Suzuki has announced details of the new RM-Z450, which gets an all-new chassis to reduce weight and improve handling performance, an improved and updated engine that produces more power and torque, plus the newest version of the Suzuki’s holeshot assist and traction management, all wrapped in fresh new styling for 2018.

Chassis

The 2018 RM-Z450 gets a completely new chassis, with a frame that improves cornering performance, stability, and shock absorption, thanks to a weight reduction of 700g and further optimised rigidity. A new swingarm follows a similar design philosophy, and sees a further weight saving of 100g to contribute the improved handling performance. The subframe gets a new hexagonal structure that improves rigidity, and with a slimmer design it improves the overall look of the bike. An added practicality benefit is the ease in which the air filter can be removed.

In turn, the seat rails are moved closer together and raised to help accommodate the new rear shock; Showa’s Balance Free unit. It means the RM-Z450 becomes the first production motocross machine to adopt Showa’s premium, race-proven shock, which uses an external damping circuit to avoid variations in the balance of pressure. The movement of the damping mechanism to the outside of the cylinder optimises oil flow and achieves smooth, controlled responsiveness to deliver better absorption over bumps and increased traction.

For 2018 front suspension is again provided by Showa, with new coil spring forks replacing the air forks of the previous model. The new, larger forks improve responsiveness and feel for the rider. Fork diameter is increased from 58.5mm to 59.3mm.

The changes to the RM-Z450’s chassis mean the wheelbase is now shorter, 1480mm down from the 1495mm of the previous model, with the headstock moved 10mm backwards and the handlebars moved 7mm forward, to increase the bike’s agility. Bars remain Renthal, but are straighter and flatter to allow riders to easily shift their weight over the front of the bike.

Weight saving is not only achieved by the new RM-Z450’s frame and swingarm. A new fuel tank, which goes from aluminium to resin reduces weight by 275g, while also increases capacity from 6.2 litres to 6.3 litres. Lighter front and rear wheels save 70g, 34g are saved with a new top yoke, 30g with a new chain guide, and 246g with a new seat.

A new, bigger front brake disc, which goes from 250mm to 270mm, and new rear brake master cylinder improve braking performance, while a new guard helps protect the engine during races, and covers the water pump and magneto cover.

Engine

The RM-Z450’s engine delivers higher peak power and improved low-midrange torque for 2018, as well as an improved throttle response. New and smoother porting in the cylinder head has increased tumble flow by 25%. It helps with a more efficient combustion and helps achieve a higher peak power without sacrificing low-to-mid range power. A 30% larger air filter aperture increases power output at all engine speeds.  A new intake cam profile raises valve lift, improving intake efficiency and further helps to increase power across the rev range. As a result, there’s also a new piston designed to endure the higher peak power output.

Throttle response is improved thanks to a variety of changes, including a new fuel pump which increases fuel pressure by 17% and promotes more effective mixing of air and fuel. There’s also a new throttle body and fuel injector, which now injects fuel upwards and directly onto the butterfly valve.

Electronics

The very latest version of Suzuki’s holeshot assist system means the new RM-Z450 is even better equipped when it comes to launching from the gate and leading into the first corner. The system optimises ignition timing and offers two modes for riders to choose from, depending on the conditions.

A-mode, for use on hard surfaces or in slippery conditions, has been heavily revised, and retards ignition timing for a smoother launch. B-mode is for use in conditions with more grip, and advances ignition timing during launch.

Pressing and holding the switch for 0.7 seconds will activate A-mode, indicated by a flashing flight. Holding for 1.8 seconds will activate B-mode, indicated by the light flashing faster. The system can be turned off by pressing the switch again.

The system advances or retards ignition timing during the launch from the gate, and returns to normal six seconds after the launch, when the rider shifts into fifth gear, or when the throttle is closed. The ignition timing is optimised for the three stages of launch; moment of launch, riding over the gate, and acceleration to the first turn.

The 2018 RM-Z450 also gets an evolved version of Suzuki’s traction management system. The ECM – which  boasts 1.6x faster data processing and 2.5x the memory capacity – monitors the throttle position, engine speed, and gear position. The information is used to control ignition timing, adjust the fuel injection rate and control engine output to optimise traction to best match the riding conditions.

It differs from road-going traction control in that it does not monitor rear wheel spin. Instead, it operates based on programming coded into the ECM. It does not control traction once the wheel spins, but delivers constant control that maximises traction.

Styling

The RM-Z450’s new chassis and upgraded engine is all wrapped in new bodywork, with more aggressive styling that imitates the factory race bikes. Close attention was paid by the design team to the lines and flow of the new machine, with a sharper design to the bodywork and the machine’s livery design.

Availability

The new RM-Z450 is forecast to arrive in dealerships in the autumn. For more information visit https://bikes.suzuki.co.uk/mx

Following Michael Dunlop and the Bennetts Suzuki team’s emphatic Senior TT win at this year’s Isle of Man TT races with the all-new GSX-R1000, Suzuki is saying ‘thank-you’ to owners of the new machine with free Bennetts Suzuki team clothing and a signed Michael Dunlop poster.

Anyone who has already bought or goes on to buy a new GSX-R1000 or GSX-R1000R before the end of August will receive a Bennetts Suzuki jacket, cap, and hoody or body-warmer – whichever the owner chooses – and a Suzuki keyring. They will also receive a commemorative poster signed by Michael Dunlop, who posted the fastest lap of the event with a speed of 132.903mph.

The new GSX-R1000, which made it’s debut at the iconic road races this year, features technology taken directly from Suzuki’s GSX-RR MotoGP machine, including a variable valve timing system that gives it 202PS and 117.6Nm of torque. It also gets a comprehensive suite of electronics including an inertial measurement unit that governs a 10-stage traction control system and an ABS system that controls rear wheel lift under heavy braking. The GSX-R1000R also gets a lean-angle sensitive version of the ABS system, as well as a quickshifter and auto-blipper and launch control.

Suzuki GB marketing manager, Rob Cooper, said, “To win around the Isle of Man is always special, but to do it in the first year of a new motorcycle is even more incredible. However, for us at Suzuki it’s always important to recognise the part our customers play and how they share in our success. That is why we’re offering a token of our gratitude and helping them feel part of the team, too, by providing them with some of their own Bennetts Suzuki team wear, and marking this special occasion with a signed commemorative poster.”

For more information on the new GSX-R1000, click here.

Suzuki has added a new date to its national test ride tour, with the Japanese manufacturer now visiting Cadwell Park on the evening of Friday 7 July as part of Robspeed Suzuki’s event at the Lincolnshire circuit. The addition of the Cadwell Park date takes the total number of events up to seven, meaning even more opportunity to test the new models in Suzuki’s on-road range.

Suzuki’s all-new and Isle of Man Senior TT-winning GSX-R1000 will be available, the new machine boasting a host of MotoGP-derived technology. Both the new V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 1000 will also be available to test ride, as well as the new GSX-S750 naked that uses the engine from the iconic GSX-R750. The bigger GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F and the SV650 middleweight naked will also be available.

Suzuki dealership, Robspeed, will be taking over the Lincolnshire circuit for the evening, with staff on hand to chat through current offers across the Suzuki range, including the new low-rate finance and £500 deposit contribution offer and GSX-R1000 TT celebration deal. There will also be a number of trade stands selling helmets and clothing, and other attractions including a live band and a wheelie machine, plus free camping.

Rob Cooper, Suzuki GB marketing manager, commented, “We’re really happy to be able to add another date to our test ride event calendar. There are some spectacular roads around Cadwell Park, so it makes a great destination for a Friday evening ride, and a great place to take a test ride from. We’re looking forward to joining our friends at Robspeed for the evening and seeing everyone who comes along.”

To book your test ride in advance, or to see a full list of Suzuki’s test ride tour dates, click here

The all-new GSX-R1000 will be available to test ride from a series of biker cafés this year, as Suzuki embarks on a summer tour of some of the most popular haunts in the country. Starting at the Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum, Scotland, on June 3, the tour takes in seven weekends, ending at Suzuki’s local bike café, the Super Sausage in Towcester, on September 30.

The new GSX-R1000 features a host of MotoGP-derived technology, including a clever variable valve timing system that gives the new sportsbike both 202hp and 117.6nm of torque. It gets a 10-stage traction control system governed by an inertial measurement unit that also controls rear wheel lift under braking. There are also three power modes and ABS, while the GSX-R1000R also gets launch control, lean angle-sensitive ABS, and a bi-directional quickshifter and auto-blipper, plus Showa’s race-proven Balance Free suspension.

Suzuki’s demo fleet will also feature the new V-Strom 650, which gets more power and torque for 2017, plus a two-mode traction control system – which can also be turned off – and a new design, as well as the bigger V-Strom 1000, which features lean angle-sensitive ABS and a two-mode traction control system.

Joining Suzuki’s GSX-S range for 2017 is a new GSX-S750, which takes its engine from the iconic GSX-R750. It gets the same dash and three-mode traction control system as the bigger GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F, and all three will be available to test ride as part of the café tour, along with the SV650 middleweight naked.

Suzuki GB marketing manager, Rob Cooper, announced the tour, saying, “This is the third year of our biker café tour, which has proven both immensely popular and successful over the last couple of years. By visiting the cafés we’re getting out there and bringing our bikes to a wider audience. As a result, we’re making the test ride experience even easier, and spending time with people we’re perhaps not currently seeing at other events or in dealerships. We’ve cherry-picked some of the most popular destinations across the country, and will be running two-day events at all of the cafés on the calendar. We’re now looking forward to the first event next month.”

Those wishing to book a test ride in advance can do so by clicking here.

Suzuki’s café tour dates:

3-4 June – Green Welly Stop, Tyndrum, Scotland

24-25 June – Super Sausage Café, Towcester

1-2 July – Squires Café Bar, Newthorpe, Leeds

15-16 July – Hartside Top Café, Alston, Cumbria

29-30 July – Loomies, West Meon, Hampshire

5-6 August – The Café at Llandow Circuit, Llandow

30 September – 1 October – Super Sausage Café, Towcester

Suzuki has released the first video in a two-part series, that follows the restoration of Barry Sheene’s 1976 world championship-winning XR14.

The bike was restored by Martyn Ogborne, who worked with Team Suzuki in the 1970s and was Barry Sheene’s race technician, before becoming a technical manager at Suzuki GB until retiring last year, and Nigel Everett, who was a Grand Prix technician from 1975 and worked with Suzuki from 1982.

The factory racing version of the customer RG500 still belongs to the Sheene family, and was flown to the UK in 2016 as part of the Suzuki celebrations that marked 40 years since Barry Sheene’s first world title.

After forming part of a grand display at last year’s Motorcycle Live, Suzuki and the Sheene family decided to start work on restoring the ’76 bike to its former glory, backed by Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme, which still supplies genuine Suzuki parts for older models, including the road-going RG500.

Part two will be released on 7 June.

For information on Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme, click here

Suzuki has announced a new, low-rate finance offer for its SV650 and GSX-S1000 machines, which means the middleweight V-twin can be ridden away for £60 per month.

A new special rate of just 4.9% APR, coupled with a deposit of £1,500.00, means the SV650 can be ridden for only £1.94 per day – less than the price of a daily coffee.

Suzuki’s GSX-S1000 – which gets more power and a slipper clutch for 2017 – can be had for £90 per month with a deposit or trade-in of £2,500.00. The faired GSX-S1000F is also included in the new offer, and with the same deposit can be ridden for £100 per month.

Suzuki GB’s national sales manager, Jonathan Martin, announced the new offer, saying,“Now we’re entering peak buying season we’ve made riding one of our most popular street bike models an even more affordable proposition. Plenty of people spend money on coffee shop coffees every day, and the fact that you can ride a brand new SV650 for the less money per day represents incredible value, while the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F models are now available with the lowest monthly repayments since their launch.”

For more information visit http://bikes.suzuki.co.uk

Suzuki’s Arenacross championship-winning RM-Z450 will be available on 0% finance from April 1, along with the RM-Z250, which currently leads the World MX2 championship.

In the hands of Thomas Ramette, Suzuki’s RM-Z450 has won the Arenacross title for the last three years in a row with SR75 World Team Suzuki, and in 2017 filled the first three places in the championship standings, with Ramette joined by Angelo Pellegrini and Cedric Soubeyras in the top three. The bike features a second generation holeshot-assist system, developed in tandem with Suzuki’s factory race bikes, and comes with Showa’s race-proven SFF Air front forks. It also comes with Suzuki’s rich/lean couplers, allowing riders to alter the fuelling with ease to suit riding conditions.

The RM-Z450 is available for £125 per month over 36 months, with a £2,099 deposit.

Suzuki’s RM-Z250, which is currently leading the World MX2 championship, can be owned for £115 per month over 36 months with a deposit of £2,259. The newest RM-Z250 gets a revamped engine over the previous generation machine, featuring 80 new components and a lighter, redesigned frame. It also gets Suzuki’s holeshot-assist system.

Suzuki GB national sales manager, Jonathan Martin, said of the new campaign, “In the RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 we have two motocross machines that have proven their abilities to win races and win championships. From April, we will be making it even easier for racers to access that winning pedigree by offering the bikes on 0% finance for a limited period, meaning riding a new Suzuki is even more affordable.”

For more information visit https://bikes.suzuki.co.uk/mx

Suzuki continues to prepare for a bumper year of new model introductions in 2017, with the Japanese firm announcing an RRP of £4,299 for the new GSX250R.

The GSX250R further enhances Suzuki’s range of A2 licence-friendly machines, and combines sharp, sporty looks and nimble performance with comfortable ergonomics. Its 248cc parallel-twin engine has been developed to optimise low and midrange power, giving it a punchy and versatile character.

As at home cutting through city traffic as it is taking the long way home on twisty B-roads, the GSX250R gets clip-on handlebars that give a direct, sporty, yet comfortable ride, which matches the GSX250R’s design, the new machine equally comfortable on the daily commute or a Sunday ride.

Available in black, Suzuki has also announced a version dressed in Suzuki’s eye-catching MotoGP livery, which will retail for £4,399 when units arrive in authorised Suzuki dealerships in April.

For more information on the GSX250R visit https://bikes.suzuki.co.uk

Suzuki’s flagship super-naked gets a power-hike for 2017, with the GSX-S1000 now producing 150hp at 10,000rpm, thanks to new crankcase ventilation holes, while a new slipper clutch aids in smoother downshifts. Torque is also up to 108Nm at 9,500rpm.

The changes also extend to the faired GSX-S1000F, which uses the same engine and chassis as its naked sibling, but changes to suspension settings and the addition of a wind tunnel-tested fairing turn it into a versatile sportsbike.

Both bikes also feature a three-mode traction control system, that can be turned off, as well as Brembo monobloc calipers and ABS, a lightweight frame mated to the swingarm from the previous generation GSX-R1000, and fully adjustable KYB suspension.

Aesthetic changes to both bikes come in the form of black levers and foot controls, while the F model also gets a tinted screen. For 2017 both models are available in a blue and black livery as well as the popular red and black colour scheme, which continues for a second year. The GSX-S1000F is also available in all-white.

There’s also a special edition GSX-S1000 Phantom for 2017, which gets a stealthy matt black paint scheme with carefully selected red highlights, all-black silencer, and black forks.

The 2017 GSX-S1000 is available in dealers from March with an RRP of £9,699, while the GSX-S1000 Phantom special edition can be had for £9,899. The 2017 GSX-S1000F will retail for £10,299.

For more information visit www.suzuki-gb.co.uk

Suzuki has announced pricing and availability of its GSX-S750, with the new naked available from £99 per month when it arrives in dealerships in March, with an RRP of £7,599.

Launched last week in Spain, the GSX-R750-powered supersport roadster is the newest addition to Suzuki’s GSX-S range, and boasts the same three-mode traction control system as the GSX-S1000.

With a deposit or trade-in worth £1,735.33, the new GSX-S750 can be ridden away for £99 per month over 37 months, with a final repayment or guaranteed future value of £3,729.00.

Suzuki has also confirmed pricing of the GSX-S750Z Phantom, with the stealthy special edition coming with an RRP of £7,799. The Phantom, which gets a black paint scheme with subtle red detailing, black KYB forks, black levers, exhaust, footpegs and footrest hangers, is also available on Suzuki’s Flexible Finance scheme, and can also be had for £99 per month with a deposit of £1,879.32. It is also due in dealerships in the second half of March.

As well as the GSX-S750, Suzuki is currently offering low-rate finance across its model lineup, including the range-topping GSX-S1000, as well as the SV650, Hayabusa, and GSX-R600 and 750 supersport machines.

Replacing the GSR750 in Suzuki’s range, the GSX-S750 gets a brand new swingarm and wheels, with aggressive styling that takes design cues from the GSX-S1000. New radial calipers provide increased stopping power, while a larger rear sprocket and increased low-down torque and midrange increase acceleration performance. Peak power is increased by eight horsepower to 114hp.

For more information or a finance quote using Suzuki’s online calculator, click here

Suzuki has released details of its 2017 RM-Z250 and 450 models, honing the popular race-wining four-stroke range with a selection of aesthetic upgrades for the 2017 season.

Following a significant update for the 2016 season, when the RM-Z250 gained improved low-to-mid range power output thanks to a thorough redesign of the engine’s top-end, and also benefitted from the introduction of Suzuki’s second generation holeshot assist system, this years upgrades centre around aesthetics, with all-black Excel rims, hubs, new radiator shield graphics, and a new number board graphic, too.

In the MX1 class, the RM-Z450 continues to prove its pedigree, not only by winning the 2016 Monster Energy Arenacross series for a second successive season with Thomas Ramette and the SR75-Molson Suzuki team, but by also currently dominating the AMA outdoor championship in the hands of Ken Roczen, who has taken six overall wins in as many rounds, and four 1-1 results in a row.

With such a formidable reputation, the RM-Z450 also adopts all-black Excel rims and hubs to offer more than a passing resemblance to the RCH Suzuki AMA race machine, right out of the crate.

The new models will be available in authorised Suzuki dealerships in the winter.

For more information on Suzuki’s motocross range, visit www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/mx

Suzuki has continued its drive to offer affordable motorcycling, with the extension of its popular 0% finance campaign. The offer, which has been extended to September 30, means a new Suzuki V-Strom 650 can be ridden away for less than £100 per month with a £2,500 deposit or trade-in.

More than 10 models in Suzuki’s 2016 on-road range are now available as part of the offer, including the GSX-R1000, GSX-R750, and GSX-R600, which also includes the new anniversary editions. Also featured in the offer is the V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 650XT, V-Strom 1000, Bandit 1250S, Hayabusa, VanVan 125, and the Burgman 125 and Burgman 400 scooters. The Address 110 is also available as part of the campaign, as well as the full family of Intruder cruisers and the MotoGP variant of the GSR750.

The campaign makes owning and riding a brand new Suzuki even more affordable, with low, set monthly repayments. The legendary GSX-R750 can be had for as little as £145 per month over four years, with a trade-in valued at £2,876 or a deposit of the same amount, with no final balloon payment.

Suzuki GB National Sales Manager, Jonathan Martin, announced the extension, saying, “Our 0% finance offer really helps keep the monthly repayments low for customers, especially with deals available over 48 months, which make it as easy as possible to own a brand new motorcycle. With a 0% hire purchase deal, you also benefit from no balloon payment at the end. In the case of the GSX-R750 example, you pay your final £145, and then the bike’s yours. But with a minimum deposit of £99 there’s also no requirement to find a large deposit sum. Summer is well underway, so there’s not been a better time to get to your local dealership and get out in the sun on a new Suzuki.”

Suzuki’s extended 0% finance offer runs until 30 September, 2016. For more details or to obtain a finance quote, visit www.suzuki-gb.co.uk

Finance Examples

Barry Sheene’s 1976 and 1977 world championship-winning race bikes have arrived at Suzuki GB, ahead of the Barry Sheene festival at Oliver’s Mount next month and as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of Sheene’s first world title.

Watch the video, here. 

The bikes have been shipped directly from Australia to the UK for a number of events in the UK this year, and will be on display at the festival at Oliver’s Mount to celebrate the achievements of Suzuki and arguably Britain’s greatest world champion.

Suzuki GB’s Tim Davies, said, “With it being 40 years since Barry’s first world title, this year’s festival marks a very special anniversary, which is why we wanted to be a part of this event for a second consecutive year to celebrate such an occasion. The event at Oliver’s Mount is always a good one, but we decided to step it up a notch for this year’s event, and the display of the two championship-winning bikes is the first time that they have been displayed together at such an event in the UK.

Also on display at the festival will be a collection of classic Suzuki road bikes, including the GSX-R750F that was restored at Motorcycle Live last year, and the TL1000S that was built from brand new parts the year before, highlighting Suzuki’s commitment to its Vintage Parts Programme. 

Tim Davies added, “Alongside Sheene’s race bikes the GSX-R750F and TL1000S will be displayed and information available on our Vintage Parts Programme, which now has nine bikes listed and is dedicated to helping owners of more classic Suzuki machinery restore and maintain them with genuine parts.”

Scott Beaumont, Oliver’s Mount’s Marketing Director, added, “Suzuki’s commitment to the Barry Sheene festival at Oliver’s Mount is absolutely fantastic and for them to step it up again this year by displaying Barry Sheene’s actual race winning machines is every road racing fan’s dream. This could be the only opportunity in our lifetime that we see these machines and we are very proud that Suzuki has chosen Oliver’s Mount to display them.”

The Barry Sheene Festival will take place at Oliver’s Mount on 23-24 July, 2016. For more information visit www.oliversmountracing.com

Suzuki has launched a brand new range of Team Classic Suzuki clothing, with fleeces, jackets, and t-shirts available based on the livery of the team’s XR69 replica, that was unveiled at last year’s Motorcycle Live.

The new-for-2016 range, which will be worn by the team at events including the Classic TT on the Isle of Man in August, is now available to order through all authorised Suzuki dealerships as well as online on Suzuki’s official website and the firm’s eBay store.

The collection features a fleece (£50), soft-shell paddock jacket (£70), t-shirt (£20), polo shirt (£25), cap (£12), and beanie (£10).

Suzuki GB Merchandise Coordinator, Faye Ball, said, “We’re really excited to add the Team Classic Suzuki collection to our merchandise range this year, it looks great alongside the team’s XR69, with its nod to Suzuki’s race bikes of the 70s and also the historic GSX-R touches too. Our race team wear has always been popular, and we’re sure this will continue with the new Team Classic Suzuki range, which joins the MotoGP team wear already available.”

Items from Suzuki’s race team collections can be purchased from the Suzuki website, eBay store, or through Suzuki dealerships