RM-Z450 stars on debut
The all-new 2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 has made the best-possible racing debut in Australia and New Zealand, winning on both sides of the Tasman last Saturday night, 8 March.
Team Shift Motul Suzuki riders Daryl Hurley and Matt Moss were aboard the revolutionary new fuel-injected machines – Hurley wrapping up the New Zealand Supercross Championship and Moss the Yamaha Stadium Motocross Series in Australia.
At Wanganui, Hurley put the new model to good use, continuing his winning form and wrapping up the Pro Open title with one race to spare.
Moss was almost unstoppable in Maitland (NSW), further adding to the silverware he’s accrued since rejoining Suzuki.
On his Suzuki RM-Z450, Moss just missed a clean sweep of Pro Open wins for the series to complement his title victory, with a stall in the feature allowing Craig Anderson to sneak past.
The young gun also wrapped up the Pro Lites round and series honours aboard an RM-Z250.
The Australian Motocross Championship kicks off in Tasmania on 6 April.
DARYL HURLEY – TEAM SHIFT MOTUL SUZUKI
“The new Suzuki RM-Z450 is amazing.
“It’s so slim and easy to throw around and the power was instantly on tap.
“It was amazingly quick to react to my input, there’s absolutely no lag between me twisting the throttle and the bike leaping forward, and jarring landings from jumps didn’t upset the fuel flow either.
“Getting these results with a new and untested bike is fantastic – I can’t wait to get some more time on it to fulfill its potential.”
MATT MOSS – TEAM SHIFT MOTUL SUZUKI
“Another two titles – our year just keeps getting better and better.
“To wrap up the Pro Open class on the new RM-Z450 was a great result first-up – if not for a little mistake in the feature, it would’ve won every race.
“Full credit to Jay [Foreman] and all of the Team Shift Motul Suzuki crew – to have the new bike in this shape already is very promising.
“I feel like I’m riding pretty well at the moment, too, so we’re looking to keep this form going.”
JAY FOREMAN – TEAM SHIFT MOTUL SUZUKI TEAM MANAGER
“These results confirm the 2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 is an absolute weapon.
“To win on debut in New Zealand and Australia on the same night is a sensational start and we haven’t even started to scratch at the surface of its potential.
“From here, we’ll get stuck into a development and testing program with the new bikes and unleash them on the Australian Championship next month.
The world’s first-ever mass produced fuel-injected motocross machine, the ground-breaking new Suzuki RM-Z450K8 is now available in Australia.
To celebrate, Suzuki is offering a range of exciting extras worth over $1500 for a limited time only.
Every new RM-Z450, including previous models currently listed on new motorcycle stock lists, will include an exclusive Suzuki-branded, yellow 3x3m, E-Z UP pit tent, a One Industries graphics and seat cover kit, a Motul start-up oil pack and an RK 520KZU chain – all as used by Team Shift Motul Suzuki – with a total retail value of $1590 (inc GST).
Suzuki has opened the door to a whole new era in motocross design with the introduction of the revolutionary new RM-Z450 fully equipped with advanced fuel-injection technology.
Recently clinching both the Manufacturer’s and Rider’s titles in the FIM MX1 Motocross World Championship with Belgian, Steve Ramon aboard the RM-Z450, Suzuki is again the leader in motocross with world-first technology incorporated on the latest RM-Z450.
Drawing on the expertise gained with race-bred fuel-injection systems for the legendary Suzuki GSX-R road race machines and the championship-winning QuadRacer 450 ATV, Suzuki has now applied leading-edge engineering technology to the new RM-Z450.
Suzuki engineers have also used experience from developing Ricky Carmichael’s championship-winning RM-Z450 to redesign the 2008-model’s chassis, suspension and brakes, offering sharper handling, smoother suspension performance and more powerful braking.
Powered by a 449cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC, 4-valve engine, the RM-Z450 features an all-new Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system which offers better roll on power and improved low-to-mid range power.
The 2008 RM-Z450 incorporates a battery-less internal fuel pump system which provides stable pressure delivery to operate the fuel injection and utilises a 43mm Keihin throttle body specifically designed for motocross.
The all-new, five-speed, constant mesh transmission on the RM-Z450 offers greater versatility and features a new link-type shifting mechanism.
The latest version of Suzuki’s flagship motocross machine features an all-new, lighter frame with a new slim riding position, creating additional room for the rider to manoeuvre and actively take control of the machine.
Offering improved shock absorption with minimal weight, the Showa cartridge-style front forks are fully adjustable for rebound and compression settings, while the new Showa rear shock absorber has a re-designed damper case, modified internal structure and fully adjustable rebound, compression and pre-load settings.
Race-inspired, disc-brake wave rotors deliver better cooling performance and increased mud deflection, while newly-designed pegs have increased clearance between the mounting bracket and footrest to prevent mud from caking up.
Finishing the package, Suzuki’s completely restyled RM-Z450 has hot new looks, with sleek, aggressive, aerodynamic bodywork, an edgy, new graphics design and a gold-coloured chain for a full factory look.
The new Suzuki RM-Z450K8 four-stroke weapon is now available at an RRP of $10,999 (inc GST) plus dealer delivery charges.
