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a PRMX/Yamaha Factory bike/parts deal is what he seems to be hinting at as well, but it all sounds a bit "I dont know man" to me.

Matthes went a step further on review pod and said he thinks sexton and kawasaki have already come to an agreement on separating.

I wonder what Chase is thinking watching Jorge win the SMX series...

I don't think it's a new frame. Maybe I'm wrong but I think it's mostly a new Swingarm, linkage, and some motor changes.

A little food for thought on this, Kawasaki just hired a mechanic away from pc to work for Mookie. I asked him why don’t they move over Montoya for him, he said because he will be with Chase next year. I said are you sure, he said as far as he knew.

There’s not too many spots open other than Ducati and maybe HEP. Sexton said about a week ago that he plans to get on the bike by mid-October. He didn’t indicate a switch or anything (business as usual).

‘The KTM home for reformed ex Kawi riders’ has a bit of a ring to it

Three “A” riders in one truck? What could go wrong with that?

The entire chassis is new. that alone is a big change.

Kawasaki was not negotiating from a position of strength, doubt they had much choice on giving Malcolm 2 years if they wanted to sign him. Chase to KTM is an easy sell. KTM admits they had shock issues, which was nearly all of his issue there, and fills the void left by losing two fan favorites for two foreigners. Chase admits the grass wasn't greener elsewhere and shows some humility, signs bonus heavy deal, they kiss and make up. He gets back on the bike he went 40th to 1st on and won a title on and gets back to...

Chase was wicked fast on the pumpkin! 💪👈

Factory level expectations for Mookie are probably not what they are for Chase. And that's not an unusual dynamic for a factory team. One thing Mookie has done that a lot of fifth to tenth place guys haven't is win a race by being the fastest guy on track. Not holeshot and run away, and not in triple crown format, but pass the top guys to take the win in a regular race format.

Somewhat new 2027 KX450 coming as well. Not a lot of changes, but hopefully just enough to make a positive step forward Sexton and Marchbanks.

KTM may just hate Kawi and love winning this much to do this.

Doesn’t matter. A factory ride is a factory ride. Kawasaki desperately needs a shot of positive PR after their latest episode with Prado & Sexton. Malcom provides fan favoritism and a guy who doesn’t generally bitch & moan about bike setup…at least publicly. He’ll be in the top-10 consistently and will keep Kawasaki from being the pariah it’s become recently. Mookie will end his career there & be just fine.

They definitely tried to sign RJ after he had already committed to Ducati.

If Chase goes back to KTM would that change your tune at all?

Honestly, signing Mookie for two years is fine. It's great PR. He'll be in the mix more than Marchbanks will indoors. Who else could they have signed this season? RJ? He's still very unproven on a 450 indoors. The smart move for Kawi, besides this is to lean into the home grown team build. Move up Levi in 28 no matter what. Move up Seth or Thrasher in 29 if either of them win and stay healthy for PC the next two years. Marchbanks has more time to grow and build too.

He watched the Prado debacle with a front row seat… And then he signed with that same team…himself. I’m getting the feeling he’ll need to “buy” his way out of this one. His agent better be one helluva negotiator. 🤣 So, where to next? What’s gonna cause that bike to “tuck the front”? 😎

If Chase is out, then I hope it’s 250 SX and 450 MX for Levi next year.