Suzuki will

GrapeApe
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4/19/2026 4:20pm
yamathumb wrote:

Update the bike after it wins the championship. (Not necessarily a good plan). But also a very Suzuki ish thing to do.

Tiki wrote:

Don't mess with it, its working. 

What is your definition of "working"?

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OwenJakes
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4/19/2026 4:44pm
yamathumb wrote:

Update the bike after it wins the championship. (Not necessarily a good plan). But also a very Suzuki ish thing to do.

Tiki wrote:

Don't mess with it, its working. 

GrapeApe wrote:

What is your definition of "working"?

Would you call basically tied in points for a super cross title working? Idk

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Radical
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4/19/2026 5:00pm

They could easily say that the bike is doing good enough if it’s winning it doesn’t need an update. “It ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality

Since Ken jumped on the Suzuki, how many points has he lost from the bike not starting after a crash or a tip over?  Would he...

Since Ken jumped on the Suzuki, how many points has he lost from the bike not starting after a crash or a tip over?  Would he be leading the championship now?  

If there is one thing they should not leave alone, it is the kick starter.

Kenny said that at some point they added an estart and the weight distribution changed how the bike handled.

It has to be done as more than just a quick add on.  

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4/19/2026 5:22pm

They better not touch that chassis if Kenny wins this championship. Maybe add an eStart but that's it. 

Don't. Fix. What. Ain't. Broke.

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The Shop

mb60
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4/19/2026 5:28pm

When they update the 250 it will be the last new bike i buy 

1
4/19/2026 5:42pm

They aren't changing anything anout their bikes. I bet the amount of Zook's at the local track is going to double if Kenny wins though. So there will be 2 of them out there. Not even exaggerating. Might see one Zook at the local practice track

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4/19/2026 5:50pm Edited Date/Time 4/19/2026 5:54pm
kylemenz1 wrote:
Not really a bad idea to get an e-start and keep the lower grade suspension components.  Keep the MSRP as low as possible and sell as...

Not really a bad idea to get an e-start and keep the lower grade suspension components.  Keep the MSRP as low as possible and sell as many “entry level” bikes as possible.  Let the aftermarket products aid in the bike development for each individual rider.  Then people can set the bike up for desert, woods, MX, trails. If you’ve got a good base that can be tweaked I think Suzuki could have a different, but profitable business model. 

Look at the MTB market. Many different models of the same frame with different component levels. I personally buy lower level models then upgrade as parts wear out or I need specific component upgrades to meet my needs. 

30minmotos wrote:
If only what you said is true. What “lower grade” suspension components are there? The forks are the same 49mm a-lot style showas  on the Honda...

If only what you said is true. What “lower grade” suspension components are there? The forks are the same 49mm a-lot style showas  on the Honda and kawasakis.


The shock is a bfrc while the magazines cry about it, it’s more to do with their setting than the shock, they haven’t updated even the settings since 18 lol. 

 

And the BFRC is a more expensive shock than the units on other competitors' bikes. People may not like the BFRC, but it's not because it's "lower grade."

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1
4/19/2026 6:56pm Edited Date/Time 4/19/2026 6:58pm
30minmotos wrote:
If only what you said is true. What “lower grade” suspension components are there? The forks are the same 49mm a-lot style showas  on the Honda...

If only what you said is true. What “lower grade” suspension components are there? The forks are the same 49mm a-lot style showas  on the Honda and kawasakis.


The shock is a bfrc while the magazines cry about it, it’s more to do with their setting than the shock, they haven’t updated even the settings since 18 lol. 

 

kylemenz1 wrote:
I guess my thought was if they came with cheaper (heavier) wheel set, lower grade internals on the suspension components, lower grade exhaust, and maybe cheaper...

I guess my thought was if they came with cheaper (heavier) wheel set, lower grade internals on the suspension components, lower grade exhaust, and maybe cheaper handle bars.  I’m sure there are bolt on parts that can be produced at a lower cost to the manufacturer. Maybe desert guys don’t care if a wheel set is heavy if they’re strong?  

 The idea is you get a great platform to build  at a lower MSRP.  I guess it’s kind of already been that way for the last few years. Just trying to think of ways to keep new motorcycle motorcycles cost down and if you don’t need a “ready to race” dirtbike then why not have a great base to start with and build upon.

OwenJakes wrote:
No offense but have you ever worked on a bike? Do you ride..?What are you going to cheap out on inside the suspension components? Cast aluminum...

No offense but have you ever worked on a bike? Do you ride..?


What are you going to cheap out on inside the suspension components? Cast aluminum shafts? Lol?

I don’t ride, and I definitely don’t work on dirtbikes. I watch a lot of YouTube videos and read every thread on Vital twice. 

I do have a question for you though. Is hard for you to breathe with your head shoved so far up your ass?  It just amazes me how much stupid negative shit you post. Maybe its low oxygen levels that making you a complete fucking cuck. Something to think about. 

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JAKEDOWN492
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4/19/2026 6:59pm
aeffertz wrote:
Hopefully they just do an inverse of the last update and plop in a more modern engine w/ an E-start on practically the same chassis. I can’t...

Hopefully they just do an inverse of the last update and plop in a more modern engine w/ an E-start on practically the same chassis. 

I can’t help but feel like the whole “Suzuki is the most planted/stable/best cornering bike” thing is aided by its weight. Look at how people ride and talk about the Starks. They were banned from XGames because they were TOO FLICKABLE even though they’re heavier bikes! 

I think the flickablilty is attributed to it being electric. It doesn’t have the inertia of a ice engine.

30minmotos wrote:
They can do shit in X games that gas bikes can’t because they can get 110mph rear wheel speed instantly in the air and still be...

They can do shit in X games that gas bikes can’t because they can get 110mph rear wheel speed instantly in the air and still be rideable on the ground. 

No gas bike can do that.

Ya that makes sense too, instant horsepower.

OwenJakes
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4/19/2026 7:01pm
kylemenz1 wrote:
I guess my thought was if they came with cheaper (heavier) wheel set, lower grade internals on the suspension components, lower grade exhaust, and maybe cheaper...

I guess my thought was if they came with cheaper (heavier) wheel set, lower grade internals on the suspension components, lower grade exhaust, and maybe cheaper handle bars.  I’m sure there are bolt on parts that can be produced at a lower cost to the manufacturer. Maybe desert guys don’t care if a wheel set is heavy if they’re strong?  

 The idea is you get a great platform to build  at a lower MSRP.  I guess it’s kind of already been that way for the last few years. Just trying to think of ways to keep new motorcycle motorcycles cost down and if you don’t need a “ready to race” dirtbike then why not have a great base to start with and build upon.

OwenJakes wrote:
No offense but have you ever worked on a bike? Do you ride..?What are you going to cheap out on inside the suspension components? Cast aluminum...

No offense but have you ever worked on a bike? Do you ride..?


What are you going to cheap out on inside the suspension components? Cast aluminum shafts? Lol?

kylemenz1 wrote:
I don’t ride, and I definitely don’t work on dirtbikes. I watch a lot of YouTube videos and read every thread on Vital twice. I do have...

I don’t ride, and I definitely don’t work on dirtbikes. I watch a lot of YouTube videos and read every thread on Vital twice. 

I do have a question for you though. Is hard for you to breathe with your head shoved so far up your ass?  It just amazes me how much stupid negative shit you post. Maybe its low oxygen levels that making you a complete fucking cuck. Something to think about. 

Sorry that upset you. I was being genuine. I’ve never heard anyone say that and it was confusing. 

The Suzuki uses the same forks from Showa as the Honda and kawi. The 250 uses the lovely KYB AOS that is essentially the best production fork ever. The 250 also has the best stock shock of all manufacturers with some additional adjustment. 

As far as negativity, I’m a pretty positive guy. It’s a feminine trait to perceive non-agreeableness as negativity or aggression. Now we both have something to think about. lets get you a dirtbike too. 

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4/20/2026 2:38am Edited Date/Time 4/20/2026 2:39am
kylemenz1 wrote:
I guess my thought was if they came with cheaper (heavier) wheel set, lower grade internals on the suspension components, lower grade exhaust, and maybe cheaper...

I guess my thought was if they came with cheaper (heavier) wheel set, lower grade internals on the suspension components, lower grade exhaust, and maybe cheaper handle bars.  I’m sure there are bolt on parts that can be produced at a lower cost to the manufacturer. Maybe desert guys don’t care if a wheel set is heavy if they’re strong?  

 The idea is you get a great platform to build  at a lower MSRP.  I guess it’s kind of already been that way for the last few years. Just trying to think of ways to keep new motorcycle motorcycles cost down and if you don’t need a “ready to race” dirtbike then why not have a great base to start with and build upon.

OwenJakes wrote:
No offense but have you ever worked on a bike? Do you ride..?What are you going to cheap out on inside the suspension components? Cast aluminum...

No offense but have you ever worked on a bike? Do you ride..?


What are you going to cheap out on inside the suspension components? Cast aluminum shafts? Lol?

kylemenz1 wrote:
I don’t ride, and I definitely don’t work on dirtbikes. I watch a lot of YouTube videos and read every thread on Vital twice. I do have...

I don’t ride, and I definitely don’t work on dirtbikes. I watch a lot of YouTube videos and read every thread on Vital twice. 

I do have a question for you though. Is hard for you to breathe with your head shoved so far up your ass?  It just amazes me how much stupid negative shit you post. Maybe its low oxygen levels that making you a complete fucking cuck. Something to think about. 

Kyle, not only is dude a negative dick head saying that agreeableness is a feminine trait (???) he’s also a church pastor lol of course he is 


Anyways back to the topic.  R&D ruined the perfect Ktm chassis just a few years ago and I’m still bummed about it haha

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kiwifan
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4/20/2026 3:07am
Tiki wrote:

Don't mess with it, its working. 

GrapeApe wrote:

What is your definition of "working"?

OwenJakes wrote:

Would you call basically tied in points for a super cross title working? Idk

Kenny does not ride a stock bike, lots of stuff in his bike you will not find in the showroom (obviously) 

4/20/2026 4:10am

It's winning, why mess with it?   Be a man, learn how to kick. Pussy generation. 

3
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Spoonguy
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4/20/2026 4:50am Edited Date/Time 4/20/2026 4:52am
kylemenz1 wrote:
Not really a bad idea to get an e-start and keep the lower grade suspension components.  Keep the MSRP as low as possible and sell as...

Not really a bad idea to get an e-start and keep the lower grade suspension components.  Keep the MSRP as low as possible and sell as many “entry level” bikes as possible.  Let the aftermarket products aid in the bike development for each individual rider.  Then people can set the bike up for desert, woods, MX, trails. If you’ve got a good base that can be tweaked I think Suzuki could have a different, but profitable business model. 

Look at the MTB market. Many different models of the same frame with different component levels. I personally buy lower level models then upgrade as parts wear out or I need specific component upgrades to meet my needs. 

OwenJakes wrote:

Lower grade suspension components? What are you talking about?

Kove, SSR, Trailmaster, Kayo, any number of Chinese dirt bikes is what is being described, that we shit on constantly and never ending. Seems like that is what we want Suzuki to make. It seems like such a first world problem, we all want to participate in a sport that is extravagant by nature but want the manufacturers to make cheap products for that sport.

1
GrapeApe
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4/20/2026 6:59am Edited Date/Time 4/20/2026 7:05am
Tiki wrote:

Don't mess with it, its working. 

GrapeApe wrote:

What is your definition of "working"?

OwenJakes wrote:

Would you call basically tied in points for a super cross title working? Idk

Huge kudos to Ken, Larry, Dustin, Twisted, a dozen or so suspension shops, and others for taking those free bikes and the relatively small check they get from Suzuki and competing for a championship.

As for Suzuki, I could be wrong but I think their goal as a company is to make money and you do that by selling products. In that regard, what they are doing is not "working". They sell like 15 dirt bikes a year, maybe 30 if Ken wins the championship.

If you owned a company and your product wasn't selling what would you do? I doubt you would just blame the media and impressionable consumers and stay the course.

 

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lumpy790
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4/20/2026 7:06am

2027 will have quite a few new designs from all brands so it would be a good idea for Suzuki to get an update.

4/20/2026 7:08am

They better not touch that chassis if Kenny wins this championship. Maybe add an eStart but that's it. 

Don't. Fix. What. Ain't. Broke.

The part that is broken is the sales figures. 

The fix for broken sales figures is technological and aesthetic updates. 

RDnutz
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4/20/2026 7:52am
OwenJakes wrote:

Would you call basically tied in points for a super cross title working? Idk

currently yes I would. However, it took what 5 years for this to happen? There aren't any other riders on Big S having the success on this bike Ken is currently having and I'm thinking it may have more to do with him in a unique situation years in the making where all the pieces came together for a special season. I could be wrong.

SonofThor32
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4/20/2026 8:03am Edited Date/Time 4/20/2026 9:15am
Joshracing wrote:

It's winning, why mess with it?   Be a man, learn how to kick. Pussy generation. 

while I do not disagree with your sentiments about the younger generation, Kenny would have likely finished in at least 3rd in the championship last year (vs. 5th), and would be leading the championship this year if he didn't have to kick-start his bike and pray when it is hot.

On an amateur level, I say kick away, but when SX and MX titles are on the line, those seconds (or in some cases minutes) kicking the bike are a lot more costly and brutal to watch.

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Blake522
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4/20/2026 8:29am
GrapeApe wrote:

What is your definition of "working"?

OwenJakes wrote:

Would you call basically tied in points for a super cross title working? Idk

GrapeApe wrote:
Huge kudos to Ken, Larry, Dustin, Twisted, a dozen or so suspension shops, and others for taking those free bikes and the relatively small check they...

Huge kudos to Ken, Larry, Dustin, Twisted, a dozen or so suspension shops, and others for taking those free bikes and the relatively small check they get from Suzuki and competing for a championship.

As for Suzuki, I could be wrong but I think their goal as a company is to make money and you do that by selling products. In that regard, what they are doing is not "working". They sell like 15 dirt bikes a year, maybe 30 if Ken wins the championship.

If you owned a company and your product wasn't selling what would you do? I doubt you would just blame the media and impressionable consumers and stay the course.

 

Globally, In 2025, their line up combined sold 2.2 million “units”.

How many were dirt bikes, not sure, but I’d bet a few bucks it was more than 15.

sandman768
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4/20/2026 9:04am Edited Date/Time 4/20/2026 9:07am

 

once ⬆️ a time….they cared about racing and high performance….IMG 3492 5






       

 





Continue to dominate the small vehicle market in India and manufacture outboard engines.

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sandman768
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4/20/2026 9:08am
IMG 8091 0.jpeg?VersionId=Odn
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Spoonguy
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4/20/2026 9:15am
OwenJakes wrote:

Would you call basically tied in points for a super cross title working? Idk

GrapeApe wrote:
Huge kudos to Ken, Larry, Dustin, Twisted, a dozen or so suspension shops, and others for taking those free bikes and the relatively small check they...

Huge kudos to Ken, Larry, Dustin, Twisted, a dozen or so suspension shops, and others for taking those free bikes and the relatively small check they get from Suzuki and competing for a championship.

As for Suzuki, I could be wrong but I think their goal as a company is to make money and you do that by selling products. In that regard, what they are doing is not "working". They sell like 15 dirt bikes a year, maybe 30 if Ken wins the championship.

If you owned a company and your product wasn't selling what would you do? I doubt you would just blame the media and impressionable consumers and stay the course.

 

Blake522 wrote:
Globally, In 2025, their line up combined sold 2.2 million “units”.How many were dirt bikes, not sure, but I’d bet a few bucks it was more...

Globally, In 2025, their line up combined sold 2.2 million “units”.

How many were dirt bikes, not sure, but I’d bet a few bucks it was more than 15.

I thought it's conventional wisdom Suzuki is barely selling enough RMZs to meet the homologation numbers? I don't think a manufacturer, distributor, or dealers would give the discounts you can get on a RMZ if they were easy to sell. Why would you buy a new one if it's the same as a 5 year old one?

uncledaddy69
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4/20/2026 9:42am
sandman768 wrote:
IMG 8091 0.jpeg?VersionId=Odn

Kei trucks are sick. I want one so bad. 

mx691
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Fantasy
4/20/2026 10:10am Edited Date/Time 4/20/2026 10:16am

Why do theise stubborn Zook idiots still mount that shit shock to the 450’s?! 

Drop it, mount a regular 250 shock (and fork/fork clamps?), a bit better pipe and vets/recreation riders would love it…and obviously some pro riders… #94?

Blake522
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4/20/2026 10:14am
GrapeApe wrote:
Huge kudos to Ken, Larry, Dustin, Twisted, a dozen or so suspension shops, and others for taking those free bikes and the relatively small check they...

Huge kudos to Ken, Larry, Dustin, Twisted, a dozen or so suspension shops, and others for taking those free bikes and the relatively small check they get from Suzuki and competing for a championship.

As for Suzuki, I could be wrong but I think their goal as a company is to make money and you do that by selling products. In that regard, what they are doing is not "working". They sell like 15 dirt bikes a year, maybe 30 if Ken wins the championship.

If you owned a company and your product wasn't selling what would you do? I doubt you would just blame the media and impressionable consumers and stay the course.

 

Blake522 wrote:
Globally, In 2025, their line up combined sold 2.2 million “units”.How many were dirt bikes, not sure, but I’d bet a few bucks it was more...

Globally, In 2025, their line up combined sold 2.2 million “units”.

How many were dirt bikes, not sure, but I’d bet a few bucks it was more than 15.

Spoonguy wrote:
I thought it's conventional wisdom Suzuki is barely selling enough RMZs to meet the homologation numbers? I don't think a manufacturer, distributor, or dealers would give...

I thought it's conventional wisdom Suzuki is barely selling enough RMZs to meet the homologation numbers? I don't think a manufacturer, distributor, or dealers would give the discounts you can get on a RMZ if they were easy to sell. Why would you buy a new one if it's the same as a 5 year old one?

I feel like it just comes down to perception..the “masses” or general consumer, do they need an updated motocross bike EVERY YEAR, probably not. Are their ridding skills going to magically increase on that new bike? No.. 

Now, look at Toyota, they don’t “update” their cars for 7 years generally, and are talking about moving to a 9-10 year span before updating  models/facelifts/etc, etc.

Seems to work for them….possibly not the best comparison, but it what’s came to mind. 

gt80rider
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4/20/2026 10:43am
GrapeApe wrote:

What is your definition of "working"?

Loll.... I don't think you are capable of understanding 

Spoonguy
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4/20/2026 11:40am
Blake522 wrote:
Globally, In 2025, their line up combined sold 2.2 million “units”.How many were dirt bikes, not sure, but I’d bet a few bucks it was more...

Globally, In 2025, their line up combined sold 2.2 million “units”.

How many were dirt bikes, not sure, but I’d bet a few bucks it was more than 15.

Spoonguy wrote:
I thought it's conventional wisdom Suzuki is barely selling enough RMZs to meet the homologation numbers? I don't think a manufacturer, distributor, or dealers would give...

I thought it's conventional wisdom Suzuki is barely selling enough RMZs to meet the homologation numbers? I don't think a manufacturer, distributor, or dealers would give the discounts you can get on a RMZ if they were easy to sell. Why would you buy a new one if it's the same as a 5 year old one?

Blake522 wrote:
I feel like it just comes down to perception..the “masses” or general consumer, do they need an updated motocross bike EVERY YEAR, probably not. Are their...

I feel like it just comes down to perception..the “masses” or general consumer, do they need an updated motocross bike EVERY YEAR, probably not. Are their ridding skills going to magically increase on that new bike? No.. 

Now, look at Toyota, they don’t “update” their cars for 7 years generally, and are talking about moving to a 9-10 year span before updating  models/facelifts/etc, etc.

Seems to work for them….possibly not the best comparison, but it what’s came to mind. 

The difference is a car is a neccessity, basic transportation. A motocross bike is a high end luxury item, you can live your life fine without one, and if you do get one you don't want one that is exactly like one that is 5 years old, for many people anyway. 

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4/20/2026 11:46am

Personally I hope Suzuki doesn't change the basic frame and plastic much at all. It's one of the best, classic looking dirt bikes on the market. 

Updated suspension and tweaks to engine for e-start and reliability but beyond that.. let the workhorse be the workhorse. 

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Falcon
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4/20/2026 2:13pm

If Suzuki releases a new bike, it won't be because Kenny won on this model. (However, you can be darn sure the marketing department will capitalize on Roczen's success to sell more yellow bikes.) The design, testing, and production timelines are just too long to plan a model release around seasonal championships. It's not hyperbole when I say it takes 2-3 years to make a new motorcycle. 

Let's not ignore the possibility that Ken might not even WANT a new bike. This one's doing just fine! 

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