Former Australian MXD champion Cody Dyce will transition to the premier class in the upcoming Australian Supercross Championship as he makes the switch to Suzuki machinery.

The Victorian, who completed his rookie MX2 season in the Pirelli MX Nationals with Empire Motorsports Yamaha where he was ranked ninth in the standings, took possession of a 2018 RMZ-450 last Friday after locking in support with a local dealership.

“After Coolum, I didn’t have a ride for supercross and also motocross for next year,” the teenager disclosed to MotoOnline.com.au. “I walked into a local dealership – Vern Graham Suzuki – and they said they were more than happy to help out for supercross.

“Getting on a 450 is probably a lot easier to maintain, plus we don’t need to do as much work to it because I’m a bigger kid than the rest of the 250 riders.”

With the switch to Suzuki unfolding at the last minute, Dyce has elected to miss this weekend’s season-opener at Jimboomba in favour of getting acquainted with not only the 450, but also the discipline.

The number 33’s debut season last year was cut short when he fractured his ankle during qualifying at the first round, meaning he is yet to contest a complete a supercross race in his career.

“Last year I had some bad luck at the first round and broke my leg, but I don’t think I was ready to ride supercross last year – it was my first time ever riding it,” he continued. “Going to the first round, it was all a bit rushed.

“This year I’ll have more time to practice, and that’s why I’m not doing the first round so I have bit more time under my belt. I don’t have any expectations, I just want to stay safe and put the Suzuki out there.”

Dyce’s first appearance is slated for the second round of the Australian Supercross Championship, scheduled for 6 October at Coolum in Queensland.