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7/14/2011
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Valdosta, GA, USA
Edited Date/Time
10/11/2019 5:49am
With the current landscape of Pro Motocross and Supercross, is it time to figure out how to bring more manufacturers to both the SX ad MX series? We've all read about the potential of Suzuki dropping out. There are several guys struggling for rides that many people think "deserve" one. Could there be a production rule that allows for smaller, boutique manufacturers to compete? Would TM, Sherco, Gas Gas, or others be interested in fielding a team if the rules allowed without the minimum import/sales requirement?
If they found a way to make an exception, why shouldn't someone like JS17 or CR22 be allowed to race a factory TM in the states next year?
Thoughts?
If they found a way to make an exception, why shouldn't someone like JS17 or CR22 be allowed to race a factory TM in the states next year?
Thoughts?
That being said i dont think beta is going to come in and produce a factory bike and team like the big 6 has and then also afford two factory level riders or find a sponsor
I don't think TM, etc. want to get their asses handed to them even if they had the money.
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Sorry - Quoted the wrong post and not sure how to fix.
Of course, that's when you ran the number you earned and riders traveled with their mechanics in box vans.
Yeah I'm old and like to travel back in my time machine....
There's just something about the 250 class top teams having 50hp engines that last one race that seems ridiculous to me... And highly restrictive to anyone else trying to get to that level.
For those that think there is some big development needed to get these bikes to the Pro level you are likely in for a surprise. Finding qualified riders is another thing.
It would be a breath of fresh air that MX/SX sorely needs, and they should revamp the CC rules and lift the 2 stroke "ban".
The Classes should both be "Open" (including electric) and separated only by age or not at all. A 125 class for 15 and under would be the cherry on Top.
Now somebody wake me up!
Beta and Sherco have zero interest in MX. That goes for both the US and Europe. They are off-road bikes only and they are extremely successful at it.
TM on the other hand does make MX bikes and is in it. However TM is way too small to field a MX team if the production rule was lifted. They don’t have the funds to pay a rider, pay a mechanic, buy a truck or any of that. What they might be able to do is supply a couple bikes and parts to a guy who is capable of making the night show at best. Sure it would be cool to see a TM out there, but that doesn’t at all help the main focus of this thread of getting deserving riders factory rides.
Pit Row
Another option is to change the number from 400 motorcycles (or whatever it is) to a percentage of their motocross models in that dispacement class available to the public.
Let's say for example the race team must use cases, frames, swing-arms, etc that are common to 25% of the available 124cc to 250cc motocross models the company has available in dealers for sale through the season.
Something like that can both eliminate the abuse of the rule (Factory Editions) and eliminate the exclusion of manufacturers like TM, GasGas, etc.
Open classes would eliminate all that shit. Bring on the factory editions, they have them in GP's and it doesn't mean shit. Electric bikes need to be let in, and not with a bunch of stupid rules that no one understands. 2 strokes need to be let in. Building 1 race wonder 250's is just stupid for the "up and comer" class where the riders are just as fast as the "premier" class. Who cares if someone builds a one off "bespoke" bike and joins the show? This sport doesn't have a lot of room to be kicking people out.
People always find a way to "massage" the rules, especially when the amount of mods are limited. Guys with big budgets always find a way to bend the rules, just a fact of racing.
In my opinion I really really think and hope that they keep them separate, welcome them with open arms , but give them there own class , if it comes to the point they are equal or better they will then eventually be the top class or whatever , they will find there place , but I completely disagree with Mixing them.
I think when 250f's came they should have given them there own class too and even more so at a local level.
The 250 class should be almost stock. The sport will keep dying until they do this.
SX and MX has so much politics is Laughable.
Its all about money and Power. Start a riders union and watch what those in power do.
Who is the fastest around the track is all I need to know, ride whatever you want and strap on your big boy panties.
Changes in this sport come slower than Global Warming. If we get the chance let's get it done, once.
Further fragmentation will just yield lower total sales for each, but the R&D costs remain the same, which would likely increase the cost of bikes even more, limiting top-line growth for all brands....it becomes a vicious cycle.
Without solutions that increase total participation in the sport (i.e. bike sales), it will just keep getting harder for smaller manufacturers like Suzuki.
You do realize that the boutique companies are ALREADY selling and developing bikes?
That way the aftermarket companies still get to sell mods (and run teams) and it helps show they can build performance engines that can last more than an hour.
Everything inside the engine is sealed and can't be replaced or rebuilt. You can change maps, pipes, plugs and clutches, but not pistons, valves, cams, rods, cranks, transmissions, etc.
Sure the top teams will still find a way to eke out an advantage where they can, but it won't be as big. With the limited amount of bikes that are homologated for the series, coming up with tamper evident fasteners shouldn't be too difficult. They can be added and checked easily during tech before each event. Get caught cheating and the points penalty triples.
Open Class solves all the problems. No one is forced to run a bottle rocket with a short fuse.
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