production timeline for new models

In the automotive world, the day after the one model goes to production they start on the next generation. So if the next model is to be released as a 2026, it will be out in 2025 Octoberish, I would guess the launch team is already running early trials on the production lines to verify build verification. So yes they have working proto-types.

Honestly, in the world of vehicles, every "current" model year you see is 2 years old. Car-wise they sell the next years models half way thru the prior year. We've been selling 2024 Chevrolet vehicles since June, so that means they've had to create that vehicle about 2 years ago and get all the licensing and safety features approved by the DOT and Federal Governments to sell. The paperwork and approval side is the lengthy nightmare. Dirtbikes on the other hand don't require the dumb safety features of cars and can have changes made in 1 year. So the bikes you see are probably only a year old from beginning concept, to prototype, to production.

By the time they're selling a certain motorcycle, you can basically assume the next generation is in the detailed engineering phase at minimum and having proof of concepts tested or manufactured. The amount of energy and effort it takes to get something like a racing motorcycle into production in a competitive market is a massive undertaking that cannot be done in short order.

I’m not gonna lie I’m kinda bummed Honda is already planning on changing the bikes. These most recent bikes are some of the best looking hondas Ive seen in a long time. I dont know why they always feel so compelled to change the bikes so much from one style to the next. Hopefully this time they just refine this current style they have, because it looks incredible. I dont think that change just for the sake of change is always good. 

I don't think the looks has anything to do with it, performance is the idea of a model change, advancements, these days are small, but, that's what testing and racing gives them, little improvements.

There's a reason most have settled into a 4ish year cycle before releasing a completely new model.

I had a good look at the product development lifespan for a brand-new design when I was working for an OEM. I'd be willing to bet that they do it exactly like Honda does. Here's what it looks like under the yellow tent:

-New bike design parameters are agreed upon after R&D and a model name is decided upon. Sketches and mockups created, green light to begin production of that model from the company. This is the time when we can say "a new model is coming."

-Dies and necessary tooling created, carryover parts collected, 3-5 prototypes made. This process can last a few months.

-Initial testing on the prototypes. After some more R&D, revisions are made and the prototypes are destroyed. New prototypes are built if there are still large changes necessary. This step takes at least several weeks (probably months, however,) and can repeat several times.

-Pre-production phase. This is when the bulk of the new model is ready, but final parts specifications, graphics, colors, and materials are finalized. There is a pre-production model name that may not be the same as the brand name. For instance, Honda's pre-production MX bike may not be called a CR. This process could take a full year.

-Pre-production, part 2. A final pre-pro model is made, and a small production run is created (20-100 units, most likely.) These are the bikes that the test riders will torture test. Many of them will go to motorcycle shows or events, and the media will get press releases about (with an embargo date.) This bike is 99% done, but not the model that will be sold to the public. This stage lasts a few months while production is scheduled. 

-Production. Any last spec changes are made (not necessarily any at all,) and the bikes are built, crated and shipped. This stage is surprisingly fast. These units will be in dealers within weeks. If they are built in 2024, they will be 2025 models.

The whole process takes around three years to complete. 

Honda next bike should be 2025, not 2026. they do 4 year cycles. 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 all current models. So the new model we should see around June of 2024, on paper anyway.

But what about Suzuki motocross bikes?  They obviously do things their own ways...🤣

Lars even let "slip" on Pulp that they have the benefit of not testing a new bike this off-season, but will have to next year when talking about racing between SMX and SX.

Falcon, thanks that was very informative. I've always wondered the same thing.

MXA had an article a few years back that touched on this topic.

https://motocrossactionmag.com/the-man-in-charge-of-the-honda-crf/

Oh shit.   

It is a good looking bike for sure, but it has some gremlins. I have never hit the ground so many times on any other bike than this one. I can't stay on this thing, and it is getting old.

Now that was funny....

Thought I heard somewhere they were working on the 23 Yamaha since before Covid or something. These guys are years ahead 

Travis Preston said he rode a 23 Yamaha test bike in Japan in 2019 I think, (could have been 2020). So that means the design, the concept, and talking about it, must have started in 2017 or 18.