#WHIPITWEDNEDAY

Rider: Travis Pastrana

Travis Pastrana started by racing Supercross in the early 2000s. He entered the professional circuit and rapidly gained recognition for his exceptional speed and skills on the tracks. Pastrana’s aggressive riding style and fearless approach made him stand out from the competition. While he achieved success in supercross, including race wins and strong performances in the AMA Supercross Championship, his career direction eventually shifted towards freestyle motocross, where his creativity and ability to perform insane tricks propelled him to international stardom. Nonetheless, his early supercross career provided a solid foundation for his later accomplishments in the world of action sports.

TWO-STROKE SPOTLIGHT | 1991 SUZUKI RM125 

“This 1991 RM125 was found in storage and I was able to buy it. Engine was rebuilt with a Vesrah crank, EBC clutch, and Pro X top end. Found a NOS (New Old Stock) Technosel seat cover and a Rental pink bar pad from Mike Keidrowski’s KX500. New chain and sprockets from Primary Drive and Sled Cleaning brake rotors from JT Racing. Evo MX supplied the graphics and plastic was from UFO. Tires are Dunlop MX33s.

“Frame was powder coated dark grey by previous owner but I stripped it and brought it back to the original yellow look. Finally got it all finished up and ready to try my hand at some vintage racing!

MXA PHOTO TRIVIA

Who is this rider? Answer at the bottom of the page

ANAHEIM ONE TRACK MAP

The season opener at Anaheim 1 is merely three days away. Here, we present an overview of the track map for this highly anticipated event. Notably, the inclusion of consecutive whoop sections adds an element of challenge and excitement, promising an intense and thrilling start to the season.

SOLVING OUR 2024 YAMAHA YZ250F COMPLAINTS

ASK THE MXPERTS: COMPARING APPLES AND LEFT-OVER FRUIT

As you would expect after 19 years of development, a modern KTM 125SX, and especially a 150SX, will make significantly more power than a big-bore 2003 YZ134.

Dear MXperts,

I would like your help. I am trying to decide on what my next bike should be and have narrowed it down to the KTM 125SX or KTM 150SX. I am a 44-year-old Vet Intermediate who weighs 170 pounds with no gear on. I have been riding and racing motocross for 20 years. I had a 2003 YZ125 that I bored out to 134cc and had the compression raised enough to require race gas. Then I switched to a 2005 YZ250, which I am still currently riding. I rode the YZ250 and YZ134 back to back, and my lap times were identical because my corner speed on the 250 was so bad. I still feel like I get too much wheel spin out of corners on my YZ250 when traction is minimal. I want to go back to a small-bore bike and, from everything I’ve read, it seems like the KTMs are the obvious choice. I’m just not sure which one I should get. I tend to lean towards the 150SX because of the power. Do you think  a 2022 KTM 125SX might pump out the same horsepower as my YZ134?

That’s a very long question just to ask if a 2020 KTM 125SX would be as powerful as your 2003 Yamaha YZ134. You can relax. In stock trim your 2003 Yamaha YZ125 produced 31.8 horsepower at 11,200 rpm (with 15.2 pound-feet of torque). Even with a 134cc big-bore kit, your 2003 YZ134 would have been lucky to get to 35.5 horses.

Now for the answer! A modern KTM125SX makes 38 horsepower in stock trim (with 17.73 pound-feet of torque), while the KTM 150SX produces 41 horsepower (with 18.81 pound-feet of torque). Based on your age, weight and class, you will be better served by the KTM 150SX. It makes 2 to 3 more horsepower across the whole powerband than the KTM 125SX. The added torque will get your extra body weight out of the corners quicker, while the additional 6 horsepower (compared to your 2003 YZ134) will be a revelation on the starts. It’s amazing what 19 years of R&D can achieve. Be forwarned that the powerband of a 2022 KTM 125/150SX is typically mid and up.

SUPERCROSS FANTASY LEAGUE APP DEVELOPED BY MXA

Apple app download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mxa-fantasy-league/id6473468112
Android app download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mxa.fantasyleague&pcampaignid=web_share

Prepare for a  Supercross Fantasy experience like never before! Introducing our cutting-edge app, meticulously crafted to deliver all the action right to your fingertips. Say farewell to web browsers as we usher in a sophisticated, seamless, and completely free platform for you to dive into the world of Supercross Fantasy. While we gear up for the upcoming rider selection entries, you can already engage in intense competitions by joining private parties. Challenge your friends, create groups, and immerse yourself in the competition. If you’re using Apple click here and if you’re on Android click here.

MOTOCROSS ACTION’S 2024 450 SHOOTOUT

TOMAC VS LAWRENCE

In anticipation of Anaheim one, there’s a lot of talk about who will take the win in the opening round. Both riders have been exceptional over the last year but as the old saying goes “consistency wins championships” and with a long series ahead which rider will be feeling the pressure in the first round of the year?

Eli is not actually known for winning Anaheim 1, although he did win for the first time in ten tries last year. Eli’s track record of AMA Championships proves that he is well aware you don’t win a series in the opening round, but you can lose one. Through the past few seasons, Eli has gained momentum throughout the rounds ultimately putting himself on top more than not. Coming off an Achilles injury from the 2023 Supercross season a lot of people think he’s lost that aggression. All we’re saying is don’t judge Eli in round one as we’re sure most will be pleasantly surprised with his speed.

Jett in 2023 proved that he was the man to beat. He showed tremendous consistency by winning all 22 motos in the outdoor series and then capped his year off with the SMX overall. Heading into 2024 the confidence levels are threw the roof for this young rider, but a long grueling Supercross season lies ahead and Jett has to keep mentally strong to be able to continue with the success. Going into Anaheim 1 we think Jett will come out swinging and put on a great performance, but can he continue this through the entire season, we’re interested to see how it all plays out.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: BIG BROTHER HUNTER LAWRENCE