2019 RMZ450 Ride Review

7-11-19: Got a chance to ride my buddy's new 2019 RMZ450 today. This bike is totally stock with only about 2 hours use. Fun to get back on a RMZ450 again. My last one was a 2013 model. The new 2019 still feels like a RMZ: narrow and slim ergonomics with smooth old school 4-stroke power that requires a good old fashion kick (or two) to start it up. The grips are Suzuki style (thin and hard) and combined with low Renthal Fatbars give a little more feedback from the front end especially on slap down landings. The power still has the same feel as my 2011/13 RZ450's: smooth and old school 4-stroke style connected to the rear wheel. There is quick initial response then the power flattens with revs (opposite feeling on a 2019 CRF450 or KTM450SXF). The engine has good resistance to stalling at low rpm's. The muffler is louder than I expected considering the large size. The steering is typical RMZ with quick response to steering inputs. The track was hard pack, slippery, with small chop in some areas so I softened the damping a few clicks front and rear (the rear actually has no clicks - just turns) to dial in a little more comfort. The feel of the suspension was firm overall and the rear end did kick a little on decel bumps. The stock suspension setting is more suited to prepped motocross tracks and faster riders. The RMZ feels heavy when lifting it onto a stand but seems to loose some of the weight in motion.

New RMZ450's can be purchased at a very reasonable price now and that leaves money for personalization. A slightly higher set of more compliant Pro Taper bars along with some new grips would make the ergo's feel better and provide a more compliant feel up front. The suspension hardware is high quality Showa so a few shim changes could dial in a more effective individual setting. The 19 RMZ450 is a solid bike in more ways than one!