As you would have seen on our social media channels, I was lucky enough this week to make the trip to Toowoomba for the launch of the 2017 Suzuki RM-Z450. It’s always a good time heading to the track to ride brand new bikes with a crew of top technicians at your disposal to dial it in to suit your needs.

We’re treated very well with great accommodation, meals and to top it off, we don’t have to wash the bikes! A huge thanks to everyone involved in Wednesday’s event and be sure to check out both the written Review and Overview film, now live right here on MotoOnline.com.au.

With the 2016 Motul MX Nationals series down to just two rounds, supercross preparations are starting to creep into the picture, so for this week’s edition of The Point, we decided to chat to a selection of riders to hear how they deal with the fast transition between the two, click here to view that.

Image: Greg Smith (iKapture).

It was interesting to speak to each rider and hear how they deal with the change and what factors they feel are the toughest to overcome. There are a lot of things that come into play, suspension, engine settings, training, timing – the list goes on.

Some riders feel at home on a supercross track and the three week gap between motocross and supercross doesn’t phase them, others, they might need more time to adjust. Some riders battle with their suspension setup being so stiff, making cornering a tough task.

Then it comes down to riders such as Mitch Evans who believes training is the biggest factor for him heading into the supercross season (where he will contest the SX2 category in 2016). The high intensity, shorter duration races force some riders to change up their motocross training program in order to ensure they’re ready for the change of discipline.

Image: Greg Smith (iKapture).

Although the motocross season is yet to end, it’s exciting thinking ahead to supercross – the change almost resets the year and gives riders a chance to redeem themselves. Riders such as Wade Hunter, who’s having a tough MX Nationals season, will be aiming to come in to supercross firing and shooting for wins.

It will also be interesting to see how riders such as Jed Beaton, Kirk Gibbs and Dean Ferris deal with the Motocross of Nations event falling between rounds one and two of supercross. How will they attack that situation? It’s a tough one, but that’s all part of being at the top of the sport!

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