I'm hearing people question the talk of why Honda would want Hunter on the 450. If this talk of Hunter moving up to the 450 next year at Honda pans out, it will prove to be a super smart strategic move for Honda. We all know Jett is moving up, and we know Jett is the future at Honda. We also know that most likely Sexton is moving on. So Honda has to sign someone to ride along side Jett in the 450. Typically these teams have an obvious A rider and an obvious B rider. They each know their place and it usually works. By signing Hunter, Honda is getting an A rider and a B+ rider and won't have to deal with the ego issues they would have to deal with if they signed someone like Anderson, or Webb, or someone like that. All those guys would want the attention of being the A rider, but with Jett there, it's just not going to happen. With Hunter, yes there will still be a rivalry, but not nearly as bad as one of the previously named riders. This move is super smart IMO.
I thought he was going to stay down next year to defend. I’m sure he’ll will outdoors this year so he could defend that too and then move up in ‘25. That’s what I’d do, but I’m no Lars
I wouldn’t say Hunter is B+ to Jett’s A. Both are A riders, and imo both should move up to 450. It would be rather historic on several levels, but I suspect Hunter will defend his 250 title and Jett will move into the 450 ranks.
Hunter will be a very good 450 rider too
no doubt
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I think it will be interesting when both brothers are on 450's. I have said that Hunter's size might be an asset for him on a big bike. Jett is very fast but when a big bike goes south, it might help having that big bone stature. It does look like Jett is getting quite a bit more muscle and with his height could be good combo to win races too. Look forward to watching those races..
Jett seems to be piling on some muscle as of late. He looks quite a bit bulked up compared to last year. Smart move for his 450 career.
Honda is looking good no matter what
Is there a new CR in the works? 2025?
Hunter no doubt will ride the 450 well. The point of my original post was on the personality and team dynamic side of things. I didn't mean Jett is an A and Hunter is a B+ as far as riding skill. I meant it as far as how they are treated by the team. I think Hunter will have a much easier time playing a little bit of 2nd fiddle to Jett than someone like Chase, Ando or Webb would. No matter what, unless Jesus is on the team, Jett is going to the the primary focus.
Right, you get a sense from the brothers that a win for either is a win for both, so I can see what you mean. I agree, Hunter is likely to be fine with being slightly more under radar given all the hype around Jett. That maturity could really make all the difference in this dynamic.
HRC has so many great options regardless.
Do we see a future championship for HRC team in the premier class? break the curse.
He’s gonna be good.
Hunter actually raced a 450 in a national championship when he was in Europe.. Which particular national championship I'm not sure haha
What more can you learn in a 5th year of 250s? Move up, race the big dogs.
Leaving Hunter on the 250 for another year to "defend the title" (that he hasn't won yet btw), IMO makes less sense than Jett not going up for SX this year.
So assuming he wins it this year and stays back to defend...what if he doesn't successfully defend? Be a waste of a year at his age.
Move him up.
Hunter on a 450 is not a for sure thing yet. Honda is talking to other riders and they’re not going to have 3 guys on a 450.
What !!! you mean Colt Nichols wont be on Team Honda next year ?
wouldn't be surprised to see Webb sign a 1 year deal with Honda to mentor Jett before moving Hunter up.
Pit Row
I wouldn’t be surprised if Honda signed Webb, but I’d be really surprised if Webb actually mentored a competitor..
The size just comes from growing into his "adult" body. My oldest is a college soccer player, and the difference in his physique from 19 to now (21) is night and day.
What is the big deal about "defending" a 250 title? I would think the goal for top level guys is to race 450's - and they don't really care about defending a title. Whatever it even means to "defend" a title.
$$$ all round. team, manufacturer and rider.
Watching Hunter this year really helps the 450 move make sense.
Another year winning vs a year learning the 450 class with his brother. I would hope to see the latter. Jett is about to learn so much, and very quickly. Would be cool for them to go through it together. Hate to see Hunter fall behind, he has made massive strides in sx.
Hunter’s ridden lots of skanks, so why not a CRF 450? While he hasn’t confirmed if that was his laptop, I’m convinced he could handle a 450.
I'm sure Webb won't be signing for 1 year anywhere.
I can’t see Webb leaving for a bike that is less capable than his non winning Yamaha. Webb to GasGas could be interesting.
Webb is going to Kawasaki anyway.
Why would Webb mentor anyone ?? That is the dumbest thing I have read in a while.
You don’t think Hunter wants to be an A rider?
Hunter has an ego and can’t talk to his brother for a few minutes after they battle.
I think you’re crazy if you think Hunter is going to willingly be Jett’s bitch.
Anyone that thinks Hunter loves it when Jett beats him and is happy for him clearly does not have a younger brother.
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