A few months ago we received an email from Paul Merwin who was ecstatic about his recent purchase of a RMZ450 Supersingle built by Gavin Trippe. We can assure you that that same love for his new purchase has not faded, if anything its grown. Paul has turned into quite the 450 Supersingle advocate as you can read and see bellow…
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I have ridden a few race bikes and nothing has been as enjoyable as the 450 single. You just cant beat the weight of these bikes, they are so nimble and flickable. I have gone into a turn faster than I thought I should have, stabbed the brakes only to have to accelerate into the turn again. I am also pleasantly surprised at how long a set of tires lasts , almost to the point where it doesn’t seem right. I used to go thru 3 sets of tires a weekend on the litre bike. Now, a set will last three weekends damn near. I had been looking for a class of race bikes which would just be fun and not a detriment to my bank account, I think I have found it! I am still surprised at the lack of 450′s on the grid as fun and affordable as they are. On the club level I think the more we produce top 3 finishes every month the more we will spark interest in people building them. There is also a perceived safety with these bikes because they top out at about 125 mph. Of course dependant on rider weight and gearing. Bottom line is I love my little 450 Supersingle.
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Paul was also recently covered in Road Racer X’s Privateer Profile check it out here.
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Specs:
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Platform is 2008 Suzuki RMZ 450
Motor 2009 fuel injected
Vortex X-10 ECU with bar mount map switch
K&N intake no air box
FMF 4.1 Ti full system with Powerbomb
Race Tech triple clamps
Race Tech reworked stock forks with heavier springs, gold valves and RT fork ends
Rear shock stock reworked by Race Tech for proper length and resprung
Marchessini 17” forged wheels
Bridgestone slicks
Brembo caliper, rotor and master cylinder, Goodrich braided stainless line on front
Stock master cylinder and rotor on rear
Vortex rear sets mounted with Capps Cycle adapter plates and shift linkage
Woodcraft clipons with Spider grips
Scotts steering damper
Hinson Racing slipper clutch
Aim Mychron 4 data logger with GPS module
Catalyst Composites body painted by MC Pro Designs
PK Racing crash sliders, chain guide block, exhaust heat shield and master cylinder bracket
BRP chain guide
TM chain roller
Driven sprockets 520 15/40 gearing
EK 520 non o ring chain
Motor 2009 fuel injected
Vortex X-10 ECU with bar mount map switch
K&N intake no air box
FMF 4.1 Ti full system with Powerbomb
Race Tech triple clamps
Race Tech reworked stock forks with heavier springs, gold valves and RT fork ends
Rear shock stock reworked by Race Tech for proper length and resprung
Marchessini 17” forged wheels
Bridgestone slicks
Brembo caliper, rotor and master cylinder, Goodrich braided stainless line on front
Stock master cylinder and rotor on rear
Vortex rear sets mounted with Capps Cycle adapter plates and shift linkage
Woodcraft clipons with Spider grips
Scotts steering damper
Hinson Racing slipper clutch
Aim Mychron 4 data logger with GPS module
Catalyst Composites body painted by MC Pro Designs
PK Racing crash sliders, chain guide block, exhaust heat shield and master cylinder bracket
BRP chain guide
TM chain roller
Driven sprockets 520 15/40 gearing
EK 520 non o ring chain
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Paul on track at the Streets of Willow Springs
Paul showing you how to go through the last turn at the Streets of Willow Sprigns
Going into the “bowl” at the Streets of Willow Springs
Paul’s RMZ450 Supersingle
Dash
Exhaust heat shield made by Paul
Rear set mounts courtesy of Max Capps and chain guide courtesy of Paul
Paul with his trophies and trophy girl
