MOTOCROSS ACTION’S WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: CENTER-HUB STEERING YZ450F, HAS THE FIM LOST ITS MIND? PLUS, AN AERIAL VIEW OF THE “DAY IN THE DIRT” RACE COURSE
THE MOTOCROSS FILES ? SEASON ONE BOX SET FINALLY AVAILABLE
It took five years, but the entire Season One collection of the hit TV series “The Motocross Files” is available now. The $79.95 five-disc set includes bonus footage, added scenes and extras that any motocross fan will enjoy for years to come. The box set includes full-length episodes with Brad Lackey, Marty Smith, Roger DeCoster, Ricky Johnson and Bob Hannah.
This would be a nice gift for any moto friend or family member. To order go to www.motocrossfiles.com
TIER MOTORSPORTS PATENTED FOUR-BAR STEERING MECHANISM
Tier Motosports front suspension kit.
Tier Motorsports, in Northern California, is working on a Four-Bar Steering Mechanism that will be an add-on product to existing offroad motorcycles. The four-bar suspension activates a shock that is tucked in next to the cylinder on the left side of the bike. Center-hub steering is used to turn the motorcycle, since the front swingarm doesn’t move. The front suspension is setup to be 50% anti-dive (versus 90% dive on conventional front suspension.
Working prototype.
According to Tier Motorsports, there are no chassis modification require to mount the system…which they are currently setting up on a Yamaha. That means no welding and no holes to drill. Installation time is estimated at 4 hours.
The weight and wheelbase look is deceiving. The wheelbase looks longer, but is identical to the stock setup. The working prototype has steel front swingarms, but future models will use aluminum and the projected weight is less than stock forks or the same. For information go to www.tiermotor.com
AERIAL VIEW OF THE “DAY IN THE DAY” COURSE AT GLEN HELEN
The MXA guys raced at “Day in the Dirt” on Sunday, but since it was a three-day race they had plenty of time to goof around before the event. Dennis Stapleton was in Dubai and Kuwait until Saturday morning (and leaves for the Caribbean on Wednesday for a race), John Basher was still recovering from T-Day with the in-laws and Jody spent his off days flying his plane…but, as he flew by Glen Helen, he snapped this photo of the track from above. He says that “snapping it from below” might not turn out too well. You can see Pro Circuit’s two Supercross test tracks in the foreground.
2013 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
“I’m delighted with the venues for the 2013 series,” said WEM managing director Kevin Williams. “We have a great mix of tracks and surfaces for the competitors ? I’m sure we will see some great racing again.”
April 14……….Raymond Terrace, NSW
April 28………..Murray Bridge, SA
May 5………….Wonthaggi, VIC
May 19………..Broadford, VIC
June 2…………Conondale, QLD
July 14………..Appin, NSW
July 28………..Hervey Bay, QLD
August 11…….Swan Hill, VIC
August 25…….Toowoomba, QLD
September 1…Coolum, QLD
THESE COULD BE THE STARS OF SUPERCROSS IN 2015: MINI O’S 450 PRO SPORT FINAL
YOU CAN GO BACK IN TIME, BUT STILL STAY IN THE PRESENT WITH ROYAL ENFIELD
Royal Enfield’s slogan was “Made like a gun, goes like a bullet.” Royal Enfield began making guns, but moved to bicycle in 1893 and motorcycles in 1899. The Worcestershire company was sold to Norton-Villiers-Triumph (NVT) in 1968 and they were dissolved in 1971. But, since India was a British colony for many years, Royal Enfields had been made under license there since 1956. Like many British icons, Jaguar and Land Rover for example, modern Royal Enfields are made in Chennai, India…and they don’t look a lot different than the 1956 models they originally licensed?which is the cool thing about them. Royal Enfields are available in the USA at www.enfieldmotorcycles.com. There is a California dealer, Route 66 Modern Classics, in Marina Del Ray at (310) 578-0112.
2013 Royal Enfield Bullet C5 Military: This 499cc single cylinder classics looks much as it did on the front lines of WWII. Features include Tiger Eye head lamps, spring saddle and two-year unlimited warranty. Prices start at $6595.
2013 Royal Enfield Bullet Classic Chrome C5 EFI: The Bullet Classic is a modern reworking of the old legend. It takes its styling cues from the 1950’s machines. Prices start at $6495. Also available in a 350cc version.
Royal Enfield Hitchcock Bullet 612: You can still find motocross kits for Royal Enfields in England. The most popular being the 612cc kit from Hitchcock Motorcycles at www.hitchcockmotorcycles.com. The kit costs $3400.
ALL-NEW VIDEO FROM THE SAVE THE TWO-STROKE FOUNDATION
NOT MOTOCROSS, BUT WORTH LOOKING AT ? THE VYRUS 948
The Vyrus 984 Ultimate Edition has sophisticated aluminum swingarms (front and rear), 320 mm floating front discs, 317 pound weight,17-inch alloy wheels, 992cc Ducati L-Twin engine, Ohlins suspension and options for 1100cc.
Vyrus has carved a niche in the world of exotic two-wheels with their futuristic hub-center steering, hanger-frame and carbon fiber bodywork. The Vyrus is reminiscent of the Bimoto Tesi 3D.
THE PERFECT RED WINES FOR FANS OF SPANISH MOTORCYCLES
The lineup for the post-race party.
At the 2012 World Vet Championship at Glen Helen Spanish racers Joaquim Sunol and Xavier Costa came prepared for racing. Okay, one of them did forget his boots and helmet, but they remembered to bring the fuel of Spanish motocross ? red wine. But, it wasn’t just any wine, it was Ossa and Montesa wine.
VENTA LA OSSA SYRAH RED WINE: “Concentrated yet supple, this ripe red shows raspberry, cherry, ganache and cola notes, with plenty of toast and chocolate. There’s a nice balance of tannins and juicy acidity.”
LA MONTESA RED WINE BY PALACIOS REMONDO: “Vivid red. Sexy red berries and cherry-vanilla on the nose, with a spicy quality that gains power with aeration. Sappy, sweet raspberry and cherry flavors are complemented by smoky oak spice and a touch of licorice.”
DEANO FINALLY GETS A GIG…BUT IT COST HIM BIG
Dean Wilson.
You have to hand it to Dean Wilson. He was brave enough to leave a sure thing at Pro Circuit in the 250 class to take a chance on moving to the 450 class for 2013. Not only did Dean decided to make the move, but he fielded offers from JGR, KTM and Jeff Ward Racing. And, then it all went sour. Here is the tale…in six steps:
(1) Dean signed with JWR for $825,000. Great money for an unproved 450 rider. But, Jeff Ward Racing never found any major sponsors and their primary financial backer, Mike Kranyak (the M of L&M), decided that he didn’t want to keep spending money without some kind of return from outside sponsors. So, Kranyak pulled out…and Dean’s money went poof.
(2) By the time JWR folded it was too late to get a deal. JGR had signed Brayton and Grant, KTM wasn’t interested anymore, Chad Reed had decided not to hire a second rider, Suzuki wasn’t in a position to look at anyone other than Bubba and Pro Circuit hired Tyla Rattray as a fill-in backup rider. Dean was in trouble.
(3) But, Dean had friends in high places. Both Chad Reed and Pro Circuit’s Mitch Payton mutually agreed that they would help Dean if push came to shove. But, neither had readily available cash to bring in another rider to their teams?especially at Pro Circuit where Dean would be the sixth rider.
(4) Who would it be? Chad or Mitch. If Dean went to Two Two Motorsports he would be a 450 Supercross and 450 outdoor rider. If he went to Pro Circuit he would have to race 250 Supercross, but Pro Circuit would let him race the 450 Nationals (alongside Tyla Rattray). What to do? In the end, Pro Circuit got financial commitments from Monster, Kawasaki and Traxxis to help defray the costs. Although not all of them. A six-rider team in Supercross is not a big deal, because you could have three in the 250 West and three in the 250 East (Dean is scheduled for the 250 East). The truck wouldn’t be too crowded. But in the Nationals, if all six riders were healthy, Pro Circuit was going to need another truck, driver and mechanic.
(5) In the end, Dean signed with Pro Circuit…which was where he could have stayed originally. He lost the majority of the $825,000, had to return to 250 Supercross (which he has yet to win a championship in) and is really behind the ball when it comes to testing (since he had double shoulder surgery over the Fall and has struggled to find race bikes to ride in the winter). Plus, Dean had signed a Shift clothing deal over the winter. But, and this is a big but, Pro Circuit wears team clothing…and that clothing is Thor. If Dean races for Pro Circuit he will be wearing Thor.
(6) Although not good for his pocketbook, this move will give Dean the chance to win a 250 title if he can, get some seat time on a 450 and go looking for a big bike ride for the 2014 season.
IGNORE THIS STORY BECAUSE GIUSEPPE HAS CHANGED HIS MIND…BUT READ IT ANYWAY TO SEE WHERE HIS MIND IS AT
One man clapping. Giuseppe Luongo gives himself a hand. Photo: Youthstream
Since Youthstream can’t scrounge up enough riders to fill a motocross starting gate, they want to move to a three-moto format. But wait, there’s more. The plan calls for one 450 moto, one 250 moto and one combined 250/450 moto (with the top 20 riders in each class being scored separately in a 40-man third moto). As of now this plan is destined for the fly-away races (Qatar, Thailand, Mexico and Brazil). Of course this idea will have its advocates…but so do inverted starting positions, miss-and-out formats and one-moto formats. This idea is just Bactine on a mortar wound! The facts can’t be denied ? Luongo has driven the riders away and is trying to disguise the fact that he can’t fill a traditional 40-man gate.
Do the GP promoters and the FIM execs really believe that there aren’t 40 good 450 riders in the whole world? Or 40 good 250 riders. Proof is that the AMA accepts 80-riders for each class every week and has no trouble filling the gates (the AMA only charges a $200 entry fee, not $1200…and the AMA Nationals pay a $66,000 purse with money going to every rider in both motos). It is obvious to anyone with a brain that there are 40 solid professional riders who would like to race the World Championships, but Giuseppe Luongo has priced them out of the GP’s with his Bernie Ecclestone wannabe delusions. And, let’s not delude ourselves into thinking that the poor rider turnout is just a fly-away problem associated with Qatar, Thailand, Mexico and Brazil. It isn’t. Last year, Russia only had 18 riders in the second 450 moto, Germany only had 23, Italy only had 25 and Holland 26. Luongo has already cut the starting field from 40 riders to 30…and now he isn’t getting 30. Next he will cut it to 20…which is exactly what this fly-away format does in essence. It is strange how you can get a reputation as the savior of the GPs by ruining them.
NOTE: This new plan only lasted a few days, go back to the home page to see the new plan that has replaced this new plan…you will not be disappointed in the crazy manipulations of Youthstream. They verge on desperation.
MOVIN’ MARV MOVES TO THOR
Marv. Photo: Ray Archer
KTM rider and former World Champion Marvin Musquin has signed to wear Thor gear in 2013. Marvin wore Red Bull gear in 2012. Marvin said, “I am very happy that Thor gave me the opportunity to represent them in 2013. I feel lucky to be a part of a championship-winning company and I’m really looking forward to great results next year.”
“Adding Marvin to our roster is very exciting for us here at Thor,” said Jim Gallager, Design Director at Thor MX. “He’s a young talent with many big accomplishments already to his name. We are excited to have him a part of our team as he continues to excel in his career.”
LOOKING FOR A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR YOUR LITTLE RACER? TRY “MY FIRST MOTO”
The plot is as follows?a young boy named Mike races motocross for the first time and battles with his friends for a day of excitement and fun. Mike’s first motocross experience is challenging, but with his family’s support and self-determination, he pushes on and finishes the day admirably. Each page contains professional, full color illustrations for people of all ages to enjoy. If you are a fan of MXA‘s cartoon tech stories, you will love the illustration in “My First Moto” because they are done by the same artist, Eduardo Gutierrez Torralba.
“MY FIRST MOTO” DETAILS
Reading Level: Ages 3 and up
Paperback: 48 pages
Language: English
Dimensions: 8 x 8 x .125 inches
Price: $10.00
Info: www.my1stmoto.com
A video look of “My First Moto”
NEW GRAND PRIX RULES FOR 2013
There will be some new rules for the 2013 Grand Prix season, but nothing earth shattering. Photo: Ray Archer
TRACK SPEED: The course, if possible, should be of a type, which restricts the average speed to a maximum of 65 km per hour (the average calculated for one complete race).
SIGNAL ZONE: The repair and signalling zone must have a corridor in the pit lane to allow an uninterrupted passage throughout the entire length. This corridor should be marked by white lines throughout the entire event and remain free of parked motorcycles, equipment and people. Furthermore, there should be no excessive speed or overtaking in the pit lane. Riders should ride in a disciplined manner within this area.
TRACK FENCING: The exterior of the track may be marked by course markers, straw bales, foam rubber blocks, earth banking, advertising banners and flexible fencing (green in colour).
MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS AGE LIMIT: The maximum age limit of 23 years for the MX2 class is no longer valid for the FIM Motocross of Nations.
YELLOW AND RED FLAGS: Yellow flag, waved: Immediate danger, prepare to stop, no overtaking, jumping not allowed. Red Cross flag: Medical staff on the track, proceed with extreme caution. Riders must roll each jump individually with no overtaking until past the area of concern.
USED IT, ABUSED IT, TESTED IT: STEAHLY OFFROAD YZ450F FLYWHEEL WEIGHT
Steahly’s nine-ounce flywheel weight was designed to harness the power of current generation 2010-2013 YZ450Fs. Steahly cuts a nine-ounce ring of steel on a lathe. The ring is machined to close tolerances for an exact fit on the stock flywheel. Nine ounces wasn’t a magic number, it was simply the most weight that Steahly could fit into the space available.
VERDICT: With the Steahly-modified flywheel the YZ450F pulled more smoothly and gained traction in places where it would previously spin. The power was more usable and the chassis liked the more planted feel. The extra inertia of the heavier flywheel not only resisted speeding up, but it also resisted slowing down. We thought this might be a negative, but the heavier flywheel helped under braking and transitioning through corners. This made for a smoother transition from full-speed to full-stop. And, it reduced the chance of flame-out. We had some issues with our prototype flywheel weight, but Steahly has worked these out for production. $119.95?www.steahlyoffroad.com or (800) 800-2363.
HOW TO MASTER SAND BERMS WITH RUI GONCALVES AT LOMMEL
ASK THE MXPERTS: WE PROPOSE A NO FORMULA TWO-STROKE FORMULA
Dear MXA,
If you were the rule makers what would you propose for engine size in the two classes to not give one engine type an advantage over another? Since a 450cc four-stroke overpowers a 250cc two-stroke, what size two-stroke would be equal to a 450 four-stroke? Would a 300cc bike be a match? 360? What would you suggest?
Handicapping is how the sport got in the mess it is in today. In order to promote four-stroke engines the AMA gave them a massive displacement advantage. Unfortunately, the AMA guessed wrong on the displacements and four-strokes have now far outstripped the two-strokes they were trying to match. We don’t think that formulas are the way to go. The AMA should change the rules to equalize the displacement in both the 250 and 450 classes. The powers-that-be could easily write a rule that says, “The maximum displacement in the 250 class is 250cc regardless of the engine type and in the 450 class it is 450cc regardless of engine type.”
WHAT YOU MISSED AT THE AMA HALL OF FAME BANQUET
This piece of wood has some amazing signatures on it. You can get one for yourself, by dedicating your life to motorcycles.
Sue Fish accepts the applause of the assembled crowd.
The stage at the Red Rock Resort, on the outskirts of Las Vegas, was bright, colorful and included a Jumbotron screen visible from the farthest reaches of the banquet hall.
Jimmy Ellis got his AMA Hall of Fame ring from Roger DeCoster.
Ty Davis not only represented motocross, but desert racing, Baja, ISDE, hare scrambles and cross-country racers.
Do you recognize these three guys? Bruce Brown, Mert Lawwill and Malcolm Smith worked together on a little film called “On Any Sunday.” That was 42 years ago. All photos by Jeff Guciardo/AMA
JESSY NELSON PONTIFICATES ON FISHING, RIDING ON THE RIM & HIS THUMB
THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAY BOYS: YOU CAN CELEBRATE WITH “JOHN R” AT DAY IN THE DIRT
Nov. 23…Joel Robert
Nov. 23…Mike Katin
Nov. 24…Joel Albrecht
Nov. 25…Michael LaPaglia
Nov. 24…Gareth Swanepoel
Nov. 25…Stefan Everts
Nov. 26…Steve Boniface
Nov. 26…Marty Smith
Nov. 26…Travis Hodges
Nov. 26…Kyle Partridge
Nov. 27…Karsten Butler
Nov. 27…Brent Brown
Nov. 27…Ricky Carmichael
Nov. 27…Casey Lytle
Nov. 28…Andrew Short
Nov. 28…Jeremy van Horebeek
Nov. 29…John Rice
Nov. 29…Brandon Butler
ASK THE MXPERTS: STEAL ONE FROM YOUR DAD’S BUICK
Dear MXA,
The electric starter on my KTM 300 two-stroke doesn’t work, but it worked this morning. What’s up?
KTM has a 10-amp fuse in its electric start system. We would guess that your fuse burned out. You can get a replacement at an auto parts store.
RYAN MORAIS HANGS UP HIS BOOTS AND PICKS UP A CLIP BOARD
From Ryan Morias’ Facebook page: “It is time for me to announce my retirement as a professional motocross racer. The opportunity to be a professional racer over the last 10 years has been an incredible journey. I would like to thank my family, friends, sponsors and fans for all of the support, encouragement and love that I have received over the years. Now that I am putting up my boots, I am excited to focus on the next chapter in my life. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that I get to announce I will be the Star Racing Yamaha’s team manager, test rider and rider coach. I look forward to seeing you all at the races!”
JEFFREY HERLINGS (37) RACES A FOUR-HOUR TEAM RACE ON A KTM 450SXF…TEAMED WITH LARS VAN BERKEL, DAVEY JANSSEN AND CHRIS VAN DE POL
HAVE YOU SEEN THE DECEMBER 2012 ISSUE OF MXA YET? THESE ARE THE BIKE TESTS THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY MISSED
We can’t force you to read MXA. But if you think print is dead, tell us where you can get accurate tests of Blake Baggett’s National Championship KX250F, Ricky Carmichael’s Loretta Lynn RM-Z450, the 2013 Honda CR450, CRF250, YZ250F, KTM 450SXF and the complete 2013 MXA 250 Shootout on the web. Yes, we will eventually put them on the MXA website, but you could be reading about them now…if you had the December 2012 issue in your hands.
MXA tested Blake Baggett’s Pro Circuit KX250F. This bike held the AMA 250 National Championship points lead from start to finish.
Interested in the 2013 Honda CRF250? We tell you everything you need to know about it.
How good is the 2013 KTM 450SXF? How fast is the 450SXF? How much power does the KTM make? What does it weigh? We tell you.
The last carbureted bike in the sport isn’t hampered by its lack of fuel injection….so what is it?
You know you want to know the real truth about the 2013 CRF450. You could be reading it here.
They maybe in financial difficulty and people may not be flocking to buy their bikes, but the RM-Z250 is the bike that could put them in the black.
Last week Ricky Carmichael’s Loretta Lynn Suzuki RM-Z450 was auctioned off for charity for $21,400. What does a $21,000 bike feel like? We tell you.
The 2013 MXA 250 Shootout. Nuff said.
WANNA GO TO THE RACES? START MAKING PLANS NOW
WINTER OLYMPICS
November 19-24………………….Gatorback, FL
DAY IN THE DIRT
November 23-25………………….Glen Helen, CA
2013 LORETTA LYNN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
July 29-Aug. 3, 2013…………….Hurricane Mills, TN
2013 AMA SUPERCROSS SCHEDULE
January 5……………………………Anaheim, CA
January 12………………………….Phoenix, AZ
January 19………………………….Los Angeles, CA
January 26………………………….Oakland, CA
February 2…………………………..Anaheim, CA
February 9…………………………..San Diego, CA
February 16………………………….Arlington, TX
February 23………………………….Atlanta, GA
March 2……………………………….St. Louis, MO
March 9……………………………….Daytona, FL
March 16……………………………..Indianapolis, IN
March 23……………………………..Toronto, Can
April 6………………………………….Houston, TX
April 13………………………………..Minneapolis, MN
April 20………………………………..Seattle, WA
April 27………………………………..Salt Lake City, UT
May 4…………………………………..Las Vegas, NV
2013 AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS SERIES
May 18.………………………………..Hangtown, CA
May 25…………………………………Lakewood, CO
June 1………………………………….Muddy Creek, TN
June 8………………………………….Mt. Morris , PA
June 22………………………………..Budds Creek, MD
June 29………………………………..Southwick, MA
July 6…………………………………..Red Bud, MI
July 20…………………………………Washougal, WA
July 27…………………………………Millville, MN
August 10…………………………….Unadilla, NY
August 17…………………………….TBA
August 24……………………………..Lake Elsinore
2013 AUSTRALIAN MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
April 14………………………………..Raymond Terrace, NSW
April 28………………………………..Murray Bridge, SA
May 5………………………………….Wonthaggi, VIC
May 19………………………………..Broadford, VIC
June 2…………………………………Conondale, QLD
July 14………………………………..Appin, NSW
July 28………………………………..Hervey Bay, QLD
August 11…………………………….Swan Hill, VIC
August 25……………………………Toowoomba, QLD
September 1………………………..Coolum, QLD
2013 250/450 WORLD MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
March 2………………………………..Qatar
March 10………………………………Thailand
April 1…………………………………..Holland
April 14…………………………………Italy
April 21…………………………………TBA
May 5…………………………………..Portugal
May 19…………………………………Brazil
May 26…………………………………Mexico
June 9………………………………….France
June 16………………………………..Italy
June 30………………………………..Sweden
July 7……………………………………Latvia
July 14………………………………….Russia
July 28…………………………………Germany
August 4……………………………….Czech Republic
August 18……………………………..Belgium
August 25……………………………..Great Britain
September 8………………………….TBA
2013 MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
September 29………………………..Teutschenthal, Germany
ATLAS HOLIDAY OFFER: $50 OFF AND FREE GRAPHICS RIGHT UNTIL DECEMBER 31
For more info go to www.atlasbrace.com
SANTA CLAUS GRAND PRIX AT VOGT RANCH?ENTRY CLOSES ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25
The Santa Claus GP is an annual Motocross-style grand prix around the famed Vogt Ranch in Dulzura, California. The course is a mix of Motocross, Offroad and Singletrack sections. The lap time is approximately 10 minutes. Most of the classes will run for 30 minutes, the Pro/Expert class will run for 60 min. We have several new sections for this year’s course as well. This course suites all riders and all types of bikes. For more info go to www.thevogtranch.com
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