Fuel Injection comes to motocross – the Suzuki RM-Z450
It’s finally landed – Fuel Injection has arrived on production motocross machines, with the introduction of the all-new 2008 RM-Z450 from Suzuki. Unveiled at Suzuki’s European press conference in Rome earlier this week, the all-new RM-Z450 has rewritten the history books in the hotly contested MX1 class, offering fuel injection from the manufacturer acknowledged as THE expert.
Suzuki know how increasingly competitive motocross is, but the challenge to keep winning races and championships is what motivates engineers to strive for perfection. Championship winning experience off-road and on, give Suzuki a unique advantage, bringing GSX-R technology from the chicanes and hairpins, to the berms and whoops.
In order to meet the strict motocross performance standards, Suzuki designed an all-new, battery-less electronic fuel injection system, equating to improved roll-on performance and responsive low-mid range power, while keeping weight to a minimum. Since fuel efficiency has been increased, tank capacity has been reduced to 6.2 litres. Further development sees the new 450 get increased gear ratios, thanks to an all-new five-speed gearbox arrangement.
With complete redevelopment of the power-plant, Suzuki engineers concentrated on the chassis too. An all-new frame design incorporates multiple changes learned throughout racing. With reduced frame rail diameters on tank mounting points, and increased lower tubes (30mm x 30mm), the new chassis offers improved agility with a reduction in weight.
Further improvements come in the form of revised suspension, offering less weight with a more controlled ride, all-new bodywork giving a slimmer feel with improved cooling, revised footpegs offering more boot grip and improved braking performance thanks to ‘wavey’ discs front and rear.
The new RM-Z450 is expected to arrive in the UK in November this year with a recommended retail price close to the current model.
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