Launch: 2011 Suzuki RM-Z motocrossers

Suzuki has without doubt become a dominating force in the motocross and supercross world over the past 12 months. Ryan Dungey has enjoyed an incredible record-breaking rookie season in the 2010 AMA Motocross and Supercross Championships on the RM-Z450, while in the world motocross title Ken Roczen (RM-Z250) and Clement Desalle (RM-Z450) have been enjoying great success in the MX2 and MX1 classes respectively.

It’s safe to say Suzuki’s results on the track are letting the bikes speak for themselves off it. So how good are the yellow machines out of the crate for 2011, and is it the mechanical genius of the factory teams that have consistently been putting these guys on top of the box, or are the Suzukis just that good? I couldn’t wait to find out!

2011 RM-Z250
With the 2010 model RM-Z250 receiving a major overhaul, the 2011 version has been all about refinement and continuing to build on a machine which achieved great success here in Australia.

Matt Moss decided to race the 2010 model late in 2009 after only an hour on it; he felt it was that ready to race. He then went on to dominate the Australasian Supercross Championship (Super X), barely breaking a sweat in the process.

The bar, seat and footpeg positions on the RM-Z250 are nice and comfortable, and the controls – throttle, front brakes and clutch – are super smooth and light. The 2011 bike has benefited from improved lubrication to the center of the clutch and countershaft, which is great news for those with a propensity for arm pump.

Other notable changes for 2011 include revised spring rates for both the front and rear suspension, modified cam timing, and updated ECU settings for more linear acceleration and improved over-rev. Some of these changes, combined with a lengthened exhaust, have been aimed at ensuring compliance with the AMA’s 94db noise restriction.

Before my first ride on the stock standard RM-Z250 at the Frankston motocross complex in bayside Melbourne, I had a fair idea of what to expect -- plenty of clutch action to maintain momentum on the sandy surface. Talk about being pleasantly surprised!

As soon as I opened up the throttle on the small-bore, I had a smile from ear to ear. The bike felt lively from the get-go, and I took next to no time to adjust to the 250 after lots of recent riding on a 450cc motocrosser.

One of the most noticeable aspects of the bike is its incredible torque and bottom-end power. Pulling through a tight sandy berm in third gear is no problem at all, with barely a flick of the clutch required to keep the bike in its sweet spot.

The engine is incredibly forgiving for riders of all skill levels. You simply don’t have to be a master of corner speed to keep the RM-Z on song. A bobble here and there, or perhaps being a bit lazy to go down an extra gear is where you really appreciate its smooth acceleration and incredible bottom end power.

Typically, in order to make gains at the lower end of the rev range it’s at the sacrifice of top-end over-rev -- but not so in this case.

The note of the rev limiter is hard to explain, but it’s certainly noticeably different from years past, and the power doesn’t taper off anywhere near as dramatically. That’s a boon for the serious racer looking for a little extra between obstacles, or the weekend punter who may have lost the energy or motivation to change gears as often as he or she probably should!

Out of the crate, the RM-Z250 bike handles better than any brand new motocross bike I have ever ridden. Steering wise, the bike tips in and makes an inside rut every time. As for the suspension, I could hit braking and acceleration bumps hard with the confidence that the bike would never step out sideways or do anything scary.

Even jumping into the face of bigger bumps doesn’t worry the RM-Z250, and there are no nasty bangs or gee outs. If you must try to sweeten the deal a little more, some simple clicks harder or softer on the compression dampening and you’ll be good to go.  

2011 RM-Z450
Stepping on to any modern day 450cc motocrosser can be a daunting prospect. The engines are always extremely powerful and are not for the faint-hearted. In saying this, there is no point having the most powerful bike on the track if you can’t get that power down to the dirt. This is where Suzuki has focused a lot of its attention for the 2011 RM-Z450.

As far as updates go for 2011, like the 250, the suspension spring rates have been revised in at both ends, and the ECU has been adjusted to provide a smoother power delivery and more over-rev.

In addition, there’s an increased compression ratio (from 12.2 to 12.5), and also cam timing adjustments to increase ‘feel’ of the engine while decreasing noise. There are also optional ECU couplers to  make the fuel settings richer or leaner.

Sitting on the newest addition to Suzuki’s big-bore brigade, the seat/handlebar and footpeg positions are comfortable. The seat is firm without being too hard, and the bike feels nice and narrow between the legs.

On the stand the machine looks and feels very similar to the 2010 model bike, with slick-looking plastics and simple, yet sharp graphics. Once on the track however, the yellow beast begins to show the fruits of Suzuki’s labour.

Efforts to reduce noise on the big 450cc were apparent as soon as I started cutting laps. The engine note is a little quieter, but it still sounds strong. The engine has to be one of the most forgiving in motocross circles.

Of course, since the inception of electronic fuel injection by Suzuki in 2008, the signature ‘bog’ that used to be found in four-stroke machines is a thing of the past. However, not only will the 2011 model not bog in sandy corners, it will practically pull through in any cog you choose through the five-speed gearbox.

Often choosing a higher gear will help less experienced riders smooth out their ride by using more of the engine’s torque rather than peak horsepower. For serious racers looking for that aggressive ‘punch’, an aftermarket exhaust may do the trick -- but it’s really just a luxury rather than a necessity.

If there’s one thing that can scare the pants of any test rider, it’s getting out of shape on a brand new big-bore 450 at high speed. The sheer momentum carried in comparison to a 250cc machine means handling is far more vital than chasing more power.

Suzuki has obviously adopted this approach with the 2011 RM-Z450, as the adjustment in spring rates on the Showa suspension has had extremely positive results. The bike felt well balanced from the moment I rode onto the track, and it seemed that regardless of whether I was pushing hard, slamming through the bumps, or simply cruising around the track, I felt safe and more confident from the get-go.

Turning the RM-Z is never a drama, and it feels as safe gliding through the air as it does negotiating the rough stuff. As a stock machine the RM-Z450 is hard to fault. As with the 250, simple suspension adjustments to personalise the bike to suit your ability and the riding conditions are all that is necessary.

Unfortunately, my day of leisure and riding on Suzuki’s latest motocross weapons had to come to an end, with other work commitments awaiting. Given the opportunity and physical fitness, you would happily ride either machine all day long.

The RM-Z250 is the perfect race-ready machine, and has to be as close to race pace as is humanly possible for a standard bike. In saying that, if you want a motocross bike that is forgiving, light weight and confidence-inspiring on the track, this is for you also -- even if it’s just to race your mates on the weekend.

Any 450cc motocross machine is not for the timid, however the RM-Z450 is as user-friendly as they get. The power delivery is lineal and smooth, while still packing plenty of punch to get the adrenaline pumping.

However, it’s the suspension and handling which sets this machine apart as a standard issue package. Regardless of your skill level, only small adjustments would be necessary to really seize the moment.

The RM-Zs are now available in Suzuki dealers nationally, at $10,690 (250) and $11,590 (450) respectively.

Visit the 2011 RM-Z450 and 2011 RM-Z250 in Bike Showroom.

AND THERE'S MORE
People who race the 2011 Suzuki RM-Z250 and/or RM-Z450 will continue to be eligible to register for Suzuki's support rider program, offering contingency payments on selected national and state race titles.

In fact, riders can now upgrade for the upcoming Australasian Supercross Championship.

For each Super X round, Suzuki support riders are eligible for the following contingency payments:

•    Highest placed SSR privateer (within overall top 20) $500*
•    Second highest placed SSR privateer (within overall top 20) $250*
•    Third highest placed SSR privateer (within overall top 20) $125*

Suzuki support riders are also eligible for a discount on ONE Industries race wear as worn by Team Rockstar Motul Suzuki.

Registration to the Suzuki support rider program is free.