2012 Kawasaki KX450F vs 2008 Suzuki RM-Z450

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Kawasaki KX450F 2012 Kawasaki KX450F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
249.1 pounds
2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 2008 Suzuki RM-Z450

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
223.8 pounds
Full Specifications
General
ColoursLime GreenYellow
Warranty6 months-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)13.0 inches13.8 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)330 mm350 mm
Seat Height955 mm / 37.6 in.955 mm / 37.6 in.
Wheelbase1,481 mm / 58.3 in.1,480 mm / 58.3 in.
Height1,275 mm / 50.2 in.1,260 mm / 49.6 in.
Length2,179 mm / 85.8 in.2,185 mm / 86.0 in.
Width820 mm / 32.3 in.830 mm / 32.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight275 kg / 606.3 lbs101.5 kg / 223.8 lbs
Fuel Capacity6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons6.20 litres / 1.64 gallons
Wet Weight113.0 kg / 249.1 lbs-
Performance
Max Torque59.40 Nm (6.1 kgf-m or 43.8 ft.lbs) @ 4500 Revolutions-
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.1809 HP/kg-
Engine
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 (cc)449.00 cc449.00 cc
Displacement (ci)27.40 cubic inches27.40 cubic inches
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder
Fuel ControlDOHCDOHC
Stroke-4
Engine Detail90 degree V-twin-
Fuel SystemInjection. DFI with 43mm Keihin throttle bodyInjection. Electronic Fuel Injection
Compression Ratio12.5:112.2:1
Engine Lubrication-Semi-dry sump
IgnitionDigital DC-CDIDigital CDI
StarterElectric-
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchAutomatic-
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Primary DriveSelectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft-
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminum perimeter-
Suspension - Front48mm inverted, Kayaba AOS with DLC coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound dampening adjustment / 12.4 in.Telescopic, cartridge-type fully adjustable rebound, compression and pre-load settings
Suspension - RearUni-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.Link-type, spring preload fullyadjustable rebound, compression and pre-load settings
Rake26.9°-
Wheel Travel - Front171 mm / 6.7 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in.-
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationSpeedometer, 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 system35W headlights, 5W taillight, 21W stoplight-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm-
Brakes - FrontSingle discSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc
Tyres - Front25/8-1290/90-21
Tyres - Rear25/10-12120/90-19

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

2012 Kawasaki KX450F - Advantages

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

2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 - Advantages

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

2012 Kawasaki KX450F vs 2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 - FAQs

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