2017: Suzuki Goes Off-Road

2017 Suzuki’s

That’s right, Suzuki jumps back on the off-road bandwagon after some time not fielding a bike in the off-road/enduro. No, the RM-Z motorcrossers have not really changed for the coming year but Suzuki has added a bike to the lineup. Not a lot of technical data has been released on the bike other than it is based off the RM-Z. The official name of the new mount is the RMX450Z. Like several other manufactures, this is a converted motocrosser but the RMX seems a little more off-road/enduro. This bike comes with and enduro light and instrument panel with sport and standard operating modes. Like all off-road or enduro bikes these days, the RMX comes with and electric start, 18-inch rear wheel, five-speed side ratio tranny, larger flywheel, lighting coil, easy access airbox and so on. All of this with a RM-Z inspired chassis. The engine has also been altered for off-road with different cam profiles and altered intake for what they say offers more bottom and mid range power. It will meet California Green Sticker requirements and comes with a spark-arrestor standard.

The RM-Z models pretty much state they are the same as the 2016, both the 250 and 450. Remember the 2016 RM-Z250 was all new in 2016. Some of the color schemes have been altered to give the bikes a new look but for the most part they are the same bikes. Below is Suzuki’s PR info on the new models

2017 Suzuki Off-Road, Motocross, DualSport & SuperMoto motorcycles

Engineered from championship-winning lineage, the all-new 2017 Suzuki RMX450Z is the enduro motorcycle for serious off-road riders. Suzuki has taken the best of the RM-Z450 and added trail-mastering features such as electric start, full-function instrumentation, 18-inch EXCEL rear wheel, and enduro lighting to create the new RMX450Z .
“The 2017 RMX450Z delivers renowned Suzuki handling, power and reliability to off-road riders,” said Kerry Graeber, Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. “Suzuki has established a performance edge with the RM-Z family of competition bikes, and we are excited to introduce an off-road-focused motorcycle derived from that family. This expansion of the Suzuki line gives riders who grew up with smaller Suzuki off-road bikes a new model to step up to.”
Suzuki’s youth-focused off-road motorcycles return with the DR-Z125L and the DR-Z70 extending trail-riding opportunities to an entire family of riders. Those with DualSport intentions will appreciate the 2017 Suzuki DR200S, DR-Z400S and DR650S, three proven Suzuki motorcycles with equal abilities on dirt and pavement. Add in the singular DR-Z400SM Supermoto for 2017, and you have a family of motorcycles that offers unmatched versatility, fun and performance. Competition riders can rest assured that the RM-Z450, RM-Z250 and RM85 return for 2017 with their performance focus and championship-winning design intact.
2017 Suzuki Off-Road line

The new 2017 Suzuki RMX450Z delivers an enduro punch for trail riders who want a higher level of performance. This new off-road achiever shares core componentry with the championship-winning RM-Z450 motocross bike. It begins with a 449cc four-stroke, four-valve engine featuring Suzuki fuel-injection technology that delivers smooth power, trusted reliability and high fuel efficiency. For off-road uses, Suzuki engineers modified the engine’s intake, added an easy-access hinged airbox, and revised the cam profiles for improved low- to mid-range power delivery. The package also includes a larger magneto-generator for battery charging and headlight power. A wide-ratio, five-speed transmission helps riders power through a variety of conditions.
The RMX uses an aluminum-alloy twin-spar frame that is lightweight and provides the needed rigidity and durability to triumph over tough trails. Fully adjustable SHOWA forks and piggyback-reservoir-style shock are off-road focused, delivering the handling edge that makes the RM-Zs famous. The RMX runs on trail-ready, black-anodized Excel aluminum rims, 18-inch rear and 21-inch front.
A bright 35W headlight is well-integrated into this enduro’s front number plate. Rear illumination is handled by a small, low-draw LED taillight tucked under the fender. The bike’s frame gets needed protection items such as high-impact guards for fork legs, rear brake rotor and caliper. A full-function instrument panel features sport and standard-mode operation to provide riders with just the information needed for the ride. The instruments rest on the standard-equipment Renthal Fatbar handlebars – the strong and vibration-reducing choice for high-performance riders.
The new RMX450Z is ready to give trail riders the high-performance edge they desire.

The 2017 Suzuki DR-Z125L serves a range of off-road interests. Its compact, air-cooled four-stroke engine produces ample power that is easy to access, and meets today’s tough emissions standards. This off-roader’s 19-inch front tire and 16-inch rear tire contribute to agile handling on a variety of terrain, and work well with the bike’s smooth suspension action. The DR-Z125L is styled in Champion Yellow and Black, just like the race-focused RM-Z models.

The Suzuki DR-Z70 returns to the off-road lineup in 2017, ready to perform for off-roading youth, from first-time dirt bikers to young riders moving up the performance curve. This off-roader features a 67cc air-cooled four-stroke engine with twin valves and a three-speed auto-clutch transmission. The bike’s 10-inch front and rear wheels are sized right for young riders. This DR-Z’s chassis is designed with child-friendly dimensions, with emphasis on weight savings, and a 22-inch seat height. Parents will appreciate the keyed ignition.

RMX450Z – Champion Yellow/Solid Black – $8,999
DR-Z125L – Champion Yellow/Solid Black – $3,199
DR-Z70 – Champion Yellow/Solid Black – $1,799

The 2017 Suzuki RM-Z450 returns with the technology, features and proven performance heritage that make it the choice of champions. A robust yet compact 449cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine features Suzuki fuel-injection designed especially for motocross use. Racers can choose from different fuel couplers included with the bike to easily tune the system’s fuel mapping trackside, no tools needed.
The RM-Z’s Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control system (S-HAC) lets the rider choose one of three modes for the best launch from the starting gate, helping any rider earn the holeshot. Derived from the factory race bikes, the system’s unique modes deliver specific performance depending on the rider’s skill and the gate conditions.
The RM-Z450 uses the Showa SFF-Air suspension to deliver reduced weight, increased inner tube diameter, and increased damper rod/piston size. The SFF-Air is made of three chambers, and riders easily change the spring rate with an air pump instead of changing out the coil springs.

The 2017 RM-Z250 received critical praise following all the updates it received for 2016, including the Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC), a selectable launch mode system that helps riders launch from the starting gate no matter the gate conditions.
This RM-Z250 also features the KYB PSF2 Pneumatic Spring Fork that delivers improved performance, simplified tuning adjustments, and reduced weight compared to the traditional spring fork. With no coil spring, this fork uses a larger damper cylinder for greater response and more stable performance, plus a weight reduction. The bike’s KYB shock absorber is connected link style to the swingarm via re-shaped cushion rods and spacers. The nitrogen-charged, piggyback style shock features a new top-mounted integral adjuster system for easy adjustment of the high- and low-speed rebound, and high- and low-speed compression damping force adjusters.
Razor-sharp handling is an RM-Z strongpoint, and this bike’s frame delivers improved control through braking bumps, has a lighter feel, and maintains the RM-Z’s cornering mastery.

Just like its larger siblings, the RM85 delivers class-leading handling for both experienced racers and rookie riders. The bike’s 84.7cc liquid-cooled two-stroke engine produces smooth power at any rpm, with an emphasis on low to mid-range performance. Power is delivered through a six-speed manual transmission.
The RM85’s Showa 37mm inverted front forks are completely adjustable for rider weight, style and ability, and offers 10.8-inches of travel. The Showa rear shock absorber, with large diameter shock body, is calibrated to produce a plush feel and increased resistance to bottoming, and provides 10.9-inches of wheel travel.

As part of the 2017 RM, RM-Z and RMX launch, Suzuki is excited to announce our 2017 Contingency program. Starting on Nov 1, 2016, Suzuki will have over six million dollars in contingency available to both professional and amateurs riders racing every weekend around the United States of America. There has never been a better time to race a Suzuki.

RM-Z450 – Champion Yellow/Solid Black – $8,749
RM-Z250 – Champion Yellow/Solid Black – $7,699
RM85 – Champion Yellow/Solid Black – $4,099

Suzuki is recognized for its broad and capable line-up of dual-purpose motorcycles and 2017 extends that legacy. The top of the line features a reliable and versatile big-bore performer that’s ready for a trip across town, or across the country. The 2017 Suzuki DR650S is powered by a reliable, air-cooled 645cc single-cylinder four-stroke with the Suzuki Advanced Cooling System that helps maintain consistent engine performance. With specialized modular front forks, plus a rear shock with piggyback style reservoir and adjustable compression damping, the DR650S provides a comfortable and confident ride. Disc brakes front and rear add to the performance features. The DR650S’ seat height can be lowered by more than 1.5 inches, helping riders tailor the bike to their preference (using a Suzuki Accessory side-stand kit, sold separately).

The 2017 Suzuki DR-Z400S is ready for nearly any road and any ride, from adventure-focused trail rides to trips through town. This DualSport is powered by a liquid-cooled 398cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine that produces strong torque and delivers commuter-friendly fuel economy. The suspension is tuned for comfort over roughed-up roads and trails. The DR-Z400S features a multi-function instrument gauge that DualSport riders will treasure, with easy dual trip meters plus a tire circumference adjustment feature. This DualSport runs on an 18-inch rear wheel and 21-inch front with DOT-approved tires ready for light off-roading.

The 2017 Suzuki DR200S brings DualSport capability to the masses. With its low seat height and ultra-friendly power character, the bike is a joy to ride for beginners and veteran riders. It’s powered by an ultra-reliable 199cc, air-cooled, SOHC single-cylinder engine that provides just the right amount of torque and horsepower to power your ride. Plus, it gets an estimated 88mpg, and carries 3.3 gallons of gas for long uninterrupted rides.
Telescopic front forks and single shock absorber rear suspension with adjustable spring preload have sufficient wheel travel of both front and rear 8.1 inches. This lightweight DualSport performs off-road and on the pavement.

Marrying dirt bike style with street legal credentials, the 2017 Suzuki DR-Z400SM puts the “super” in SuperMoto. It performs with enthusiasm on the pavement, making tight city contours and twisty canyon corners equally enjoyable. A 398cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine pumps out strong low-rpm torque and crisp throttle response all the way up to a healthy top-end speed. The key difference between the DR-Z400SM and the DR-Z400S are the SuperMoto’s inverted forks, contributing to less unsprung weight and improved overall handling. The SuperMoto also comes with 17-inch rims front and rear mounted with wide, sticky radial tires ideal for carving up pavement.

DR650S – Solid Black – $6,499
DR-Z400S – Solid Black – $6,599
DR200S – Champion Yellow, Solid Black – $4,499
DR-Z400SM – Solid Special White – $7,199