MOTOCROSS ACTION MID-WEEK REPORT

On Feb 5, 2019 Last updated Feb 6, 2019

#WHIPITWEDNESDAY

Rider: Zach Osborne
Bike: 2014 Honda CRF250

TWO-STROKE SPOTLIGHT: CARL LEGUIA’S HONDA MONSTER

Would you ride a Honda CR500? What if it was in a Honda CR250 chassis, had a lightened crank, porting, and more than enough power for King Kong? Carl Leguia, a New England Sports Committee racer, has more courage than most of us, because his CR500 monster is just that–a monster. Read all about it below.

“I am a Vet New England NESC racer and I still love the two-strokes. I could appreciate what the four-strokes were bringing to the table, but I wanted a bike that I could work on myself, and I have been a 500 guy for a long time anyways. I can’t see ever buying a 450 four-stroke. The bike I have is a 2002 generation three (2002-2007) Honda CR250 chassis with a 2001 CR500 engine from Service Honda.

“My bike has lots of motor work, including a lightened crank, Gorr porting, aluminum cylinder sleeve with Nikasil, lots of compression, PSI big air carb, V-Force reed block, Scalvini pipe and silencer, two stator coils for better spark, and runs on VP C12 fuel. It’s a killer. Factory Connection did the suspension. There are also 18mm offset clamps, KLP works replica swingarm (+1″), bigger front brake, and Buchanan wheels with 3″ back rims.

“I figure that I have 200 race days at Southwick just between 1983 and 2003, with lots of holeshots, too. The roost would go back 50 feet and do damage! I had a sticker on my back fender that said ‘Duck!’ I have had a lot of 500s, so now I’m trying to achieve the perfect CR500. The lighter crank makes the bike rev quicker, and it feels 25 pounds lighter. Only the most talented, like Tony Lorusso or a real 500 guy, can ride it! The power is instant and stupid. I love it.”

EDITORS NOTE: Please keep those submissions coming. If you would like your bike to be featured in the “Two-Stroke or Four-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 build. Please also send a few photos of your steed. By submitting your bike, you agree to release all ownership rights to the images and copy to MXA. Please don’t email me spam or try selling me Taylor Swift concert tickets or email me spam. I already celebrate T-Swizzle’s entire collective, and there will be “bad blood” if you send me junk mail. See what I did there? Happy submitting your smoker.

FLY RACING FORMULA HELMET INTRO

This is the new Fly Racing Formula helmet deconstructed .

The Thursday before the muddy San Diego Supercross, Fly Racing invited the MXA crew out to K1 Speedway in Carlsbad, California, for the unveiling of their Formula helmet. They took us through the intensive work they did over the past few years and brought the doctor over from England that helped design the new technology. Here are a few photos of the internals of the helmet and a few from the fun day of go carting. We can’t wait to ride with this helmet on the track. Look for a full test of the Fly Racing Formula helmet in the coming months in the pages of MXA.

Jason Thomas introduced the helmet to us (far right), next to him is Terry Baisley who started Fly Racing, next to him is Jerry Lathrop who has been working on designing the Formula helmet for year. And on the far left is the doctor from England they used to conduct many of the safety experiment and helped develop the technology of the helmet.

The K1 Speedway carts were waiting for us to test out.

The blue pieces you see is a material called Rheon. These Impact Energy Cells maximize absorption of low speed linear and rotational impacts, reducing forces transmitted to the brain.

Fly Racing’s James Cramer speeds on by wearing the Formula helmet.

The Conehead EPS Technology-Provides a softer liner whereby the cones help manage or absorb an impact force more efficiently. Six critical zones have been fine tuned for a progressive response to low speed and high speed impacts.

Dr. Daniel Plant did most the talking as he was the one that did all the testing in his lab in England.

The carbon fiber Formula helmet comes in seven different color options and retails for $649.95.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=5wTcrpy-Ko8

TEAM BUD RACING KAWASAKI 2019 | MXGP SERIES

Brian Hsu’s Bud Racing’s 2019 Kawasaki KX250.

Jimmy Clochet.
Brian Moreau is with the team again for 2019.

ZETA CASE SAVER WITH COVER

SPECIFICATIONS:
– Case saver comes with light weight and durable drive cover.
– Drive cover is made of A6061 laser cut aluminum.
– Sand blasted black anodized finish with laser print logo.
– Made of 2 mm aluminum with pressed construction for extreme durability and light weight.
– Available in Blue and Red case saver colors.

Visit www.zeta-racing.com for more info.

MXA | MOTO | TRIVIA

Who is this long time Yamaha Racing manager?

ALPINESTARS LIMITED EDITION SAN DIEGO 5 STAR GEAR

Press Release: San Diego is the principal homeport of the Pacific Fleet, and in honor of U.S Armed Forces, Alpinestars has released the Limited Edition ‘San Diego 5 Star’ Tech 7 boot and gear set coinciding with the race in San Diego. Inspired by the colors of the U.S Navy’s Top Guns, the boots and clothing feature a distinctive cool gray and bright red color scheme, complete with navy symbols and a warning triangle.

The CE certified Tech 7 is a technologically advanced and protective boot that incorporates innovative design materials in a streamlined boot for a lighter, more anatomically profiled performer. The ‘San Diego 5 Star’ blends all of the performance properties of the Tech 7 in an eye-catching cool gray and red colorway, as worn by Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac and Jason Anderson at the meeting, allowing Supercross fans to wear the same boots as their heroes.

The ‘San Diego 5 Star’ boots are complemented by matching Racer Tech jersey and pants and Radar glove, which all feature the same technical innovations and performance as every item in our motocross range. Designed to be worn with the ‘San Diego 5 Star’ Tech 7 boots, the striking outfit is a fitting tribute to America’s military personnel.

THEY SAID IT | 2019 SAN DIEGO SUPERCROSS

Jimmy Decotis: “The San Diego mudder was an absolute blast. I surprised myself in the muddy conditions. I pulled off my first podium of the year in some of the craziest conditions I’ve ever seen. I’m loving this Suzuki RM-Z250 so much. I’ve been so comfortable, and we are just continuing to build each and every week. I’ll have several weeks off before we head to Atlanta. I’m excited to keep progressing!

Chad Reed: “San Diego is always a race I really enjoy. I had a great week in California leading up to the race. It was a rain schedule, which is always challenging. There was a lot of sitting around going on. The track was gnarly. My heat race start was okay, but I was splashed with mud and couldn’t get clear vision quickly enough. I had to stop, but I came back to seventh. The main event wasn’t my best mud performance, but I’m really happy to get up into the top five. I’m back in North Carolina this week and looking forward to continue working with the team to get up on that podium.”

Enzo Lopes: “The day started off well. We all had one practice due to the rain, so I tried to put the whole practice together. I qualified seventh, which I was happy with. I had a good gate pick and started around fifth in my heat race. I was blind midway through the start because I got splashed in the pond that had developed right after the gate. I moved up to third and was making time on the leaders. Then I went off the track, caught up to some lappers, and couldn’t do a few sections cleanly. Still, I was happy to get third in the heat. I had fifth gate pick for the main. The track was brutal. I had a decent start, made a few passes, and moved up to second. Right before the finish line the bike stalled out. Then I fried my clutch and couldn’t regroup. I’ll take the positives away. I feel like Jimmy [Decotis] and I would have put the team on the box, but it is what it is.”

Michael Mosiman: “After a long day of waiting around, we finally got on the track and it was muddy to say the least, but I was enjoying the mud and having a blast. I got another poor start in the Main Event – I jumped out and got pinched off, but I was kind of not concerned because I knew I was riding well in the mud; and then three turns in, I crashed. I started coming through the pack and making passes, and someone cut over and clipped my front wheel and I went down. I got back up and went down one more time and ended up 12th. I’m really disappointed with this one because I felt like I had a shot to do really well and I don’t think I ride the mud too badly. But I’m going to go back, process it and learn from it. Obviously, the conditions were super unpredictable, but I still just want to be better. I’m disappointed but we’ll get better and look to the next round.”

Aaron Plessinger: “It was a mudder! I had a really good heat race, I got passed at the end for first and ended up second, but was happy with my progress. I definitely think my off-road background helps in the mud a bit, but I’m still getting used to the 450. It’s power. It’s weight. It’s a tough transition from 250s. You know, I’m learning still. I just have to get the starts, get the bike to where I can really man handle it. I felt pretty good throughout the race. My stomach was still not feeling great, I had food poisoning on Thursday and I really didn’t know what to expect coming into the race weekend. So it was a decent result, but I’m still not satisfied. I want to get inside the top five. I’m going to work hard this week and prepare for Minneapolis.”

Justin Barcia: “It was a crazy day, lots of rain so the track was super wet. I got a bad start in the heat race and got some water under my goggles, so I had to ditch them in the first turn and ended up stalling as well. I came from about last to fourth, so, ultimately, I was super happy with that ride. In the main event, I had a much better start than I’ve had lately. I felt like I was riding well enough to contend for a podium, or battle for the win, but I had a technical issue, and it took us out of the race. I just have to move on from this weekend and stay positive and keep on doing the things I have been doing and return to the podium sooner rather than later. The goal is Minneapolis, to get right back there. It’s been a tough few weeks but we’ll keep charging and never give up.”

Dylan Ferrandis: “Emotions are not really good for me at the moment… Being third and not being able to finish the race because of a technical issue, is unfortunate. The track was really muddy and slippery; and the conditions were really extreme. So, to finish seventh; it’s not what I wanted but it could have been worse. We will continue to fight hard until the end of the season to get the best result as possible. We will prepare for the shootout and for a better weekend for the whole Star team at Atlanta.”

Colt Nichols: “It was horrible night for me really. I can’t say it was all bad though, because I am leaving healthy, and tonight was a night to look at the bigger picture. Mud races can go well like it did at A1 or on the flip side, like it did tonight. I’m looking forward to using this break to get better and come out swinging at Atlanta. I’m looking forward to the challenge and clawing my way back up to the top of the standings.”

Eli Tomac: “I had a really comfortable lead… for a lot of the race and then got hung up on a Tuff Block after the whoops. I had to stop, pull it off, and then, yeah, a couple guys were down the last couple of laps there so that was crazy. So, gosh, just what an exciting day. It’s a good day, especially for these conditions. I just felt comfortable all day, so this was a pretty special day and it’s so cool to get that red plate.”

Marvin Musquin: “It was a crazy day, and a long day. We waited all day to get out and do only one practice, but I was able to qualify good in third and take third in my heat race. I didn’t get a great start in the Main Event and the dirt was so heavy it was packed up in my goggles and my helmet was really heavy. I scraped my goggles on the first lap a couple times to save my roll-off and it worked until the end, which was great. I came back after that but I had no idea where I was to try to make passes. It’s crazy because you don’t want to crash, but you want to try to pass guys in front of you and make up time. But you also try to be safe and try to stay on two wheels, and that’s what I did. I knew Kenny [Roczen] was in front of me at the end, but I didn’t know if that was for third or second – and then I crossed the finish line and looked at the board and it was a second, which is great. I’m glad I’m on the podium tonight and now go to the east coast with a dome stadium and a dry track!”

Cooper Webb: “It was an up and down weekend here in San Diego. It rained a lot, so it made for a challenging day but I qualified second, which was good. The heat race went well, I got a second in that, too. In the Main Event, I had a decent start and was running fifth, but I got held up – I’m not sure if Marv’s bike stalled in front of me, but I ended up going over the handlebars and was able to manage an eighth place for tonight. It’s definitely not where we wanted to be but I’m happy to make it out of this race with some points and I’m looking forward to getting back up on the podium next weekend in Minneapolis.”

Ken Roczen: “Today was a really weird day. We didn’t even get on the track until after 5 p.m. and only had the one qualifying practice. I got 12th, which wasn’t great, but the conditions were absolutely brutal. I got off to a pretty good start in the heat race and ended up winning, which was great. Going into the main and being able to pick whatever gate I wanted was huge. I got off to such a good start, it was crazy, and actually almost went down in the first turn because it was so slippery but pulled it off; then I actually went down in the second turn, which I was really bummed about. In those conditions, you don’t want to be anywhere but in the front. Going back to fourth or so was not what I wanted and just made it harder on me. I thought I was third most of the time but I guess I was second, and then Marvin [Musquin] got by me with just a turn left so I was pretty bummed. There was so much craziness going on, you can lose 10 seconds in a lap—or gain it, for that matter. I’m glad to be on the podium and be getting out of here safe. It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten out of the West Coast healthy, so I’m happy about that and looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Cole Seely: “Man, tonight was brutal. It was definitely one of the toughest mud races I’ve ever raced. With the rain schedule, we had a lot of downtime and it was a pretty long day, just sitting around. We didn’t even ride until past 5 p.m. for qualifying, but I actually had fun and felt like I was riding pretty good. Unfortunately, I had some issues in my heat, barely transferring and giving me a terrible gate pick for the main. I didn’t get the best start in the main, so I had to come in after a few laps for new googles, then went down a couple times. It was pretty much survival out there. Definitely not the result I wanted, but it’s still early in the season. We’re heading into dome stadiums, so hopefully I can get back to where I know I can be.”

Erik Kehoe: “Tonight went really good for Kenny. His holeshot in the main event was awesome. In conditions like we had tonight, a lot of things could go bad, so coming out of here with a podium and only four points out of the championship is very successful. I know he’s upset about losing second on the final lap, but there are more positives to take away. Cole had a tough night, going down in the main event. He didn’t have a great starting position from the heat, so he had to go far outside, which could have gone in his favor, but it ended up not. I don’t think the muddy conditions are Cole’s favorite.”

Adam Cianciarulo: “This feels so good because the mud brings in added stress and you never know what will happen. I just visualized the win, getting through the first turn first and focused on staying in control. My team made a great call going to the Dunlop paddle tire and it helped get me out front. I’ve never won two in a row before so that feels great.”

Garrett Marchbanks: “I didn’t even know what place I took until after I crossed the finish,” said Marchbanks. “The whole race I kept pushing, trying to make passes. Maybe not knowing took the pressure off me, but I love this feeling and repaying the team for all their hard work. I would love to see it happen again this year.”

WATCH FXR 2020 DEALER SHOW LIVE

Watch FXR’s biggest event of the year live! February 7th-8th 2019. Get a sneak peek of the new gear, accessories, and the latest technological advancements by FXR!  

Press Release: For over twenty years, FXR has created high-performance outerwear for both world-class athletes, and the everyday rider.

Our collections stay true to the bold styles with a wide selection to choose from that allows riders to not only look great but to utilize FXR’s proprietary technology to stay warm, dry, and protected in any of winter’s unforgiving elements.   Watch your favorite FXR snocross and snowbike athletes compete head to head in the Snocross/Snowbike World Championship Shoot Out.    Tune in live to watch:  2020 FXR Fashion Show Thursday February 7th, Snocross/Snow Bike World Championship Shoot Out Friday February 8th  Click the link for more details.

Click Here to Watch Live February 7th-8th 2019 www.fxrracing.com/livestream

SUBSCRIBE TO MXA & GET A $25 CHAPARRAL GIFT CARD—YOU MAKE A PROFIT BY READING MXA

If you subscribed to Motocross Action, the February 2019 issue of MXA would be in your mailbox, computer or iPhone now.

It is jam-packed with bike tests, product reviews and moto-info. Not only do we have the 2019 MXA 250 Four-Stroke Shootout in this issue, but 2019 Husqvarna FC350 test , 2019 Yamaha YZ250 two-stroke test, a retro-test of Chad Reed’s 2002 L&M Yamaha YZ450F and a 2019 Honda CRF250 test. Plus, a test of Carson Brown’s Straight Rhythm winning Husky TC125 two-stroke and Austin Forkner’s 2019 AMA 250 East Supercross KX250 four-stroke. Not to mention giant coverage of the World Vet Championship.

Do you subscribe to MXA? You should. We know that you think that print magazines are dead and that the internet will fill the void, but most of the stuff in the current issue of MXA won’t appear on the web for several months, if at all. Luckily, you can get all of MXA on your iPhone, iPad, Kindle or Android by going to the Apple Store, Amazon or Google Play or in a digital version. Even better you can subscribe to Motocross Action and get a $25 Chaparral gift card to spend on whatever motorcycle parts or products you need. You can call (800) 767-0345 or go to www.hi-torque.com/product/motocross-action-holiday or click on the box at the bottom of this page.

EMIG PRO V2 LOCK-ON GRIPS

After 5 years of success with the original EMIG V2 Lock-On Grip System, the collaboration between ODI and Jeff Emig has taken the feel of motocross grips to the next level. Countless hours of design along with multiple test sessions with top riders, to develop a grip built specifically around a Pro’s needs that also provide maximum bike control to every level of rider. The New EMIG PRO Grip will be the choice of all motocross riders who want extra-soft compound for improved comfort, excellent controll adn less hand fatigue. Designed by Jeff Emig, developed and manufactured in-house at ODI Grips in Riverside, CA.

GRIP FEATURES:
-Raised center JE logo pattern conforms to palms, improves padding & reduces vibration
-Extra-soft, undercut independent ribs deliver lateral & rotational traction
-Alloy reinforced end caps provide extra durability against grip blowout
-ODI exclusive locking clutch-side collar attaches the grip providing 360° of Security
-Simple Installation and Removal Without Waiting for Glue to Dry
-Throttle Tube Included with Snap On Cam to match more models
-No safety wire required means longer grip life, even in the event of a crash
-Kit provides Cams for both 2 & 4-Stroke Applications
-Cams that are included:
-Kit – Includes Cam:A,B,J,C & D
– $28.95 for fo info head to www.odigrips.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=YWIFuybK8O8

2019 KTM 690 SMC R AND KTM 690 ENDURO R

2019 KTM 690 SMC R

The sharpened KTM 690 SMC-R bodywork is not just for looks; improved ergonomics improve feel and control between rider and machine to get the most from this Supermoto superhero. All-new, fully-adjustable APEX suspension from the experts at WP also helps deliver a charismatic machine capable of conquering the tightest curves and cutting through congested commutes.

There are two ride modes – Street and Sport – along with cornering ABS, lean angle-sensitive motorcycle traction control and Quickshifter+. The KTM 690 SMC R is fitted with Bridgestone S21 tires for maximum performance on the street and plenty of grip for race track usage.

KTM 690 ENDURO R

2019 KTM 690 ENDURO R.

The KTM 690 Enduro R unites asphalt and trails like never before. The latest KTM LC4 single-cylinder has two balancer shafts for reduced vibrations, ride-by-wire to allow changeable ride modes and traction control.

The new bodywork features a redesigned seat, enhanced aesthetics and improved ergonomics. The chassis coupled with fully-adjustable WP XPLOR suspension and two new electronic systems – Offroad and Street. The KTM 690 Enduro R is fitted with Continental TKC80s for great performance both in the dirt and on the road.

Both bikes are available from official KTM dealers in early spring, backed up with a wide range of official KTM PowerParts to intensify them further. Discover more at www.ktm.com and locate a KTM dealer nearest you.

6D HELMETS INTRODUCES NEW ATR-2Y YOUTH HELMET

Helmet-safety pioneer’s latest offering provides improved performance for young riders through Advanced ODS technology.

Press Release: During a special event hosted by Perris Raceway, 6D Helmets unveiled its all-new ATR-2Y Youth off-road motorcycle helmet. The byproduct of 6D’s commitment to improved safety and brain protection, the ATR-2Y features an evolved version of the company’s signature Omni-Directional Suspension system (ODS), and is an exact miniaturized replica of the previously introduced adult ATR-2. Updates were heavily influenced by work 6D completed inside the NFL’s Head Health Challenge III Contest, in which 6D and laboratory testing partner Dynamic Research, Inc. were selected as the Grand Prize Winner.

6D revolutionized helmet design with the 2013 introduction of the ATR-1 off-road motorcycle helmet, whose ODS technology has become the industry gold standard providing improved brain protection over a much broader range of energy demands than traditional helmet designs.

“6D’s Omni-Directional Suspension technology has become renowned for its excellent energy mitigation capabilities and its advanced design. It has proven itself effective in reducing energy transfer time and time again with excellent results.” said Bob Weber, 6D’s CEO and cofounder. “While there is still no concussion proof helmet, and very likely never will be, the reduction of energy transfer to the brain is everyone’s goal; and nothing does that more comprehensively than our advanced Omni-Directional Suspension system.”

The ATR-2Y’s Advanced ODS is highlighted by a new Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) multi-impact outer liner and a new replaceableExpanded Polystyrene (EPS) inner liner. As before, the two liners are connected via a series of elastomeric isolation dampers, assisting in progressive loading of the ODS system during impacts. New to the advanced design, many of the isolation dampers have been replaced by “damping towers” that are incorporated into the outer liner and capped by low-friction disks that slide freely against the inner liner during impacts providing a freer more effective energy management system.

“Through material testing and analysis made possible by the NFL Head Health Challenge III Contest, we were able to unlock additional potential from our ODS system, and we’re proud to have incorporated these improvements into the new ATR-2 and ATR-2Y,” said Robert Reisinger, 6D’s Director of Engineering and cofounder. “With this new Advanced ODS system in place, the ATR-2Y offers improved performance in both linear and angular acceleration mitigation. We also worked hard to improve fit for the larger kids out there offering a broader range of fitment as they develop into young adults.”

In addition to Advanced ODS, the ATR-2Y features a number of other updates aimed at improving safety: A new Cervical Protection Zone works to protect the neck and spine while the ATR-2Y’s shell has been optimized to perform in concert with the Advanced ODS. A new Brow Rib strengthens the shell at the eyeport area and the new EPP chinbar provides improved impact protection to the jaw area.

In addition to its superior low-, mid-, and high-velocity impact mitigation, the ATR-2Y helmet also features a removable, washable comfort liner with a genuine Dri-Lex® antibacterial fabric, as well as 16 transfer ports and 6 exhaust ports that work in unison with the Air Gap Ventilation System to keep the rider cool.

Safety features carried over from the revolutionary ATR-1 include the clavicle cutaway, sternum pad, shear-away visor screws, and emergency removable cheek pads.

The ATR-2Y is available in four sizes ranging from Youth Small to Youth XL, and comes with a three-year limited warranty. MSRP is $449.

Key Features:

Advanced ODS system improves energy transfer mitigation at low-, mid-, and high-velocity accelerations for both linear and angular accelerations
Replaceable EPS inner liner for low-cost rebuilding
Increased ODS displacement travel (+30%)
Multi-impact EPP outer liner
Progressive damping towers with low-friction disks
Optimized, lightweight Tri-Composite shell
Brow Rib for increased structural integrity above the eyeport
Cervical Protection Zone
Air Gap Ventilation System with 16 transfer ports and 6 exhaust ports
Removable, washable comfort liner featuring Dri-Lex® anti-bacterial fabric
Emergency quick-release cheek pads

TALK MOTO WITH ON MXA’S FACEBOOK GROUP CHAT

We love everything moto and want to bring all moto junkies together into one place to share their two cents, ideas, photos, bike fixes, bike problems and much more. To check it out first you must need to or already have a Facebook account. If you don’t, it isn’t much work and you could even have an alias so nobody knows it is you. To join click HERE. After you request to join we will accept your request shortly after.

MXA INSIDE COOPER WEBB’S FACTORY KTM 450SXF

LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN | 1981 SUZUKI RM250 FULL FLOATER

2019 MOOSE RACING SPRING COLLECTION

Press Release: Introducing the new Moose Racing M1 Agroid racewear January 31st, 2019 – Janesville, WI – Cutting-edge design and superior construction set the Moose Racing M1 Agroid racewear apart from the competition. Based on the race-winning M1 racewear chassis, the new M1 Agroid racewear features a brand new look 20 years in the making. Combine the innovative look with premium features such as a semi-vented and moisture wicking jersey, triple-stitched pants with full grain genuine leather knee panels and you have the ideal set of racewear for any condition. Available in four different colorways, the M1 Agroid racewear and matching MX2 glove are available now at your local Parts Unlimited dealer. Jersey Suggested Retail $39.95. Pant Suggested Retail $109.95. Glove Suggested Retail $19.95. Visit Mooseracing.com for more information.

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