Kiwi Josh Coppins has announced he will ride a 450 four-stroke Honda when he leads the New Zealand team at the Motocross des Nations next month.
The nine-year veteran of the world championships, has ridden two-stroke machinery all his life. But a rule change in the world's premier class this year has seen the rise of the thumpers and Coppins is keen to give one a try.
"There were definitely times the four-stroke would pull away up the hills," commented Coppins. "But then again the two-stroke had the edge in tight technical stuff. Much of the time it came down to what you are used to and best at riding. But I'm keen to give the 450 a try."
Coppins' fellow team members Ben Townley and Shayne King have indicated they will also ride big four-strokes.
