MXA TEAM TESTED: RIDE ENGINEERING HOLESHOT DEVICE KIT

 
WHAT IS IT? Ride Engineering’s holeshot device is a simple hook that turns your bike into a drag racer for the start of races.

WHAT’S IT COST? $69.95 (holeshot device), $29.95 (protector support kit).

CONTACT? www.ride-engineering.com or (800) 805-1516.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with Ride Engineering’s holeshot device and protector support kit.

(1) Design. The award for holeshot-device simplicity goes to Ride Engineering. Their holeshot device is an aluminum hook clamped to the fork leg that fits through a hole that you cut in your fork guard. It is a copy of the holeshot device that Team Yamaha used in the formative years of holeshot-device development. It has no moving parts. We recommend using Ride Engineering’s $30 protector support kit to reinforce the hole in the fork guard with a metal window frame. There are two versions: one for Kayaba forks and one for Showa forks. KTM guys are out of luck. Don’t try to use a Showa or Kayaba unit on your WPs.

(2) Installation . Installation is easy with a power drill and a few common tools. Ride Engineering only provides placement guides for Hondas and Yamahas, but as a rule of thumb, you can cut the hole 3-1/2 inches below the top of the fork guard for an effective position.

(3) Setting. The worst part about starting devices is trying to engage them. The Ride Engineering holeshot device can be easily engaged by compressing the forks while pressing the plastic fork guard inward with your boot’s heel. Ballet lessons would help. Setting the device at a standstill takes two people. Make sure that the hook is fully seated because it can catch on the lip.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? One red flag went up during testing. The most convenient trait of Ride’s device is also its scariest trait, because it could hook accidentally while riding.

We love the simplicity of Ride Engineering’s holeshot device, but we had issues with it accidentally releasing and tearing the fork guard (if the $30 metal window wasn’t installed), and we could see how heavy roost could press the fork guard back far enough for the hook to catch accidentally.