Australasian Dirt Bike — September 2017

FIRST RIDE I 2018 SUZUKI RM-Z450

Bombs

away

Suzuki has two ‘holeshot assist’ modes for

2018 that are activated by a button on the

left. Mode A provides smoother, more

restrained power for hardpack and slippery

conditions in the start chute. Mode B hooks

up an aggressive engine map and is only

used on grippy, loamy surfaces.

They can only be activated during the

start. Mode B is relatively unchanged for

2018 but A has been redesigned for a

much smoother power curve.

To activate Mode A, you need to hold

down the engine stop button for 0.7

seconds and the light will start flashing

slowly. To activate Mode B, you hold down

the button for 1.8 seconds, after which

the light will flash rapidly.

In my experience I have found holeshot

assist systems to be a bit hit and miss.

When I rode the Suzuki at Ride Park the

dirt was super grippy and an aftermarket

start button to hold the fork down would

have actually been more beneficial.

However, In that situation, I found that

Mode A made it a lot easier to jump out of

the gate without the front wheel popping

up. If I really concentrated on my

technique and got everything spot on

then I found that I could jump out of the

gate slightly faster without holeshot

assist modes but it was certainly easier

to stuff up.

54 | SEPTEMBER 2017 http://www.adbmag.com.au

BFRC stands for Balance Free Rear Cushion

Seat is flatter and lighter by 246g

Hogan pulls her down onto a tight, loamy line

Spring fork is heavier but weight is still 112kg wet

The old scrubber riding a brand new one