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On PulpMX Show Chisholm says Chase doesn't like the planted heavy feel of the KX front end.
He says he tested swingarms, axle positions, clamps, offset races, engine tilt, engine mounts.
Chase doesn't like a low rear end while Marchbanks runs a very low rear end, which minimizes the heavy front feeling.
I'm still baffled that HE rode that bike and then signed a 3 year contract, and now hates that very same bike HE test rode...
Almost like you can only learn so much from 30 minutes on a test track. Ever been on a first date that didn't work out later?
He may have flagged that up on his first ride and the team said “we have options to adjust that” so he signed.
Only the available ‘options’ weren’t dramatic enough to appease him later on.
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assuming this refers to the current -not new KX, that's exactly the opposite that's been reported for the last year +. He DOES prefer the low rear end and screws up front end geometry, and they keep trying to find a way to balance the bike. And he rides over the front end too.
But he had the currant KTM he was riding to compare it too. Surly he had more than 30 mins on it before signing on the dotted line for the next 3 years. Especially with the whole Prado incident fresh on his mind.
Yeah but 5mm can easily be achieved just through custom axle blocks.
He signed long before the Prado stuff blew up.
They are probably already using custom axle blocks on the current swingarm. Those plus a 5mm longer swingarm means an extra 5mm over the 2026 swingarm.
Sexton reportedly was trying a shorter setup than what Factory Kaw traditionally used, as well as the really deep offset block PC was using.
On the current KX, when you go up one tooth on the rear wheel, you had to run a longer chain, which automatically moved the rear wheel back, one link/two depending on how you count links. Not sure how far but it was at least 5mm.
He probably needs a strong team like Honda or KTM to keep him out of the weeds on setup. I don't think Kawi US can provide that at this time.
Which of those 4 scenarios do you think is most likely?
At this point I have to believe that he stays at Kawasaki this next season, no? We’re almost into November and no one seems to have any idea what he’s doing, unless they just aren’t saying of course. I don’t think he’s back on the bike yet so he’s going to be behind on prep regardless but I believe I’ve heard Matthes mention that the teams need to have their parts for the year ordered around this time so that could be a factor as well.
come on, 5mm is less than a 1/4". That and more, a lot more, can be achived by changing sprockets. Not sure of the stock rear size but go down one tooth and test it. Same effing difference. the whole marketing of 5mm longer swing arm is bs. Thats why the stock swingarm is slotted about 50 mm. For sure the 5mm longer wheel base can help, but saying you needed a 5mm longer swing arm to achive this is stupid.
none of the above- irrelevant to my post. WHICH YEAR bike did Chisolm do all this testing on? Followed by, has Chase even ridden the 2027?
without that info we got nothing more than podcast chatter.
Hmm someone else did the same thing...
I really think it's all daisies and rainbows until you put the bike in actual race scenarios..
He said it was the 2026.
They said Kawasaki has a division between the Race Team and Production teams, citing Tickle has not even ridden the 2027.
Since Chase has been injured and his test rider hasn't ridden the '27, seems safe to conclude that Chase has not ridden the '27 yet.
Pit Row
ok. so I guess they need to repeat the process on the 2027 before we have something to talk about.
also, the 2026 and 2027 both come stock with 114 links, 13/50 gearing. So guess what, the axle is in the exact same spot as last year. There may be 5mm more length overall, but the chain and sprockes dictate where the rear axle sits in the slot. You can make it two inches longer but unless you add more chain or less teeth to the rear you are in the exact same spot.
might not have been the same bike, KTM did that to McGrath in 2003
Kawi ??
The complete lack of OEM branding, tells me all I need to know.
You mean that it's an Alpinestars ad?
They take every opportunity to show their association with factory teams, have they ever had an indistinguishable bike with factory rider combination in any ad before? None that I've seen.
I'm sure Jett, Hunter, Darren and HRC's engineers, techs, and test riders could get the bike to Jett's liking, but that doesn't necessarily help Chase. It would be more impressive if they could get it to Chase or Prado's liking, which I think they would find to be far more difficult. Rider knowledge and communication plays a huge part.
Trouble at HRC?
You're proving my point, the bike is always clearly recognizable.
When have they done an ad with a factory rider and mystery bike?
moving the rear wheel further back puts MORE weight on the front end. Contrary to popular opinion. Chiz said that there is too much weight on the front end for chase already & he's running a traditionally shorter bike, which makes sense to try to get the weight off the front.
As stated above. don't think the main issue is about the bike. If it's the same team it's not going to work? I feel like the question to ask is "is dan fehie out?" because if that's the case there's probably a chance.
It's an artsy-fartsy shot. Did you miss the pic I posted of Chase on the bike from the same "photoshoot"?
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