TWO-STROKE SPOTLIGHT: BRADY HAGLER’S 2001 KAWASAKI KX500

“Just finished my rebuilt Tom Morgan Racing built engine and a Lectron carb  and Pro Action took care of the suspension. I used a Guts seat cover  and utilized all new bearings and seals with a Pro Circuit exhaust. This thing is like new only better.”–Brady Hagler

Editors Note: Please keep those submissions coming. 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 build. 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. Please don’t email me spam or try selling me Taylor Swift concert tickets or email me spam. Happy submitting your smoker.

#WHIPITWEDNESDAY

Rider: Ken Roczen and Blake Baggett
Location: Fox Raceway 2019 National
Photographer: Daryl Ecklund
Lens: 300mm
F Stop: f/6.3
ISO: 1000
Shutter speed: 1/1600

JGRMX ANNOUNCES EXTENSIVE LINE OF SUZUKI-SPECIFIC HARD PARTS FOR LATEST RM-Z250 & RM-Z450

This is JGR’s  Stage 1 engine kit. 

JGRMX SUZUKI STAGE 1 KIT
2019-‘20 SUZUKI RM-Z250: $1,049.99
2018-‘20 SUZUKI RM-Z450: $1,179.99

Boost overall horsepower and improve engine tuning ability with the JGRMX Suzuki Stage 1 Kit. The kit contains JGRMX’s proprietary high-compression piston kit, along with a GET RX1 PRO ECU. The ECU comes pre-programmed by JGRMX’s engine experts, with two maps that are designed specifically for JGRMX’s performance modifications. A map switch mounts to the handlebars and allows the rider to easily toggle between maps.

• Piston boosts engine compression (RM-Z250 – 14.25:1; RM-Z450 – 13.5:1)
• Two-ring design provides less drag and more horsepower
• Forged piston for increased durability
• Machined valve pockets for additional valve clearance
• JGR logo etched on the piston crown
• ECU comes pre-programmed with two map options (mapped for VP Racing T4 fuel)
• Plug-and-play with immediate performance benefits
• Maps developed specifically for JGRMX engine modifications
• Kit includes high-compression piston, rings, DLC coated wrist pin, clips, and GET RX1 PRO ECU (with WiFi-Com, two-position map switch and installation instructions)
• Available for the 2019-‘20 RM-Z250 and 2018-‘20 RM-Z450

Their Stage 2 kit comes complete with a cylinder head along with everything that comes with the Stage 1 kit. 

JGRMX SUZUKI STAGE 2 KIT
2019-‘20 SUZUKI RM-Z250: $3,999.99
2018-‘20 SUZUKI RM-Z450: $4,199.99

For the ultimate performance advantage, the JGRMX Stage 2 Kit contains the components necessary for success on the amateur ranks and professional level. The kit contains the JGRMX ported cylinder head assembly, JGRMX-spec race camshafts installed, as well as a pre-programmed GET RX1 PRO ECU and JGRMX high-compression piston kit. The Stage 2 Kit bolsters engine horsepower throughout the entire RPM range without sacrificing durability.

• CNC ported cylinder head
• Developed by the JGRMX race team
• Fully assembled by JGRMX engine techs and ready to install
• Kit includes assembled cylinder head, JGRMX-spec camshafts installed, GET RX1 PRO ECU (with WiFi-Com, two-position map switch and installation instructions), JGRMX high-compression piston kit, head gasket, base gasket and NGK spark plug
• Uses stock valve train and cam gears (valve springs are appropriately shimmed [450] or exchanged for proper valve control [250])
• JGR logo engraved on side of head
• Includes head gasket, base gasket & NGK spark plug
• Hinson clutch springs are suggested
• Requires the use of VP Racing T4 fuel
• Available for the 2019-‘20 RM-Z250 and 2018-‘20 RM-Z450

Head to www.JGRMX.com for more info. 

MOTO | TRIVIA

Who is this rider?

MOTORCYCLIST ENDS PRINT MAGAZINE TO BECOME A DIGITAL BRANDBonnier Corp. discontinued the printed edition of Motorcyclist after the July/August issue. The brand will continue online and across all social and video platforms.

MXA VIDEO: FOX RACEWAY NATIONAL PRESS DAY

MXA YOUTUBE CHANNEL | HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON

The MXA wrecking crew is everything moto related. Check out our MXA YouTube channel for bike reviews, Supercross coverage, rider interviews and much more. And don’t forgot to hit that subscribe button.

THEY SAID IT | 2019 FOX RACEWAY NATIONAL

Adam Cianciarulo: “I wasn’t really aware of the overall during the race, I just wanted to win the moto,” said Cianciarulo. “The first moto – the start just didn’t work out for me. I used a lot of energy in that first race. In the second moto, Hunter (Lawrence) was riding really good so I knew I had to turn it up a little after he went down. Two outdoor wins in the row feels good. It felt like a long time coming to finally get my first two years ago so this feels great to start with two wins.”

Garrett Marchbanks: “This was a much better race for me, even with the bad starts,” said Marchbanks. “Knowing I was able to come through after being so far back gives me motivation for the upcoming races. I just need to nail down my starts and we’ll be right up there fighting for a podium.”

Martin Davalos: “The track was tough today and I am still pretty sore from my crash last weekend,” said Davalos. “I did my best to find smooth lines but on a track like this you’re not going to find that. I am happy to see the progress in Moto 2 and will look forward to Denver to get back in the top 10.”

Justin Barcia: “I didn’t get a great flow in the morning and didn’t qualify my best, but going into the moto I knew I would do better. Ended up finishing seventh In the second moto, where the track got even more rough. I’m still building up my fitness and getting stronger coming off of my injuries from earlier this year. All in all it was a decent weekend. I’m glad to leave Fox Raceway healthy, but definitely looking to keep improving and getting better. I’m looking forward to Thunder Valley, I usually do good there.”

Dean Ferris:“I feel like I started the weekend solid, making improvements. First moto was pretty solid and had to dig pretty deep for that one. In the second moto, I got more comfortable with the settings and was pushing toward the front. I ended up having a crash but pushed as hard as I could. All in all we are making progress and will keep working toward improving.”

Justin Cooper: “Overall it was another solid day. I’m really striving for the win though, so to come close again is disappointing. It’s also fueling the fire. I was looking to be at front [in Moto 2] but I wasn’t riding as aggressive in the middle of the race and it cost me at the end. I couldn’t catch the front guys and had to settle for second.

“I am really happy with the bike and team, we will keep fighting to be on top. We are so close! I’m blessed to be in this position so far in the season and pleased that all the hard work is paying off. It’s just going to take a little more to get the job done. I’m really looking forward to getting that win this season.”

Dylan Ferrandis: “In the first moto, I had a crash with Adam (Cianciarulo) and I was way back. I had to push really hard to make it up into the top 10. I didn’t really expect to make the podium and wasn’t really worried about it in the second moto. After the start, I tried everything I could but couldn’t make it up to the rest of the guys. It’s really cool to make it back up on the box after missing out last weekend. I’ll try hard next weekend to get back in the championship chase. It’s a long season.”

Colt Nichols: “Overall a little disappointed with how the day ended up after feeling really good, but we get to try again next week. My bike was great and I’m really happy with the progress we made this past week. The track was tough today, mostly because passing seemed to be hard. Everyone was getting jammed up a bit at times. I’m really looking forward to next week and am ready to head back east.”

Ty Masterpool: “I was happy with my riding the first moto. I think it was smart and solid but I got a bad start and had to work my way up. The second moto – talk about adversity. I got a great start and then just went downhill from there, but I’ve been taking every moto as a great experience to learn and move forward.”

Zach Osborne: “It was a pretty solid day for me with 5-4 finishes and I have to be content leaving California healthy. This track was brutal today. This is the one that I was the most nervous about as far as the schedule goes and I came out with two decent results. I feel good about my position moving forward and I’ll just keep hammering.”

Jason Anderson: “My weekend went pretty good. The first moto, I kind of just hung in there for a fourth place and stayed with the guys. The second moto, I was riding good but I didn’t really have it in me to up the pace comfortably, so I tried to latch onto third and fourth and do my best to finish strong.”

Michael Mosiman: “My starts were poor today. The first one, I kind of wheelied out of it so we made a little adjustment for the second moto and then the gate flinched and I hit it, so I was dead last. It’s brutal out there when you’re really charging for 30 minutes but I’m pleased with my fitness. 8-11 finishes are not what we work for and not what we wanted but all things considered, I’m happy with how I rode.”

Thomas Covington: “Today started out pretty good, I got off to a good start and ran in the top-10 for most of the first moto, so that was a step forward for me. In the second race, I ended up hitting the gate with a few guys next to me and I just had a tough time finding my rhythm for the rest of the moto. I’m going to go back to work this week and try to make another step.”

Alex Martin: “I battled throughout the entire moto and ended up in a top-ten position,” said Martin. “I used those frustrations to almost pull the holeshot in the second moto. I ran second and couldn’t make a pass for the lead stick, which threw me out of my rhythm. Overall, it was a solid day, but nowhere near what I’m capable of. I’ll do some testing this week and come out swinging at Thunder Valley.”

Ken Roczen: “I’m pretty happy with today. Obviously, we want to win but we also have a championship mentality and are in this for the long run, so I’m totally fine with third place. This was my first national here at Fox Raceway and it was a tough day. The track was gnarly so you really had to be smart. I didn’t feel the greatest so to still come out with a podium is good. I got a good start and led for most the first moto, but unfortunately I made a couple big mistakes, where I almost slid out and crashed. That allowed Eli [Tomac] to close in and get by me. I grabbed another good start in the second moto and just tried to do the best I could. I managed to get around some guys and into third, but toward the end I really had to fight to hold the position because Zach [Osborne] was right on me. I’m happy with how I pushed to the end. We’ve got a lot of racing left so I’m looking forward to next week.”

Eli Tomac: “That second moto was really comfortable [on the bike]. It was really clean at the end. Marvin [Musquin] had a really good pace going there, and about halfway I was able to put pressure on him and make a really good pass. Once I got out front I was able to ride loose, picking good lines, and carried on to the win. We’re in a great position now [with the championship], so we’re right where we want to be.”

THE JUNE ISSUE OF MXA IS FULL OF GOOD STUFF

2003 KAWASAKI KX125 2 STROKE PROJECT BUILD

FORGOTTEN BIKES: RICKY CARMICHAEL’S 1997 KX125

WIN FREE THOR GEAR! TAKE THE 2019 MXA READER SURVEY

Now is your chance to score free Thor products! Completely fill out the annual “MXA Reader Survey” in the form below.  We’ll take your input to help improve both the web, digital and print content of Motocross Action. One lucky winner will be chosen at random to receive a free gear ensemble from Thor (style and/or color may vary). This year’s giveaway gear includes the following from Thor: Pulse race wear, Sector Bomber helmet, Sniper Chase goggle, Blitz XP boots and Draft gloves. Retail value for this gear collection is over $500, so don’t miss this opportunity to win all this stylish gear for free! Fill out the entire survey! One winner will be chosen on July 19, 2019.

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN MXA SURVEY 

MIPS ACQUIRES PATENT RIGHTS AND THE BRAND FLUID INSIDE

Press Release: MIPS, the world leader in brain protection systems within helmet-based safety, has today entered into an acquisition agreement for assets that further enhances MIPS’ product offering and safety solutions. The acquisition comprises the brand FLUID and related patent rights associated with a technology that addresses both linear and rotational motions to improve helmet protection. The acquired technology has been developed through a collaboration between Oblique Technology L.P. and the University of Ottawa in Canada, which are also the sellers in the transaction. The technology has so far been primarily integrated in helmets used in team sports. The acquisition also includes a limited number of customer agreements.

The purchase price amounts to approximately USD 3.3 million payable in cash. In addition, an earn-out of a maximum of USD 2 million may become payable based on future net revenues from the acquired rights. The closing took place in immediate connection with the signing of the agreement.

A broadening of MIPS’ patent rights is a strategically important step to strengthen MIPS’ total patent protection. The acquisition, however, is not expected to have any material impact on net sales or EBIT for MIPS during 2019.
”The acquisition is primarily part of our strategic plan to increase our patent protection and is an acknowledgment of our position as the world leader in brain protection systems within helmet-based safety. We are also very enthusiastic about strengthening our relationship with University of Ottawa and to further increase our knowledge within team sports”, says Max Strandwitz, CEO of MIPS.

CLASSIC PHOTO

Jeff Matiasevich back in 1987.

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Moto Trivia answer: Brock Sellards.