Despite the season-ending knee injury suffered by its number one rider Joel Smets, Suzuki is pleased with the performance of the RM-Z450 motocrosser in MX1 this year. Developed from a prototype, the 450 is now ready for production following the completion of the MX1 season in South Africa last weekend.
Not only did young Kevin Strijbos (19 years old) finish fifth on the season in MX1, but former world and AMA champ Greg Albertyn raced the RM-Z450 to sixth place in the final moto of his home-country GP. Very impressive, considering Albertyn had never ridden the four-stroke before.
Of course, this is the machine that Ricky Carmichael will race for Suzuki outdoors in 2005. It has already proven itself very competitive in MX1. You would have to expect the bike will be competitive in the AMA championship series, as well.
