MOTOCROSS ACTION’S SUNDAY NEWS REPORT: NAGL BOUNCES BACK FROM KTM DISS; TWO-STROKE ART; YAMAHA WILL PAY YOU $400


FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE…IF YOU LIKE TWO-STROKES ? THAT IS


This is MXA‘s YZ250 test bike. It is used as a test bed for products, hop-ups and suspension mods, but most of the time it is raced. This photo was shot Saturday at Glen Helen Raceway when the Yamaha was being used to test a Scalvini exhaust.

IT IS OFFICIAL MAX NAGL SIGNS A TWO-YEAR DEAL WITH HONDA MOTOR EUROPE

Lorenzo Resta, Max Nagl and Roger Harvey.                              
Photo: Sarah Gutierrez

Honda Motor Europe has officially announced that it has secured the services of Maximilian Nagl to race for the Honda World Motocross team aboard the CRF450R for the next two seasons in the MX1 World Championship.
 
Nagl, who hails from Weilheim, Germany, is a national title winner, Grand Prix winner as well as a MX1 Championship runner-up. The 25-year-old racer suffered an injury in 2011 that curtailed his progress in the past two seasons. But Nagl has made a strong comeback towards the end of 2012 and now begins a new chapter in his career as he chooses to race Honda machinery alongside Evgeny Bobryshev for his 2013 campaign. The German star, who is looking forward to becoming part of the Honda family, will head to Japan for testing with Honda’s research and development team, before beginning his training program with the Honda World Motocross squad in Italy over the winter period.
 
Max Nagl said, “I am really excited to be joining Honda because it’s going to be a new experience for me. It’s almost my first time on a Japanese bike, which will be a new challenge with a lot of motivation, and I can’t wait to get going. The Honda World Motocross team looks really professional, and from what I can see it’s like a big family, so I’m really happy about coming to the team. My personal goal is for top three in the championship, and I really believe we can achieve this.”


BRITISH RIDER RUMORS…OR IS THAT “RUMOURS”

Brad Anderson has been racing for the Carlton Dry Honda team in Australia.

Former British National Champion Brad Anderson left England to move to Australia, but word is out that Brad will return to Jolly Olde England to race the Maxxis British Championships and the Red Bull pro Series for Steve James LPE Kawasaki team in 2013.


Max Anstie last raced in the USA for the DNA Yamaha team.

Max Anstie is moving to the Rockstar Suzuki GP team, which hasn’t been the same since losing Ken Roczen. Anstie plans to race the 250 World Championships and wants to come to the USA to race the 250 West Supercross series. Anstie raced for Kawasaki two years ago and the Gariboldi Honda team in 2012. Anstie only signed a one-year deal with Suzuki because he plans to return full-time to the AMA series in 2014.


Nicolas Aubin had a factory Yamaha ride two years ago.

Along with the news that two-time World Champion Steve Ramon would be racing in England for Dave Thorpe’s Buildbase Honda team is the news that Nicolas Aubin will stay with the team and race the 450 class alongside Ramon in the Maxxis and Red Bull pro races.


The British fans could see Jonathan Barragan (7) and Steve Ramon (11) racing side-by-side this year. Photo: Ray Archer

Jonathan Barragan will join the British-based STR KTM team (with Matiss Karro) for the Red Bull Pro Series and Maxxis British Championships.


Tanel Leok will be sipping tea with the Queen in 2013.

Current factory Suzuki rider Tanel Leok will leave Team Suzuki to race for the British-based Route77 Honda team with Jason Dougan. The team will race both the British Nationals and GPs.

2013 ALUMINUM-FRAMED TM 85 MINICYCLE TO COME TO THE USA

2013 TM 85MX is the most modern minicycle currently offered.

The new 2013 TM 85MX minicycle has been in development for two years and is a scale replica of it’s larger siblings. Complementing the new aluminum chassis is a proven, powerful and extremely reliable 85cc, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine with an HGS exhaust pipe, oversize hydraulic clutch, Vertex piston, Moto Tassinari reed and billet-machined crank.


TM is most famous for its two-stroke kart engines, so an 85cc motocross engine is no big deal.

Although the 85cc TM will not be available until very late this year, it will be offered in both 85cc and 105cc sizes. For more info go to www.tmmotorcyclesusa.com.

GARY JONES OFFROAD CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES PLANNED FOR 2013

Four-time 250 National Motocross Champion Gary Jones has had one of the most varied racing careers in history. Although best known as a professional motocross racer, Gary’s accomplishments spread far beyond the AMA National and Supercross circuits. Included in Gary’s resume are victories in the Mint 400, Baja 500, Las Vegas-to-Reno, SCORE Offroad World Championships and lots of long distance endurance races.

For 2013 Gary will be hosting a four-race offroad series that will consist of races at RaceTown (395), Glen Helen, Cahuilla Creek and the Ranch. Each race will have a six-mile long course with lots of technical sections. The Amateurs will race for 1-1/2 hours, while the Pros, Expert and Intermediates will race for 2 hours.

The first race each day will be the Seniors, Super Seniors and Vet. The second race will be the Novices, Beginners, Minis and Women. The third race (on a modified track) will be the 50cc and 65cc bikes. The final race of the day, which will start at 1:30 p.m. will be the Pros, Experts and Intermediates.

       
2013 GARY JONES OFFROAD CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
January 13…….Racetown, Adelanto, CA
February 17…..Glen Helen, San Bernardino, CA
March 10………Cahuilla Creek, Anza, CA
April 13………..The Ranch, Anza, CA

YAMAHA ANNOUNCES ITS $3.5 MIL CONTINGENCY PROGRAM…WITH $400 FOR FINISHING LAST IN AN AMA NATIONAL (PLUS THE $440 THE AMA PAYS THE LAST PLACE GUY)!

For 2013, Yamaha Motor Corporation has again expanded the number of events and series in key regions and states bringing the total contingency available to over $3.5 million dollars. Coverage includes motocross, Supercross, offroad, enduro, hare scrambles, grand prix and flat track events. While the offroad and amateur segments both see substantial increases, by far the biggest change is in professional Supercross and motocross. In an effort to reach every Yamaha racer in the field, the contingency payout has been increased to include the top 20 riders at all AMA Supercross events and the Monster Energy Cup, as well as the top 40 riders at all AMA mrofessional motocross events.

First place in an AMA 250 East/West, 450 Supercross or 250/450 National will pay $10,000. Second will pay $5000, third $4000, fourth $2000 and fifth $1000, but the big news is that a rider who makes the 40-man field in an AMA National will make a minimum of $400 in Yamaha money.

Just for comparison: A YZ450F 450 rider who wins an AMA Supercross will make a total of $22,000 in purse and contingency (12k + 10k). If he finishes fifth he will make $4010 combined. A tenth place YZ rider will make $3130 combined. In the AMA 250/450 Nationals a YZ-F rider who wins takes home $13,050 (purse and YZ contingency), while a YZ-F rider that goes 5-5 for fifth would get $2290. Most significantly, if a YZ450F rider finished dead last in both motos (40-40) he would take home $840 combined. 

Make a main event at a Supercross, or qualify for the start of a Motocross National on an eligible 2012 or 2013 model YZ, and you earn a chunk of cash!  In addition, Yamaha will continue its successful “Pro Parts” program through Rock River Powersports at all 2013 Supercross and Outdoor National events, with emergency parts available at a special price to help keep YZ riders on the track. For complete information and how-to register for the more than $3.5 Million Dollars available as part of the 2013 YZ/WR Contingency program, please visit Yamaha’s official website at www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/racing/2013_YZWR_Contingency.aspx starting September 19, 2012. Here you will find detailed event, race and individual payouts.

MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: PRO CIRCUIT KX85 TRIPLE CLAMPS …IN CLEAR OR BROWN

Pro Circuit’s $549.95 new-style clear anodized triple clamps are the perfect option for taller KX85 riders who are looking for better feedback and control, and are offered in addition to the popular brown anodized triple clamps. The upper triple clamp has been modified to accommodate a more open, forward bar mount position for taller riders, and has also been modified to increase rigidity for better feedback and control. Pinch bolts have been moved to allow for easier access without removing the front number plate. Additionally, the bar mount position has been moved forward by 10mm from the standard KX85 triple clamp. For additional information on this and other Pro Circuit products, please visit www.procircuit.com

JOHN TRAVOLTA’S LONG-LOST HONDA TELEVISION COMMERCIAL…WITH TOM BERENGER AS THE COP

STEVE RAMON TO RACE AGAIN ? SIGNS WITH BRITAIN’S BUILDBASE HONDA TEAM FOR 2013

Former Suzuki factory rider Steve Ramon.

Former World Champion Steve Ramon, who was seriously injured in a crash two years ago, has signed to race for the Buildbase Honda team in the Maxxis ACU British Championship and the Red Bull Pro National series. Buildbase Honda team manager Dave Thorpe said, “I am very pleased to invite Steve into our team. It is great for the team and for Honda UK and will add even more spice to our national series…Steve has a presence around the circuit which will draw crowds and show everyone what the bike can do. This is a great scoop and we are all really looking forward to the 2013 season.”

OUR FAVORITE RUSSIAN GOES TO GERMANY: “I HAD ALSO RUSSIAN CROWD AND THAT’S GOOD TOO”

GAUTIER PAULIN AND JEREMY VAN HOREBEEK WILL BE KAWASAKI’S GP TEAM FOR 2013

Gautier Paulin and the KRT team.                                          
Photo: Pascal Haudiquert

Kawasaki has confirmed that its 2013 team will be Gautier Paulin and Jeremy Van Horebeek. Gautier, who is currently on the team, has a new two-year contract, while Jeremy van Horebeek will move up from the 250 class to the 450 class for the first time. Gautier Paulin said, “For the first time in my career that I have signed for two years, as I usually want a deal for only one year to keep my options open, but I saw this year that I really enjoy the MX1 class and the atmosphere of the team.


Jeremy Van Horebeek.       Photo: Pascal Haudiquert

Jeremy Van Horebeek said, “I’m delighted to join the Factory Kawasaki Racing Team for my move to the 450 class. I had several offers for next seaosn, but my choice was quite easy as Kawasaki offered me a good deal and trusts in my potential. I never race in MX1 before so it will be a new challenge.”

WHAT’S LEFT TO DO IN 2012? HOW ABOUT THE MTA WORLD VETERAN CHAMPIONSHIP…AT 28 IT’S ALMOST A VET ITSELF


MX1/MX2/MX3 WORLD MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP     
    September 23……………………….Teutschenthal, Germany
RED BULL PRO NATIONALS
    September 22-23…………………..Culham Park, Oxfordshire
MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
    September 30……………………….Lommel, Belgium
MAXXIS BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP
    October 7……………………………..Little Silver, Exeter
MONSTER ENERGY CUP
    October 20…………………………….Las Vegas, NV
REM OCTOBERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
    October 27……………………………Glen Helen, CA
MTA WORLD VET CHAMPIONSHIP
    Nov. 3-4………………………………..Glen Helen, CA
PARIS SUPERCROSS
    November 9-11……………………….Paris, France
2012 AUSTRALIAN SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
    October 13……………………………….Dubbo, NSW
    October 27-28…………………………..Phillip Island, VIC
    November 10……………………………Toowoomba, QSL
    November 17……………………………Newcastle, NSW

WASHOUGAL’S 125 TWO-STROKE-ONLY RACE: THE SOUND OF THE PAST & THE FUTURE?

WHO ARE THE FOUR RIDERS ON THE 2013 PRO CIRCUIT MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI TEAM?

Darryn Durham didn’t race much in 2012, but will be healthy enough to join Blake Baggett in 2013.

Who is on the Pro Circuit team? Obviously, 2012 AMA 250 National Champion Blake Baggett is the team leader. Blake will be joined by Darryn Durham and veteran Martin Davalos, but the official announcement of the fourth rider has been lost in the shuffle. It is not a secret. Mitch Payton is going to sign Justin Hill, younger brother of Josh Hill for the coveted last spot.

BIRTHDAYS OF THE WEEK…DAD AND SON ON THE SAME DAY…IMPOSSIBLE!

Sept. 23…Alan Olson
Sept. 23…Tim Olson
Sept. 23…Kyle Lewis


Sept. 23…Antonio Cairoli


Sept. 24…Mitch Payton
Sept. 24…Frank Hoppen


Sept. 25…Mert Lawwill
Sept. 25…Zach Osborne


Sept. 26…Bob Hannah
Sept. 27…Jeremy Stenberg
Sept. 28…Danny Massie
Sept. 28…Gregory Aranda


Sept. 28…Erik Kehoe

USED IT, ABUSED IT, TESTED IT: DICK’S RACING KTM 250SX INTELAJET CARB MODS

Intelajet is the two-stroke equivalent of the dual fuel injection on the 2012 Kawasaki KX250F four-stroke. The Intelajet’s emulsion tube sprays a fine mist of fuel when the engine is in the upper one-third of its rev range. The amount of fuel coming through the emulsion tube is controlled by an air-bleed dial that is accessible to the rider.

VERDICT: This is a fantastic mod. The gain in top-end power and overrev was immediately noticeable to every MXA test rider. It had no effect on power below two-thirds throttle, but once the mist kicked in, our KTM 250SX felt like it had a jet pack attached to it. $425.00 (carb bored progressively from 36mm to 39mm with Intelajet installed); $30.00 (Intelajet mounting kit); $40 (taper-bore carb ends)?www.dicksracing.com or (916) 722-2373.

CASEY STONER WANTS TO RACE AUSSIE V8 SUPERCARS…JUST AS CHAD REED DECIDES THAT NASCAR WOULD BE BETTER

Casey Stoner.

Casey Stoner, who recently announced that he would quit MotoGP at the end of the season, has his sights set on the Australian V8 Supercar series. When asked about the possibility of a future in Supercars, Stoner said, “I’ve had a huge passion for V8s. I have to be realistic whether I’ll be quick enough or not to be competitive, but it’s something I’d like to give a go.” Red Bull plans to field a team, Triple Eight Racing, and could give Stoner a tryout.

Chad Reed used to claim that he wanted to race V8 Supercars when he retired, but now has said that he thinks that NASCAR is where he will head (and he has been helped by former V8 Supercar Champion and now NASCAR racer Marcos Ambrose).

HOW MOVIN’ MARV SETS UP HIS KTM 250SXF

MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MOOSE RACING REPLACEMENT CYLINDERS

Moose is now offering replacement cylinders for your damaged or worn jug. Made from cast aluminum, they are nickel silicon carbon plated and are precision machined and honed to the OEM stock bore sizes. Prices start at just $199.95. For more info go to www.mooseracing.com

TALKING TO “THE ROCK” ABOUT THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF BEING A TEAM MANAGER

WANNA RACE IN A HOODED SWEATSHIRT? HOW ABOUT ARMORED GOGO GEAR?

Go Go Gear’s Armored Kevlar hoodie is perfect for those guys who like go out for morning practice with a hoodie over their gear to fight off the chill. These hoodies are made from heavy-duty cotton with a Kevlar lining in the sleeves, elbows and back. There is no roost protection, but it’s still a fashion statement. $129.00 at www.gogogearla.com

TAKE A LAP OF THE MXDN LOMMEL CIRCUIT WITH MARC DE REUVER…WELL, HALF A LAP A COUPLE OF TIMES ADDS UP TO A LAP

SUZUKI FINED $885,000 BY THE EPA FOR SELLING BIKES WITH PROGRAMMABLE IGNITIONS…62 BIKES

Suzuki faces sanctions from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for importing ATVs and off-road motorcycles that do not meet EPA standards. The units in question were 25,000 ATVs (from 2006 to 2009) and 62 RMX450Z (2010) offroad motorcycles. These models were originally approved by the EPA, but the EPA found out that Suzuki had a map option that increased performance (and thus emissions).

Suzuki agreed to pay a $885,000 dollar fine. They also have to do the following:

(1) Suzuki will work with local jurisdictions in the U.S. to provide portable fuel containers (PFCs) that comply with current EPA regulatory requirements. These containers will replace older unregulated PFCs that do not meet current standards. This project will reduce hydrocarbon emissions by 42.02 tons or more.

(2) Suzuki will discontinue its sale in the U.S. of high-permeability fuel line hoses, and instead will sell only low-permeability fuel line hoses for all Model Year 2006 and 2007 Suzuki on-road motorcycles, nonroad motorcycles, and ATVs. These replacement hoses will meet current EPA specifications for replacement fuel line hoses. This project will reduce hydrocarbon emissions by 14.2 tons or more.

(3) Suzuki will equip at least 1924 Model Year 2013 Suzuki on-road motorcycles, to be sold throughout the U.S. except California, to meet California Air Resources Board evaporative emission requirements. This project will reduce hydrocarbon emissions by 155.6 tons or more.

(4) Suzuki will modify its Warranty Policy and Owner’s Manual for ATVs and Off-Road Motorcycles. These modifications will increase awareness of the possible consequences of modifications to emissions control systems, environmental regulations, prohibited modifications, and acts that could result in loss of warranty coverage.

USED IT, ABUSED IT, TESTED IT: DR.D YZ450F ENGINE RELOCATION KIT

Every MXA test rider complained about the YZ450F’s tendency to get loose on the entrance to turns. The search for solutions led MXA to longer shock linkages to lower the rear end, which allowed us to lower the front end, and eccentric motor-mount inserts that allowed the engine to be moved forward (to put more weight on the front wheel). The only sources for these kits are LightSpeed or DR.D. The YZ450F’s front-end problem is a byproduct of the new frame, which steepened the head angle and relocated the weight farther rearward. By moving the engine forward 2.5mm, a racer could get more bite on the front tire at turn-in.

VERDICT: Since all of MXA‘s complaints revolve around the way the YZ450F front end felt at turn-in, we can gladly report that moving the engine forward 2.5mm is a big improvement. $149.95?www.dubachracing.com or (800) 382-2241.

GIUSEPPE’S OTHER LOVE (APART FROM THE GP RIDER’S PURSE, START AND TRAVEL MONEY) IS SOCCER

When Giuseppe Luongo isn’t busy masterminding lucrative deals for his Youthstream organization in the world of motocross, he is a mover and a shaker in soccer…and, of course, he is controversial. Luongo has owned teams and is currently embroiled in the finances and control of another team (as this French newspaper article reports). In the photo with Giuseppe is his son David?a professional soccer player.

MXA TECH SPEC: YOUR INSIDER’S GUIDE TO THE 2013 KAWASAKI KX250F

Engine mods. For 2013, the KX250F gets a stronger and more durable bridge-box piston that has a tin plating to help mate it to the nickel plating on the cylinder wall. The plated piston improves lubrication and piston wear. The intake valves have a material upgrade to make them stronger, but are still designed with thin stems. To improve the airflow on the intake port, Kawasaki employed a special casting method to make the surface smoother. The crankcases have been beefed up around the motor mounts. The clutch cable holder is now integrated into the cases for a more solid feel. As a big plus for maintenance, the scavenging oil-filter screen can now be accessed without splitting the cases.

Fuel injection. The most significant change to the fuel injection is that the second injector has been placed in the center of the intake tract to help the dual-fuel-injection system get a more direct airflow from the airbox into the combustion chamber. A new seal between the air inlet port and TPS unit on the 43mm throttle body protects the TPS sensor from fuel penetration. A progressive throttle linkage opens more quickly after the 3/8-open position.

Exhaust system. The stainless steel head pipe is 30mm shorter than last year and has a resonance chamber hidden behind the heat shield. The muffler is also 30mm shorter, but has a larger cross section to keep the noise level at 94 dB (even though all of the major racing organizations now use the 115 dB two-meter-max system (which the Kawasaki does not pass).

SFF forks. Don’t confuse the SFF forks on the KX250F with the Pneumatic Spring Fork (PSF) air forks on the 2013 KX450F. The SFF forks use one coil spring. The 48mm Kayaba Separate Function Fork has 1mm-larger inner fork tubes that allow the internal damping components to be larger for firmer damping response and increased ride comfort. The SFF forks are highlighted by titanium coating on the outer fork tubes and Kashima coating on the inside of the fork tubes. The lower triple clamp has been redesigned to improve rigidity.

Swingarm. The 2013 KX250F swingarm has a longer-cast front section, tapered hydroformed spars and forged axle blocks.

Bodywork. New plastic pieces have been borrowed from the KX450F to go along with the 4mm-narrower frame. A close look at the chassis will reveal smaller side panels, double-molded two-tone plastic, a new air vent on the right side panel, and a firmer seat. Sharp eyes will spot the new front fender, slimmer radiator wings, a high-density chain buffer pad and a resin (plastic) skid plate.

Footpegs. The 2013 Kawasaki footpegs are 50mm wide.

Brakes. Kawasaki added a new-style, pushrod-type master cylinder to power the new brake-pad material (front and rear), wave-style brake rotors and a redesigned rear-caliper guard

Grips. Prior to the 2013 KX250F, the only way to get longer grips was to special order them from Bob Rutten at A’ME. Now, Kawasaki has taken the first step by increasing the grips by 10mm to give the riders more room to hang on.

Accoutrements. Also, look for the ribless rear hub, butted spokes, blue anodized inspection plugs, Renthal aluminum bars and an embossed clutch cover.

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