The latest generation of chassis development on Suzuki’s RM-Z450 MX1 motocross motorcycle gained a podium on its debut outing last weekend in Sweden thanks to the efforts of Steve Ramon. The new frame had been undergoing tests in Japan and was given a World Championship maiden outing by Shinichi Kaga at Sugo for the Japanese Grand Prix in May. Sylvain Geboers’ Team Suzuki received the units late June and had time for a set of tests before bolting the new chassis around the factory engines of Ramon and Kevin Strijbos for the trip to Uddevalla.
The alterations include adjustments to the frame structure and materials with noticeable differences to the naked eye including re-positioning of motor supports and struts.
“We have the next evolution of the frame and the riders have been testing in Belgium and both their reactions have been positive,” said team principal Sylvain Geboers, “so we will continue to use it now from the Swedish Grand Prix.”
“The frame is lighter and more flexible which has had a positive effect on the handling and therefore quicker lap-times,” he added. “We have different materials and structures within the chassis unit and there is still a long way to go in terms of development with aluminium. We have been working with these frames for only three years now and it is never easy to change things because of the casting and the application of various elements. It is costly and takes time.”
Ramon took fourth and second in the two Scandinavian motos for the runner-up position overall. The Belgian was also leading the majority of the second race. “This was only the second time I have ridden with the new frame and we tested it last week but my feeling with is already very good,” commented Ramon. ”The main difference is in the sensation of the weight; it feels lighter particularly going through some tight sections. The last frame was also good but I think this one has a lot of potential and I look forward to making some more tests.”
A crash on the first corner by Kevin Strijbos meant that Suzuki could not clinch another double podium result but the young Belgian acquitted himself well on the track by taking sixth and third positions for fourth overall. “I can turn the bike much easier and I feel this especially taking the jumps; I can get the bike into shape better,” said Strijbos. “It feels lighter and I think they did a great job.”
The team will be competing at the Nismes circuit in the Belgian Championship this weekend while their spare factory bikes have already been crated for the Grand Prix of South Africa at Sun City next week.
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