Mugen E Rex – Electric-powered motocross machine

Mugen, together with Honda, has also just whipped the covers off an electric-powered motocross machine.

Dubbed the Mugen E Rex (yes, really), the emission free ’crosser boasts Showa suspension, Nissan stoppers and – wait for it – carbon-fibre brake discs!   

Okay, so it’s clearly not lobbing in showrooms any time soon, but it shows that the who’s who of both electric powered and petrol-powered machinery are exploring the greener, more silent side of motorcycling.

Herlings Wins Qualifier...Here's His Comments

Jeffrey Herlings comments

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Jeffrey Herlings finally sampled victory today in Latvia. While it was just an MXGP qualification win, it was still a win. Here is what he thought of the day.

“It’s been so long since I was winning, so long I can’t even remember. It was just a qualification win, so it’s not that important, but hopefully we can get two good starts tomorrow. I was quick in both practices, once we get a good start we can work from there. The start is really key, and it’s a big advantage to be on the inside.

“We were on the inside (at the start) and some tracks it doesn’t matter, but here it is important it’s a key to getting a good start. I was fifth or sixth and kept a tight turn and came out ok. I had arm pump in the start of the race, it started going away at the end of the race. I just need more riding tomorrow and it will be ok. I have nothing to lose, the championship is over, so I have nothing to lose. Obviously a lot of races to go, but it’s a good feeling being on the other side.

“It sounds weird, but I have been looking at Tomac and he is fast, but at the end of the moto he is so fast. So I want to be good in the beginning, but also charge at the end of the race. I am looking forward to tomorrow.

“It don’t know if the Bullet is back, I need to get a first win. I had been waiting so long and a lot of hype. We couldn’t make a good start in the championships, but this track suits me well and we are coming close and closer each week.”

MXGP of LATVIA 2017 Qualifiers

Kegums Qualifying Highlights

Check The New Gas Gas

A close look at Gas Gas’ preproduction EC 250 Racing two-stroke

   

Photo Credit: Andrea Belluschi/Future7Media

May is a big month for two-stroke enduro bikes with Gas Gas and KTM set to unveil new models. Gas Gas are first to lift the covers when next week they official launch their all-new EC 250 and EC300 Racing models.

Revealed at the EICMA show in Milan last November the Spanish brand  then showed a pair of new 300 and 250 two strokes. Branded “The Phoenix Project” they totally reinvented their EC enduro model with a new frame, revised geometry, new engine and an endless list of components.

Since then we’ve seen their factory rider Jonathan Barragan compete on a pre-production model in the EnduroGP World Championship and in the Spanish National Championship.

Proving it’s competitiveness, Barragan came within a whisker of finishing on the podium at the Spanish EnduroGP while bagging special test wins along the way. He’s already claimed an overall in the Spanish national series too, indicating Gas Gas are talking the talk and walking the walk regards returning to the top of enduro.

With full details yet to be revealed here’s what we know, while also taking a look at Barragan’s bike. 

 

Photo Credit: Andrea Belluschi/Future7Media

 

The new engine features a new crankshaft, cylinder, cylinder head, FMF Powercore 2.1 exhaust silencer, new radiators, improved clutch lubrication.

48mm KYB front fork with Air/Oil separation and KYB rear shock take care of suspension.

The central backbone frame is completely redesigned meaning less torsional stiffness and lower weight distribution. 

The aluminium subframe features new profiles and is lighter and more resistant.

Revised geometry means greater turning circle and improved handling. 

 

Photo Credit: Andrea Belluschi/Future7Media

 

New frame and geometry see the bike weigh in considerably lighter than it’s predecessor at 105kg.

Other points of note include fully redesigned swingarm, wishbone and rocker system, chain tensioner, NG Brake discs, larger air filters with rapid removal system, narrower fuel tank, narrower seat, Magura clutch cylinder and LED headlight.

The Gas Gas will be in EC 250/300 trim for Europe and XC 250/300 trim for the USA.

Interestingly Barragan’s bike does not feature an electric start, while the model revealed back at EICMA did.

We’ll see next week if it reappears so stay tuned to enduro21.com to get a first look at the world launch in Spain.

A Little Moto History

Hallman in Russia

For the ordinary citizen in the Soviet Union, life was different from living in the West. In the 60s the restrictions were harsh and people had to fight hard for their bread and butter. The newly crowned world champion Torsten Hallman, on Husqvarna, rode to Moscow and found transportation and other duties not to be rock ‘n’ roll on the highways. Listen to his own story of a memorable trip in 1962.

Fascinating is the best word to describe my trips to Russia, that I visited during the 60s. Of course, in those days everything in the communist Soviet Union was either impossible, or rather prohibited. My adventures behind the iron-curtain consisted of obeying rules and never taking decisions on my own. After the Finnish Grand Prix in 1962 it was time to hit Moscow and there were a few riders set to participate there. So, we travelled together. Not least to have some company.

Four members of the Russian Federation met us all at the Russian border, to help take care of the border transfer. But, as always in the Eastern countries in those days, there was a real Kalamazoo at customs. Despite good intentions from the Motor Club in Moscow, it took a few hours to clear visas, declaration of money in each currency (we always had a wad of money in many currencies as we travelled a lot) and finally what was brought into the country. Customs officials wanted to know just about everything and took note of frame numbers, spare parts, etc. etc. You name it and they’d check it! After procedures were over we had a good 1’000 km trip before reaching Moscow – with a speed limit of 50 km/h – tiresome is not the correct word. Excruciatingly boring is a far better description of the journey.

We were only allowed to drive on certain transit roads so that the military could have full control on our ride. They also wanted to be sure that no one in our group got lost. On top of it all we had to stop every 30 klicks to make certain everything was OK and that no one was missing. Our overnight-stops were carefully planned in advance and also went according to a well-planned procedure. First, passport and papers were checked scrupulously. Then different lines to receive blankets, cushion, towels and so on. Then we were shown into a tent where there was a tiny cot to lie down on. But after two hours of going through all this, nobody was in the mood for sleeping any more…

I remember there were lots of discussions about the travel speed and we finally convinced the authorities that our cars were not suited to such low speeds. But this in turn meant that we had to take a travel guide on board, which we did after some further disputes. Having seen the poor countryside with views reminding us of the 19th century we were amazed when reaching Moscow. I think it at least used to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and it made a strong impression when we rode around this vast city to see the sites. The Russians have thought ahead and the streets were wide and on top of it we found a lot of modern high-rising buildings in the downtown area. The traffic was dull and not too many cars on the roads as most people couldn’t afford to buy a vehicle anyway.

The Swedish party of motocross riders took two days off to discover all the secrets of magnificent Moscow. But we soon found that everything was more or less prohibited in the city, just as it had been outside. On the famous ‘Red Marketplace’ we were looking at the Lenin mausoleum and all the fabulous churches around. We had to follow certain paths and not take any photographs of the police. Of course, we did quite the opposite and were questioned until they got tired of the Swedish tourists.

There were more that 150’000 spectators who came to watch the Soviet Grand Prix – despite the fact that I had already clinched the 250cc world crown. In fact the track was situated in the city of Moscow, just two kilometres from the famous Lenin stadium of which we had a tremendous view from our golden pond. The race itself was of little interest. A new local name turned up as we gathered to compete. Victor Arbekov (later to be world champion in 1965) rode a home-made machine and took the holeshot to the great delight of the big crowd. I soon caught up with him with my quick Husky, but didn’t dare overtake as he was all over the track, moving unconvincingly. In a jump I gave everything to pass but Victor saw me coming and hit me so we crashed badly when hitting the ground after the jump. Unfortunately, my throttle cable broke which forced me to abandon this first heat. I was furious at Arbekov and was the first to ‘congratulate’ him on his win, swearing in Swedish which he of course didn’t understand. The Russian Federation asked me to apologize for all my dirty words, which I had to obey. So, I rode my Husqvarna to victory in the second race after my Viking blood had reached boiling point!

Returning home we all enjoyed food and sleep in our own beds!

A Look At The KTM MXGP Team

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MXGP Team Report

KTM Adventure Range Coming Soon

KTM Adventure Range

Like a faintly-visible dust cloud on the horizon, accompanied by a rising exhaust note that beckons you as a call of the wild, the world’s most impressive Adventure Range is coming fast, and soon to arrive at a dealership near you.

There’s a reason KTM Adventure models are so highly regarded. They’re the product of a company that’s both famous for its competitiveness, and blessed with a passion for adventure motorcycling that literally knows no boundaries.

KTM has devoted itself so completely to understanding what it takes for adventure bikes to not just exist, but work in the wild, that it’s spawned 16 Dakar victories in a row, at the hands of seven different riders.

What they have learned in Rally competition around the world has been mated to suspension DNA derived straight from our World Championship-winning enduro range, for the finest in off-road suspension technology, then refined and reflected in KTM’s toughest, smartest, and most thrilling Adventure range yet

The Adventure 1090R, 1290S and 1290R will all be available from your KTM Dealer in the first week of May 2017.

The 1090 Adventure R is the new class leader, with specially tuned WP suspension, off-road wheels and a tough V-Twin engine that produces 125 hp (92 kW) - That’s 23 more than Fabrizio Meoni’s Dakar-winning 950. When combined with KTM’s lightweight chassis with well-balanced stiffness distribution it takes the KTM 1090 Adventure R to the top of its class in terms of power-to-weight ratio and ride dynamics.

With off-road engine map, ABS and TC as standard, the 1090R features the same state-of-the-art technology as the KTM 1290 Adventure R – because muscle is always more attractive when it’s intelligent. The KTM 1090R Adventure will retail at $19,955 + ORC which provides outstanding value for money.

When it comes to unique experiences of the adrenaline-fuelled kind, there’s no motorcycle quite the KTM Super Adventure 1290S. Whack the throttle wide open in the middle of a nasty corner. Brake hard while fully leant over.

No harm is done - just grin and rocket on. Even when you’re bending the laws of physics with the world’s most powerful production off road engine (160hp, 140Nm of torque, 238 kg) your KTM is kept in control by the most advanced electronics in the world of motorcycling. All you have to do is focus on the adventure ahead - and hold on tight. From buttery smooth cruising to riding hyperactive off-roading, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S covers all bases like nothing else at $23,995 + ORC

KTM's famous no-compromise Travel Enduro – the KTM 1290R Super Adventure proves that brawn and brains not only go together, they belong together. Perfectly suited for Australian conditions, the 1290 Adventure R seamlessly meshes 1301cc, 140 Nm of torque and 160 horsepower together with intelligent electronic control systems to create a mile-munching omnivore, ready to carve its name into any terrain – the tougher, the better. Priced at $25,995 + ORC this is KTM’s most extreme Adventure R ever, and the clear benchmark in the travel enduro segment.

KTM’s Adventure range is coming early May, and your adventure is calling you – make sure you experience it with the best.

For more information on KTM’s Adventure range, visit www.ktm.com.au.

Free Admission to Military Veterans at Lucas Oil Pro Motocross

MX Sports and VetTix.org to Offer Free Admission to Military Veterans at Lucas Oil Pro Motocross

MORGANTOWN, W. Va. - MX Sports Pro Racing, the National Promoters Group (NPG), and the Veteran Tickets Foundation have announced their continued partnership for the upcoming 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. Through a cooperative initiative between these parties, military veterans will be provided the opportunity to obtain free admission at all 12 rounds of the world's most prestigious off-road motorcycle racing series via VetTix.org, a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c(3) tax-exempt organization. 

A sum of 50 tickets per round, and 750 tickets in total, will be donated to Vet Tix and made available at no cost to both active duty and retired service men and women. The tickets will be made available two weeks prior to each respective round of the championship, first come, first serve, through VetTix.org. 

Additionally, GEICO Motorcycle, a longtime support of both Pro Motocross and the military, will leverage its support of the championship to provide an additional 50 tickets for select rounds on the schedule—the Red Bull Hangtown Motocross Classic, FMF Glen Helen National, and GEICO Motorcycle Budds Creek National. The renowned insurance provider will host a VIP hospitality area at these events for military veterans and their families, who simply need to show a valid military ID for complimentary access. 

"We couldn't be more pleased to extend our partnership with the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. This has become a highly anticipated and sought-after tradition for our veterans and their families," said Brandi Shannon, Chief of Community Relations at Veteran Tickets Foundation. "This initiative provides an otherwise unattainable opportunity for many of our veterans to experience a truly exhilarating sport, and generate one-of-a-kind memories with their families. It's just one way we're all able to show our appreciation for their service." 

Vet Tix holds partnerships with virtually all major sporting leagues, highlighted by marquee organizations like Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, National Football League, and National Hockey League. In addition to those, Vet Tix works alongside sports entertainment franchises like World Wrestling Entertainment and Professional Bull Riders, as well as motorsports organizations like the NHRA and several racetracks that host NASCAR and IndyCar events. 

The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship was one of the first prominent motorsports properties in the country to establish this service for veterans of the armed forces, and enters its sixth year of partnership with the Veteran Tickets Foundation. 

"We're proud to be one of the pioneering racing organizations of this incredible annual effort to share our gratitude for everything our veterans do to protect the country," said MX Sports Pro Racing President Davey Coombs. "It's a small token of our appreciation that we ultimately hope spawns countless memories and creates new motocross fans for life. The Veteran Tickets Foundation has been an incredible partner for the past half decade, and we look forward to continuing this unique and special tradition." 

Based in Phoenix, the Veterans Tickets Foundation was founded by U.S. Navy veteran Michael Focareto  in 2008 and has been providing free tickets to veterans and active-duty members of the military and their families ever since. Over the course of nearly a decade, the organization has given away well over 1 million tickets to veterans nationwide. 

All active and retired military veterans can create an account on VetTix.org to receive emails and reminders about when 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship tickets become available. Additionally, more information can be found at VetTix.org. 

The 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will kick off on Saturday, May 20, with the Red Bull Hangtown Motocross Classic from Prairie City SVRA in Sacramento, California.

Cajun Classic National Enduro

Thad DuVall wins Cajun Classic

Thad DuVall claimed his first national enduro win of the 2017 season at the Cajun Classic National Enduro in Forest Hills, Louisiana this weekend – round three of the 2017 Kenda AMA National Enduro Series presented by Moose Racing. 

• Thad DuVall claimed the overall winner Husqvarna.
• As runner-up, Steward Baylor maintains championship lead.
• Defending champ Russell Bobbitt finished third.
• Standout rider for Expert AA winner Thorn Devlin in fifth overall.
• Tayla Jones topped the Women’s classification.
• Torrential overnight rain ensured a mud race.

Torrential rains on Saturday night made for a muddy course on Sunday morning and forced the event to be shorted to four tests, but gave DuVall the perfect opportunity to utilise his mud riding skills. 

The West Virginia rider dominated the event, winning all four tests and taking the overall victory by a minute-and-ten-seconds over runner-up Steward Baylor. DuVall won the opening test of the day by seven seconds and then increased his lead with each successive test.

“I’ve been working really hard on a few things at home and I think it paid off this weekend,” said DuVall. “I’ve got a track at the house I’ve been practicing on and I feel like I was better in the tight woods because of the work I’ve been putting in on that track. The tests were gnarly and the rain really made things interesting. It was muddy and there were a lot of ruts and I like that kind of stuff, so everything worked out for me this weekend.”

 

Photo Credit: Shan Moore

 

Baylor extended his point lead in the series standings to 13 points with his runner-up finish. Like DuVall, the SRT Racing KTM rider was consistent, finishing second in each of the four tests.

“Thad was on rails and there was just no beating him today,” said Baylor. “I didn’t make too many bad mistakes considering the conditions, just a few minor things in each test. I got stuck a couple of times, but we haven’t have a mud race in a long time, so I guess I wasn’t as sharp as I needed to be and we all know Thad is a killer mud rider.”

Baylor now has three national enduro podiums in a row, including a win at the series opener in South Carolina. 

Russell Bobbitt was third on his FMF KTM Factory Racing 250 XC-F, the Georgia rider making amends for his 10th place finish at the previous round. 

“It was definitely tough conditions and I’m happy to be back on the podium,” said Bobbitt. “I knew Kailub (Russell) and I were close on time going into the final test and I just kept pushing and I was able to finish ahead of him.”

Bobbitt actually fell in a couple of times in the final test, but still managed to beat out Kailub by 30 seconds for the final podium position. 

Kailub Russell finished fourth despite riding through the pain of a hard crash in test two.

“I felt good in the first test but I went over the bars in the second test and I just struggled after that,” said Russell. “I just wasn’t able to be as precise in the last two tests.”

 

Photo Credit: Shan Moore

 

Fifth went to Rekluse Expert-AA rider Thorn Devlin, who took advantage of an earlier row to lay down some fast times before the tests got two rutted. The AirGroup/Enduro Engineering Husqvarna rider was 21st in the first test, but came on strong in the final three tests, with times that put him sixth, fifth, and fifth. In the end, Devlin finished 40 seconds behind Russell and 30 seconds ahead of SRT Racing KTM’s Cory Buttrick, who was sixth overall. 

Seventh went to Alligator National Enduro winner Grant Baylor on his KR4/Arrive-n-Ride Husqvarna. Grant struggled in test three after losing his rear brakes right after the start and then later crashed and went over the bars, which left him 17th for the test. He was third, fifth and fourth in the remaining three tests.

Tyler Vore, another Rekluse Expert-AA rider, slipped into the top 10 in eight overall on his AirGroup/Enduro Engineering Husqvarna. Vore was making his first ride for the team as a fill-in rider for the injured Andrew DeLong. 

New Jersey’s Jesse Groemm was ninth on his Solid Performance KTM, while a third Rekluse Expert-AA rider, Chase Hayes, rounded out the top 10 on a KTM. 

After three rounds, Steward Baylor leads the series standings with 80 points, followed by Thad DuVall with 67 and Kailub Russell with 58. 

Australia’s Tayla Jones grabbed her third-straight win in Women’s Elite division, although the KR4 Husqvarna rider admitted that she struggled in the mud.

“I had a hard time with the deep ruts and I think I lost about 10 minutes in one of the tests,” Jones said. “It was a tough event but it was still a good day, but I think I need to practice riding in the mud, for sure.”  

Ashlee Applewhite finished second in the Women’s Elite division on a KTM, while Jessica Delee was third also on a KTM. 

The 2017 Kenda AMA National Enduro Series presented by Moose Racing resumes action with round four of the series on June 4th in Greensboro, Georgia for the Cherokee National Enduro. 

For more information on the series check out www.nationalenduro.com.

 

Photo Credit: Shan Moore

RESULTS

1. Thad DuVall (Hsq)

2. Steward Baylor (KTM)

3. Russell Bobbitt (KTM)

4. Kailub Russell (KTM)

5. Thorn Devlin (Hsq)

6. Cory Buttrick (KTM)

7. Grant Baylor (Hsq)

8. Tyler Vore (Hsq)

9. Jesse Groemm (KTM)

10. Chase Hayes (KTM)

2017 Nevada IOTMX

The 2017 Nevada International Old Timer Motocross was a lot of fun. The track was the most Vet/OT friendly track I have seen in years. That doesn't mean it was easy, 100% sand is never easy. There was something for everyone, safe jumps, sand whoops, fast straights and lots of passing lanes. There was one slow deep sand S turn that gave some riders fits and lots of passes got made there. It was great to see the Polka Dots MC out having a go at moto instead of their usual enduro rides. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and I never saw the ambulance move, which is always good. The weather was typical Fernley, cold, windy, warm, windy, cloudy, windy, sunny and windy. However, the wind never bothered you on the track. All in all a good weekend of racing!