2008 Suzuki LTR 450
- Updated: July 31, 2007
Test Rider: Eddie Degeneffe
Two years ago, Suzuki turned the high performance ATV world upside down by releasing their LTR450 Quad Racer. Other manufacturer’s machines needed exhausts, expensive chassis and suspension upgrades, plus various other add-ons to turn their sport quads into competitive motocross race machines. The new LTR450 on the other hand needed little more than a kill switch, nerf bars and an inexpensive “Cherry Bomb” (or other similar fuel remapping device) to be race-ready for the average racing enthusiast.
While most of the 450s sold are not raced, Suzuki daringly recognized that there was indeed a big enough market that desired a machine that would excel specifically on the motocross track. Since the launch of the LTR Kawasaki, Can-Am, and Polaris have now joined the high performance 450 ranks. While we wouldn’t consider any of the 450cc machines on the market poor performers on either the trail or the track, none of them offer as much on track performance in stock form as the Quad Racer R450.
In spite of being the only manufacturer offering a 450 dedicated to the motocross enthusiast, for their second year effort Suzuki went on a campaign to build on the LTR’s strengths and eliminate its weaknesses. While the machine looks nearly identical to its predecessors on the outside, Suzuki made over 100 changes to the engine and suspension.
In the motor department, Suzuki strived for stronger overall motor performance with a focus on low-end power. For the last two years the LTR has had a reputation for having overly stiff suspension, even for pure motocross applications, so Suzuki resprung and revalved the LTR’s suspension for greater plush-ness. These, along with a list of other small updates, add up to a greatly improved LTR450 for the same price as the 2007 model.
For proof on the increased performance, check out the lap times put in by our test rider Pro-Am racer Eddie Degeneffe. We clocked Eddie on a stock 2007 model and again on the new ’08.
Be sure to watch the two videos for more information and a complete review of the most motocross-ready-machine we’ve seen for 2008 — the very improved Suzuki LTR450.
Lap Times
LAP 2007 2008
1. 1:51:23 1:49:50
2. 1:50:78 1:48:68
3. 1:51:47 1:50:00
2008 Suzuki LTR 450 Features
New Engine
– New ECU programming and updated cam profiles for increased engine output especially at low-to-mid rpm range.
– New countershaft for improved gear shift feel
New Chassis
– Rubber mounted handlebars and textured seat for increased rider comfort and control.
– Front and rear suspension have new Kashima coating for reduced friction and smooth performance.
– Updated front and rear suspension settings with larger rear tires and updated swingarm rigidity balance for improved handling and better shock absorption.
Engine Features
– Race proven four-stroke, single cylinder, fuel injected, liquid cooled, DOHC.
– Four valve engine designed to be compact, lightweight and provide incredible performance.
– Innovative Suzuki Advanced Sump System allows the engine mass and crankshaft to be positioned close to the ground for a low center of gravity and also keeping the engine as short as possible.
– Aluminum cylinder bore is electro-plated with Suzuki’s own race proven SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material) for improved heat transfer, lightweight and tighter piston clearance.
– Lightweight magnesium clutch cover, magneto cover, and cylinder head cover for minimal weight and maximum durability.
– Lightweight and durable titanium valves are used for precise valve control at high rpm and reduced reciprocating mass.
– Titanium intake valves measure 36mm and 29mm on the exhaust.
– Lightweight forged aluminum pistons use a new three ring design with cutaway sides, oil retaining grooves for reduced friction and the oil control ring features a high performance chrome nitride plating for less friction and improved strength.
– Five speed transmission is exceptionally compact for a compact engine layout and superb handling.
– The LT-R450 utilizes a convenient electric starter for easier starts.
– A high capacity radiator is used to handle the high performance engine output combined with a compact and lightweight, ring type cooling fan for maximum efficiency.
– High performance cylinder head features a narrow included valve angle creating a compact cylinder head design, compact combustion chamber and featuring 11:7:1 compression ratio for maximum performance.
– Advanced and lightweight electronic fuel injection system with a 42mm bore and multi hole type injector for optimum atomization, smooth throttle response and maximum performance.
– High performance ECM utilizes a high spec 16 bit CPU for quick fuel injection calculations and is designed to compact and lightweight.
– Centrally located muffler layout for improved mass centralization, perfectly symmetrical weight distribution, and higher cornering performance.
Chassis Features
– High-tensile steel frame designed for optimum rigidity, maximum durability and features a compact and lower profile for a lower center of gravity and precise cornering performance.
– Race-ready steel rear swingarm providing more flexibility and a smoother arc of movement for optimum handling performance in any environment.
– Incredibly wide independent double wishbone front suspension with fully adjustable Kayaba piggyback reservoir style front shocks featuring 40mm pistons and a sturdy 14mm shock rod for superb damping and incredible performance.
– Kayaba rear shock features adjustable high and low speed compression, rebound and preload with a 50mm piston, 18mm rod and piggyback reservoir design providing 290mm of rear wheel travel.
– Special Dunlop radial tires designed specifically for the LT-R450 combined with smaller 10 x 5.5 inch aluminum rear wheels and 18 x 10 inch aluminum front wheels for a lower center of gravity and superb cornering stability.
– High performance dual hydraulic front disc brakes with 160mm front rotors and a single hydraulic rear brake caliper mounted on a forged aluminum mounting bracket and a 190mm rear disc.
– Rugged Serrated large foot pegs provide excellent grip and control.
– Aggressive styling highlights the high performance nature of the QuadRacer R450.
– The LT-R450 is styled with a low and wide profile to further emphasize the lightweight performance intent of the machine.
– The LT-R450 has a GSX-R and Hayabusa inspired multi-reflector headlight that is easily removable with a single bolt and an ultra compact LED tail light at the rear.