JGR 2020

twizzler wrote:

If JGR folds, I think that will be the end of Suzuki in USA pro racing SX/MX. They won't fund their own factory team. JGR going...

If JGR folds, I think that will be the end of Suzuki in USA pro racing SX/MX. They won't fund their own factory team. JGR going away is bad for all things moto. I hope they stay around for years to come. Pro's already don't ride Suzuki's unless they are on JGR or HEP. Privateers don't choose to race Suzuki's due to their lack of innovation. Amateurs don't even ride them. If Suzuki doesn't change their ways they may just fade away out of the dirt bike market altogether. Future for Suzuki dirt bikes does not look good at this current time.

mattyhamz2 wrote:

I'd have to disagree on privateers not riding them because of lack of innovation. I'd say it has more to do with lack of support. But...

I'd have to disagree on privateers not riding them because of lack of innovation. I'd say it has more to do with lack of support. But that's just like, my opinion man

rob162 wrote:

This guy gets it. Suzuki is not doing a ton to support local and national pros let alone amateurs

4csHATER wrote:

Dude why all the hate on justin hill, he is just young and having fun, isnt that what it was all supposed to be about in...

Dude why all the hate on justin hill, he is just young and having fun, isnt that what it was all supposed to be about in the first place.


all this seriousness is gonna kill dirt bikes, no wonder why walmart and kroger dont sell toy dirt bikes any more, there is no fun in it, and when there is your looked at as wrong.

Explains why hot wheels pulled out of moto no fun in it.

sam hain wrote:

Not here to bash the bike or the teams but Ken's title keeps coming up here. I'm curious if Ken's RC factory bike had more resources...

Not here to bash the bike or the teams but Ken's title keeps coming up here. I'm curious if Ken's RC factory bike had more resources (factory parts) than say Chad's JGR bike does?

In terms of Weston, I wish him the best but I don't think he'll ever ride pro again. The last interview I saw with him he is still partially blind.

mattyhamz2 wrote:

I'd have to disagree on privateers not riding them because of lack of innovation. I'd say it has more to do with lack of support. But...

I'd have to disagree on privateers not riding them because of lack of innovation. I'd say it has more to do with lack of support. But that's just like, my opinion man

rob162 wrote:

This guy gets it. Suzuki is not doing a ton to support local and national pros let alone amateurs

RTDRacing wrote:

Not sure he does get it: Brea, CA- Offering one of the most comprehensive payouts in the industry, Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.’s (SMAI) Racing Contingency...

Not sure he does get it:

Brea, CA- Offering one of the most comprehensive payouts in the industry, Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.’s (SMAI) Racing Contingency Program returns strong for 2019 with nearly $8 million in available funds. From local series to world championships, and everything in between, Suzuki’s commitment to racing and its leading contingency program as well as Suzuki’s Amateur Racing and RM Army Support is at the core of its DNA. Suzuki riders can take full advantage of these program benefits while owning the racetrack and earning valuable rewards.

Up to $6 million in contingency is available for off-road and motocross riders to race the all-new Suzuki RM-Z250, RM-Z450, RM85, and RMX450Z. Nearly $1.3 million can be earned by road racers competing on legendary GSX-R1000, GSX-R600, and SV650 sportbikes. An additional half-million dollars of contingency is available to flat track racers campaigning the RM-Z450 or using engines from the renowned SV650 V-Twin.

rob162 wrote:

This guy gets it. Suzuki is not doing a ton to support local and national pros let alone amateurs

RTDRacing wrote:

Not sure he does get it: Brea, CA- Offering one of the most comprehensive payouts in the industry, Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.’s (SMAI) Racing Contingency...

Not sure he does get it:

Brea, CA- Offering one of the most comprehensive payouts in the industry, Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.’s (SMAI) Racing Contingency Program returns strong for 2019 with nearly $8 million in available funds. From local series to world championships, and everything in between, Suzuki’s commitment to racing and its leading contingency program as well as Suzuki’s Amateur Racing and RM Army Support is at the core of its DNA. Suzuki riders can take full advantage of these program benefits while owning the racetrack and earning valuable rewards.

Up to $6 million in contingency is available for off-road and motocross riders to race the all-new Suzuki RM-Z250, RM-Z450, RM85, and RMX450Z. Nearly $1.3 million can be earned by road racers competing on legendary GSX-R1000, GSX-R600, and SV650 sportbikes. An additional half-million dollars of contingency is available to flat track racers campaigning the RM-Z450 or using engines from the renowned SV650 V-Twin.

mattyhamz2 wrote:

I do get it. Their contingency is better than anyone else. Which is what got my dad riding Suzuki's in 2013. I have a 2017 RMZ450...

I do get it. Their contingency is better than anyone else. Which is what got my dad riding Suzuki's in 2013. I have a 2017 RMZ450 in my garage right now.

Other than their amateur team, JGR and HEP what other support do they give to anyone?

Wells423 wrote:

Assuming this is Justin Hill’s last season with them (as it should be), what is their next big move? The really need someone capable of getting...

Assuming this is Justin Hill’s last season with them (as it should be), what is their next big move? The really need someone capable of getting results regularly. It’s ridiculous that Hill can’t manage to crack the top 10 with JA, WP, MS, ZO, VF, JB missing. Funny how he was supposed to be a bad ass and has flopped while JS nad AP both have top 5’s. Chad Reed is the only guy getting results and he’s inconsistent at best. They really need to put a good bid in on JS or AC and hire Wilson as a back up. I’m sure it’s hard to sell a title sponsor when your marquis guy is a back marker most nights. Hopefully they can hire someone worth paying before it’s to late.

RTDRacing wrote:

Not sure he does get it: Brea, CA- Offering one of the most comprehensive payouts in the industry, Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.’s (SMAI) Racing Contingency...

Not sure he does get it:

Brea, CA- Offering one of the most comprehensive payouts in the industry, Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.’s (SMAI) Racing Contingency Program returns strong for 2019 with nearly $8 million in available funds. From local series to world championships, and everything in between, Suzuki’s commitment to racing and its leading contingency program as well as Suzuki’s Amateur Racing and RM Army Support is at the core of its DNA. Suzuki riders can take full advantage of these program benefits while owning the racetrack and earning valuable rewards.

Up to $6 million in contingency is available for off-road and motocross riders to race the all-new Suzuki RM-Z250, RM-Z450, RM85, and RMX450Z. Nearly $1.3 million can be earned by road racers competing on legendary GSX-R1000, GSX-R600, and SV650 sportbikes. An additional half-million dollars of contingency is available to flat track racers campaigning the RM-Z450 or using engines from the renowned SV650 V-Twin.

mattyhamz2 wrote:

I do get it. Their contingency is better than anyone else. Which is what got my dad riding Suzuki's in 2013. I have a 2017 RMZ450...

I do get it. Their contingency is better than anyone else. Which is what got my dad riding Suzuki's in 2013. I have a 2017 RMZ450 in my garage right now.

Other than their amateur team, JGR and HEP what other support do they give to anyone?

Squirrelings wrote:

They’ve supported Pastrana post racing. Cole Martinez is currently racing a Suzuki and Martin Castello was on a 250 on the west coast. They obviously took...

They’ve supported Pastrana post racing. Cole Martinez is currently racing a Suzuki and Martin Castello was on a 250 on the west coast. They obviously took a step back when they nearly quit development of their bikes, outsourced the factory team, and seemed to be in no rush to get new year production bikes released. They are making a push to get back. No different than when the YZF 450 was the bike to hate before it became the RM-Z.

kiwifan wrote:

I suspect JGR will not be around next year, I hope not....

kiwifan wrote:

I suspect JGR will not be around next year, I hope not....

twizzler wrote:

If JGR folds, I think that will be the end of Suzuki in USA pro racing SX/MX. They won't fund their own factory team. JGR going...

If JGR folds, I think that will be the end of Suzuki in USA pro racing SX/MX. They won't fund their own factory team. JGR going away is bad for all things moto. I hope they stay around for years to come. Pro's already don't ride Suzuki's unless they are on JGR or HEP. Privateers don't choose to race Suzuki's due to their lack of innovation. Amateurs don't even ride them. If Suzuki doesn't change their ways they may just fade away out of the dirt bike market altogether. Future for Suzuki dirt bikes does not look good at this current time.

Dr.201 wrote:

Suzuki’s are definitely not as bad as you vital member say they are. First off they are the cheapest bike by literally $2000 or more and...

Suzuki’s are definitely not as bad as you vital member say they are. First off they are the cheapest bike by literally $2000 or more and nobody has the skill set to ride a 450 motor to its full potential even if it is outdated. Secondly, they are a bullet proof bike and their chassis development is and has been cutting edge . Ever notice how every single manufacturer has followed their lead with more front leaning/forward weight like chassis?

Sorry for the rant I just get sick of hearing all of these Joe’s crack on Suzuki like it is the bike holding the riders back at the pro level which is a total crock of shit.

twizzler wrote:

If JGR folds, I think that will be the end of Suzuki in USA pro racing SX/MX. They won't fund their own factory team. JGR going...

If JGR folds, I think that will be the end of Suzuki in USA pro racing SX/MX. They won't fund their own factory team. JGR going away is bad for all things moto. I hope they stay around for years to come. Pro's already don't ride Suzuki's unless they are on JGR or HEP. Privateers don't choose to race Suzuki's due to their lack of innovation. Amateurs don't even ride them. If Suzuki doesn't change their ways they may just fade away out of the dirt bike market altogether. Future for Suzuki dirt bikes does not look good at this current time.

mattyhamz2 wrote:

I'd have to disagree on privateers not riding them because of lack of innovation. I'd say it has more to do with lack of support. But...

I'd have to disagree on privateers not riding them because of lack of innovation. I'd say it has more to do with lack of support. But that's just like, my opinion man

rob162 wrote:

This guy gets it. Suzuki is not doing a ton to support local and national pros let alone amateurs

MotoMan12345 wrote:

It’s all the Kmart trail machine lover boys that bash and bash Suzuki’s. But hey they’re also riding a 9k+ bike complaining about there air forks...

It’s all the Kmart trail machine lover boys that bash and bash Suzuki’s. But hey they’re also riding a 9k+ bike complaining about there air forks while doing 3 lap Motos

mattyhamz2 wrote:

I'd have to disagree on privateers not riding them because of lack of innovation. I'd say it has more to do with lack of support. But...

I'd have to disagree on privateers not riding them because of lack of innovation. I'd say it has more to do with lack of support. But that's just like, my opinion man

rob162 wrote:

This guy gets it. Suzuki is not doing a ton to support local and national pros let alone amateurs

twizzler wrote:

Funny, I had lack of Suzuki support on my mind as I agree that is a big issue for Pros and Ams. But for some reason...

Funny, I had lack of Suzuki support on my mind as I agree that is a big issue for Pros and Ams. But for some reason it didn't make it from my brain to my fingers. Suzuki does field a amateur team and has a very good contingency program; Kobusch is on it and a few others on 250F's and 85's as it's called their RMArmy team. I still think Suzuki has a black eye for most racers, due to their lack of innovation to keep up with the other OEM's. I've talked to pro's and Amateurs and Vets - all say basically the same thing the mags say - no kickstart, heavy, cheap parts, not fast enough, blah blah. I even go into SoCal Suzuki dealers and no RMZ's, no 450 or 250 on their floors. Very hard to find a dealer that stocks RMZ's around here. I do agree it's not the BIKE, but perception is real, guys don't want them. Even though the BIKE is not the problem.

Falcon wrote:

There are a couple things you do NOT do if you have no interest in or are about to pull out of a sport: -Offer an...

There are a couple things you do NOT do if you have no interest in or are about to pull out of a sport:

-Offer an $8M contingency program
-Tie that program to a new name, ("RM ARMY",) and use that name as an umbrella over an amateur-to-pro development program like Honda and Kawasaki have. (BTW, kids on RM85s are being groomed for this exact purpose right now.)
-Hire people to manage those programs


Don't confuse Suzuki's unwillingness to invest massive resources in MX at an inopportune time for weakness. Their time will come. It just may take a few more years.

Falcon wrote:

There are a couple things you do NOT do if you have no interest in or are about to pull out of a sport: -Offer an...

There are a couple things you do NOT do if you have no interest in or are about to pull out of a sport:

-Offer an $8M contingency program
-Tie that program to a new name, ("RM ARMY",) and use that name as an umbrella over an amateur-to-pro development program like Honda and Kawasaki have. (BTW, kids on RM85s are being groomed for this exact purpose right now.)
-Hire people to manage those programs


Don't confuse Suzuki's unwillingness to invest massive resources in MX at an inopportune time for weakness. Their time will come. It just may take a few more years.

Falcon wrote:

There are a couple things you do NOT do if you have no interest in or are about to pull out of a sport: -Offer an...

There are a couple things you do NOT do if you have no interest in or are about to pull out of a sport:

-Offer an $8M contingency program
-Tie that program to a new name, ("RM ARMY",) and use that name as an umbrella over an amateur-to-pro development program like Honda and Kawasaki have. (BTW, kids on RM85s are being groomed for this exact purpose right now.)
-Hire people to manage those programs


Don't confuse Suzuki's unwillingness to invest massive resources in MX at an inopportune time for weakness. Their time will come. It just may take a few more years.

GrapeApe wrote:

Suzuki knows they will only pay out a tiny, tiny fraction of that $8M contingency. Nobody rides Suzuki's at the contingency paying races and those few...

Suzuki knows they will only pay out a tiny, tiny fraction of that $8M contingency. Nobody rides Suzuki's at the contingency paying races and those few that do are nowhere near the front. RM Army is not a new name, it has been around for a while with different setups and management. It is nowhere near the level of Orange Brigade KTM, Amsoil Honda, Team Green Kawasaki, Rockstar Husky and Star Yamaha.

The truth is Suzuki pulled out of MXGP, MX2, and All Japan Nationals, as well as shuttering their off-road programs and running a skeleton amateur program. They are still involved in US SX/MX only because they found an existing self-sufficient team to use their equipment and adopt the "factory" label. That team, however, lost its title sponsor and Coy has gone back to work on the NASCAR side of the garage. I would be (pleasantly) surprised if JGR was still going a couple of years from now, and unless Suzuki finds someone like Yosh to take them back in-house that will be the end of Suzuki's participation worldwide.

mattyhamz2 wrote:

I do get it. Their contingency is better than anyone else. Which is what got my dad riding Suzuki's in 2013. I have a 2017 RMZ450...

I do get it. Their contingency is better than anyone else. Which is what got my dad riding Suzuki's in 2013. I have a 2017 RMZ450 in my garage right now.

Other than their amateur team, JGR and HEP what other support do they give to anyone?

Squirrelings wrote:

They’ve supported Pastrana post racing. Cole Martinez is currently racing a Suzuki and Martin Castello was on a 250 on the west coast. They obviously took...

They’ve supported Pastrana post racing. Cole Martinez is currently racing a Suzuki and Martin Castello was on a 250 on the west coast. They obviously took a step back when they nearly quit development of their bikes, outsourced the factory team, and seemed to be in no rush to get new year production bikes released. They are making a push to get back. No different than when the YZF 450 was the bike to hate before it became the RM-Z.

mattyhamz2 wrote:

TP I feel can't be put in the discussion, just like RC. Is Martinez getting help from Suzuki or just getting help from a shop for...

TP I feel can't be put in the discussion, just like RC.
Is Martinez getting help from Suzuki or just getting help from a shop for bikes?
Castelo was getting help from the amateur team for the first few west coast rounds and that was it.

If they are helping Martinez, how much help is he really getting?

Outside of JGR and HEP there aren't more than 2 or 3 guys in the 450 class and 1 or 2 in the 250 class and I believe the reasoning for that is because of the lack of support for anyone other than JGR, HEP. If they had more support, I truly believe we'd see way more privateers riding them. Especially with the pricing on their bikes.

I want to see Suzuki back 100%. They have such a good package to start with and the best contingency at the amateur level. And I am so glad to see them back on the amateur level and looking like they will continue to grow their team. It's good for everyone.

Edit: Sorry if I jumped around or anything. Scatter brain at work right now and a whole lot in my mind on this subject lol

Squirrelings wrote:

They’ve supported Pastrana post racing. Cole Martinez is currently racing a Suzuki and Martin Castello was on a 250 on the west coast. They obviously took...

They’ve supported Pastrana post racing. Cole Martinez is currently racing a Suzuki and Martin Castello was on a 250 on the west coast. They obviously took a step back when they nearly quit development of their bikes, outsourced the factory team, and seemed to be in no rush to get new year production bikes released. They are making a push to get back. No different than when the YZF 450 was the bike to hate before it became the RM-Z.

mattyhamz2 wrote:

TP I feel can't be put in the discussion, just like RC. Is Martinez getting help from Suzuki or just getting help from a shop for...

TP I feel can't be put in the discussion, just like RC.
Is Martinez getting help from Suzuki or just getting help from a shop for bikes?
Castelo was getting help from the amateur team for the first few west coast rounds and that was it.

If they are helping Martinez, how much help is he really getting?

Outside of JGR and HEP there aren't more than 2 or 3 guys in the 450 class and 1 or 2 in the 250 class and I believe the reasoning for that is because of the lack of support for anyone other than JGR, HEP. If they had more support, I truly believe we'd see way more privateers riding them. Especially with the pricing on their bikes.

I want to see Suzuki back 100%. They have such a good package to start with and the best contingency at the amateur level. And I am so glad to see them back on the amateur level and looking like they will continue to grow their team. It's good for everyone.

Edit: Sorry if I jumped around or anything. Scatter brain at work right now and a whole lot in my mind on this subject lol

Squirrelings wrote:

I'm not saying they have nearly as much support as other mfg's. Just pointing out that they are out there supporting people. JT$ is another example...

I'm not saying they have nearly as much support as other mfg's. Just pointing out that they are out there supporting people. JT$ is another example. Not a current racer, but he has more influence than a guy just trying to make the mains. People can scoff at the $8 mil in contingency that won't get paid out, but if you want good contingency, it's there for the taking. Don't know how anybody can talk shit about that. This is another example of a business not meeting people's unnecessary expectations, because they don't want to or are not in a position to do so. If Suzuki wanted ti go all in and saw it as a good business move, I'm sure they would. It's not like they are trying to put out a revolutionary machine. Maybe I'm just able to accept their current status in the market.