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Edited Date/Time
1/1/2026 5:14pm
What's the next technology to be "mandatory" on modern dirt bikes?
EFI, E start, Adjustable mapping /Start maps / Traction Control, Dual Exhaust, Air Forks, Rubber mounted bars, Hydraulic clutch......... what's next?
I think we've hit the point of max technology for the price. The manufacturers could do more advanced things like magna-ride type suspension, more advanced maps, lighter weight materials, etc. but people don't want to pay $20k for a dirt bike. Since we moved to 4 strokes, bikes haven't advanced that much. Look at a 2008 CRF450 vs a 2026 CRF450. The 26' isn't that much better. Yes FI is a big improvement, but a well setup 08' is more than enough bike for most of us on this forum. Where I do see some potential for advancement would something like a hybrid. Small electric motor for smooth low end torque and traction, and then a gas motor for mid/top end power. Imagine the light weight of a 250 with the low end torque of a 450.
I honestly think that we are going to see Feld/AMA implement some more restrictions. I see a spec tire and spec ECU in the next 5 years. While racing has always served as the engine that drove innovation, many motorsports have put measures in place in the interest of safety and competition. Restrictor plates in NASCAR, NHRA shortening the track. MotoGP limits etc. Limiting the tires and ECUs in Supercross and Motocross may come across as crippling innovation, but in the end it will lead to better, safer racing and tracks that don't go to crap as bad,
Material science which will drop weight and increase durability and efficiency. Think graphene, which is stronger than steel, flexible and feather light. It is also a super conductor and super capacitor, so will completely change batteries. Up until now it hasn't been commercially viable to produce, but that problem has been solved.
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/miraculous-graphene-promises-to-push…
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Possibly some form of variable valve timing is my guess
Y'all are gonna hate me saying this but the next big leap in technology would just be going electric...insane performance for the price, basically no maintenance, less parts to break, OTA software updates, more customization through a swipe of a finger..
I’m kinda with you on this, but I think the biggest leap will be acceptance of a completely new format of “motorcycle”… a series based on Suron-style e-bikes, rather than Stark-style. I used to think those little bikes with their narrow tires couldn’t handle the punishing obstacles of a supercross track, but when you see what modern DH mtbs cand handle, then maybe…
It’ll be different racing for sure.
Maybe cylinder deactivation for better mileage.
I see what you did there LOL.
I'd like to see a return to what actually works and is better/faster.... coughh coughhh cable clutches and kickstart.... hydro and button start isn't an upgrade, just added expense and problems...
Seeing this video, I was surprised at the capabilities of these bikes. It looks like a lot of fun to me. Kind of like a level up from pitbikes with all the benefits of electric.
If you REALLY want to make a huge change that would affect safety, affordability, and everything else for the better, just lower the weight limit for both 250s and 450s to 195 pounds.
Simpler bikes, less inertia, more innovation.
Care to clarify how? I would think it would be the exact opposite of everything you listed.
Suspension telemetry. Ktm is already headed there. Or was lol
Cool video. Wish they had run the “national” track at GH for a better comparison, but that simple, smooth, safe REM track looks like a ton of fun. And isn’t that what dirt bike racing is supposed to be about? It doesn’t have to scare the pants off you.
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