2005 RMZ450

I spent last night eating dinner in a convention room of the Paris hotel watching the most hilarious skit of American Suzuki Chopper I’ve ever seen (It’s a one of a kind trust me and the only one ever made).

Why should you care? Because afterwards I got to hear a recorded speech from Ricky Carmichael saying how happy he is to join the family and how he plans to return it to dominance.

Of course I also got to see all the new 2005 models Suzuki has to offer including the all new RM-Z450.

Here’s what I can tell you about the RM-Z450 that won’t be found on the brochure.

It weighs aproximately 230 lbs. That’s real world weight, not the dry weight claimed by the manufacturers.

The hot start button is located next to the gas cap. Why? Honda has the patent on mounting it on top of the clutch perch and we’re guessing Yamaha probably has the patent for mounting it to the back of the clutch perch. How Kawasaki’s and Suzuki’s RM-Z250 get away with mounting it on top of the clutch perch is a mystery.

Now for things you will find in the brochure:

Bore & Stroke: 95.5 x 62.8mm
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Carburetor: Keihen FCR40
Transmission: 4-Speed
Caster/Trail: 25.5 degrees/111mm
Forks: Showa 47mm telescopic
Shock: Showa 50mm Piggyback-reservoir
Tires: Front tire will be an all new 90/100-21