Uromastix microlepis - Spiny-tailed Lizard

As I normally ride out front and these lizards scatter into their holes hearing the bikes approach, I only realized on a ride in the week that Jayne has never seen them. These two were either fighting or mating, do not laugh, difficult to say with lizards. The two stayed still for photographs even after Jayne stopped nearby and we both approached to within a few meters.

Uromastix microlepis - Spiny-tailed Lizard

Uromastix microlepis - Spiny-tailed Lizard

Uromastix microlepis - Spiny-tailed Lizard

Uromastix microlepis - Spiny-tailed Lizard

The only real option for longer desert races in the UAE for the last few years has been a Honda CRF450X. The only model that is both well suited to the task and readily available and well serviced. Over the week-end I spotted what potentially could change that though.

After a desert ride on Saturday three of our bikes were in desperate need of some love and attention and as Aldrin from ProBike was still fresh in my mind after his sponsorship and success in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge I decided to take the bikes to his shop for  the work. At the entrance to his workshop was what looked like a brand new RM-Z450 motocross bike, plastic cover still on the seat. Something was odd about the bike though, it had the aluminium tank of the fuel injected Suzuki’s , was narrow and looked nimble and light but the front and back looked wrong for a RM-Z450. Closer inspection revealed the front and rear lights and strange reflectors everywhere, it was a RMX450Z in its full glory. According to Aldrin the engine is based in the 450 Suzuki Quad engine, the engine that proved to be so reliable in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and earned Aldrin’s riders a 2nd and 3rd place.

The only drawback I can see so far is Suzuki’s less than stellar reputation for parts availability and service, something that could turn out to be more of a factor in the local popularity of this model than the great looking bike itself.

Heart of a champion, a taste for adventure.

Racing improves the breed; Suzuki has proven that time and time again. Now it’s time to rewrite the rules for the serious off-road rider. Introducing the 2010 Suzuki RMX450Z.
Descended from the Championship winning RM-Z450, the first motocross bike to offer high-performance Suzuki fuel injection, the RMX450Z is a serious off-road bike for serious trail riders. Its powerful and torquey 449cm3, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine shares all core technology with Suzuki’s winning open-class motocrosser. Its frame, suspension and bodywork are all nearly identical to the RM-Z450’s—maintaining that model’s slim, aggressive styling. Only changes to make the RMX450Z a superior trail machine have been made—maximum performance – no compromises. That’s like taking your hard-core motocross machine out onto the trail. Only better. Much better.