Suzuki previews Radical RM-Z450

SUZUKI PREVIEWS RADICAL RM-Z450

Suzuki Motorcycles has taken the exciting step of revealing advance details of its radical new RM-Z450 motocrosser.

As Suzuki's first-ever entry into the high-competitive 450cc 4-stroke motocross class, the much-anticipated new off-roader is expected to set a new 4-stroke benchmark after going into production in August 2004.

Designed, developed and manufactured entirely "in-house" by Suzuki, the all-new flagship RM-Z450 will make its competition debut in prototype form later this season,
in the All-Japan MX series.

"There is genuine excitement about the new RM-Z450 we are extremely confident this model will set new standards for motocross machines globally," Suzuki Australia's General Manager, Motorcycles, Perry Morison says.

"What's more, this Suzuki combines all the very best race-proven technology from both our road racing and off-road programs, so it's going to be something very special."

Suzuki's RM-Z450 features an all-new DOHC, four-valve, 449cc, liquid-cooled engine housed in a first-of-its-kind aluminium frame, a combination that has already delivered new standards of both performance and handling in initial testing.

While providing only basic details of the newcomer, Suzuki confirms that its new engine will draw heavily from the company's multi-championship-winning GSX-R sportsbike range and world championship-winning RM motocross program.

Additionally, the new Suzuki RM-Z450 will feature a number of other innovations that the engineering team has developed with the needs of riders being a key consideration.

The new Suzuki RM-Z450 will follow this month's introduction of the company's first-ever
4-stroke motocrosser, the RM-Z250.

Suzuki expects to announce further details of the new RM-Z450 over coming months.