DIRTBIKE

The Suzuki RMX450Z does not come

standard with the defence gear needed

to bash through the Aussie bush. While

the RMX is a reliable, unbreakable beast,

just like the DR-Z400, the RMX450Z is

like a Victoria Secrets’ underwear model,

while the DR-Z400 is more like the Target

variety. Built for looks and speed, rather

than everyday wear. So the stock plastic

skidplate just isn’t enough.

Suzuki does sell aftermarket options to

protect your yellow steed, two of which are

a bashplate and radiator guards. They’re

top-shelf kit but something tells us these

aren’t being produced in Japan. It’s more

likely they’re manufactured locally for

Suzuki Australia by a company like Force

Accessories (hint, hint).

Both items are incredibly sturdy. I’ve

dragged the alloy bashplate over many

logs (see marks in inset pic) and it just

hits them like a Sherman tank and keeps

on going. The outside of the bashplate

is covered in a material called Plascoat,

which protects the alloy from oxidation

and looks great, but it does show up some

scratches.

The bashplate is installed with three

bolts: two on the side that go into the

frame rails and one big Allen-head screw

at the front. It stayed quiet for about 10

hours before beginning to rattle a little

and make some buzzing noise when we

opened up the RMX to quarter throttle.

As for the radiator guards, they fit like

a dream. The stock bolts that hold the

bottom of the shrouds are only just long

enough to get the radiator guard in there

as well. Aside from that, they’re great.

Both items are a little heavy, but

that’s what you get if you want serious

protection. I’ll try jousting with a tree and

rock hopping before our Full Evaluation to

see if I can bend some metal.

Mitch Lees

SUZUKI RMX450Z PROTECTION

Bashplate $175, radiator guards $185, Suzuki Australia, suzukimotorcycles.com.au, (03) 9931 0500

WE’RE

TESTING

Main: Suzuki branded bashplate

1. Suzuki branded radiator guards
   2. The stock plastic bashplate


2. Rad guard braces are a snug fit
   4. Hidden coolant reservoir
   5. Chips in the Plascoat

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