Ok well today I took the RMZ and my crf 450's out to hangtown ..I rode the crf first and did about 6 laps out there. Came in jumped on the new zook and went out...here is my thoughts on the new rmz:
FREAGIN GREAT!!! lol
I absolutley love the motor.. 4 speed is awsome..Parts of the track that on my crf I would rail corners in second I can go third with no clutch on the rmz and it pulls hard and smooth.. I was seat bouncing the triple /triple section on the rmz (stock suspension) and I am 230lbs vet int.
It corners like a 250f.. very light feel.. I was going through mud ruts in the turns with no problem in staying in them.. I cant say enough about the motor.. I was a bit scared of my purchase at first because hondas have great motor's but honestly this motor is better all around. Great torque, mid to top is really good..
Jumping the bike was great, took me about 3 laps on it and I was hitting everything on the track no problem, after riding it I think I will save the cash and just put heavy springs (on order) and adjust the oil hieght and I should be good to go. I am so pumped on this bike, I bought a 05' yz 250 two stroke and was dissapointed after having it for a month I sold it and was going to wait for the kxf 450 but decided to go with the zook and I am very happy to say the least.

Overall the bike in my eyes handles, jumps, corners better than the crf.. Thats my opinion and others may dissagree but I think after you guys ride the bike you will see that im not BS'ing anyone... The bike flat out rips.
On a scale from 1-10 I give it a 15 The crf is now for sale with no hard feelings

Wow!!.....Were there any vibration issues on the RMZ that weren't there on the CRF?? Does the RMZ have a thinner and lighter feel than the CRF???

The rmz feels much skinnier to me..My 04' crf feels way wider in the tank area for sure..As for weight its hard to tell, I would lean towards the rmz because it turns so much better and I could jump it better.. I can't imagine having my suspension dialed. I felt zero vibration.. It never even crossed my mind so i'm going to say "no" there is no issues with vibration. This is my first suzuki and I am very impressed with this bike.. The brakes are killer and they actually put a good bend fat bar on the bike, they did not throw some left over crap bend renthal had laying around.. I moved them up because i'm tall but the bend works just fine.

Funny I have a 05 YZ 250 also and its a good bike, but i just can't get comphy on it. And I worked at it!! its for sale. I got the 05 RM 250 and it is just awesome. I guess I perfer bikes that turn real well, feel light, and have good suspension I'll bet that 450 will rule the inside line

What year crf 450 were you comparing it too. Your typical crf stock is only set up for a 170lb rider max, anything over that and it will feel like a soft pig, I weight 185, My 03 was way soft,and turned like a snoplow untill I set it up for my weight and ability.I would like someone to give a fair comparsion!!I now have a 05 crf, It feels like a totally different bike than my 03 did.

I owned the '04 CRF450 and I thought it was great.  It is now gone and I am getting ready to buy an '05 450.  From all the input I have received, I am still likely going with the '05 CRF450, as this year it appears to handle more like a CRF250.  But I must confess this new Suzuki is giving me some second thoughts.

The only things that give me some major hesitation is the inevitable first year bugs that will surface later in the season.  I am not saying they will be anything major, but they always seem to be there (like last year's debut of the CRF250--thin cylinder skirts that were breaking--now addressed in the '05 model).  And Suzuki has not always been renowned for their fit and finish--nothing major mind you, but little thing that add up (bolts, etc.).

Since price is comparable, I wonder if the Suzuki would retain as much value as the Honda when sale time came around also.  

I cannot say that I am not somewhat tempted though--particularly with all the good reports I am hearing about this Suzuki engine.  And there is nothing like good old school yellow that says motocross to my heart more .

Thanks for your ride report, I can't wait to read even more. :thumb

DCox... I totally understand where your coming from.. This may sound funny but dealerships are now offering a 2 year insurance on any mechanical or electrical part that goes wrong with the bike for 300 bucks ... I thought it was a scam but I read into it and it is legit."Mcgraws insurance" are the holders of the insurance..  If you blew up the bike they will replace anything for a co payment of 50 bucks.. When it comes time to sell the bike it is a great selling point I think, you can transfer the insurance for 25 bucks..With this insurance hell I would ride anything even a tm or canondale lol
The 05' crf is a great bike no doubt , my uncle has one and I ride it sometimes, I honestly can say that the zook is as good if not better...(i say better) What ever you get good luck and have fun

Thank God, finally a bike that competes with the CRF.  Now the price of a CRF might actually come down some, and they will be easier to find..

Thanks for the write up hoss!

Are you comparing the rmz to an 04 or 05 crf, I sold my 03 crf and I'm interested in purchasing the new rmz, I like what I'm hearing, but I rode an 05 crf 450 and it was pretty awesome, felt way lighter and thinner than my 03 and the power was perfect stock, good throttle respose and came on early and pulled good.

Thanx for the detailed report!!! IT sounds to me that the battle for the top 450 will be real close, I know that the 250f are all good and it comes down to the riders individual needs. I haven't even ridden my 05 crf yet (I live in IL.) but I changed the gearing (50) gold chain, 20mm clamps, bars,49kg spring/160presssure springs,zippy, and I am looking at pipes..

I am comparing the bike to a 04' crf 450..mxtech suspension..enzo sub tanks.. chm low boy ect..the list goes on.. I found the report I wrote to be fair, I dont need to BS anybody about a bike  
The 05 crf is much better than the 04 crf.. Handling, cornering, motor ect..Ive been riding honda for the past 10 years with a few others mixed in so I can say I am a big honda fan. Like I said before I have nothing bad to say about hondas..There great bikes..But I will say that suzuki has come out with a bike that does not lack in any area imo, I love the 4 speed tranny on the track, suspension wise its good but will be much better once I get my springs and adjust the oil height.. Anybody can go fast on a straight away but in mx your corner speed has alot to do with it.. Compared to my 04'crf that was completely modified and set up for me the zook has it beat in cornering in a big way... Just like bikewriter says  all 450's are good and once you have them set up for you there even better..Good luck with your purchase what ever ya get you can't go wrong  
Hoss