2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 vs 2012 Kawasaki KX450F

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 2008 Suzuki RM-Z450

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
223.8 pounds
2012 Kawasaki KX450F 2012 Kawasaki KX450F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
249.1 pounds
Full Specifications
General
ColoursYellowLime Green
Warranty-6 months
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)13.8 inches13.0 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)350 mm330 mm
Seat Height955 mm / 37.6 in.955 mm / 37.6 in.
Wheelbase1,480 mm / 58.3 in.1,481 mm / 58.3 in.
Height1,260 mm / 49.6 in.1,275 mm / 50.2 in.
Length2,185 mm / 86.0 in.2,179 mm / 85.8 in.
Width830 mm / 32.7 in.820 mm / 32.3 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight101.5 kg / 223.8 lbs275 kg / 606.3 lbs
Fuel Capacity6.20 litres / 1.64 gallons6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons
Wet Weight-113.0 kg / 249.1 lbs
Performance
Max Torque-59.40 Nm (6.1 kgf-m or 43.8 ft.lbs) @ 4500 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.1809 HP/kg
Engine
Engine TypeSingle cylinderSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.8 x 2.4 inches3.8 x 2.4 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)96.0 x 62.1 mm96.0 x 62.1 mm
Displacement (ci)27.40 cubic inches27.40 cubic inches
Stroke4-
Displacement (cc)449.00 cc449.00 cc
Fuel ControlDOHCDOHC
Engine Detail-90 degree V-twin
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Fuel InjectionInjection. DFI with 43mm Keihin throttle body
Compression Ratio12.2:112.5:1
Engine LubricationSemi-dry sump-
IgnitionDigital CDIDigital DC-CDI
Starter-Electric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
Clutch-Automatic
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Primary Drive-Selectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft
Chassis
Frame Type-Aluminum perimeter
Suspension - FrontTelescopic, cartridge-type fully adjustable rebound, compression and pre-load settings48mm inverted, Kayaba AOS with DLC coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound dampening adjustment / 12.4 in.
Suspension - RearLink-type, spring preload fullyadjustable rebound, compression and pre-load settingsUni-Trak linkage system and Kayaba shock with 50mm piston, 22-position low-speed and stepless high-speed compression damping, 22-position rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload / 12.4 in.
Rake-26.9°
Wheel Travel - Front-171 mm / 6.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-200 mm / 7.9 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, engine temp, clock, hour meter and 2WD/4WD icon, plus indicators for neutral, reverse, belt, and oil pressure.
Lighting system-35W headlights, 5W taillight, 21W stoplight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-240 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle discSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc
Tyres - Front90/90-2125/8-12
Tyres - Rear120/90-1925/10-12

Verdict

Winner on specs

2008 Suzuki RM-Z450

The 2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 edges out the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F thanks to its greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 350 mm vs 330 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2012 Kawasaki KX450F - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 vs 2012 Kawasaki KX450F - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 and 2012 Kawasaki KX450F?
The 2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 uses Single cylinder, while the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 or the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 has the edge in greater ground clearance, while the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.