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It’s definitely cost him a few times now. But he chose it.
They are working on a button and might get one this year, we’ll see.
Suzuki really doesn't give a shit now, they sell small cars in Asia now.
I saw Eli doing the same shit 😆
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Right! That had me laughing, I think factory level bikes should be set up to start in gear. Stalls are gonna happen, work on the bike to minimize the impact.
What cost him was to go for that double without being aligned in the rut, the exact same mistake a 250 did. (Was it Thrasher? Im drawing a blank... (edit: it was Kitchen)) and stop in the mechanic's area to straighten his front end. If he doesn't make that mistake, he might've won it. If he made that same mistake with an electric start, he wouldn't have won it either.
That was weird too. Seems like he was trying to start his bike in gear but his clutch was acting out?
The mistake was costly for sure, kickstart or not, I just haven’t been able to see from the coverage if it cost him 2-3 places or 8-10 places.
Some bikes are very hard to start after a fall. I don't recall ever seeing it take KR more than a few kicks. I think we can all agree the last 2 races are not the normal.
Kitchen did the same thing and also threw any a great chance at a win in the 250s
Suzuki had button on RMX 450, cant they use those parts?
Yes, they have been testing a starter but they have some vibrations to get sorted out.
Yea…I’m guessing that Eli runs no play in the cable clutch. The slightest pressure from the clutch and those bikes don’t want to start.
Suzuki could make a come back with a starter button and no other changes, just e start they’d be good to go. As mentioned above some bikes are hard to start once they hit the ground.
Uh…guys…it’s not like a start button is some new fangaled space age technology they need to develop. It’s not on there because that’s what they chose to do. Cost, weight, and not making changes to current model…that’s all. Stupid imo….but not a mystery.
The craziest part is they had an electric start on the rmx450 and that was basically the same bike as the rmz just detuned a bit.
They also have a center port exhaust on the rmz250 and surprisingly were the first on the aluminum framed bikes from what I remember. Yamaha, honda..etc use the same frame on the 250 and 450 so suzuki could use their 250 center port frame and rmx cases with electric start to build a new 450.
They can do all of that, but it is still a matter of placing resources into that area. Right now, Suzuki is saying they do not want to. It may be a wise decision who knows.
Like dv said the crash and pulling in cost him. Yamahas may as well be kick start as long as it takes them to get going
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The bikes are set up to give the power the riders want when in gear. Set up to start easy and idle strong in N.
A bike that starts well in gear probably isn't going to be winning any titles.
Remember when people trashed the button when it gave Ken trouble at MEC on the Honda? In a few years we’ll be saying “There should have been leader lights.”
They used to always make sure to talk about how the riders would take time to adjust their clutch while in the air. Not so much opportunity for that during a mudder.
I've never used an electric start (havent ridden in 20 years). Can you not start the bike in gear with the clutch in? Seemed like Eli was really fighting it.
Surprised Suzuki is still neglecting moto even with the influx of other OEMs. Clearly the segment is doing better than it has in recent years or else Triumph, Beta, and Ducati wouldn’t be throwing their hat into the ring right?
Which is why the rumor of HEP moving to another manufacturer is doing the rounds
Suzuki has had prototype e start on the 450 for a few years now
Ultimately they don't want to spend any money at all on making it to production.
With bikes as expensive as they are these days Suzuki is missing a HUGE opportunity of being the dedicated budget bike IMO. Current RMZ platforms are serviceable, just throw in a few updates, e-start, trim some weight, and update the plastics at least once every 4-5 years. Then push the advertising that it’s competitive and more affordable than the other OEMs and they’d practically be printing money.
See the same thing in the MTB world, sure the fancy Yetis and Santa Cruzes get all the attention but its Trek and Giant making the big $$$’s selling a metric sh*tload of budget bikes.
I honestly don’t understand why the pro bikes don’t all use a rekluse style clutch to save them from stalling in a crash, lock up, or whatever mishap.
they would have saved 10000s in bonus money being lost to stupid mistakes.
Suzuki won’t change anything. They have no R&D money. The bike still works. Kenny putting it on the podium. Bike is essentially same bike Carmichael won his championships with in 06. Yes a 18 year old bike. Decoster was running team then. All the brains went to KTM. KTM has taken over as one dominant teams in Sx/Mx. see the Trend. Ktm, Husky, Gas, make up lot off-road sales. Suzuki lost. Kawasaki is treading water. Honda, Yamaha, Ktm control market share.
Eli's bike was running when he was trying to find neutral, he put the bike in neutral to fix the clutch lever....Watch from the 1:00 minute mark. You can see he never shut it off.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_9lZ9SQWLg&ab_channel=MonsterEnergySup…
The bike was running when he was looking for neutral, he was trying to fix the clutch lever. Watch the chain when he is shifting it.
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