How Much Power Does The 2018 Suzuki RMX450Z Make?

The RMX450Z is Suzuki’s flagship off-road bike. For 2018, it receives a few minor cosmetic changes in the form of blue accents on the radiator shrouds and seat cover like its motocross bike cousin, the RM-Z. One other difference—which only applies to California residents and has nothing to do with the bike itself—is that the 2017 model is green sticker eligible and the 2018 bike is red sticker eligible. Technically, there’s no difference between the two years. Except the 2018 off-road bikes now require an evaporative emission recovery system on the fuel tank to be green sticker compliant, which the RMX450Z does not have. But the 2017 and 2018 models are both EPA emission and sound level legal.

In order to help the bike meet the strict EPA emission and sound regulations, the RMX450Z comes stock with a restrictive throttle stop. We plan to ride the bike in closed-course conditions and wanted to get an accurate reading of the bike’s full potential power output on the dyno, so we removed it. Once we rode, we found it produced 40.48 hp at 9,120 rpm and 27.02 pound-feet of torque at 6,460 rpm.

While this may be a bit less than we’re used to seeing from 450 four-stroke motocross machines, keep in mind this is a red-sticker-eligible, EPA-approved off-road bike that meets sound requirements. Therefore it isn’t tuned for maximum power, but rather a controllable power delivery that’s easier to handle in off-road conditions such as trail riding. We’ll be taking the RMX450Z out to ride some single-track to get a first impression and full review, so stay tuned to see how this Suzuki off-roader performs.