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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