Suzuki poured a lot of R&D into the 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450, but the bulk of its 2018 motocross, off-road and dual-sport lineup returns unchanged.
That includes the 2018 RM-Z250, which is being trumpeted “an excellent choice for racers who want to create a championship-caliber bike.” Not the most powerful bike in the 250cc motocross class, the RM-Z250’s liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC Single does feature the Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC), which helps riders to maximize traction off the starting gate, and its excellent-handling twin-spar aluminum frame is connected to the ground by a KYB PSF2 Pneumatic Spring fork and a rising-rate linkage rear suspension that is designed to offer ground-hugging action and easy adjustability. MSRP has been set at $7749. The RM-Z250 hits Suzuki dealerships this month.’
Also returning for 2018, the RM85 remains as Suzuki’s only two-stroke motocross machine–much as we’d love to see the return of the RM125. Its 84.7cc liquid-cooled, reed-valve engine is tuned to deliver smooth power at any rpm. The RM85 chassis places an emphasis on light handling, with Suzuki claiming that it is the perfect motocross bike for anyone learning to race. MSRP has been set at $4149. The 2018 RM85 is scheduled to be in dealerships in September.
On the off-road front, the RMX450Z, DR-Z125L and DR-Z70 return with new graphics on their yellow bodywork. The RMX450Z is powered by a fuel-injected engine derived from a previous-genration RM-Z450, but it has been tuned to pass EPA Emissions and California Green-sticker regulations so that it can be ridden on public land. The RMX450Z’s handy electric starter (it also has a kick-start back-up) is powered by a compact battery. A full charging system, a multi-function enduro computer, a bright headlight, LED tail light and an 18-inch rearh wheel are all standard off-road equipment. MSRP has been set at $8999, and the 2018 model will be available in September 2017.
Styled similarly to Suzuki’s RM-Z and RMX models, the 2018 DR-Z125L boasts a 124cc four-stroke Single designed to deliver smooth power through its manual clutch and five-speed transmission. The DR-Z125L’s steel single-shock chassis rides on 19-inch front and 16-inch rear tires. MSRP has been set at $3249, and the DRF-Z125L will be in dealers in August 2017.
The 2018 DR-Z70 has been a long-standing platform to get new enthusiasts up to speed. Its automatic clutch, three-speed transmission and electric starting take some of the complexity out of learning to ride, and its 67cc four-stroke engine is designed to provide controllable power that can be adjusted to suit the rider’s skill level. MSRP is $1849. The 2018 DR-Z70 will available in dealers in August 2017.
Suzuki’s iconic dual sport machines, the DR-Z400S and DR650S, return to the company’s dual-sport lineup for 2018 along with the DR200S and DR-Z400SM. The 2018 DR-Z400S returns with its reliable and ultra-linear 398cc, DOHC four-valve, liquid-cooled Single housed in a slim, crisp-handling chassis. Convenient electric start, an easy-to-read digital dash are standard, and sleek bodywork with bold, contrasting grey graphics gives the DR-Z400S looks that match its performance. MSRP is $6699, available in White, in dealers in this month.
If you prefer Supermoto styling, you may be more interested in the 2018 DR-Z400SM. Tuned the same as the DR-Z400S, the DR-Z400SM boasts an inverted front fork (as opposed to the conventional fork on the DR-Z400S), wide, spoke-style wheels, and a 300mm diameter floating front brake rotor. New black bodywork with yellow and gray graphics and gold-anodized rims give the DR-Z400SM a racy look. MSRP has been seat at $7299, and the DR-Z400SM will be in dealers in August 2017.
One of the longest-lived models in Suzuki history, the DR650S offers all-around dual-purpose ruggedness with the reliability of its well-sorted 644cc oil-cooled four-stroke Single, a version of which powered Suzuki’s factory Dakar Rally efforts back in the day. The DR650S features a steel frame, cartridge-style fork and link-style rear suspension that is damped for trail and urban use. For 2018, the DR650S is wrapped in Solid White bodywork with distinctive graphics. MSRP has been set at $6549. The DR650S hits dealers this month.
The 2018 DR200S is touted as an affordable yet capable dual-sport machine. Its 199cc engine boasts the convenience of reliable electric-starting, telescopic front forks and a 3.3-gallon tank that allows the rider to pack a lot of miles between fill-ups. Its 33.3 inch seat height is also suited to shorter riders. The DR200S is available in Champion Yellow or Solid Special White bodywork. MSRP has been set at $4599. The DR200S will be in dealerships in December 2017.
For more information on the 2018 Suzuki motocross, off-road and dual-sport families, visit www.suzukicycles.com