The Suzuki World MXGP Team announced its 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship at its headquarters in Lommel, Belgium, today, but the real insight came via a look at what is expected to be the 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450.
It’s no secret that the RM-Z450’s current design has soldiered on longer than any other 450 in the class, and without any hard details, it is hard to say just how new the 2018 model will actually be. There isn’t much to go on just yet, although it appears as though the Suzuki RM-Z450WS factory machine that was unveiled at the team press conference is sporting a different chassis, swingarm and bodywork than the 2017 model. The 450’s DOHC engine outwardly appears to be unchanged, although internal specs may be.
Dutchman Kevin Strijbos returns to the Suzuki factory MXGP team for 2017, and he joined by Arminas Jasikonis of Lithuania. The rest of the Suzuki World team was also announced. Suzuki will field Jeremy Seewer, Bas Vaessen and Hunter Lawrence in the MX2 class while also supporting riders in the EMX250 and 85cc classes in Europe. Frenchman Zachary Pichon, son of former Suzuki factory racer and AMA contender Mickaël Pichon, will represent the team in the EMX250 championship.
Ten-time FIM Motocross World Champion Stefan Everts continues to manage the Suzuki World effort.
“I am very excited of course,” Everts said. “Iit’s my second year with Suzuki, and I am so happy and honored to be able to present this new RM-Z450WS. It is a great bike, it looks fantastic and it is new motivation for everybody involved to take the brand back to the top step of motocross. Of course there is still a lot of work to do in the future for myself and the team but having this backup from Japan and this new bike is something great for everyone.”
Stay tuned, as we will provide more details on the 2018 RM-Z450 as we receive them.