MOTOCROSS ACTION MID-WEEK REPORT
#WHIPITWEDNESDAY
Rider: Josh Mosiman
Bike: 2023 Honda CRF450 50th Anniversary Edition
Riding spot: Chocolate Mountain, El Cajon, CA
Photog: Trevor Nelson
TWO-STROKE SPOTLIGHT: CURT WINTER’S JAPANESE BLEND
“Hi MXA, I saw your article on the Honda CR500AF. I’ve built and owned several of those and have always been a Honda guy, but I wanted something different. 500 AFs are everywhere, so I built something different. I bought a well used 1987 Yamaha YZ490, stripped it down to the frame and started the build. I grafted on rear suspension from a 2007 Honda CRF250, including the rear disc brake.
In an effort to retain the old school look I opted for a set of 1997 Suzuki RM250 forks. I rode and raced it for a while, but never really liked the shortcomings of the Yamaha motor. For that reason I installed the complete top end from a 1984 Honda CR500 (air-cooled) on a 1990 CR500 lower end and slapped that motor in the YZ chassis. Now it’s got a motor worthy of the better suspension. I currently race it against modern bikes and have a blast. Truth be told, I was surprised how well it worked.”
Editor Note: If you would like your bike to be featured in the “Two-Stroke Spotlight,” please email me at [email protected]. All I ask is that you give a breakdown of your bike and a detailed description of the thing. Please also send a few photos of your steed. By submitting your bike for the “Two-Stroke Spotlight,” you agree to release all ownership rights to the images and copy to MXA.
KTM 300 SMOKER VERSUS HUSKY 250 SMOKER
NIHILO CONCEPTS SEPARATE START / STOP CONVERSION KIT
The Nihilo Concepts Separate Start / Stop Conversion Kit is designed to provide an alternative to the new 2023 combination switch on the new bikes. The combo switch does not have a user-friendly feel, and many cross country riders that compete in events with a dead engine start have complained about not being able to start their bike fast enough to get the hole shot.
The Nihilo kit is equipped with a common start and kill switch buttons that have been standard equipment for many years on many popular brands. Most riders are familiar with and feel comfortable with these high-quality buttons.
The conversion kit also allows the user to mount the buttons where ever they would like on their bars, and installation is easy because they clip into the Factory connector behind the front number plate.
Pick up a conversion kit today and stop worrying about not being able to start your bike. Instead, combine this kit with Nihilo’s popular SOS start switch for complete confidence in your bike. These Nihilo products are used by the KTM, Husqvarna, and Gas Gas Factory teams because they understand the importance of quality components for their race bikes.
Fitment (Click here for complete fitment list)
-2023 KTM / Husqvarna Motorcycles Big Bikes
-2022.5 KTM / Husqvarna Factory Edition
-2023 Gasgas Factory Edition
More information here: www.nihiloconcepts.com
QUOTE OF THE WEEK // REX STATEN // HOW A FACTORY RIDER TRAINED IN THE 1970s
When I rode for Honda, they made us come down to Gardena, California, to train. We played basketball and did exercises once a week. But, I would just rather ride at home. I would wait until it was about 100 degrees outside, about 1 p.m., and then go ride four long motos. I would ride until the bike ran out of gas, which was about 58 minutes. I would do that three times a week. Then I would get up in the morning and run 6 miles and swim for an hour before riding. By the time Thursday came along, I had to fly to the races. I was there on Friday hanging out with my mechanic. On Saturday, we would find a place to test the bike a little and be ready for Sunday. On Monday, we would fly back.
KEN ROCZEN LOOKING GOOD ON THE GRAM WITH HIS RM-Z450
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MARVIN MUSQUIN SPOTTED ON A KTM 300 TWO-STROKE!
MXA SWAG NOW AVAILABLE FOR LIMITED TIME WITH CHAMPION APPAREL 
MXA | MOTO | TRIVIA
Who is this racer and what year was it taken. Answer at the bottom of the page.
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: WISECO YAMAHA YZ125 PISTON KIT
Following Yamaha’s updated twostroke platform, Wiseco has introduced a line of purpose-engineered two-stroke pistons for the 2022 YZ125. Developed and manufactured 100 percent in-house in the USA and track tested, Wiseco’s YZ125 pistons are available in Pro-Lite, GP Series, and Racer Elite versions, all offering forged durability with price points and performance features to fit the needs of any rider or racer.
$123.13–$187.07— www.wiseco.com or (800) 321-1364.
2023 SUPERCROSS SCHEDULE
2023 AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 7…Anaheim, CA
Jan. 14…Oakland, CA
Jan. 21…San Diego, CA
Jan. 28…Anaheim, CA
Feb. 4…Houston, TX
Feb. 11…Tampa, FL
Feb. 25…Arlington, TX
Mar. 4…Daytona Beach, FL
Mar. 11…Indianapolis, IN, MI
Mar. 18…Detroit, MI
Mar. 25…Seattle, WA
Apr. 8…Glendale AZ
Apr. 15…Atlanta, GA
Apr. 22…East Rutherford, NJ
Apr. 29…Nashville, TN
May 6…Denver, CO
May 13…Salt Lake City, UT
2023 SUPERMOTOCROSS PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Sept. 9…TBA
Date TBA…TBA
Oct. 14: Los Angeles, CA
MXA’S 2023 250 FOUR-STROKE SHOOTOUT
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MXA MOTO TIP: TOUCHING YOUR TOES CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BEING A GOOD AND A GREAT RACER
MOTO TIP: Gaining flexibility will allow your body to move fluidity with the bike rather then fighting against it. Your hamstrings and hips are prime areas to focus on because these are the core elements of an aggressive stance on the bike. You don’t need to be a gymnast, but you do understand that the ability of stretch you bike across the length of your bike (from fender to fender) is often the saving crash of a potential crash.
CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE ARTICLE ABOUT STRETCHING AND FLEXIBILITY FOR MOTOCROSS HERE
TALK MOTO WITH ON MXA’S FACEBOOK GROUP CHAT
MXA CLASSIC PHOTOS | KEVIN WINDHAM PHOTO BLAST THROUGH THE YEARS
MXA Trivia answer: Keith Bowen from back in 1985.
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