2007 Suzuki Quadracer R450 Review

For those looking for an ATV that is ready to race right out of the box, Suzuki offers its Quadracer R450.

Suzuki says the concept of the Quadracer R450 is unique, in that the consumer doesn’t have to bolt on a laundry list of aftermarket parts before being able to compete on the racetrack.

When it comes to racing pedigree, it’s hard to argue with Suzuki’s success. Three of the top four finishers on the 2007 WPSA SuperQuad Pro 450 final standings rode Suzuki ATVs, including Doug Gust.

Gust, who won the WPSA SuperQuad Pro 450 class in 2006 and finished fourth in 2007, worked with a team us Suzuki engineers to come up with the R450.

ATV.com wanted to see what the sporty machine could do in person, and Wayne Wilkes of Columbia PowerSports Center in Columbia, SC facilitated a ride. Wilkes took us to Carolina Adventure World in Fairfield County, SC and we hit the ATV trails for a little while to warm up.

The R450 did well enough in the tight, twisty trails and had no trouble keeping up with the more rugged KingQuad 450s, but it really wasn’t meant to go over really rough terrain, big rocks and fallen trees. It will survive on the trails, but this vehicle really shows its teeth on the track.

The R450 is designed to tear up motocross tracks. Aesthetically, it looks like a fast, intimidating ATV and it really is. It’s very quick off the start and has exceptional acceleration coming out of the corners—just what you want in a motocross quad.

The vehicle is powered by a fuel-injected 450cc 4-stroke liquid-cooled engine, which is based the race proven RM-Z450. To keep the engine as short as possible, Suzuki uses its advanced sump system. This allows the engine mass and crankshaft to be positioned very low to the ground and helps create the all-important low center of gravity.

To reduce weight, the R450 uses a magnesium clutch cover, magneto cover and cylinder head cover. Also, Suzuki uses titanium valves and forged aluminum pistons with cutaway sides. Despite these weight-cutting measures, the R450 tips the scales at 368 pounds, which is 23 pounds heavier than the industry lightweight Can-Am DS 450.

The R450 bests the DS 450, however, with a slightly wider wheelbase and a much lower seat height, which keeps the rider closer to the ground for better control in the corners. Also improving cornering is the low-profile, high-tensile steel frame, which provides added rigidity.

A steel rear swingarm offers ample flexibility to improve handling, while the extra wide double-wishbone front suspension has a fully adjustable front shocks with 40mm pistons.

The Kayaba rear shock has adjustable high and low speed compression, rebound and preload with its 50mm piston and 18mm shock rod. All told the rider has 11.4 inches of travel in the back. The cushy rear suspension comes in handy when jumping over tabletops on the track.

Suzuki installed its classic T-shaped seat on the R450. Not only does it look sharp, but it makes it easy to move around for additional control. Serrated, large footpegs offer improved grip and control even in sloppy conditions.

Though the R450 was designed to go fast, it also needs to stop from time to time. To accomplish this, Suzuki uses dual hydraulic front disc brakes and a single hydraulic rear brake caliper.

Related reading: 2008 Suzuki KingQuad 450 Riding with the King The King returns for 2007