Suzuki Dirt BikesAfter some years the business branched out into automobiles because of growing consumer demand. This was short lived however when the government forced the company to cease production after deciding civilian cars were a non essential commodity. After the end of the war in 1945, Suzuki resumed production of silk looms but also diversified into various other products such as musical instruments and agricultural machinery. Suzuki produced its first bicycle/motorbike hyrid called the 'Power Free' in 1951, a 36cc two stroke powered bike with pedals and a two speed transmission. The 'Power Free' was designed as an inexpensive form of transport for the Japanese people. 
It was followed up by a 60cc version called the 'Diamond Free' which, with the 'Power Free', gained enormous popularity resulting in Suzuki producing 6000 bikes a month. In 1954 Suzuki changed its name to Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd and motorcycle production ramped up with the forerunners of the Suzuki dirt bikes range being exported to America for the first time in 1963. With the sport of motocross gaining popularity from the late 60's, Suzuki dirt bikes cemented their dominance on the sport with a string of 500cc World MX championships during the early 70's and continue to win titles all over the world. '08 Suzuki Dirt BikesRMZ450 The RMZ450 is the flagship of the Suzuki dirt bikes and the big news for '08 is the introduction of fuel injection. The system has been in place on the R450 quad for a couple of years but has now been fitted to the RMZ. The throttle response is much improved due to the fuel injection and should prove to be a lot less maintenance and tuning compared to a carburetor. There is a smaller capacity aluminium fuel tank fitted because the injection system is more fuel efficient, the tank also houses the electric fuel pump. The '08 450 finally has a five speed transmission and there's been work done on the frame to allow it to flex more but also increase strength. Both the RMZ450 and RMZ250 have wave style brake rotors for improved braking in wet, muddy conditions.
RMZ250 The RMZ250 has new footpegs this year, designed to prevent mud build up between the mounting bracket and the footrest. There's also a new gripper seat fitted and the hot start lever has been moved to the right hand side of the handlebars, as has also been done on the 450. There's not a whole lot else that's new, the exhaust port shape has been modified to improve mid to high range output and the piston profile has been changed to increase reliability. The frame has been modified to improve rigidity and the Showa rear shock has also been updated.
RM250 The two stroke 250 is just marking time for '08, there's not much in the way of updates or improvements but the RM is still a proven performer.
RM85 The baby of the Suzuki motocrossers is now available in a larger configuration as well in '08, it has bigger wheels and a longer wheelbase for larger juniors. The frame has been improved offering greater rigidity and the chain adjustment system is styled on the RM250. The 85's have a twin pot brake caliper up front with a 220mm diameter rotor and a 200mm rotor at the rear. Most of the development has gone into the four stroke Suzuki dirt bikes for this year with the two strokes receiving mainly cosmetic updates. (photos courtesy of suzuki.com.au)
Click here to check out the full range of Suzuki dirt bikes. You can check out the 07 motocross range here Click here to go back to our Home Page. Please note that to protect our younger visitors to Motocross 101, SafeSearch is turned on in these search results.
|
