HEP to Kawasaki or just Alex Ray?

hellion
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hellion 11/12/2019 9:32am
11/12/2019 9:32am
Matty, Rome wasn't built in a day. But it never would've been built if they didn't start building it. Not too long ago KTM was the laughing stock. They built a better bike and people changed their opinion, it happens.
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colvin227
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colvin227 11/12/2019 3:28pm
11/12/2019 3:28pm Edited Date/Time 11/12/2019 4:28pm
If I was HEP I would keep ARay around way before I would 722. I'm a big fan of Adams but on pure speed and bikes in the races, the decision would be easy with ARay as he's almost a main event lock guy. I get Adams allure with the whole rap thing and great personality, but ARay is building his own following and is just as likable. Plus, ARay as a dirt bike racer (which should be all that matters) has more upside IMO. With Anstie coming over for the team that will be something interesting to watch. I'll be a fan of ARay no matter what, but i sure wish he would stay yellow as he rides that bike and represents it well.
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Sully
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Sully 11/12/2019 4:59pm
11/12/2019 4:59pm
colvin227 wrote:
If I was HEP I would keep ARay around way before I would 722. I'm a big fan of Adams but on pure speed and bikes...
If I was HEP I would keep ARay around way before I would 722. I'm a big fan of Adams but on pure speed and bikes in the races, the decision would be easy with ARay as he's almost a main event lock guy. I get Adams allure with the whole rap thing and great personality, but ARay is building his own following and is just as likable. Plus, ARay as a dirt bike racer (which should be all that matters) has more upside IMO. With Anstie coming over for the team that will be something interesting to watch. I'll be a fan of ARay no matter what, but i sure wish he would stay yellow as he rides that bike and represents it well.
I think the biggest selling point for the 722 is his 89k Instagram followers (compared to ARay's 37k). Results matter, but eyeballs on sponsors matter more.
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Subotai
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Subotai 11/12/2019 5:35pm
11/12/2019 5:35pm
MotoMan12345 wrote:
Suzuki just needs to put a little effort into a dirt bike for one year. Add electric start cus that’s a deal breaker for people...shave some...
Suzuki just needs to put a little effort into a dirt bike for one year. Add electric start cus that’s a deal breaker for people...shave some weight off and add a little power. Then go ahead and keep it the same for the next 10 years.
There is a picture on thumpertalk of an rmz with no kickstart. Not sure if it was joeys bike or not... maybe a portend of things to come? Maybe not.

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colvin227
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colvin227 11/12/2019 6:03pm
11/12/2019 6:03pm Edited Date/Time 11/12/2019 6:05pm
colvin227 wrote:
If I was HEP I would keep ARay around way before I would 722. I'm a big fan of Adams but on pure speed and bikes...
If I was HEP I would keep ARay around way before I would 722. I'm a big fan of Adams but on pure speed and bikes in the races, the decision would be easy with ARay as he's almost a main event lock guy. I get Adams allure with the whole rap thing and great personality, but ARay is building his own following and is just as likable. Plus, ARay as a dirt bike racer (which should be all that matters) has more upside IMO. With Anstie coming over for the team that will be something interesting to watch. I'll be a fan of ARay no matter what, but i sure wish he would stay yellow as he rides that bike and represents it well.
Sully wrote:
I think the biggest selling point for the 722 is his 89k Instagram followers (compared to ARay's 37k). Results matter, but eyeballs on sponsors matter more.
I get that 722 has more followers, but ARay is more active on social and supports his brand. I get that social media matters in 2019 but sometimes it feels like we are playing a popularity contest vs racing dirtbikes since that crap gets seen over talent or results in todays world and its kind of sad.
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mb60
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mb60 11/12/2019 6:30pm
11/12/2019 6:30pm
Subotai wrote:
There is a picture on thumpertalk of an rmz with no kickstart. Not sure if it was joeys bike or not... maybe a portend of things...
There is a picture on thumpertalk of an rmz with no kickstart. Not sure if it was joeys bike or not... maybe a portend of things to come? Maybe not.
Probably dumb question but does anyone know or heard of a company that can install electric starters on older 4 strokes.
colvin227
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colvin227 11/12/2019 6:41pm
11/12/2019 6:41pm
MotoMan12345 wrote:
Suzuki just needs to put a little effort into a dirt bike for one year. Add electric start cus that’s a deal breaker for people...shave some...
Suzuki just needs to put a little effort into a dirt bike for one year. Add electric start cus that’s a deal breaker for people...shave some weight off and add a little power. Then go ahead and keep it the same for the next 10 years.
Subotai wrote:
There is a picture on thumpertalk of an rmz with no kickstart. Not sure if it was joeys bike or not... maybe a portend of things...
There is a picture on thumpertalk of an rmz with no kickstart. Not sure if it was joeys bike or not... maybe a portend of things to come? Maybe not.
I would bet the 2021 RMZ has electric start. Its been said that they already have the cases for them they just haven't pulled the trigger yet. The 2020 RMZ250 overseas in some countries comes with a Suzuki GET WIFI tuner much like the Yamaha phone tuner. That was also something that was supposed to be on the current bikes but for whatever reason weren't. Why bikes overseas saw it and US bikes didn't is a mystery. But the technology is there and Suzuki has it already done they just need to roll it out.
CivBars
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CivBars 11/12/2019 7:16pm
11/12/2019 7:16pm
It was brought to my attention that some guy on Twitter asked Matthes if there was any truth to my post or if it was typical Vital BS. Steve Matthes confirmed that Alex Ray will be on Kawasaki in 2020. Whistling
Payup_199
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Payup_199 11/13/2019 5:57am
11/13/2019 5:57am
ARAY is buddies with Cade Clason who rides a PMRX(?) Kawi... wonder if they are teaming up.
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ML512
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ML512 11/13/2019 5:59am
11/13/2019 5:59am
Payup_199 wrote:
ARAY is buddies with Cade Clason who rides a PMRX(?) Kawi... wonder if they are teaming up.
Not quite.
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Johnny Ringo
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Johnny Ringo 11/13/2019 6:05am
11/13/2019 6:05am
colvin227 wrote:
If I was HEP I would keep ARay around way before I would 722. I'm a big fan of Adams but on pure speed and bikes...
If I was HEP I would keep ARay around way before I would 722. I'm a big fan of Adams but on pure speed and bikes in the races, the decision would be easy with ARay as he's almost a main event lock guy. I get Adams allure with the whole rap thing and great personality, but ARay is building his own following and is just as likable. Plus, ARay as a dirt bike racer (which should be all that matters) has more upside IMO. With Anstie coming over for the team that will be something interesting to watch. I'll be a fan of ARay no matter what, but i sure wish he would stay yellow as he rides that bike and represents it well.
Sully wrote:
I think the biggest selling point for the 722 is his 89k Instagram followers (compared to ARay's 37k). Results matter, but eyeballs on sponsors matter more.
Disagree. Results are king
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ML512
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ML512 11/13/2019 6:14am
11/13/2019 6:14am
colvin227 wrote:
If I was HEP I would keep ARay around way before I would 722. I'm a big fan of Adams but on pure speed and bikes...
If I was HEP I would keep ARay around way before I would 722. I'm a big fan of Adams but on pure speed and bikes in the races, the decision would be easy with ARay as he's almost a main event lock guy. I get Adams allure with the whole rap thing and great personality, but ARay is building his own following and is just as likable. Plus, ARay as a dirt bike racer (which should be all that matters) has more upside IMO. With Anstie coming over for the team that will be something interesting to watch. I'll be a fan of ARay no matter what, but i sure wish he would stay yellow as he rides that bike and represents it well.
Sully wrote:
I think the biggest selling point for the 722 is his 89k Instagram followers (compared to ARay's 37k). Results matter, but eyeballs on sponsors matter more.
Johnny Ringo wrote:
Disagree. Results are king
At their position in the field, results aren’t king....it’s part of it but not the number one factor. Visibility and how much brand awareness they drive is what gets them their end support level. If both riders went out on their own right now, 722 could pull a larger gear deal by example.

There’s also other factors to adjust for when you have two riders close in speed like that. By example, who eats more parts budget. A-Ray is a bit destructive at times. Laughing

I’m just bummed that it became an issue over which one could be kept on the team and which one couldn’t.
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-MAVERICK-
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-MAVERICK- 11/13/2019 6:21am
11/13/2019 6:21am
Payup_199 wrote:
ARAY is buddies with Cade Clason who rides a PMRX(?) Kawi... wonder if they are teaming up.
Nope.
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ML512
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ML512 11/13/2019 6:28am
11/13/2019 6:28am
There’s a green program that’s growing this year from one rider to a few for 2020.
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soggy
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soggy 11/13/2019 6:46am
11/13/2019 6:46am
wheres the pic ofthe electric start zuke?
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misterwaterfallin 11/13/2019 6:59am
11/13/2019 6:59am
Sully wrote:
I think the biggest selling point for the 722 is his 89k Instagram followers (compared to ARay's 37k). Results matter, but eyeballs on sponsors matter more.
Johnny Ringo wrote:
Disagree. Results are king
ML512 wrote:
At their position in the field, results aren’t king....it’s part of it but not the number one factor. Visibility and how much brand awareness they drive...
At their position in the field, results aren’t king....it’s part of it but not the number one factor. Visibility and how much brand awareness they drive is what gets them their end support level. If both riders went out on their own right now, 722 could pull a larger gear deal by example.

There’s also other factors to adjust for when you have two riders close in speed like that. By example, who eats more parts budget. A-Ray is a bit destructive at times. Laughing

I’m just bummed that it became an issue over which one could be kept on the team and which one couldn’t.
That makes sense at all levels of the sport, but other than the rap video it seems like 722 hasn't done much. ARay puts out consistent content and seems intent on growing his base. 722 is doing who knows what
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MotoMan12345
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MotoMan12345 11/13/2019 7:31am
11/13/2019 7:31am
ML512 wrote:
There’s a green program that’s growing this year from one rider to a few for 2020.
Involved with The cat and SGB racing?
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Markopolo400
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Markopolo400 11/13/2019 7:35am
11/13/2019 7:35am
ML512 wrote:
There’s a green program that’s growing this year from one rider to a few for 2020.
Triggr?
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Privateer454
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Privateer454 11/13/2019 9:56am
11/13/2019 9:56am
soggy wrote:
wheres the pic ofthe electric start zuke?

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Falcon
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Falcon 11/13/2019 10:03am
11/13/2019 10:03am
colvin227 wrote:
If I was HEP I would keep ARay around way before I would 722. I'm a big fan of Adams but on pure speed and bikes...
If I was HEP I would keep ARay around way before I would 722. I'm a big fan of Adams but on pure speed and bikes in the races, the decision would be easy with ARay as he's almost a main event lock guy. I get Adams allure with the whole rap thing and great personality, but ARay is building his own following and is just as likable. Plus, ARay as a dirt bike racer (which should be all that matters) has more upside IMO. With Anstie coming over for the team that will be something interesting to watch. I'll be a fan of ARay no matter what, but i sure wish he would stay yellow as he rides that bike and represents it well.
Sully wrote:
I think the biggest selling point for the 722 is his 89k Instagram followers (compared to ARay's 37k). Results matter, but eyeballs on sponsors matter more.
Johnny Ringo wrote:
Disagree. Results are king
But some kingdoms are less important. Would you rather have a guy who finishes 16th and has 37,000 followers, or a guy who finishes 19th and has 89,000? Realistically, unless you are in the top 10 (or even on the podium,) your actual results don't matter as much from an advertising standpoint. These guys are good riders to sponsor because of their image and reach, not because of their potential to win and excite fans via their results.
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Payup_199
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Payup_199 11/13/2019 10:34am
11/13/2019 10:34am Edited Date/Time 11/13/2019 10:36am
Falcon wrote:
But some kingdoms are less important. Would you rather have a guy who finishes 16th and has 37,000 followers, or a guy who finishes 19th and...
But some kingdoms are less important. Would you rather have a guy who finishes 16th and has 37,000 followers, or a guy who finishes 19th and has 89,000? Realistically, unless you are in the top 10 (or even on the podium,) your actual results don't matter as much from an advertising standpoint. These guys are good riders to sponsor because of their image and reach, not because of their potential to win and excite fans via their results.
You mean make only 3 out of 17 main events, and only in the later half of the season when the field lost some riders. Alex made 13 of 17 main events. That is quite a difference in results

IMO I do not see Adam making more mains this year than last, but I can see Alex making 13 or all 17 if he doesn't end up on the ground. He is back working with Davi
11
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mb60
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mb60 11/13/2019 11:57am
11/13/2019 11:57am
The thing that's gets me about 722 is he looks 20 pounds heavy. I mean come on dude and get in shape to start with.
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ML512
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ML512 11/13/2019 12:06pm
11/13/2019 12:06pm
mb60 wrote:
The thing that's gets me about 722 is he looks 20 pounds heavy. I mean come on dude and get in shape to start with.
I’m around Adam a lot, dude eats lean and does his work.
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jbrown15
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jbrown15 11/13/2019 12:10pm
11/13/2019 12:10pm
ML512 wrote:
There’s a green program that’s growing this year from one rider to a few for 2020.
MotoMan12345 wrote:
Involved with The cat and SGB racing?
I was just thinking that myself. AJ just announced he’s on a team this year and I was wondering if ARay would be a part of that team.
Spat24 11/13/2019 12:17pm
11/13/2019 12:17pm
So if rumors are correct that Max A will be there for both in and outdoors - will HEP bring along the 11 and 722 into the outdoors? That would be very cool to see.
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Payup_199 11/13/2019 12:23pm
11/13/2019 12:23pm Edited Date/Time 11/13/2019 12:25pm
Spat24 wrote:
So if rumors are correct that Max A will be there for both in and outdoors - will HEP bring along the 11 and 722 into...
So if rumors are correct that Max A will be there for both in and outdoors - will HEP bring along the 11 and 722 into the outdoors? That would be very cool to see.
lets hope not the 722 outdoors. That is not his specialty and its a struggle to make the fast 40.

My guess is it would be Max and the 11, or the 11 would be a backup plan if max needs to sit out for injury
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early
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early 11/13/2019 12:40pm
11/13/2019 12:40pm
Payup_199 wrote:
lets hope not the 722 outdoors. That is not his specialty and its a struggle to make the fast 40. My guess is it would be...
lets hope not the 722 outdoors. That is not his specialty and its a struggle to make the fast 40.

My guess is it would be Max and the 11, or the 11 would be a backup plan if max needs to sit out for injury
Seems like 722 would benefit from doing more than 17 sx qualifiers and a handful of mains a year, his progress has stalled, I don't trust his process.
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TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 11/13/2019 12:42pm
11/13/2019 12:42pm
soggy wrote:
wheres the pic ofthe electric start zuke?
Privateer454 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/11/13/384706/s1200_Screenshot_20191106_173822_Instagram.jpg.b65c20079a95183656f2cf657dcf7b31.jpg[/img]

RMX450Z bottom-end from 2010...
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Payup_199
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Payup_199 11/13/2019 12:53pm
11/13/2019 12:53pm Edited Date/Time 11/13/2019 1:01pm
early wrote:
Seems like 722 would benefit from doing more than 17 sx qualifiers and a handful of mains a year, his progress has stalled, I don't trust...
Seems like 722 would benefit from doing more than 17 sx qualifiers and a handful of mains a year, his progress has stalled, I don't trust his process.
I agree, he needs to race more. He needs to do a full outdoor season and as many off season races as he can and give it his all for the following SX season. Just grinding laps at the facility he uses is not doing the trick.

this advise comes from a Vet C rider 'eyeroll' HAHA
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mx_phreek 11/13/2019 2:00pm
11/13/2019 2:00pm
I cant find this interview on swap site were he hinted he'd be on green, anyone kind enough to post the link to it for me

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