SUSPENSION
The bouncy bits get a major overhaul for 2018. Larger diameter outer and inner tubes increase the stiffness of the front forks, and a larger cartridge cylinder and piston should improve damping control. The rear shock isn’ t tweaked, it’ s completely new. A first for dirt bikes is a Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion-type unit. Suzuki claims the new shock has significantly reduced internal movement friction, and
improved compression damping responsiveness, especially
at lower shock speeds.
CHASSIS
The 2018 machines gets a new main frame, swingarm and seat rails, which all have different cross-sectional profiles and the main frame tubes no longer have an internal web / crossbrace. The wheelbase is down to 1480mm from 1495mm, which should make it a heap more agile despite the trail and steering rake figures being the same. The steering head itself is 10mm further back and the new Renthal Fatbars are 10mm further forward. Suzuki says this improves cornering performance and increases shock absorption. The seat is 5mm taller at 960mm. A resin fuel tank replaces the aluminium tank and gives a modest capacity increase of 100mm. Bridgestone Battlecross X30 tyres come as standard fit.
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