Swap's trip to Japan for the 2016 preview

Randy Savage
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Randy Savage
Edited Date/Time 2/2/2016 11:34pm
Is probably one of my top 3 favorite times of the year.

I heard a rumor, and I want to see if i'm the only one who heard, that the 2016 RMZ is going to be all-new, single cam, and weigh what the KTM weighs.

Anyone?

I'll bet the YZF is E-start.
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VicDaMoan03
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VicDaMoan03 2/20/2015 7:18am
2/20/2015 7:18am
We've been hearing about an all new RMZ for what eight years now. I will believe it when I see it..
#991
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#991 2/20/2015 7:56am
2/20/2015 7:56am Edited Date/Time 4/6/2015 4:13pm
VicDaMoan03 wrote:
We've been hearing about an all new RMZ for what eight years now. I will believe it when I see it..
...
logan_140
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logan_140 2/20/2015 7:57am
2/20/2015 7:57am
I just wanna see what the new ktm 2 strokes are about..Whistling
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 2/20/2015 7:59am
2/20/2015 7:59am
VicDaMoan03 wrote:
We've been hearing about an all new RMZ for what eight years now. I will believe it when I see it..
#991 wrote:
...
So, have you taken a lap on the new 450 SXF?

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#991
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#991 2/20/2015 8:01am
2/20/2015 8:01am Edited Date/Time 4/6/2015 4:14pm
VicDaMoan03 wrote:
We've been hearing about an all new RMZ for what eight years now. I will believe it when I see it..
#991 wrote:
...
TeamGreen wrote:
So, have you taken a lap on the new 450 SXF?
...
Randy Savage
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Randy Savage 2/20/2015 8:08am
2/20/2015 8:08am
VicDaMoan03 wrote:
We've been hearing about an all new RMZ for what eight years now. I will believe it when I see it..
#991 wrote:
...
And on the other side of the coin, albeit the same coin, Suzuki has actually done the opposite. That is, continuously evolve that bike to the point that is shares nothing with the 08 but plastic. The problem is, plastic is all anyone pays attention to.

I dunno, i just seem to remember 10-15 years ago, everyone was a gear head. Now that the bikes are all too fast in stock form, you've just got a bunch of brand loyalty fanatics who just buy their favorite color, swear by it, and discuss what color underwear Roczen wears instead.

You can always tell which race shop Team Green is currently dropping carbon fiber parts off at by reading his posts.
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 2/20/2015 8:09am
2/20/2015 8:09am
#991 wrote:
...
TeamGreen wrote:
So, have you taken a lap on the new 450 SXF?
#991 wrote:
...
The NEW SXF is the 2015 Factory Edition

I don't think anything on the track turns better.

The "old" bike turns Really, Really Well when you have the rear Ride Height Dialed In.
#991
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#991 2/20/2015 8:11am
2/20/2015 8:11am Edited Date/Time 4/6/2015 4:14pm
VicDaMoan03 wrote:
We've been hearing about an all new RMZ for what eight years now. I will believe it when I see it..
#991 wrote:
...
Randy Savage wrote:
And on the other side of the coin, albeit the same coin, Suzuki has actually done the opposite. That is, continuously evolve that bike to the...
And on the other side of the coin, albeit the same coin, Suzuki has actually done the opposite. That is, continuously evolve that bike to the point that is shares nothing with the 08 but plastic. The problem is, plastic is all anyone pays attention to.

I dunno, i just seem to remember 10-15 years ago, everyone was a gear head. Now that the bikes are all too fast in stock form, you've just got a bunch of brand loyalty fanatics who just buy their favorite color, swear by it, and discuss what color underwear Roczen wears instead.

You can always tell which race shop Team Green is currently dropping carbon fiber parts off at by reading his posts.
...
Myke
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Myke 2/20/2015 8:16am
2/20/2015 8:16am Edited Date/Time 2/20/2015 8:17am
TeamGreen wrote:
So, have you taken a lap on the new 450 SXF?
#991 wrote:
...
TeamGreen wrote:
The NEW SXF is the 2015 Factory Edition I don't think anything on the track turns better. The "old" bike turns Really, Really Well when you...
The NEW SXF is the 2015 Factory Edition

I don't think anything on the track turns better.

The "old" bike turns Really, Really Well when you have the rear Ride Height Dialed In.
I have the "old" bike ('15 350sxf) and it turns great. Very predictable. I am coming off an '06 RM250.
#991
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#991 2/20/2015 8:25am
2/20/2015 8:25am Edited Date/Time 4/6/2015 4:14pm
...
ktm212
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ktm212 2/20/2015 8:35am
2/20/2015 8:35am
VicDaMoan03 wrote:
We've been hearing about an all new RMZ for what eight years now. I will believe it when I see it..
#991 wrote:
...
I thought the RMZ turned ok, I don't see the big deal though. I was more focused in the gappy transmission, poor power delivery, and awkward ergonomics to be blown away by the handling .
#991
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#991 2/20/2015 8:43am
2/20/2015 8:43am Edited Date/Time 4/6/2015 4:15pm
VicDaMoan03 wrote:
We've been hearing about an all new RMZ for what eight years now. I will believe it when I see it..
#991 wrote:
...
ktm212 wrote:
I thought the RMZ turned ok, I don't see the big deal though. I was more focused in the gappy transmission, poor power delivery, and awkward...
I thought the RMZ turned ok, I don't see the big deal though. I was more focused in the gappy transmission, poor power delivery, and awkward ergonomics to be blown away by the handling .
...
Randy Savage
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Randy Savage 2/20/2015 8:53am
2/20/2015 8:53am
so no one has heard the "single cam motor, light as a KTM FE" rumor then?

I even heard "yellow two-strokes" but that was from one of those slightly delusional, overly optimistic area sales reps that love to stir shit at dealer visits. I know you all have spoken to one like that.
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 2/20/2015 8:55am
2/20/2015 8:55am
#991 wrote:
...
Yes, KTM Fan-Boy with a garage full of Hondas, Kawis and Zooks. Oh, and my screen-name is Sooooo Orange.

You got me.

ktm212
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ktm212 2/20/2015 8:55am
2/20/2015 8:55am
#991 wrote:
...
Im not sure why you're bagging on random KTM models after i just gave you my opinion on the Suzuki 450 like the whole thread is about and mentioned nothing about the KTMs, I dont ride KTMs anymore however with some bike setup things I came across my 13 450 was the best turning bike I've ever ridden. The Suzukis are pretty popular in my area so I've gotten to ride pretty much every model year with all different setups. I rode a stock 12 & 13 back to back because they had updated a bunch of things in the motor that year and still had the same issues. I don't listen to many bike shoot outs so I'm not even gonna bother addressing that issue, I just know the bike was anemic in the power dept which led me to missing shifts trying to get power out of it and put my in really weird RPM ranges, it was either screaming or bogged out. Like I said it turned ok all around, just didnt think it was the holy grail like some people.
#991
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#991 2/20/2015 9:03am
2/20/2015 9:03am Edited Date/Time 4/6/2015 4:15pm
#991 wrote:
...
ktm212 wrote:
Im not sure why you're bagging on random KTM models after i just gave you my opinion on the Suzuki 450 like the whole thread is...
Im not sure why you're bagging on random KTM models after i just gave you my opinion on the Suzuki 450 like the whole thread is about and mentioned nothing about the KTMs, I dont ride KTMs anymore however with some bike setup things I came across my 13 450 was the best turning bike I've ever ridden. The Suzukis are pretty popular in my area so I've gotten to ride pretty much every model year with all different setups. I rode a stock 12 & 13 back to back because they had updated a bunch of things in the motor that year and still had the same issues. I don't listen to many bike shoot outs so I'm not even gonna bother addressing that issue, I just know the bike was anemic in the power dept which led me to missing shifts trying to get power out of it and put my in really weird RPM ranges, it was either screaming or bogged out. Like I said it turned ok all around, just didnt think it was the holy grail like some people.
...
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 2/20/2015 9:08am
2/20/2015 9:08am
#991 wrote:
...
ktm212 wrote:
I thought the RMZ turned ok, I don't see the big deal though. I was more focused in the gappy transmission, poor power delivery, and awkward...
I thought the RMZ turned ok, I don't see the big deal though. I was more focused in the gappy transmission, poor power delivery, and awkward ergonomics to be blown away by the handling .
#991 wrote:
...
If Ya wanna go there...

Let's talk about forks...as in "Tubes".

Every brand has their good & bad days.

Simple Fact: Japan needs to roll up their sleeves & get all crazy like they did 45 years, ago...

Note: Some of us ride ALL of it.

ALL.

And very nicely prepared, too. Any and All of them can and will win races and are really good bikes.

I'm jus' sayin'...
#991
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#991 2/20/2015 9:16am
2/20/2015 9:16am Edited Date/Time 4/6/2015 4:16pm
ktm212 wrote:
I thought the RMZ turned ok, I don't see the big deal though. I was more focused in the gappy transmission, poor power delivery, and awkward...
I thought the RMZ turned ok, I don't see the big deal though. I was more focused in the gappy transmission, poor power delivery, and awkward ergonomics to be blown away by the handling .
#991 wrote:
...
TeamGreen wrote:
If Ya wanna go there... Let's talk about forks...as in "Tubes". Every brand has their good & bad days. Simple Fact: Japan needs to roll up...
If Ya wanna go there...

Let's talk about forks...as in "Tubes".

Every brand has their good & bad days.

Simple Fact: Japan needs to roll up their sleeves & get all crazy like they did 45 years, ago...

Note: Some of us ride ALL of it.

ALL.

And very nicely prepared, too. Any and All of them can and will win races and are really good bikes.

I'm jus' sayin'...
...

Pit Row

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mx1234
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mx1234 2/20/2015 9:31am
2/20/2015 9:31am
the first race of all japan mx is in april.
theToothPerry
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theToothPerry 2/20/2015 9:38am
2/20/2015 9:38am
Is there really an argument if a Suzuki doesnt corner better than a KTM? Haha.....
Skippie
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Skippie 2/20/2015 10:11am
2/20/2015 10:11am
theToothPerry wrote:
Is there really an argument if a Suzuki doesnt corner better than a KTM? Haha.....
Yes there is, because according to everyone who has ridden a new SXF (especially a FE), they do. Now we know that you are a Stewart/Zook fanboy, so why don't you just run along. I'm not hating on the RMZ, but from everything I've heard and read, the new KTM may just have it beat.
Randy Savage
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Randy Savage 2/20/2015 10:13am
2/20/2015 10:13am Edited Date/Time 2/20/2015 10:14am
theToothPerry wrote:
Is there really an argument if a Suzuki doesnt corner better than a KTM? Haha.....
Skippie wrote:
Yes there is, because according to everyone who has ridden a new SXF (especially a FE), they do. Now we know that you are a Stewart/Zook...
Yes there is, because according to everyone who has ridden a new SXF (especially a FE), they do. Now we know that you are a Stewart/Zook fanboy, so why don't you just run along. I'm not hating on the RMZ, but from everything I've heard and read, the new KTM may just have it beat.
And that is the original purpose of the thread... apparently Suzuki is about to drop a single cam 225lb razor blade that will take some shine off that new KTM.
nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 2/20/2015 10:54am
2/20/2015 10:54am
theToothPerry wrote:
Is there really an argument if a Suzuki doesnt corner better than a KTM? Haha.....
Skippie wrote:
Yes there is, because according to everyone who has ridden a new SXF (especially a FE), they do. Now we know that you are a Stewart/Zook...
Yes there is, because according to everyone who has ridden a new SXF (especially a FE), they do. Now we know that you are a Stewart/Zook fanboy, so why don't you just run along. I'm not hating on the RMZ, but from everything I've heard and read, the new KTM may just have it beat.
Randy Savage wrote:
And that is the original purpose of the thread... apparently Suzuki is about to drop a single cam 225lb razor blade that will take some shine...
And that is the original purpose of the thread... apparently Suzuki is about to drop a single cam 225lb razor blade that will take some shine off that new KTM.
It would be nice to see them do something, they've been asleep at the wheel for a long time and they can do a lot better. Piss poor management.
scooter5002
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scooter5002 2/20/2015 11:19am
2/20/2015 11:19am
Randy Savage wrote:
so no one has heard the "single cam motor, light as a KTM FE" rumor then? I even heard "yellow two-strokes" but that was from one...
so no one has heard the "single cam motor, light as a KTM FE" rumor then?

I even heard "yellow two-strokes" but that was from one of those slightly delusional, overly optimistic area sales reps that love to stir shit at dealer visits. I know you all have spoken to one like that.
So Randy, you really from Gainesvile, or somewhere up closer to D.C.?
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GrapeApe 2/20/2015 11:55am
2/20/2015 11:55am
scooter5002 wrote:
So Randy, you really from Gainesvile, or somewhere up closer to D.C.?
Lol. The list was updated yesterday.
jeffro503
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jeffro503 2/20/2015 12:04pm
2/20/2015 12:04pm
#991 wrote:
...
ktm212 wrote:
Im not sure why you're bagging on random KTM models after i just gave you my opinion on the Suzuki 450 like the whole thread is...
Im not sure why you're bagging on random KTM models after i just gave you my opinion on the Suzuki 450 like the whole thread is about and mentioned nothing about the KTMs, I dont ride KTMs anymore however with some bike setup things I came across my 13 450 was the best turning bike I've ever ridden. The Suzukis are pretty popular in my area so I've gotten to ride pretty much every model year with all different setups. I rode a stock 12 & 13 back to back because they had updated a bunch of things in the motor that year and still had the same issues. I don't listen to many bike shoot outs so I'm not even gonna bother addressing that issue, I just know the bike was anemic in the power dept which led me to missing shifts trying to get power out of it and put my in really weird RPM ranges, it was either screaming or bogged out. Like I said it turned ok all around, just didnt think it was the holy grail like some people.
Brother.....since you spent some time on the new RMZ models.....did you find that the 11' and 12' was quite a bit different than the '13'? I rode all three and for some reason felt the most comfortable on the 11' and 12'......something happened to the 13' and it didn't feel right. All the ones I rode were basically new and a little playing around with the clickers.....basically bone stock.
ktm212
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ktm212 2/20/2015 12:25pm
2/20/2015 12:25pm Edited Date/Time 2/20/2015 12:27pm
jeffro503 wrote:
Brother.....since you spent some time on the new RMZ models.....did you find that the 11' and 12' was quite a bit different than the '13'? I...
Brother.....since you spent some time on the new RMZ models.....did you find that the 11' and 12' was quite a bit different than the '13'? I rode all three and for some reason felt the most comfortable on the 11' and 12'......something happened to the 13' and it didn't feel right. All the ones I rode were basically new and a little playing around with the clickers.....basically bone stock.
I'm not gonna say I spent days on the bikes, but when I was working at a training facility in North Carolina I was helping a student with bike set up and he had a 12 while another had a 13; I thought the 12 was better. It wasn't massively different but back to back it as noticeable and I thought the 2012 had a smoother, more controlled feel, while the 3 seemed a little more twitchy and the motor characteristics made the bike feel/work awkward.
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 2/20/2015 12:25pm
2/20/2015 12:25pm
#991 wrote:
...
ktm212 wrote:
Im not sure why you're bagging on random KTM models after i just gave you my opinion on the Suzuki 450 like the whole thread is...
Im not sure why you're bagging on random KTM models after i just gave you my opinion on the Suzuki 450 like the whole thread is about and mentioned nothing about the KTMs, I dont ride KTMs anymore however with some bike setup things I came across my 13 450 was the best turning bike I've ever ridden. The Suzukis are pretty popular in my area so I've gotten to ride pretty much every model year with all different setups. I rode a stock 12 & 13 back to back because they had updated a bunch of things in the motor that year and still had the same issues. I don't listen to many bike shoot outs so I'm not even gonna bother addressing that issue, I just know the bike was anemic in the power dept which led me to missing shifts trying to get power out of it and put my in really weird RPM ranges, it was either screaming or bogged out. Like I said it turned ok all around, just didnt think it was the holy grail like some people.
jeffro503 wrote:
Brother.....since you spent some time on the new RMZ models.....did you find that the 11' and 12' was quite a bit different than the '13'? I...
Brother.....since you spent some time on the new RMZ models.....did you find that the 11' and 12' was quite a bit different than the '13'? I rode all three and for some reason felt the most comfortable on the 11' and 12'......something happened to the 13' and it didn't feel right. All the ones I rode were basically new and a little playing around with the clickers.....basically bone stock.
The 15 is even better. I seem to be able to feel the front better and I'd swear the "turn in" is the Best...ever, for the RMZ.
jeffro503
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jeffro503 2/20/2015 12:35pm
2/20/2015 12:35pm
jeffro503 wrote:
Brother.....since you spent some time on the new RMZ models.....did you find that the 11' and 12' was quite a bit different than the '13'? I...
Brother.....since you spent some time on the new RMZ models.....did you find that the 11' and 12' was quite a bit different than the '13'? I rode all three and for some reason felt the most comfortable on the 11' and 12'......something happened to the 13' and it didn't feel right. All the ones I rode were basically new and a little playing around with the clickers.....basically bone stock.
ktm212 wrote:
I'm not gonna say I spent days on the bikes, but when I was working at a training facility in North Carolina I was helping a...
I'm not gonna say I spent days on the bikes, but when I was working at a training facility in North Carolina I was helping a student with bike set up and he had a 12 while another had a 13; I thought the 12 was better. It wasn't massively different but back to back it as noticeable and I thought the 2012 had a smoother, more controlled feel, while the 3 seemed a little more twitchy and the motor characteristics made the bike feel/work awkward.
Well your description pretty much mirrors mine. That is what I felt as well. I'm not loyal to any brand , even though I label myself a Kawi guy.....but I sure had fun on the 11' and 12' RMZ450's. When I got on the 13'....it only took abut 5sec's and I knew something was different. It wasn't a suspension thing either.

@TG.....maybe I can round up someone this summer who owns a 15' and take it for spin. Sounds like a great bike. Right now though......my 12' Kawi is still suiting me just fine. It's capable of way more than I could ever do with it haha.
Suns_PSD
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Suns_PSD 2/20/2015 12:49pm
2/20/2015 12:49pm
Even though Suzuki claimed the frame was the same on the 13s, one of the magazines pulled a 12 and a 13 down next to each other and found where Suzuki had added an extra weld or maybe a piece of bracing to the 13s. Apparently that is what screwed up the handling on the 13s. And apparently even Suzuki didn't know they had made the change.

That's what I was told some years back anyways.

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