#WHIPITWEDNESDAY

Rider: Ryan Dungey
Location: Detroit Supercross
Date: March 25th, 2017
Photographer: Brian Converse
Camera: Nikon D4
Lens: 300mm f/2.8
Focal length: 300mm
Exposure: 1/1600 sec.
F-stop: 4
ISO: 2500

TWO-STROKE SPOTLIGHT: CHAD FULLER’S 2017 HUSQVARNA TC250

Chad really went whole hog on his two-stroke bike build.

“Back in mid 2015, the first pictures of Alexander Tonkov’s FC250 dropped, and I immediately knew the minute Husqvarna put a 250 two-stroke in that chassis I was buying one. Fast forward to a long layover in the Denver Airport in August of 2016, and I was putting a deposit on one.

The first thing I did was dig out an 2006 Suzuki RM250 Keihin PWK carburetor and mailed it to Terry Varner. I gave the stock Mikuni TMX a fair chance. Terry bored the bowl and blended the carburetor to 39.5mm.

Pro Circuit pipe and silencer and Chad switched out the Mikuni TMX carb for a 2006 RM250 PWK carb.

I then ordered a billet metering block from Keith Peterson Racing. But it didn’t work. After multiple metering blocks, and multiple dyno pulls, they simply fall off after 5500 rpm or so. Plus, you can’t access the pilot and main via the float bowl nut, one of the hallmarks of the latest PWK, if you ask me. The only area of caution I’d give to anyone performing this carburetor swap, is to pay careful attention to float height. The cylinder head on the YZ and RM are almost vertical, where as the KTM engines have a bit of a more forward slant. As a result, the KTM spec’d PWK actually has a different float setting and float bowl vent tube angle to compensate. Look inside both float bowls if you get a chance, and you’ll see.

I ended up going back to a stock metering block, along with the JD Jetting needle for the 2006 RM250. I first tried the HGS pipe with the Bud Racing carbon silencer. It shifted the power too far to the right for my liking. I ended up settling on a Pro Circuit works pipe with a R134 shorty. Not something I’d normally put on a bike that gets ridden on fast outdoor tracks exclusively, but this bike needed more on the front side of the curve, and now it has it.  These bikes rev once you ditch the OEM silencer.

These are Marchesini wheels. The spokes are straight pulling thread directly into the hub.

I’m running the softest (hardest hitting) PV spring, because they shifted the hit too far to the right. I don’t really adhere to the school of thought that the way to smooth out power is to remove it.

Factory Connection installed an aftermarket shock bladder to allow for the use of the Yamaha KYB internals. They also handled the forks really well, as always. They’ve never been more than two clicks off on anything I’ve ever sent them.

It’s true what they say about the stock reeds on these bikes. You can hold them up to the light and read the newspaper through them. Especially to the sides, they just do not seal. This is probably why partial throttle is difficult to jet, in retrospect. Steve Tassinari and his crew spent a ton of time developing a reed block for these things. I got my hands on one, the VForce4R. It really cleaned the bike up for partial throttle roll-on.

Holes were cut in the airbox to allow better flow and Factory Connection installed KYB internals. 

I’m running the new Marchesini wheels. They do not use a spoke nipples. The spokes are straight pull and thread directly into the hub. Where there would traditionally be a nipple, the spoke itself has a 4mm hex integrated. They’re super light, and super well made.

I went to X-Trig bar mounts, which suspend the bars on 4 elastomers. They’re a Husqvarna optional part. Once the elastomers break-in, they reduce the already low vibration levels into the realm of inperceivable.”

Editor 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. 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.

MXA EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: JORDAN SMITH TRAINING WITH JUSTIN BARCIA AT MTF


MATRIX CONCEPTS EXPANDS CUSTOM ID PROGRAM

Press Release: Matrix Concepts is pleased to announce the expansion of its Custom ID program. As a brand leader and supplier for the top teams in racing, we now have several custom options available for stands, ramps, cans, tie downs, and much more. You can now have the same look and customizable options as the Factory teams! Visit https: www.matrixracingproducts.com/custom-id-page/ to customize core products, stickers, banners and much more today!

Not interested in the options listed? We can match any of the Matrix Concepts team graphics out there including Star Racing, Geico Honda, JGR, RMATV KTM, and more. Give us a call at (661) 253-1592 to further discuss all options available!

THEY SAID IT: DETROIT SUPERCROSS

Marvin Musquin: “Today was a really tough day, honestly I don’t really like this track in Detroit. It was so hard and slick, not my favorite conditions. It was a good thing I pulled the holeshot, that really saved my Main Event. I was not the fastest today, Tomac pulled away and I was able to keep second place but it doesn’t feel like a second place tonight. It was a long main but we still made it happen. Once again Red Bull KTM has two bikes on the podium but it’s not the center so it’s a little frustrating but we’ll keep pushing to make it happen.”

Ryan Dungey: “I think the hardest thing is where we were at in the first lap of the race in the last few races. Eli gets out front and takes off and I have nothing for him, but I put in a hard charge for third and that was good. We just have to put ourselves in a better position and work through it together. We have five races left, but we need to turn it up.”

Trey Canard: “It was a good building race for me. Although my finish was not great we made great progress this week and I will continue to keep my eyes forward.”

Cole Seely: “Tonight is such a bummer, mainly because I felt so good all day. I had a good practice and was only fourth-tenths off first, then got off to a great start in the heat race and won that pretty easy. I felt like I was in control of the heat race, didn’t make many mistakes and was just able to put down some solid laps. Unfortunately, in the main event I got hit from behind in the first turn and ran into Dean]Wilson pretty hard on my way to the ground. It was completely out of my control. When you get off to a bad start and pick up the bike in 20th, it’s hard to push forward. Once I got into tenth I was in no-mans land with nobody close in front of me so it was hard to try and make up more ground. I’m just disappointed; I really felt like a good night was coming my way tonight.”

Jordan Smith: “It was an unbelievable day. I had to go to the LCQ and I won that. In the main, I got a great start from the outside. I had to make a few passes and the track was really tough, which was causing people to make mistakes. I’m so thankful for so many people. It’s an amazing feeling [to win] and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

Eli Tomac: “I’m putting myself in a good position in the main event. I didn’t do that in the heat race, but got my act together for the main and was able to capitalize. I felt very fortunate for having that ninth gate pick. I just felt good and comfortable. This is what we wanted tonight on this sketchy surface and I was able to attack it. It was another really good night of racing.”

UP-CLOSE WITH JUSTIN BARCIA’S NEW ARAI LID

PHOTO OF THE PAST: MIKE BROWN ON HIS 2004YAMAHA OF TROY YZ250F

Mike went on to finish third overall in the 2004 AMA 250 Nationals behind James Stewart and Broc Hepler.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: RXR PROTECT BULLET INFLATABLE CHEST PROTECTOR

Press Release: RXR Protect is taking action sports body protection to the next level with the inflatable Bullet Chest Protector. Taking the form of a traditional upper body protector, RXR’s design features a combination of inflatable air chambers, EVA foam, and a soft plastic outer shell to provide optimum levels of safety and comfort while protecting riders in all situations. The revolutionary Patent Pending Air Shock Absorber (ASA) Technology is changing the way riders and racers use safety equipment as it provides a cushion of air against roost and impacts. Paired with a new line of pre-designed and customizable graphics, the Bullet forges it’s way through the the competition with class leading strength and trend setting style.
Price: $195
Contact: (708) 667-7897
Website: www.rxrprotect.com/us

SUPERCROSS KNOWLEDGE: DETROIT SUPERCROSS

By Broc Bridges

1. Eli Tomac earned his 11th career victory and seventh of the season in Detroit. It was his 59th career start and he is now the first rider to win four consecutive races since Ryan Villopoto in 2014.
2. Jordon Smith became the 105th different rider to win a 250SX class race by winning Detroit. He is the sixth rider to win his first 250SX class race on a KTM (Shane McElrath, Jessy Nelson, Marvin Musquin, Ken Roczen, and Grant Langston) and the 12th total different rider to win a 250SX class race on a KTM. The victory was also KTM’s 34th 250SX class win of all-time.
3. Marvin Musquin earned his 12th career podium and seventh of the season with his runner-up finish in Detroit. The start was the 33rd of his career and he now has 14 top five finishes and 26 top-10’s.

4. Blake Baggett earned his seventh top five finish of his career with a fourth. It was his sixth consecutive top-10 finish and Baggett now has 25 top-10’s in 38 starts.
5. Davi Millsaps made his 146th career start (eighth all-time) in Detroit and earned his 60th career top five.
6. Jason Anderson rode to his 10th top-10 finish of the season and his 40th top-10 of his career with a sixth in Detroit.

7. Five of the top six bikes were European brands (four KTM’s and one Husqvarna).
8. Broc Tickle made his 77th career start in Detroit and earned his fifth top-10 of the season.
9. Josh Grant finished eighth in his 78th career start. It was his fifth top-10 of the season and he now has 42 all-time.

10. Cole Seely rode to his worst finish of the season but was still able to finish 10th to keep his top-10 streak alive. He now has 44 top-10’s in his 54 career starts.

2017 RACE SCHEDULES: BE THERE OR BE SQUARE

California is the richest race state in the union, with seven major events in 2017. Folks in Michigan should rejoice, as Supercross (Detroit), Arenacross (Grand Rapids) and the AMA Nationals (Red Bud) visit “The Great Lake State.” And those residing in the Pacific Northwest will be happy hosting a bevy of events, from Supercross to the AMA Nationals.

2017 MONSTER ENERGY SUPERCROSS SERIES
January 7…Angel Stadium…Anaheim, CA (West)
January 14…Petco Park…San Diego, CA (West)
January 21…Angel Stadium…Anaheim, CA (West)
January 28…University of Phoenix…Glendale, AZ (West)
February 4…Alameda Coliseum…Oakland, CA (West)
February 11…AT&T Stadium…Arlington, TX (West)
February 18…U.S. Bank Stadium…Minneapolis, MN (East)
February 25…Georgia Dome…Atlanta, GA (East)
March 4…Rogers Centre…Toronto, Canada (East)
March 11…Daytona Speedway…Daytona, FL (East)
March 18…Lucas Oil Stadium…Indianapolis, IN (East)
March 25…Ford Field…Detroit, MI (East)
April 1…America’s Center…St. Louis, MO (East)
April 8…CenturyLink Field…Seattle, WA (West)
April 22…Rice-Eccles Stadium…Salt Lake City, UT (West)
April 29…MetLife Stadium…East Rutherford, NJ (East)
May 6…Sam Boyd Stadium…Las Vegas, NV (East/West)
*Visit http://www.supercrosslive.com/ to purchase tickets

2017 AMSOIL ARENACROSS SERIES
January 7-8…U.S. Bank Arena…Cincinnati, OH
January 13-15…Van Andel Arena…Grand Rapids, MI
January 20-22…Royal Farms Arena…Baltimore, MD
January 28-29…Bridgestone Arena…Nashville, TN
February 4-5…Freedom Hall…Louisville, KY
February 18-19…Sprint Center…Kansas City, MO
February 24-26…Georgia Dome…Atlanta, GA
March 3-5…Landers Center…Southaven, MS
March 11-12…Smoothie King Center…New Orleans, LA
March 18-19…Moda Center…Portland, OR
March 24-26…Livestock Events Center…Reno, NV
April 1-2…Golden I Center…Sacramento, CA
April 22-23…Denver Coliseum…Denver, CO
May 5-7…Orleans Arena…Las Vegas, NV
*Visit http://www.supercrosslive.com/ to purchase tickets

2017 LUCAS OIL PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
May 20…Hangtown…Sacramento, CA
May 27…Glen Helen…San Bernardino, CA
June 3…Thunder Valley…Lakewood, CO
June 17…High Point…Mount Morris, PA
June 24…Muddy Creek…Blountville, TN
July 1…Red Bud…Buchanan, MI
July 8…Southwick…Southwick, MA
July 22…Spring Creek…Millville, MN
July 29…Washougal…Washougal, WA
August 12…Unadilla…New Berlin, NY
August 19…Budds Creek…Mechanicsville, MD
August 26…Ironman…Crawfordsville, IN
* Visit http://www.promotocross.com/mx/tickets to buy tickets

2017 FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
February 25…Losail…Qatar
March 5…Pangkal Pinang…Indonesia
March 19…Neuquen…Argentina
April 2…Leon…Mexico
April 16…Trentino…Italy
April 23…Valkenswaard…The Netherlands
May 7…Kegums…Latvia
May 21…Teutschenthal…Germany
May 28…Ernee…France
June 11…Orlyonok…Russia
June 25…Maggiora…Italy
July 2…Agueda…Portugal
July 23…Loket…Czech Republic
August 6…Lommel…Belgium
August 13…Frauenfeld…Switzerland
August 20…Uddevalla…Sweden
September 3…Charlotte…USA
September 10…Assen…The Netherlands
September 17…Villars sous Ecot…France

Photos by Scott Mallonee, Brian Converse, MXA, JGR Store