? SSS stuff is pretty good stock. I'm just curious.

[@aydenrich262]

@@MegaStreet11 yeah stock stuff is still good but with everything thats been put into the rmz I’m sure would handle better, it would be interesting to see the comparisons though

[@pags1981]

Hmm, 23 YZ450 has one of the strongest and adjustable engines out there and the KYB suspension is very very good...

[@aydenrich262]

@@pags1981 doesn’t compare when you put it up against the components that are put on the Suzuki

[@mattschwensen9562]

How hard/how much$ would it be to retro fit a electric start to this machine? And even a hydraulic clutch. Mx is not too bad to kick but enduro, tuff hill climbs ect its a nightmare ( not that we weren’t all doing it 10+ years ago …)

[@user93634]

Someone is in the process of swapping a RMX450Z (enduro electric start model) crate motor into a 2018+ RMZ as we speak. They tried swapping an RMZ head onto the motor, but nothing lined up, so they just did some head work to the original RMX motor to help wake it up a bit. They said it fits right into the 2018+ frame, but the biggest issue I could only imagine is going to be figuring out how to route all of the electronics from the RMX into the RMZ.

[@mikeandrews1899]

Keef knows his shit ! 👍

[@donaldbehling5674]

I love the way Suzukis look If I was younger Id buy one

[@driftmax5180]

SUZUKI is best bike for me

[@edcook6438]

Love my RMZ 450 the easiest bikes to ride ever smooth and fast

[@jamieargent7139]

Paid that for my 19 in 19 bike is great Mechanic from Hyr good friend recommend it put suspension and a Lottworx led headlight couldnt be happier. Bike sat about 6 months. Gave it a small easy kick over. Reset 1 kick started right up. Rmz is a easy starting bike I run a headlight and no battery love I will never have a dead battery ?

[@SKG1941]

Found a great dealer in my hometown. He bought out the old Honda shop that had been here since the 70s and I tried to buy many motorcycles from them but they always tried to rip me off. The new owner sold me a brand new 2023 RMZ 450 for $6500 out the door. That also includes a full Yoshimura RS-12 exhaust and header worth $799 and a $199 army graphics package. Awesome deal.

[@jonruger]

No where but Cali has them that cheap my local dealers want more or as much as the Kawasaki.

[@cleanmachineautodetailing]

Yep. I got a 22 kx450 for 7499 otd in November

[@jonruger]

@@cleanmachineautodetailing I just got a new Honda back in the fall but I love the Kawi’s they feel like my old 07 Honda with a way better engine I might go for one next. But I heard all the hype of how cheap the Suzuki’s supposedly were and went to check them out 2 dealers wanted more for the RMZ than the KX one dealer was the same price and the Kawi is so much better of a machine.

[@cleanmachineautodetailing]

@@jonruger finally someone that gets it. The rmz are not a good deal for the majority of us. If I could get one otd for 5k I’d buy one today. Your move Suzuki

[@jonruger]

@@cleanmachineautodetailing exactly they should take the hint they have a 6 year old bike right now so price it accordingly. For 5 grand I figured it would be dumb not to buy one but for 7500-8500 It would be dumb to not buy one of the better bikes.

[@chupacabraracing181]

Roanoke VA here and motorsports Roanoke is asking 10k for a fkn 22 model RMZ 450. I told them they are crazy. I bought my 19 RMZ 450 for 8500 new out the door. I was prepared to buy it at 8k. I'll keep looking while still riding my 19.

[@robertrishel3685]

What does it cost to make one of these street legal? Seems like it would make a cool dual purpose build (with 🤯99% of the emphasis on dirt).

[@dustinprice8897]

I still race my 2011 CRF450 and I'm usually one of the fastest dude out on practice day lol still top 5 in a stacked 30+ class. Maybe 1% of people that buy a new dirt bike can ride it to its full capabilities, getting it setup to you and your riding style is way more important than the year on the frame plate

[@pags1981]

Good bike for Motocross and 99% of people. If they come out with a new model in 2024 around 235-240 pounds in weight I'd be tempted

[@chrisdouglas6119]

$4999 LOL where is this fairy tale fantasy world that you can find one for that price?? Dealers here in Canada are asking $12k out the door. Even in the States finding one for $5k is pure bullshit

[@ianhamilton1853]

5k .. Awesome bike

[@slayerfan209]

If I could ever find a new one for $5000 I would buy it right then and there without hesitation. I’m torn between Yamaha and Honda when it comes to my next bike I’m gunna get from a dealer in a few months when my financial situation gets to a better spot and I have my new truck (used, just a different one). They’re sitting around 10.5k with the fees and all that but my local dealer said they give all MX bikes discounts. I don’t know how much of a discount they’ll give me, but if it’s a big enough one, I’ll gladly take the RMZ off their showroom floor instead of the other bikes. But what I would consider a big enough discount would be one that would be enough to add a full exhaust system, revalved suspension set up for me, hand guards, graphics kit hour meter, aftermarket or modded ECU, and possibly some triple clamps or something (but at least everything else) and it come out to MSRP. I’ll pay full price including fees and everything to walk out with an upgraded bike. Hell, I’m financing the bike when I get it, so I’m gunna grab a works edition CRF if I can still find one come time to buy

[@unbalancednobody1014]

They were throwing in a free Complete Yoshi when my boy got one, probably still happening

[@-zd-7079]

5 grand in California no fn way sorry a 22 rmz250 maybe 5 but doubtful

[@chaostravel7169]

I think that’s an awesome build. And your right the bikes are very expensive. What a great way to get into or back into riding. What was the end cost with all mods. I might have missed thatZ

[@briangillard695]

AROUND 3k

[@metalofthedeath]

It’s also heavier than all the other bikes

[@xrickel559]

If I could find one for 5k new I’d buy 2 lol. Here in Michigan there $7200 plus tax and title.

[@lgr1966]

I've loved Suzuki since 1978 when got my first, don't know why exactly maybe color or the sound the 2 strokes gave back then!? Well with that said I didn't like the neon color they gave it back when?

[@brockhiggs2180]

It doesn't look like that bike has the bfrc shock. It looks like the showa shock from the 250f. I could be wrong though.

[@lifeonthehill9977]

How about $6300 for a 2023 kx450? Naults power sports in NH.

[@briansemder565]

You have a KYB shock on it.

[@ShesRootedHomeSaffron]

Still haven’t found a dealership in Southern California letting them go for this price

[@grecoconduris6716]

How was the KYB shock?

[@libertyfighter1]

i love my suz

[@problemchild778]

Keef, you have to remember why people are buying those 12k rWE, FE, and SR's. They're just financing them bc they don't have money to buy something and build it themselves so I feel that's why alot of people just bash on the yellow brand. Maybe Suzuki could come out with their own "works" bike? The Kenny edition 🤣

[@dlocomx783]

Mines 70+ hours just changing that shock to a Kyb and springing it for your weight changes the whole bike

[@MX-CO]

How much can you get a new RMZ 250 for?

[@tailoredwolf2178]

It would be great if the moto community would stop putting this bike down, acting like they ride a 450 on a pro level. Great price, you know suzuki handles, its a solid bike.

[@BRField]

what is the weight?

[@XiaoDelucian-v1j]

Schowalter Divide

[@mcdonald_478]

In Aus they are still trying to sell them for 14k

[@jpesicka492]

Dont buy em, they will learn the hard way

[@dyland9211]

I'd buy one but my dealers here in the Midwest Indianapolis, want 8500 otd they want over 10 id buy Honda or Yamaha at that price but can't afford that so I'll need to look for an older used 450 i suppose unless i wanted to trade my Harley in on a Brand new one but I can't bring myself to trade a Harley for a dirt bike but idk.

[@chrisvillarreal2752]

You can find some sick ktm450s or 350s 2020 and up for 6500-7500 and if you go gas gas it gets even better with lower hours. Buying a new rmz only makes sense if it’s for 5k out the door. Other than that get a machine that will destroy it in every way possible stock for the same money with less than 20 hours

[@HakanTaylan-q8y]

Keaton Radial

[@kimanigrant4804]

What dealerships?

[@kirkdunn1379]

seen $5999 and mid 6s, pretty sure they would go lower.....part of sales is negotiating, call around and have em ship it in the crate it comes in.....alot of it has to do with way you approach the sale

[@SaraGierke-p9c]

Cruickshank Motorway

[@johnnyhopkins7297]

If they were really 5k I’d be rm army all day. 9 bands for my yz250f shit I’d sell it and go get a 450 and 250 zuke

[@LynnCopes-u6l]

Rutherford Well

[@DarrellBurdick-q1u]

Adams Inlet

[@derkbrock5996]

Some of these prices they come out with not just for the rm I swear it’s a buddy buddy price or before taxes and fees

[@briangillard695]

yes b4 taxes! you got to pay taxes on 10 and 5K 6% on 5K is 300 on10K its 600 so whats your point.

[@derkbrock5996]

@@briangillard695 Why so hostile, my point is say the out the door in the back of ur truck price. Trust me brain I understand how taxes work.

[@AndrewDiego-l1k]

Telly Skyway

[@ChristinaThompson-r4c]

Little Park

[@kx250fforlife]

Please explain how leaving the tip in the exhaust hives you more traction in the rear? You mean you get more power without it making the wheel spin? Please dont tell me you mean more weight in the rear?

[@ShandaZafar-c9r]

O'Kon Overpass

[@DannieHomer-g6c]

Carter Lodge

[@CynthiaMartinez-z1n]

Towne Spring

[@briantruxtonjr.6108]

Where's that shock for $400?

[@Scythe_Voltage]

From Indiana, every rmz450 is 8,999 out the door, can’t even find 1 for 8k

[@KrisThornhill-l5h]

Lockman Mountains

[@JamelStadnik-b3x]

Magali Gateway

[@ghgj-j9g]

Ortiz Inlet

[@WarrenSmith-d4c]

Bergstrom Drive

[@rantANDrave1987]

I’m not a big motocross follower. Why did this guy say it has a lethargic low down rpm? Thought the RMZs were known for low down power and not top end power??

[@StevenSanders-f5i]

Skye Greens

[@KenFortin-c3n]

Manuel Vista

[@vwgtdturbo]

my rm 125 and rm 250 make me more fun than rmz!

[@christopherrhea8578]

I love my rmz450

[@BillieRivenberg-o4v]

Hessel Stravenue

[@ChariseEsquivel-f8i]

Boyle Pine

[@LucyCarr-s2y]

Bins Trail