Tomac: "This is one of the best bikes I’ve ridden in supercross."

twotwosix
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twotwosix
Edited Date/Time 2/7/2022 5:52pm
"Moto one and moto two tonight, actually moto two specifically I felt like I had Velcro on my tires. It was really, really good. It was a fun race to ride. This is one of the best bikes I’ve ridden in supercross."

https://racerxonline.com/2022/02/07/the-conversation-tomac-goes-back-to…

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swe292
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swe292 2/7/2022 10:20am
2/7/2022 10:20am
Crazy how good it looks. Can't wait to see him outdoors and hopefully mxdn.
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Talisker
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Talisker 2/7/2022 10:40am
2/7/2022 10:40am
Some people are about to lose their minds!!!
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BRZ
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BRZ 2/7/2022 10:44am
2/7/2022 10:44am
There will be many challenges for ET3, as this championship is just getting started, but he looks really at home on the Yamaha. His recent starts are also allowing him to control the races from the beginning.

If he can avoid the hard to explain bad rounds that have plagued him in previous seasons, his chances at another SX championship are looking good. Just keep getting good starts and stay focused on the riding.

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-MAVERICK-
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-MAVERICK- 2/7/2022 10:45am
2/7/2022 10:45am Edited Date/Time 2/7/2022 10:55am
"This is one of the best bikes I’ve ridden in supercross."

So, which one was the best?

Edit: I'm not hating on the Yamaha. The bike looks great out there. Just wondering since he didn't say it was the best.
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Thisusernameisavailable 2/7/2022 10:45am
2/7/2022 10:45am
I have to say, I didnt think we'd be seeing this from him/Yamaha.
I seriously considered Tomac to be in the twighlight of his career and not willing to push it.

How have Yamaha gone so long without such a 'top' top-tier rider?

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KurtJ99
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KurtJ99 2/7/2022 10:50am
2/7/2022 10:50am
First couple of rounds wasn't looking as strong, but good starts tend to wipe away all problems.
On saying it's the best bike ever - it may be true but you would always say the current bike is great when you are winning. Though I'd like to hear "the big was a POS but I rode it like a boss" Wink
jeffro503
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jeffro503 2/7/2022 10:51am
2/7/2022 10:51am
I said before the season started , that if Eli gels with that bike , and they set that bike up for him , the way he likes it......he's going to be dangerous. And if he's this strong , this soon in SX??........The Nationals will be something to behold.
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Ramrod
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Ramrod 2/7/2022 10:53am
2/7/2022 10:53am
Death of "blue pig" comments haha

I think Star Racing Team has been the difference in that bike in race form. Good for them.
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Talisker
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Talisker 2/7/2022 10:57am
2/7/2022 10:57am
I was ok with him on the Honda. Never really bought into Tomac as a Kawi guy. That was just money exchanged for services rendered. I think he fits the Yamaha brand/image. Looks way better on blue!!! Hope he continues to get better.
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DPR250R
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DPR250R 2/7/2022 10:57am
2/7/2022 10:57am
Ramrod wrote:
Death of "blue pig" comments haha

I think Star Racing Team has been the difference in that bike in race form. Good for them.
Funny how people are questioning the pumpkin while the pig is flying.
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Moto24
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Moto24 2/7/2022 10:57am
2/7/2022 10:57am
All the bikes are good now - this just shows the importance of a good team that’s willing to work with the rider. I seriously doubt that Star stumbled across some secret formula that the factory didn’t have, or didn’t have access to.

I really hope Suzuki finds a good partner to run their program and gets competitive again. I think it’s good for the sport when all the brands are competitive and have a chance to run at the front or win on any given weekend.

I’m Blu Cru through and through and love to see them win. But even better than that would be a return to the 80s/90s era when all the teams were at least competitive.
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Chris_Buehler
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Chris_Buehler 2/7/2022 11:07am
2/7/2022 11:07am
jeffro503 wrote:
I said before the season started , that if Eli gels with that bike , and they set that bike up for him , the way...
I said before the season started , that if Eli gels with that bike , and they set that bike up for him , the way he likes it......he's going to be dangerous. And if he's this strong , this soon in SX??........The Nationals will be something to behold.
Exactly my thoughts. We already know how good the Yamaha is outdoors. What's Eli gonna look like on it? Can't wait to see him vs. Dylan
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Zycki11
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Zycki11 2/7/2022 11:21am
2/7/2022 11:21am
Moto24 wrote:
All the bikes are good now - this just shows the importance of a good team that’s willing to work with the rider. I seriously doubt...
All the bikes are good now - this just shows the importance of a good team that’s willing to work with the rider. I seriously doubt that Star stumbled across some secret formula that the factory didn’t have, or didn’t have access to.

I really hope Suzuki finds a good partner to run their program and gets competitive again. I think it’s good for the sport when all the brands are competitive and have a chance to run at the front or win on any given weekend.

I’m Blu Cru through and through and love to see them win. But even better than that would be a return to the 80s/90s era when all the teams were at least competitive.
Star has as you say "stumbled" on the secret formula. They dropped weight off the bike, and they have the ability to put different parts on the machine when Factory Yamaha had their hands tied behind their backs from Japan. Look at how the bike is working. It looks settled, balanced, fast, and handles well. If you want further proof look at Plessinger last year vs the prior two years. The bike is very good now and has improved leaps and bounds over factory Yamaha.
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Talon
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Talon 2/7/2022 11:25am
2/7/2022 11:25am
I was in the airport yesterday morning after the race and the gate next to mine was a flight to Orange County. I saw a guy with his monster energy Yamaha jacket so I decided to do a little eve’s dropping since he was talking moto with a pilot. He said they can’t get Dylan off the line to save their asses. “It’s back to the test track Tuesday, we’ve got to figure this thing out and soon”.

I wonder what tomac has figured out that Dylan hasn’t. You’d have to think it’s technique based since it’s same bike?
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vanillaice782 2/7/2022 11:30am
2/7/2022 11:30am
From my 2016 YZ250F, to now my 2021 YZ450F, it does feel like you have Velcro on your tires. They feel amazing out on the track.
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Dirty Points 2/7/2022 11:31am
2/7/2022 11:31am Edited Date/Time 2/7/2022 11:33am
-MAVERICK- wrote:
[i]"This is one of the best bikes I’ve ridden in supercross."[/i] So, which one was the best? Edit: I'm not hating on the Yamaha. The bike...
"This is one of the best bikes I’ve ridden in supercross."

So, which one was the best?

Edit: I'm not hating on the Yamaha. The bike looks great out there. Just wondering since he didn't say it was the best.
I think with any bike/rider, you can just recall the ones you really gelled with and the ones you didn't. Tough to formulate a singular "best" without riding them back-to-back in the same conditions.
Dirty Points 2/7/2022 11:34am
2/7/2022 11:34am Edited Date/Time 2/7/2022 11:39am
Talon wrote:
I was in the airport yesterday morning after the race and the gate next to mine was a flight to Orange County. I saw a guy...
I was in the airport yesterday morning after the race and the gate next to mine was a flight to Orange County. I saw a guy with his monster energy Yamaha jacket so I decided to do a little eve’s dropping since he was talking moto with a pilot. He said they can’t get Dylan off the line to save their asses. “It’s back to the test track Tuesday, we’ve got to figure this thing out and soon”.

I wonder what tomac has figured out that Dylan hasn’t. You’d have to think it’s technique based since it’s same bike?
Dylan is fast as hell, and is getting off the line ok. He seems to back it down earlier than other guys as everyone starts to converge at the end of the start straight.
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davistld01
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davistld01 2/7/2022 11:35am
2/7/2022 11:35am
Moto24 wrote:
All the bikes are good now - this just shows the importance of a good team that’s willing to work with the rider. I seriously doubt...
All the bikes are good now - this just shows the importance of a good team that’s willing to work with the rider. I seriously doubt that Star stumbled across some secret formula that the factory didn’t have, or didn’t have access to.

I really hope Suzuki finds a good partner to run their program and gets competitive again. I think it’s good for the sport when all the brands are competitive and have a chance to run at the front or win on any given weekend.

I’m Blu Cru through and through and love to see them win. But even better than that would be a return to the 80s/90s era when all the teams were at least competitive.
Zycki11 wrote:
Star has as you say "stumbled" on the secret formula. They dropped weight off the bike, and they have the ability to put different parts on...
Star has as you say "stumbled" on the secret formula. They dropped weight off the bike, and they have the ability to put different parts on the machine when Factory Yamaha had their hands tied behind their backs from Japan. Look at how the bike is working. It looks settled, balanced, fast, and handles well. If you want further proof look at Plessinger last year vs the prior two years. The bike is very good now and has improved leaps and bounds over factory Yamaha.
Wonder if Pless has some remorse in switching teams now...seeing how well the Star Yamahas are working, compared to the "new" KTMs?
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Timo
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Timo 2/7/2022 11:37am
2/7/2022 11:37am
My 19 doesn't have the frame mods the 20 got, but it's still has the best front tire feel out of all the bikes I've ridden. You can feel it start to slide and back out before you crash. Since I've owned it I've only slid out once, and it was on a dry grass track.
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motomike137
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motomike137 2/7/2022 11:41am
2/7/2022 11:41am
Talon wrote:
I was in the airport yesterday morning after the race and the gate next to mine was a flight to Orange County. I saw a guy...
I was in the airport yesterday morning after the race and the gate next to mine was a flight to Orange County. I saw a guy with his monster energy Yamaha jacket so I decided to do a little eve’s dropping since he was talking moto with a pilot. He said they can’t get Dylan off the line to save their asses. “It’s back to the test track Tuesday, we’ve got to figure this thing out and soon”.

I wonder what tomac has figured out that Dylan hasn’t. You’d have to think it’s technique based since it’s same bike?
Starts, DF is horrible out of the gate. If you don't start top 3 or 5 you are toast with this years group.
tek14
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tek14 2/7/2022 12:52pm
2/7/2022 12:52pm
Dirty Points wrote:
Dylan is fast as hell, and is getting off the line ok. He seems to back it down earlier than other guys as everyone starts to...
Dylan is fast as hell, and is getting off the line ok. He seems to back it down earlier than other guys as everyone starts to converge at the end of the start straight.
This seemed case in all 3 stars last race. He wasnt too bad from gate but slowed down more than others for first corner and lost another 4-5 places.
decano51
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decano51 2/7/2022 12:55pm
2/7/2022 12:55pm
I think its more the team, management and what they are willing to do to the bikes to get the riders what they need
Considering Yamaha has had a rough go for so long. Star takes over and they make things happen.

I don't think the bike was ever bad.. Just wrong people around it.
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toomanykaws
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toomanykaws 2/7/2022 1:35pm
2/7/2022 1:35pm
Have to say some of his earlier Kawi’s were to his liking. His first full year on factory Kaw he didn’t win much in SX but by the second season he was rolling. Cable clutch days also. Seems like 19’ model was still decent for him. But the 20 and 21 versions not so much.
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Forty
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Forty 2/7/2022 1:39pm
2/7/2022 1:39pm
Talon wrote:
I was in the airport yesterday morning after the race and the gate next to mine was a flight to Orange County. I saw a guy...
I was in the airport yesterday morning after the race and the gate next to mine was a flight to Orange County. I saw a guy with his monster energy Yamaha jacket so I decided to do a little eve’s dropping since he was talking moto with a pilot. He said they can’t get Dylan off the line to save their asses. “It’s back to the test track Tuesday, we’ve got to figure this thing out and soon”.

I wonder what tomac has figured out that Dylan hasn’t. You’d have to think it’s technique based since it’s same bike?
motomike137 wrote:
Starts, DF is horrible out of the gate. If you don't start top 3 or 5 you are toast with this years group.
DF lap times are right where they need to be, and he's as strong or stronger toward the end than the beginning of motos....If he gets a start.......

could be trouble.
Meister
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Meister 2/7/2022 1:49pm
2/7/2022 1:49pm
*best tuned.

Guy can do it on any brand if it's tuned the way he likes.
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Natester551v 2/7/2022 1:53pm
2/7/2022 1:53pm
Zycki11 wrote:
Star has as you say "stumbled" on the secret formula. They dropped weight off the bike, and they have the ability to put different parts on...
Star has as you say "stumbled" on the secret formula. They dropped weight off the bike, and they have the ability to put different parts on the machine when Factory Yamaha had their hands tied behind their backs from Japan. Look at how the bike is working. It looks settled, balanced, fast, and handles well. If you want further proof look at Plessinger last year vs the prior two years. The bike is very good now and has improved leaps and bounds over factory Yamaha.
I'm not so sure it was Japan preventing Factory Yamaha from making changes; I think the in-house Yamaha USA team was the issue. Plessinger alluded to it, and Reed came right out and said it. It all starts at the top; if upper management creates a toxic, risk-averse environment where innovation and free-thinking is punished, the team will go into self-preservation mode and take the least risky path.

Star Yamaha, on the other hand seems to reward innovation and provide the technical team and riders with every tool they can give them to succeed. Eli mentioned that he was free to test or change more than he has been able to on any other team...and the results are pretty dang amazing...he's crushing it....
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Sandusky26
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Sandusky26 2/7/2022 2:13pm
2/7/2022 2:13pm
Ramrod wrote:
Death of "blue pig" comments haha

I think Star Racing Team has been the difference in that bike in race form. Good for them.
DPR250R wrote:
Funny how people are questioning the pumpkin while the pig is flying.
I love it.
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Moto24
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Moto24 2/7/2022 2:21pm
2/7/2022 2:21pm
decano51 wrote:
I think its more the team, management and what they are willing to do to the bikes to get the riders what they need Considering Yamaha...
I think its more the team, management and what they are willing to do to the bikes to get the riders what they need
Considering Yamaha has had a rough go for so long. Star takes over and they make things happen.

I don't think the bike was ever bad.. Just wrong people around it.
Couldn’t agree more…it’s all about the team.

If you go back and read some of the interviews with Mitch Payton, the KX125 wasn’t a very good base when they first started working with Kawasaki. But they listened to the riders and made the changes they needed to in order to be competitive. And he built a dynasty.

Seems like Star is doing the same thing now.
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gt80rider
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gt80rider 2/7/2022 2:48pm
2/7/2022 2:48pm
Translation- "I love a cable clutch"

Yes... it makes that much of a difference to some people.. a clutch you can actually feel... a clutch you can feel "going away"...
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kb228
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kb228 2/7/2022 2:50pm
2/7/2022 2:50pm
Sounds like something id say if i were paid millions to sell a certain bike
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