Chase should go to HEP

RDnutz
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6/22/2026 11:40am
GrapeApe wrote:
Kenny and the team spent a long time and went through a lot of suppliers getting that bike to his liking. He didn't just ride it...

Kenny and the team spent a long time and went through a lot of suppliers getting that bike to his liking. He didn't just ride it as he found it.  

RDnutz wrote:
go look at OP 1st post, paraphrasing Kenny's position going into 2026 SX season. His mechanics said he wasn't touching anything as the season began (you...

go look at OP 1st post, paraphrasing Kenny's position going into 2026 SX season. His mechanics said he wasn't touching anything as the season began (you can probably search it yourself) and widely reported he wasn't tweaking it before each race for consistency of how it felt. Chase never stops and never finds a "comfort zone" even when something works and he wins. 

DonM wrote:
He’s saying they have taken a few years to get to this point where Kenny is comfortable enough to say it’s good enough this year….how can...

He’s saying they have taken a few years to get to this point where Kenny is comfortable enough to say it’s good enough this year….how can we forget the struggles with suspension (blown shock in the whoops) hiring Chiz to help test and the apparent magic with a factory transmission….he didn’t just jump on the bike and ride it the way it is this year…he jumped on a bike that they had been testing and improving over a few years to get it to the point where KR said good enough…

I never argued that was the case. It's common knowledge they spent a long time developing the bike into the winner it is NOW. No need to revisit that history for this convo. The bike right now is a championship winner. Chases history doesn't suggest the bike would suit him as-is and his MO would cause friction if he couldn't ride a proven championship bike well and keep chasing the "feeling" he's after.

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jjsteady751
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6/22/2026 11:40am
If he leaves I think he should go to Suzuki as well.  It’s tried and true.  So much data.  Good ergos and the bike is just...

If he leaves I think he should go to Suzuki as well.  It’s tried and true.  So much data.  Good ergos and the bike is just fine.  Not best in class but no weird characteristics either.  

Bobby and Chase seem like a match made in hell…I don’t think that’s the move but 🤷🏽‍♂️ 

Lol could you imagine him calling  Chase before a race and calling him a pussy trying to get him fired up ? Hahaha

Have always loved Suzuki, but I wish Chase would just stay and develop the Kawasaki. He would be a hero for years to come. Man, I just wish he would stay anywhere long enough to get comfortable....

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6/22/2026 11:41am

It's really wild that Suzuki won't even entertain the idea of a starter for the 450

RDnutz wrote:
supposedly they already retrofitted a current gen motor with E Start and battery but decided the weight gain and handling changes made it a no go...

supposedly they already retrofitted a current gen motor with E Start and battery but decided the weight gain and handling changes made it a no go for Kenny.

sauce?

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Press516
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6/22/2026 11:43am
twotwosix wrote:
I think we will find out it it is a Team Kawasaki US management problem or really a bike problem here very soon. There is a new...

I think we will find out it it is a Team Kawasaki US management problem or really a bike problem here very soon. 

There is a new KX450 coming and I would assume Sexton and Tickle have been allowed to ride it. If Chase thinks this new bike can be better than the outgoing bike, I believe he will stay with his lucrative $$ Factory Kawi contract. If he still chooses to exit Factory Kawi, that tells me it is a Team problem, not a bike problem. As others have mentioned, this team reminds me a lot of Factory Yamaha before they shifted 450 programs. Marchbanks is getting top 5's on that bike. Tickle put it in the top 10 two years ago in a one-off ride. Anderson put it on the podium in SX multiple times. That doesn't mean it's perfect, but I would expect their new 2027 model to put them back in the game. 

GrapeApe wrote:

Fahie recently said they haven't seen the new bike and don't even know the specs/changes. Shocking if true.

 

Yeah, that doesn't make much sense...  And if true, sheds a bit more light on the incompetency's of the US team management.  It's like they haven't even asked for the details. 

We already know that there are changes in the frame, the swingarm, the wheelbase and updates to the intake and exhaust bits based on what Kawi has put out.  They certainly have that info, unless they live in a closet...

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The Shop

30minmotos
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6/22/2026 11:44am
Crush wrote:
If he gets out of Kawi, and obviously this is based on nothing I just think it’s the most obvious answer out there.The bike is beyond...

If he gets out of Kawi, and obviously this is based on nothing I just think it’s the most obvious answer out there.

The bike is beyond proven. Kenny just won on it telling everyone he wasn’t changing or tinkering with a thing. It’s a neutral handling  bike with probably the best front end feel of all time… downside being if he does go full Chase and crash there ain’t an electric start.

Chase on a Yamaha seems like more of the same.

RDnutz wrote:
yep. What's to stop Chase from immediately and perpetually seeking that comfort zone he can't articulate much less adjust the bike to achieve? The Kenny comparison...

yep. What's to stop Chase from immediately and perpetually seeking that comfort zone he can't articulate much less adjust the bike to achieve? The Kenny comparison is spot on illustrating the different approaches and results. Kenny says, "good enough" and just goes out and rides the shit out of whatever he is on and Chase keeps chasing.

Kenny spent 15 years to find a bike and setting he’s happy with. He hasn’t always been this way but because they got the rmz into a good place he’s able to do that.


He was notorious picky with his previous teams and tested a ton. Don’t act like he’s just working around an ok package: they got the bike working great and he’s happy. 

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6/22/2026 11:46am
If he leaves I think he should go to Suzuki as well.  It’s tried and true.  So much data.  Good ergos and the bike is just...

If he leaves I think he should go to Suzuki as well.  It’s tried and true.  So much data.  Good ergos and the bike is just fine.  Not best in class but no weird characteristics either.  

Bobby and Chase seem like a match made in hell…I don’t think that’s the move but 🤷🏽‍♂️ 

Lol could you imagine him calling  Chase before a race and calling him a pussy trying to get him fired up ? HahahaHave always loved Suzuki...

Lol could you imagine him calling  Chase before a race and calling him a pussy trying to get him fired up ? Hahaha

Have always loved Suzuki, but I wish Chase would just stay and develop the Kawasaki. He would be a hero for years to come. Man, I just wish he would stay anywhere long enough to get comfortable....

Bobby’s like “lose this race and I’ll help you apply at a meat packing plant pussy” 


 

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RDnutz
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6/22/2026 11:57am
30minmotos wrote:
Kenny spent 15 years to find a bike and setting he’s happy with. He hasn’t always been this way but because they got the rmz into...

Kenny spent 15 years to find a bike and setting he’s happy with. He hasn’t always been this way but because they got the rmz into a good place he’s able to do that.


He was notorious picky with his previous teams and tested a ton. Don’t act like he’s just working around an ok package: they got the bike working great and he’s happy. 

so you're arguing HEP should hire Chase and give him 15 years to dial it in (if he could)? you certainly aren't comprehending what I am discussing in detail about RIGHT now and prospects of Chase ending up at HEP.

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30minmotos
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6/22/2026 12:13pm Edited Date/Time 6/22/2026 12:13pm
30minmotos wrote:
Kenny spent 15 years to find a bike and setting he’s happy with. He hasn’t always been this way but because they got the rmz into...

Kenny spent 15 years to find a bike and setting he’s happy with. He hasn’t always been this way but because they got the rmz into a good place he’s able to do that.


He was notorious picky with his previous teams and tested a ton. Don’t act like he’s just working around an ok package: they got the bike working great and he’s happy. 

RDnutz wrote:
so you're arguing HEP should hire Chase and give him 15 years to dial it in (if he could)? you certainly aren't comprehending what I am...

so you're arguing HEP should hire Chase and give him 15 years to dial it in (if he could)? you certainly aren't comprehending what I am discussing in detail about RIGHT now and prospects of Chase ending up at HEP.

For sure nailed it, that’s what I’m saying. lol. Hep should hire him and not expect him to line up until 2041. 

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3strokemx
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6/22/2026 12:28pm

It's really wild that Suzuki won't even entertain the idea of a starter for the 450

What problem does that solve?

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GrapeApe
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6/22/2026 12:31pm Edited Date/Time 6/22/2026 12:33pm

It's really wild that Suzuki won't even entertain the idea of a starter for the 450

3strokemx wrote:

What problem does that solve?

Not being able to sell bikes, for starters

*pun intended

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FroDiddy
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6/22/2026 12:48pm

If industry leading OEMs like Honda, KTM, and Kawi can’t make him happy what makes you think a 8 year old Suzuki with kick start will?

Less is more.

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1
6/22/2026 12:51pm

I think he should reassemble everyone from his last year at Geico on one team, and approach Raising Canes for title sponsorship. 

To be fair, (to bee faaaiiirrr) I'm after the catering. Ever since Reeds team stopped getting Buco Di Beppo catering, the SX pits food situation has been ass. 

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3strokemx
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6/22/2026 1:01pm

It's really wild that Suzuki won't even entertain the idea of a starter for the 450

3strokemx wrote:

What problem does that solve?

GrapeApe wrote:

Not being able to sell bikes, for starters

*pun intended

Who says they are having a problem with sales?  
Could be they don't need to sell as many to hit profit because they reduced production costs.

And who says the e-start would increase volume?
Several other bike companies aren't overwhelmingly popular, even while having e-start. (Sherco, Rieju, TM, Beta, Triumph) 

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7
6/22/2026 1:10pm

It's really wild that Suzuki won't even entertain the idea of a starter for the 450

3strokemx wrote:

What problem does that solve?

What if I told you the vast majority of RM450 potential or current owners are not Ken Roczen and will not notice an extra pound or two on the bike from adding a starter.  

What if I also told you that adding a starter is the simplest most common sense way to sell more of their machines. 

 

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6/22/2026 1:13pm
3strokemx wrote:

What problem does that solve?

GrapeApe wrote:

Not being able to sell bikes, for starters

*pun intended

3strokemx wrote:
Who says they are having a problem with sales?  Could be they don't need to sell as many to hit profit because they reduced production costs.And...

Who says they are having a problem with sales?  
Could be they don't need to sell as many to hit profit because they reduced production costs.

And who says the e-start would increase volume?
Several other bike companies aren't overwhelmingly popular, even while having e-start. (Sherco, Rieju, TM, Beta, Triumph) 

あんたバカ?

Suzuki is literally the only manufacturer with a 450 four stroke that does not have electric start.  Those brands you mentioned.. Triumph.. do not have kickstart only motocross bikes. 

 

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racinstation
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6/22/2026 1:22pm

Chase should go to HELP.

 

Fixed it for you.

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3strokemx
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6/22/2026 1:28pm Edited Date/Time 6/22/2026 1:29pm
GrapeApe wrote:

Not being able to sell bikes, for starters

*pun intended

3strokemx wrote:
Who says they are having a problem with sales?  Could be they don't need to sell as many to hit profit because they reduced production costs.And...

Who says they are having a problem with sales?  
Could be they don't need to sell as many to hit profit because they reduced production costs.

And who says the e-start would increase volume?
Several other bike companies aren't overwhelmingly popular, even while having e-start. (Sherco, Rieju, TM, Beta, Triumph) 

あんたバカ?Suzuki is literally the only manufacturer with a 450 four stroke that does not have electric start.  Those brands you mentioned.. Triumph.. do not...

あんたバカ?

Suzuki is literally the only manufacturer with a 450 four stroke that does not have electric start.  Those brands you mentioned.. Triumph.. do not have kickstart only motocross bikes. 

 

Yes thank you, that is what I said.  Those are examples that e-start does not automatically equal high sales volume.

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GrapeApe
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6/22/2026 1:35pm Edited Date/Time 6/22/2026 1:39pm
3strokemx wrote:

What problem does that solve?

GrapeApe wrote:

Not being able to sell bikes, for starters

*pun intended

3strokemx wrote:
Who says they are having a problem with sales?  Could be they don't need to sell as many to hit profit because they reduced production costs.And...

Who says they are having a problem with sales?  
Could be they don't need to sell as many to hit profit because they reduced production costs.

And who says the e-start would increase volume?
Several other bike companies aren't overwhelmingly popular, even while having e-start. (Sherco, Rieju, TM, Beta, Triumph) 

If Suzuki is happy going from an off-road powerhouse to a punchline that sells so few bikes they had to dismantle their R&D and racing departments, then they are not having a problem and should stay the course. Great point. I think most people commenting in these threads want to see a return to glory and gates full of yellow bikes and assume Suzuki would want the same, though. 

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1
6/22/2026 1:46pm

over this guy. he's likes to argue for argument's sake. 

image 3289
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3strokemx
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6/22/2026 3:19pm
over this guy. he's likes to argue for argument's sake. 

over this guy. he's likes to argue for argument's sake. 

image 3289
blocked

You got me in a real pickle, I don't want to agree with your statement,  but if I disagree then it proves youre right!    

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CPR
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6/22/2026 4:00pm

Another factor not mentioned is the budget.

IF Sexton wanted to go to HEP, and IF HEP wanted him, do they have the funds to do so? Not just for Chase's contract, but they are also only all in for SX. The additional cost to do Outdoors is big.

Nairb#70
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6/22/2026 4:04pm

Chase should retire and give us all a much needed break from his sh*t.

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dhp_mma94
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6/22/2026 4:26pm
dhp_mma94 wrote:

nah , the amount of stalling the bike chase be doing , he need to keep his ass far away from a kickstarter 

This guy gets it. Remember how many races he stalled during his championship battle against Webb in '25?

who can forget , stalled some in SX this season & pala moto 2 , #4 on the zook would look dope but just the way chase is , he goona be doin more kicking than winning 

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ohh_454
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6/22/2026 4:28pm

Would Croker(?) right the ship? Triumph has been suckin 

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Justin_P
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6/22/2026 5:03pm

Honestly maybe the Larry Brooks part of the equation is what Chase needs...

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bvm111
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6/22/2026 5:18pm

Chase after talking crap after washougal last year when Prado was saying he wasn’t comfortable, something to the extent of “everyone rides the bike before they sign the contract so he should have known what to expect” …  he needs to stay put, work with the team, and collect the last of those big pay checks, invest wisely, because he is becoming unemployable at this point. 

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yak651
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6/22/2026 5:32pm Edited Date/Time 6/22/2026 5:34pm

Dudes taken some major hits. He can’t win with a majority of the “fans” always getting grief even though he gives 💯. Unless his dad is making him race to support the family, hang it up and enjoy the rest of you life injury free

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fresno_smooth
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6/22/2026 5:40pm
yak651 wrote:
Dudes taken some major hits. He can’t win with a majority of the “fans” always getting grief even though he gives 💯. Unless his dad is...

Dudes taken some major hits. He can’t win with a majority of the “fans” always getting grief even though he gives 💯. Unless his dad is making him race to support the family, hang it up and enjoy the rest of you life injury free

I’ve said it many times before. Even watching his videos on YouTube, doesn’t strike me as a guy happy riding a dirt bike for a living.  

Wild to me, but I get it.

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RDnutz
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6/22/2026 6:23pm

It's really wild that Suzuki won't even entertain the idea of a starter for the 450

RDnutz wrote:
supposedly they already retrofitted a current gen motor with E Start and battery but decided the weight gain and handling changes made it a no go...

supposedly they already retrofitted a current gen motor with E Start and battery but decided the weight gain and handling changes made it a no go for Kenny.

sauce?

2
1

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