MXA’S WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: YOU CHOOSE! A GP? A NATIONAL? OR THE TWO-STROKE RACE ?

On Oct 5, 2020 Last updated Oct 5, 2020

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: EVERYTHING WE LEARNED ABOUT THE 2021 KAWASAKI KX250 ON DAY ONE

2020 WORLD TWO-STROKE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

Mike Alessi won two classes and collected almost $4000 in purse money—then made a boatload more $25,000 in bonus money. No need to wonder why he didn’t go to the Thunder Valley National. Photo: Debbie Tamietti

WORLD TWO-STROKE OPEN PRO CLASS RESULTS
1. Mike Alessi (Yam)…2-1
2. Dare Memartile (Hon)…1-5
3. Carson Brown (Hus)…5-2
4. Justin Hoeft (Yam)…4-3
5. Josh Grant (Hon)…3-4
6. Robbie Wageman (Suz)…7-6
7. R.J. Wageman (Suz)…9-7
8. Carlen Gardner (Bet)…8-11
9. Josh Mosiman (KTM)…13-8
10. Bryson Gardner (Bet)…11-10
11. Jeff Loop (TM)…10-13
12. Braden O’Neal (KTM)…17-9
13. Dennis Stapleton (KTM)…15-12
14. Justin Muscutt (Yam)…19-15
15. Shaun Hillion (Yam)…20-16
16. Griffin Dexter (Hus)…6-30
17. Brody McLaughlin (Hon)…23-14
18. Carson Carr (Yam)…16-24
19. Mitch Greene (Yam)…22-20
20. Mike Sleeter (Yam)…14-29
Other notables: 22. Arik Swan (Kaw); 23. Michael Smith (Yam); 24. Matt Cerami (Yam); 27. Sean Collier (Yam); 29. Deegan Voslossberg (Yam); 30. Jake Preston (KTM); 35. Ciaran Naran (Hon); 37. J.V. Leavitt (TM).

125 Pro winner Coltn Aeck (526) and Justin Starling (56) do a little banging. Photo: Debbie Tamietti

WORLD TWO-STROKE 125 PRO RESULTS
1. Colton Aeck (KTM)…3-1
2. Broc Shoemaker (KTM)…2-3
3. Justin Starling (Hus)…4-4
4. Robby Schott (TM)…9-5
5. Justin Hoeft (Yam)…1-13
6. Sean Borkenhagen (Kaw)…8-7
7. Bradley Denton (Yam)…10-6
8. Ty Cullins (TM)…11-9
9. Carson Brown (Hus)…19-2
10. Ty Edmondson (Hus)…14-11
Other notables: 11. Chris Heinrich (Hon); 12. Travis Hoffman (KTM); 13. Mowglie Gutierrez (Hus); 14. Carson Carr (KTM); 15. Sean Lipanovich (KTM); 16. Sean Collier (Yam).

Mike Alessi won the Over-30 125 Pro class with a 1-1, but 54-year-old Kurt Nicoll (2) was second. Photo: Debbie Tamietti

WORLD TWO-STROKE OVER-30 125 PRO RESULTS
1. Mike Alessi (Yam)…1-1
2. Kurt Nicoll (KTM)…3-2
3. Sean Lipanovich (KTM)…2-4
4. Casey Casper (Hon)…5-3
5. Shaun Hillion (Yam)…7-5
6. Stephen Heighton (Hon)…8-6
7. Sean Borkenhagen (Kaw)…4-10
8. Jeremiah Moore (Hon)…9-7
9. Derik Denzin (Yam)…11-8
10. Steve Stultz (Yam)…12-9
Other notables: 11. Jacob Ahl (Yam); 12. Sean Collier (Yam); 13. Jonathan Camarena (Yam); 14. Jason Wise (KTM); 15. Dustin Nowak (Yam).

Pete Murray, who is the current Over-60 World Vet Champion, won the Over-50 125 Pro race and pockets $1000. Photo: Debbie Tamietti

WORLD TWO-STROKE OVER-50 125 PRO RESULTS
1. Pete Murray (Yam)…3-1
2. Kevin Barda (Yam)…4-2
3. Jon Ortner (Suz)…5-3
4. Alan Jullien (Yam)…6-4
5. Chris Heinrich (Hon)…8-5
6. James Lavender (KTM)…7-6
7. Giovanni Spinali (Yam)…9-8
8. Ricky Arnold (KTM)…10-9
9. Pasha Afshar (KTM)…15-7
10. John Perry (Yam)…12-11
Other notables: 11. Mike Monaghan (KTM); 12. Mike Smith (TM); 13. Dan Alamangos (Yam); 14. Kurt Nicoll (KTM); 15. Doug Dubach (Yam); 16. David Cincotta (TM).

2020 AMA 250/450 NATIONAL WINNERS AT A GLANCE: TWO RACES TO GO

In trivial news, Zach Osoborne does’t have to worry if

Date                       Venue 450                                      250
1. Aug. 15…Hurricane Mills, TN…………..Zach Osborne        Dylan Ferrandis
2. Aug. 22…Hurricane Mills, TN…………..Zach Osborne           Jeremy Martin
3. Aug. 29…Crawfordsville, IN……………..Eli Tomac           Jeremy Martin
4. Sept. 4….Red Bud, MI………………………..Zach Osborne           Jeremy Martin
5. Sept. 7….Red Bud, MI………………………..Adam Cianciarulo      R.J. Hampshire
6. Sept. 19…Millville, MN……………………..Adam Cianciarulo    Dylan Ferrandis
7. Sept. 26…Jacksonville, FL…………………Zach Osborne        Dylan Ferrandis
8. Oct. 3…Lakewood, CO………………………Eli Tomac           Dylan Ferrandis
9. Oct. 10…Pala, CA……………………………
450 Points leader…Zach Osborne
250 points leader…Dylan Ferrandis

CURRENT 2020 AMA NATIONAL POINT STANDINGS

With one race left in the 2020 AMA National series, only Dylan Ferrandis or Jeremy Martin have a mathematical shot at the 250 Nationals title. Ferrandis is 18-points ahead of Martin. The next closest rider in the title chase is Shane McElrath at 98 point adrift with only 50 possible points left to win.

2020 AMA 250 NATIONAL POINTS STANDINGS
(After 8 of 9 rounds)
1. Dylan Ferrandis (Yam)…352
2. Jeremy Martin (Hon)…334
3. Shane McElrathYam)…254
4. Justin Cooper (Yam)…251
5. Alex Martin (Suz)…242
6. Jett Lawrence (Hon)…230
7. R.J. Hampshire (Hus)…217
8. Cameron McAdoo (Kaw)…65
9. Mitchell Harrison (Kaw)…163
10. Brandon Hartranft (KTM)…148

2020 AMA 450 NATIONAL POINTS STANDINGS
(After 8 of 9 rounds)
1. Zach Osborne (Hus)…325
2. Adam Cianciarulo (Kaw)…301
3. Marvin Musquin (KTM)…283
4. Eli Tomac (Kaw)…278
5. Chase Sexton (Hon)…245
6. Justin Barcia (Yam)…234
7. Blake Baggett (KTM)…232
8. Christian Craig (Hon)…195
9. Max Anstie (Suz)…166
10. Joey Savatgy (Suz)…147

2020 FIM 250/450 GRAND PRIX WINNERS AT A GLANCE

Tony Cairoli knows that 2020 is his best chance to win that elusive 10th World Championip. Nice to have you back at the front. He is 11 points behind Gajers, but the final three races of the season are in Italy.

Date                       Venue 450                                      250
1. Mar. 1…Matterley, Great Britain …..Jeffrey Herlings        Tom Vialle
2. Mar. 8…Valkenswaard, Holland…….Jeffrey Herlings     Jago Geerts
3. Aug. 9…Kegums, Latvia…………………..Glenn Coldenhoff     Tom Vialle
4. Aug. 12…Kegums, Latvia………………..Tony Cairoli Jago Geerts
5. Aug. 16…Kegums, Latvia………………..Jeffrey Herlings       Jago Geerts
6. Sept. 6…Faenza, Italy……………………..Jeffrey Herlings    Maxime Renaux
7. Sept. 9…Faenza, Italy………………………Jorge Prado               Tom Vialle
8. Sept. 13…Faenza, Italy…………………….Tony Cairoli    Tom Vialle
9. Sept. 27…Mantova, Italy…………………Jeremy Seewer      Thomas Kjer Olsen
10. Sept. 30…Mantova, Italy……………….Romain Febvre      Thomas Kjer Olsen
11. Oct. 4…Mantova, Italy…………………..Tim Gajser                    Jago Geerts
12. Oct. 11..Arroyomolinos, Spain
13. Oct. 18…Lommel, Belgium
14. Oct. 21…Lommel, Belgium
15. Oct. 25…Lommel, Belgium
16. Nov. 1…Trentino, Italy
17. Nov. 4…Trentino, Italy
18. Nov. 8…Trentino, Italy
450 Points leader…Tim Gajser
250 points leader…Tom Vialle

CURRENT 2020 FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS

Honda gave Tim Gajser and Mitch Evans (43) new contracts for 2021-2022 seasons this past week.

2020 FIM 450 GRAND PRIX POINTS STANDINGS
(After 11 of 18 rounds)
1. Tim Gajser (Hon)…399
2. Tony Cairoli (KTM)…388
3. Jeremy Seewer (Yam)…369
4. Jorge Prado (KTM)…341
5. Glenn Coldenhoff (Gas)…341
6. Romain Febvre (Kaw)…304
7. Gautier Paulin (Yam)…285
8. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM)…263
9. Clement Desalle (Yam)…262
10. Arminas Jasikonis (Hus)…248

Tom Vialle (28) has a 46 points lead over second place Jago Geerts, but there are seven races left in the 350 title chase.

2020 FIM 250 GRAND PRIX POINTS STANDINGS
(After 11 or 18 rounds)
1. Tom Vialle (KTM)…478
2. Jago Geerts (Yam)…432
3. Jed Beaton (Hus)…348
4. Maxime Renaux (Yam)…341
5. Thomas Kjer Olsen (Hus)…311
6. Roan Van De Moosdijk (Kaw)…293
7. Ben Watson (Yam)…287
8. Conrad Mewse (KTM)…252
9. Mathys Boisrame (Kaw)…234
10. Ruben Fernandez (Yam)…208

MXA’S 2021 HONDA CRF450 VIDEO: LEARN A LOT ABOUT THE NEW CRF450 FROM OUR FIRST RIDE

BIKES YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE: THE IRISH-BUILT URM 500

Dr. Gordon Blair standing behind the prototype URM 500. The engine was the good doctor’s baby, while the frame was the handiwork of Colin Seeley.

Dr. Gordon Blair was a Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Dean of Engineering, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Queens University Belfast (QUB). He wrote over 100 technical papers, three text books and had nine patents granted. Most of all Gordon Blair loved motorcycles and, in 1965, embarked on a journey that would would make him the most famous two-stroke engine designer in the world and take the Queen’s University Belfast with him. No, it wasn’t a scientific tome based on engineering research, it was something more practical—a racing motorcycles with an engine of his design. Blair’s research work on engines had enable him to design the most powerful two-stroke engines on the track and gave him the bravado to prove that against the the biggest factory motorcycle teams. In 1969 these research and design efforts began bearing fruit when QUB’s rider Brian Steenson finishing second to the great Giacamo Agostini in the 1969 Ulster GP at Dunrod on a QUB race bike.

With only two bikes ever completed and only raced in Ireland, photos of the URM 500 are very rare, but not as rare as actual URMs.

Gordon Blair felt that the future of racing lay with two-stroke engines and when the 500cc two-stroke engine design was put in the hands of Irish road racing star Ray McCullough It was magic. McCullough gave Blair seven Ulster Grand Prix victories against greats such as Giacamo Agostini, Mike Hailwood and Stanley Woods. Blair’s road racing endeavors aside, he wanted to build a motocross bike to test out his theories in the dirt. The master plan was to take the 500cc, single-cylinder, two-stroke, QUB 500 road race engine and put it in a motocross frame. The goal was to build the first competitive 500cc class motocross bike to ever come out of Northern Ireland.

Colin Seeley holds the QUB 500cc road race engine. When Dr. Blair went road racing, he relied on Seeley frames.

There were three motives driving Gordon Blair’s motocross dream. First, 500cc two-stroke singles, once a powerful force in European road racing, were being forced out by the increasing complexity and performances of Japanese twins. Second, it was possible to make more money selling 500cc two-stroke motocross bikes than road race bikes (in Seeley frames). Third, Blair already had the motocross engine in his hands. He planned to take the QUB 500 road race engine and tame its peaky high rpm powerband by changing the port layout and redesigning the exhaust to improve low-end torque.

Ray McCullough raced the QUB 500 to road race glory—an Irishman on a Irish bike. When he was forced to switch to Yamaha twins, he had Gordon Blair work on the the engine.

The motocross engine was got financial support from the Irish government because of its potential to bring motorcycle manufacturing to Northern Ireland. The QUB engine produced 65 horsepower (at 7600 rpm) and was detuned to produce 40 horses at 6000 rpm for the motocross version. It had a 91mm x 76mm bore and stroke, 494cc displacemnt, 38mm Amal Concentric carb, 7.5:1 compression ratio and a four-speed trasmission. The engine weighed 75 pounds with the ignition, carb, shift lever and kickstarter.

Gordon Blair couldn’t fix the Greeve’s quirky design, which was totally British, but he could add 11 extra Irish horsepower.

The motocross bike was called the URM 500. URM stood for Ulster Racing Motorcycles. It was completely designed by Blair and his engineering students at Queens University Belfast (QUB). Sadly, only two URM 500s were ever built. The original MK1 used a QUB-designed frame (built by Colin Seeley) and was raced by Robert Wilkinson, while the MK2 version used a Maico frame and was raced by Irish racer Winston Norwood. The MK2 remains on display to this day at Queens University Belfast.

The 1973 Greeves Griffon 380 QUB.

Gordon Blair would go on to greater things outside of Ireland. The famous Greeves brand was suffering under the onslaught of Japanese motocross bikes that were faster, newer and lighter than the European brands, but Greeves was still a force in the Open class. Bert Greeves ask Dr. Gordon Blair to reworked the Greeves 380 engine. Blair up the horsepower by 11 horses and, in 1973, Greeves introduced the Greeves Griffon 380 Q.U.B. (a nod of thanks to Queens University Belfast). Unfortunately, the QUB would be the last significant Greeves, as the company fell on hard times in 1975. Professor Gordon Blair died in October of 2010 at 73 years old.

MXA VIDEO: FIRST RIDE ON THE 2021 KTM 350SXF

GOOD NEWS! ARMINAS JASIKONIS MEDICAL UPDATE

Arminas Jasikonis at Mantova before his second moto crash.

Good news out of Italy. Husqvarna’s Arminas Jasikonis, who suffered head trauma and Mantova GP #2 and was placed in an induced coma, has regain consciousness and according to reports is in no pain. Husqvarna team manager Antti Pyrhonen said, “I have never been so happy to comment on one of my riders. To be able to say that AJ is going to be okay, is kind of a miracle. When he woke and we realized that he could talk, could move all of his arms and legs, that he was in no pain and had no other injuries, is almost impossible to put into words. The worst is now behind him and he can soon start his recovery. Again, I want to say a sincere thank you to every single person who had Arminas in their thoughts during the last few days and to the overwhelming support we received from the global motocross community. Everyone in the team is hugely thankful for this positive outcome and so, so relieved that Arminas will be okay.”

MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MOOSE COMPETITION HALF-WAFFLE GRIPS

Moose Racing introduces its new competition waffle grips. These dual-compound grips feature the firm compound on the inner and outer flange areas for added durability. The soft compound is used on the palm and finger areas for added grip and comfort while riding. Other features include a half-waffle pattern for extra grip, the taper of half-waffle pattern provides a slimmer feel, and an added diamond pattern at the base of the grip provides better grip in wet and muddy conditions. The grips are available in six different colors: Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Red, and Yellow. MSRP is listed at $9.95. For more info go to www.mooseracing.com.

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KTM 450SXF

2020 AMA ENDUROCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP TO HOLD FOUR ROUNDS AT GLEN HELEN

The National EnduroCross Racing Series made a surprise change to their schedule by pulling out of Pala’s Fox Raceway and moving four rounds of the AMA Championship Series to Glen Helen Raceway. The dates for the Glen Helen events are are October 23rd (Friday), October 24th (Saturday), October 29th (Thursday) and October 30th (Friday). The final two races of the series will take in the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, Idaho, on November 6 (Friday) and November 7 (Saturday).

The 2020 Endurocross Racing Series will be available for nationwide viewing either via television broadcast or live webcast subscription program. We are in the final stages of confirming these details and will make that information available as soon as we are able.

Colton Haaker.

Rockstar Husqvarna’s Colton Haaker is returning to defend his championship and Cody Webb, fresh off winning the RevLimiter, has joined the FactoryOne Sherco team to try to get another title of his own. Each of them has won three championships and is aiming for a fourth. Rockstar Husqvarna’s Colton Haaker is returning to defend his championship and Cody Webb has joined the FactoryOne Sherco team to try to get another title of his own. Adding to the excitement are Max Gerston, Cory Graffunder, Noah Kepple, Trystan Hart, Ty Cullins and Cooper Abbott . For more info go to www.endurocross.com

2020 AMA ENDUROCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
Oct. 23…Glen Helen, CA
Oct. 24…Glen Helen, CA
Oct. 29…Glen Hele, CA
Oct. 30…Glen Helen, CA
Nov. 6…Nampa, ID
Nov. 7…Nampa, ID

MXA TEAM TESTED: KREFT POWERDIAL 2.0 POWER VALVE ADJUSTER

WHAT IS IT? The Kreft PowerDial 2.0 is an easy-to-install KTM/Husqvarna two-stroke power-valve adjuster. It replaces the stock KTM/Husky system so that adjustments can be made by hand in seconds.

DIGITS? $65.00 (black anodized or KTM orange)— www.kreftmoto.com or (541) 797-0700.

Power-valve flapper. The power valve is a flap located in the cylinder’s exhaust port where burnt gases are flushed out of the cylinder. At low rpm, the flap is held closed to make the exhaust port smaller to help provide torque. As revs build, the flap gradually opens, expanding the exhaust port for maximum power. This gives your two-stroke engine broad, usable power. The KTM power valve is held closed by spring tension. The exhaust gases force it open as the rpm increase.

Adjustment. Since the power valve is held in the closed position by a spring, you can change the rpm at which the valve opens by adjusting the preload on the spring. The main power-valve spring is preloaded by turning a Robertson head adjuster in the center of the power-valve spring cap. Turning the adjuster in different directions can make the power mellower or more aggressive. The problem with the stock system is that you need a special tool to change the preload setting, which is where the Kreft PowerDial 2.0 comes in.

Power. Want more hit? Turn the power-valve adjuster counterclockwise for an aggressive hit and maximum top-end power. Want mellower power? Turn the adjuster clockwise for smoother power and a broader range of tractable low-end power. With the stock adjuster, you do not need to loosen the two screws that hold the brass adjuster to the engine, but you should be careful when turning the stock power-valve adjuster, because it is made of brass and is designed to be adjusted with a Robertson wrench. Most racers stick a flat-bladed screwdriver in the power-valve adjuster, which quickly deforms the brass fitting, making it impossible to use the proper Robertson square fitting.

Kreft PowerDial. The Kreft PowerDial 2.0 allows the spring preload to be changed without tools. This is a big plus, because it lets a rider test as many power-valve settings as he wants without tools. In fact, MXA test riders often pull over to the side of the track and adjust the preload by hand before continuing on their merry way. With the PowerDial installed, the MXA test riders start by turning the adjuster inward (clockwise) one-quarter turn and then outward (counterclockwise) one-quarter turn. The difference between the two settings is easily recognizable. In the end, every MXA test rider made his final decision by trying as many settings as possible. With a little fine-tuning and a few minutes of testing, you can get the power that best suits your tracks, riding style or weather conditions. It’s that easy.

MXA RATING: The Kreft PowerDial 2.0 power-valve adjuster is a must-have for a rider trying to get the most out of his Husqvarna or KTM two-stroke.

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 HUSQVARNA FC450

MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MITAS TERRA FORCE-MX TIRES IN 50cC, 65cc & 85cc SIZES

Mitas, part of the Trelleborg Group, will offer its Terra Force-MX motocross competition tire range to include junior sizes designed for motorcycles from 50cc to 85cc engine displacement. These additional sizes will be available from October. Gustavo Pinto Teixeira, Vice President Two Wheels and Specialty Tyres, explains: “It is really exciting to extend our Mitas motocross competition range to include all-new junior motocross sizes for young riders. Our enthusiasm and commitment to off-road racing have been growing over the years and with an addition of junior sizes to the existing Terra Force-MX range, we are creating a solid foundation for further development of young motocross talents.”Mitas Terra Force-MX MH (red and green stripe marking) is a new generation of junior motocross tyres for medium to hard terrain. The shape and arrangement of knobs provide maximum traction and control. Front tyre knobs deliver straight-line stability, while rear tyre knobs ensure greater contact with the ground.Mitas Terra Force-MX SM (red and yellow stripe marking) is a new generation of junior motocross tyres for soft to medium terrain. The tread pattern is designed to ensure enhanced traction through the soft ground. Tapered knobs bite deeply into the soft terrain and provide improved acceleration, cornering and braking without losing traction. The tyre has a superb self-cleaning ability thanks to the widely spaced knobs.Mitas Terra Force-MX SAND (double red stripe marking) is a new generation of junior motocross tyres for sandy conditions. The tread design features a semi-paddle construction with spaced knobs to ensure maximum self-cleaning. The large center rib and aggressive side knobs provide traction. Tread compound is characterized by high hardness and does not soften during the race. The Terra Force-MX Sand is available only as a rear wheel fitment and can be combined with the Terra Force-MX SM front. Mitas is distributed in the USA by Twisted Distributing. You can find you local Mitas shop or dealers could contact Mitas at www.twisteddistributing.com

MXA TEST RIDER PHOTO OF THE WEEK: FUEL-INJECTED 300 TWO-STROKE CORNERING STYLE

We don’t think that fuel injection has anything to do with Josh Mosiman hanging MXA’s Husqvarna 300 two-stroke out to dry, but we have to credit its cornering prowess on something.

MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: POLISPORT COUNTERSHAFT SPROCKET PROTECTOR

Polisport has released a countershaft sprocket protector made from a new highly durable and wear resistant injection molded plastic. This part has an open design to keep the mud out of the sprocket. It also provides protection to the ignition cover area and is easy to install and remove for cleaning. This new performance part has the ultimate design and will enhance the looks of your bike. It is available for Yamaha, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM and Suzuki models. In your local dealership soon.

MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: KTM POWERPARTS ACCESSORIES

FACTORY TRIPLE CLAMPS
This orange anodized triple clamp includes the steering stem with the bottom bearing already pressed on. It features adjustable offset (20mm or 22mm) and a special split clamp design to optimize perfect grip on the fork tubes. Identical to the 2020-1/2 KTM FC450 Factory Edition triple clamps. Retail price—$623.99.

KTM 60-PIECE 3/8″ TOOL BOX KIT
The most commonly used Torx, Allen, socket, screwdriver blades, adaptors, ratchet, extensions and breaker bar in a form-fitting case. It is design to make working on almost every KTM nut or bolt from 50cc to 505cc. Retail price—$145.99.

KTM 300CC FACTORY ENGINE KIT
All the parts needed to turn your 250SX into a 300SX (including cylinder, gaskets, piston, rings, cylinder head, black box, wrist pin, circlips and power valve). It is a bolt-on engine kit that boosts power by 4.25 horsepower more than the stock 250SX engine. Retail price—$956.99.

FACTORY WHEELS
The orange anodized CNC-machined hubs are laced to D.I.D DirtStars rims with orange anodized aluminum spoke nipples with 36 black anodized spokes. The rear wheel comes in either 18-inch or 19-inch diameters on 2.15-inch DID DirtStar rims. Retail price—$424.99 (front), $499.99 (Rear).

KTM Power Powerparts are available at your friendly local KTM dealer. to find a KTM dealer near you Click Here.

REM RACE SCHEDULE FOR WHAT’S LEFT OF THE 2020 SEASON

REM has announced the six remaining races on its 2020 race schedule. The very popular REM races at Glen Helen have had their 2020 season disrupted by the coronavirus situation, but plan to hold their normal 30 races in 2021. The big news is that the yearly Octobercross, a continuation of the old REM “Commotion-by-the-Ocean” event from Carlsbad Raceway, will be held prior to the November 6-8 World Vet Championship on October 17. Here are the remaining six races on the 2020 schedule, starting on October 10 and finishing on December 19. For more info go to www.remsatmx.com

2020 REM RACE SCHEDULE
Oct. 10….REM track
Oct. 17…STI Tires, X Brand Goggles Octobercross on the Vet World track
Oct. 24…REM track
Nov. 14…REM track
Dec. 5…REM track
Dec. 19….REM track

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KAWASAKI KX450

WHAT’S INSIDE THE OCTOBER 2020 ISSUE OF MXA?

The October 2020 issue of MXA features close-up looks and tech specs for the 2021 Hondas, Yamahas and Kawasakis. Plus, the best barn find ever, know-how from Twisted Development’s Jamie Ellis and an interview with the long forgotten Mike Hartwig.

**HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO MXA SO THAT YOU NEVER MISS ANOTHER ISSUE, PLUS GET A $25 ROCKY MOUNTAIN GIFT CARD TO COVER YOUR COSTS**

If you subscribe to MXA you can get the mag 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 the awesome print edition delivered to your house by a uniformed employee of the U.S. Government. Did we mention the $25 gift card for any part you want from Rocky Mountain ATV/MX? You can call (800) 767-0345 or Click Here (or on the box at the bottom of this page) to subscribe.

MXA TEAM TESTED: COPPERSMITH AERO/HYBRID SPRING CONVERSION KTM FORK KIT

Most KTM Pro riders elect to pay the price for WP Xact Pro Cone Valve spring forks because they allow the front end to follow the ground better than the stock WP Xact Air forks. Properly valved coil-spring forks deliver a connection to the ground that improves steering response. MXA test riders like the consistent and supple feel of WP’s unique Cone Valve damping system. It should be noted that replacing the stock WP AER air forks with the XACT Pro Spring forks adds 3 pounds to the front end of the bike, and, to sensitive test riders, that is a big deal; however, MXA test riders accept the weight for the improved feel.

DIGITS $995.00 (installed in your fork—includes fork spring and oil)— www.coppersmithracing.com or (330) 724-2900.

Spring conversion kits. Obviously, WP Cone Valve forks are only one way to convert KTM forks from air to coil springs. Virtually every major suspension company offers an air-to-spring kit for WP forks, some that use Kayaba internals and some that design their own system. Plus, Kayaba, Ohlins and even WP offer complete air-to-spring conversion kits. Prices range from $600 to $2000‚ and in many cases that does not included the fork springs or re-valving.

Coppersmith Aero/Hybrid kit. There is one air-to-spring conversion kit that combines the best of both worlds. It comes from Coppersmith Racing, famous for its Ohlins suspension setup. The Aero/Hybrid conversion kit has a very unique take on how to build a WP fork that combines the best of both coil-spring and air technologies. It combines the smoothness of a spring fork with the tunability of an air fork. The Coppersmith Aero/Hybrid fork kit replaces the internals in the stock WP damping leg with a modified Ohlins TTX22 spring cartridge (and coil spring) and leaves the stock WP air fork leg untouched. In essence, the Aero/Hybrid fork kit is 50 percent Ohlins (damping) and 50 percent WP (air spring).

Combination. The Coppersmith kit allows racers to use their existing WP fork legs and Coppersmith does not touch the stock WP air leg, only the damping leg of the WP fork is modified by upgrading the damping with Ohlins TTX22 cartridge kit. The TTX technology has a positive pressure balance system, thanks to its twin-tube technology. The gas-pressurized dividing piston inside the cartridge pushes the hydraulic fluid back into the low-pressure side, and the result is improved performance and zero cavitation.

Weight. The Coppersmith Aero/Hybrid fork kit is lighter than the typical air-to-spring conversion for four reasons: First, the heart of the system is built around an 8mm hollow steel shaft, and the main piston is 22mm in diameter. Second, the vast majority of the Ohlins internals are made from aluminum. Third, the Coppersmith Aero/Hybrid fork kit only uses one fork spring, which saves weight and, because this is a hybrid air/coil system, the spring rate of the single spring doesn’t have to be as stiff as on most air-to-spring conversion kits. Finally, since WP’s air leg remains fully functional, the Aero/Hybrid fork kit utilizes it as part of the overall design. Boiled down to its essence, you have an Ohlins fork on one side doing the damping and a WP fork on the other side holding the air pressure.

Ohlins tech. A word about Ohlins: Ohlins makes the TTX22 cartridge kit to convert WP air forks over to coil springs. To achieve this, Ohlins uses two TTX22 cartridges and two coil springs (eliminating the WP air system). The Ohlins kit changes both legs over to coil springs, which adds to the price and the weight. The Coppersmith Aero/Hybrid fork kit uses Ohlins damping system, but it is not a kit that Ohlins offers—it is a Coppersmith Racing exclusive.

Performance. For our Vet and slower test riders, MXA ran a 4.5 N/mm fork spring in the damping leg with the compression and rebound clickers set on 14 clicks out. In the WP air fork leg, we ran 55 psi. Why so little air pressure? Because the 4.5 N/mm coil spring handles all of the initial fork control, and the low air pressure doesn’t interfere with the fork feeling like a coil spring fork. In fact, it felt identical to an Ohlins coil-spring fork. Then, as the fork moved upwards in its stroke, the air pressure inside the WP leg increased to provide “big hit” hold up and bottoming resistance. Riders could fine tune the feel of the forks with Ohlins compression and rebound adjusters.

The idea behind the Coppersmith Aero/Hybrid fork kit is to use the Ohlins TTX cartridge and coil spring to handle the small- to medium-sized bumps and, as the fork moves through its stroke, to have the air pressure kick in to stiffen the forks. When set up properly, you get the supple feel of a coil spring with the bottoming resistance and consecutive-bump recharging of an air fork.

It should be noted that Ohlins clickers are much more effective than Showa, Kayaba or WP adjusters. It felt like one click was the equivalent of two clicks on a normal fork. Test riders never varied more than a couple clicks in either direction to get the fork dialed in. Additionally, the air pressure can be increased or decreased to change the fork’s overall resistance. We used the zip-tie method to choose the best air pressure setting. We set the pressure until we had one inch of unused travel between the zip-tie and the fork’s bottom; however, if the air pressure had to be increased above 95 psi, we traded the 4.5 N/mm fork spring for a 4.7 N/mm spring. This was the spring rate (4.7mm) we ran for fast Intermediates and Pro riders.

MXA RATING: Test riders loved the Coppersmith Aero/Hybrid fork kit. The Coppersmith Aero/hybrid kit saves weight over a traditional coil-spring fork, cuts shipping cost by half, and gives it Ohlins damping. It retails for $995 (installed in your fork). For more information go to www.coppersmithracing.com or call (330) 724-2900.

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 YAMAHA YZ450F

MXA AD OF THE WEEK: THE FIRST AMERICAN GP WINNER

The late Jim Pomeroy was the first American to win a Grand Prix and he stuck with Bultaco way past their prime.

2020 OLD SCHOOL SCRAMBLES SERIES ON OCT. 3-4, OCT. 10-11 & DEC. 19-20 AT GLEN HELEN

For more information go to www.ossrg.org

WASHOUGAL 125 DREAM RACE POSTPONED TO OCTOBER 10-11

For more info go to www.125dreamrace.com

OLD SCHOOL SCRAMBLES “OKTOBERFAST” GRAND PRIX ON OCTOBER 11

For more information go to www.ossrg.org

FIRE/POLICE MX DOUBLE-TRIPLE RACE AT GLEN HELEN ON OCT.12-13

Fire/Police MX is having a two-day race on Monday and Tuesday October 12th and 13th. Come out for two day’s of racing or just one. It’s called the “Double/Triple” because it takes place on Monday and Tuesday and has three motos every day. Big track on Monday and REM track on Tuesday. Race it on Monday and big track is open for practice on Tuesday. You don’t have to be a policeman or a fireman to race. There are support classes for everyone. For more info go to www.firepolicemx.com

18TH ANNUAL REM OCTOBERCROSS (WORLD VET WARM-UP RACE) ON OCT. 17

Those of you who are old enough might remember when the Octobercross was called “The Commotion by the Ocean” and was held at Carlsbad Raceway. When Carlsbad closed, REM moved to Glen Helen. They didn’t hold the Commotion anymore, because Glen Helen is no where near the ocean, but 18 years ago they decided to hold it again in late October on what would be the layout for the World Vet Championship track. It was popular because everyone wanted a sneak peak at what the World Vet track would be like—and since it was held in October and close to Halloween, the REM “Commotion by the Ocean” became the REM Octobercross. For more info Click Here

36TH ANNUAL WORLD VET MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP ON NOVEMBER 6-8: PRE-ENTRY OPEN NOW

Save money and time by submitting your online pre-entries now. The Dubya World Vet MX Championships takes place on Saturday and Sunday, with Sunday being the World Vet Motocross Championship Day. For additional savings riders have the option to sign-up for both Saturday and Sunday!
PRE-ENTRY FEES
Saturday & Sunday $100 | $90 Second Class
Saturday Only $70 | $60 Second Class
Sunday Only $70 | $60 Second
To sign-up click this link:
https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/glenhelen/index.asp?event=83&mc_cid=66136c7217&mc_eid=3c9b324536 For more information go to www.worldvetmx.com

24-HOURS OF GLEN HELEN ENDURANCE RACE SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 21-22

Glen Helen’s 3Bros-sponsored 24-Hour off-road endurance race is scheduled for November 21-22.The 24-Hour of Glen Helen will begin on November 21 at 10:00 a.m. and end on Sunday, November 22 at 10:00 a.m. The amateur teams can have 6 riders and two bikes, but the Pro teams can only have 4 riders and must finish the 24 hours on the one bike. Headlights are required for the 24-hour. For more info go to www.glenhelen.com.

8TH ANNUAL KURT CASELLI RIDE DAY ON SATURDAY, DEC. 5 AT PALA

For more information go to www.kurtcaselli.com.

KEEPING TRACK OF THE 2020 RACE SCHEDULES

Justin Barcia cools his gloves with a fan while keeping his head warm with a stocking cap.

TENTATIVE AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Aug. 15…Hurricane Mills, TN
Aug. 22…Hurricane Mills, TN
Aug. 29…Crawfordsville, IN
Sept. 4 (Friday)…Red Bud, MI
Sept. 7 (Monday) …Red Bud, MI
Sept. 19…Millville, MN
Sept. 26…Jacksonville, FL
Oct. 3…Lakewood, CO
Oct. 10…Pala, CA, CA

REVISED 2020 FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar. 1…Matterley, Great Britain
Mar. 8…Valkenswaard, Holland
Aug. 9…Kegums, Latvia
Aug. 12…Kegums, Latvia
Aug. 16…Kegums, Latvia
Sept. 6…Faenza, Italy
Sept. 9…Faenza, Italy
Sept. 13…Faenza, Italy
Sept. 27…Mantova, Italy
Sept. 30…Mantova, Italy
Oct. 4…Mantova, Italy
Oct. 11..Arroyomolinos, Spain
(Note: The Spanish GP will run without any spectators).
Oct. 18…Lommel, Belgium
Oct. 21…Lommel, Belgium
Oct. 25…Lommel, Belgium
Nov. 1…Trentino, Italy
Nov. 4…Trentino, Italy
Nov. 8…Trentino, Italy

2020 WISECO WORLD TWO-STROKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Oct. 3…Glen Helen, CA

2020 DUBYA WORLD VET MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Nov. 6-8…Glen Helen , CA

2020 FIM MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
CANCELED

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