With Yamaha expected to release its latest generation four-stroke motocrosser, displacing 450cc, for the 2003 model year, other manufacturers should enter the four-stroke motocross category, including Suzuki and, possibly, Kawasaki. Suzuki is known to be developing an RM450 four-stroke — a design that could conceivably (but not likely) be shared with Kawasaki. Expect Kawasaki, however, to offer its own version of the DRZ400 enduro bike currently sold by Suzuki (perhaps, with more than cosmetic changes).
While Yamaha and Suzuki have already developed, and sold, liquid-cooled 400-class enduro machines, Honda has soldiered on with its air-cooled XR400. How long will it be before Honda develops a liquid-cooled, electric start model in this class? Probably, not next year, although Honda should introduce a smaller displacement four-stroke motocrosser displacing 250cc during the 2003 model year.
Expect KTM to take its 400SX to 450cc for the 2003 model year — in line with the new AMA displacement limit for four-strokes in the two-stroke, 250 class. If KTM retains the six-speed transmission currently found in the 400SX, this could be the perfect all around off-road play/race bike.
KTM is also rumored to be developing a new 250cc four-stroke . . . perhaps with a reversed cylinder head like the Cannondale design. KTM already sells a sleeved-down 250 four-stroke in Europe, which is generally not competitive with the latest four-strokes in that class.
