Monday
Apr172017
Sunday
Apr162017
2018 JAPAN SPY PHOTOS | COMPLETE COVERAGE
Sunday, April 16, 2017 at 2:33PM 2018 JAPAN SPY PHOTOS | COMPLETE COVERAGE
The 2017 MFJ All Japan National Motocross Championship Series kicks off this weekend at Kyushu MX Park in Kumamoto, Japan, and you know what that means: time to take a peek at what could very well be the production machines of next year and beyond. This year’s 2018 Japan Spy Photos are brought to you by BTOSports.com
Eleven-time All Japan National Champion Akira Narita pilots a very special factory Honda CRF450R. Last year, he competed aboard a prototype CRF450R that was a very accurate preview of the current 2017 machine. This year, we expected his race bike to be based on a current production model with some special parts, as the traditional lifespan of a new generation machine is three years or so. The number-one machine, however, is a dyed-in-the-wool works bike that is custom-built for Narita and his preferences. Are some of the features of his machine precursors of what we will see on dealership floors in 2018? Maybe.
Early photos of the machine that we posted on Instagram got our followers fired up about the obvious lack of a kickstarter, as well as new cases that eliminate all of the associated internal gears, but no one spotted the completely different chassis. Look closely at the lower parts of the main frame where the swingarm pivot mounts, and you’ll notice that the cast pieces are shaped differently than those found on a production machine. Not as easily detectable by the eye is the different swingarm which is a bit longer than stock. According to Narita, the standard ’17 CRF450R chassis is a bit rigid for his tastes, so the works frame and swingarm are built for a softer ride with more flex. Rounding out the chassis is a carbon fiber airbox and subframe combo, as well as carbon fiber side panels. The piece is a work of art, and in addition to cutting weight, it provides a different feel than an aluminum part. When it comes to aluminum versus carbon frames on bicycles, the composite always yields a more forgiving ride, so we’d imagine the same goes for the works part on the number-one machine.
We were surprised to see factory KYB PSF air forks on the front of Narita’s race bike, as he has been a mechanical spring holdout since the invention of air-sprung suspension. We didn’t get any indication that the same change would be made to the production 2018 machine; so don’t panic all you air haters. We did get the impression, though, that Narita would have held on to his trusty mechanical spring if he had been given the choice.
The rest of Narita’s race bike is equally as exotic. From the works engine and transmission to the Yoshimura exhaust that’s built specifically to produce the hard-hitting power that the champion prefers, every bit of the Toshi Chiba-built machine is drool-worthy. Stay tuned to the July issue of TransWorld Motocross for complete details about what we learned in Japan about the 2018 machines!
Check out the Honda at this link;
http://motocross.transworld.net/news/2018-japan-spy-photos-honda/#iStpY6lyqI5vEcA3.99Sunday
Apr162017
BTO Presents 2018 YZ450FM Spy Photos
Sunday, April 16, 2017 at 2:20PM 2018 JAPAN SPY PHOTOS | COMPLETE COVERAGE
The 2017 MFJ All Japan National Motocross Championship Series kicks off this weekend at Kyushu MX Park in Kumamoto, Japan, and you know what that means: time to take a peek at what could very well be the production machines of next year and beyond. This year’s 2018 Japan Spy Photos are brought to you by BTOSports.com
This year at Kyushu, Team Yamaha Japan’s Yu Hirata piloted a very special YZ450FM, which was said to be a very accurate preview of what’s to come in 2018. Hirata’s machine featured and all-new chassis and bodywork. The frame spars are much beefier than they are on the current YZ450F, with much taller cast portions on each side. Obviously, frame geometry has been altered in every aspect, and we can assume that better cornering traits were the goal.
Yamaha maintained its rearward-mounted cylinder, but to the naked eye, the engine looks to be mounted more upright than previous generations. An electric starter was mounted on Hirata’s machine, and the new cases have eliminated the kickstarter mount altogether, which indicate that electric start will be standard and not an option as it was for the Honda CRF450R in 2017. No hydraulic clutch.
Other touches on Hirata’s machine include a new swingarm that appeared to be welded together instead of a single extruded spar. Take a close look at the photo of the swingarm and you can see a fat bead hidden beneath the sticker. Kayaba spring forks graced the front of Hirata’s machine, and the word we got is that a KYB AOSS fork will come on the 2018 machine, not PSF. Stay tuned to the July issue of TransWorld Motocross for even more details about the 2018 models, but for now, enjoy this photo gallery that also includes shots of Yusuke Watanabe’s factory YZ250F, which appears to be a modified production machine.
Check this link for a video for a view
Sunday
Apr162017
Cairoli Still Has Some Fight!
Sunday, April 16, 2017 at 10:21AM Cairoli wins incredible GP
The legend, Antonio Cairoli just rode possibly the greatest GP victory ever. On a circuit that was impossible to pass, after a rough first corner, and a crash in turn two, that put him back in 25th place, the Red Bull KTM Factory rider put together a masterclass as one by one he passed his competition, passing Evgeny Bobryshev on the last lap to steal the GP victory from Tim Gajser.
Going 1-2 the Italian was running on adrenaline and as he sang his national anthem on the podium, a young man next to him, Tim Gajser looked on in disappointment. It’s going to be a classic MXGP season as the veteran, the eight-time world motocross champion continues to try and fight off the challenge of the young lion from Slovenia.
Antonio Cairoli: You know, I got pushed off the track from Tim in the first corner and I didn’t appreciate that, but its racing, then I crashed on the second corner and I made some good passes. I had to win this GP, and I am so happy for the fans. I think this was my best GP victory, or right up there. The start was important and I got stuck and crashed and I got hit by some riders. I worked hard and I was angry and I kept going and I saw it was possible to win, passing on this track so difficult.
Tim Gajser: I am really happy, you know, even if I finish second. Tony was fast today. I had arm pump in the first raced and the second moto I had the holeshot and controlled the race and really enjoyed that race. I could hear the crowd in every corner, the crowd was just amazing. I am really looking forward to Valkenswaard.
Arnaud Tonus: It was great, a little surprised to finish on the podium. They told me I had to pass Gautier to get on the podium, so I was surprised I got it. I am really happy for the team and thanks to everyone for supporting me.
Gajser impressive as he took the lead in the second MXGP moto, pushing Cairoli aside, in the first corner, Herlings finally gets a start and is in third place. Cairoli caught in a crash and is back in 15th place.
Top 15 after one lap was Gajser, Bobryshev, Herlings, Coldenhoff, Desalle, Paulin, Nagl, Tonus, Van Horebeek, Lupino, Butron, Valentin, Cairoli, and Graulus.
After three laps Gajser held a two second lead over Bobryshev, with Herlings a further two seconds back, then came Desalle, Coldenhoff, Paulin, Tonus, Nagl, Van Horebeek and Lupino in 10th.
Cairoli making passes all over the place as he moves into 10th place. Paulin all over Coldenhoff, but passing isn’t easy and Paulin seemed to have settled in behind the Dutchman, then suddenly makes a pass on a quick corner.
Cairoli passed Van Horebeek, and sets out after Nagl. Amazingly Cairoli is in sight of Herlings, with a handful of riders between them. Watching Cairoli ride is just brilliant.
After nine laps Gajser leads by three second to Bobryshev, then Herlings who is now 10 seconds back in third, followed by Desalle, Paulin, Tonus, Cairoli, and Coldenhoff.
The way Cairoli is riding he should get up to at least fourth. He is six seconds behind Herlings and 15 seconds behind Gajser. Cairoli onto Tonus, and just ahead of them is Paulin.
Cairoli is amazing, his block pass on Tonus was aggressive, but he is on fire and now about to set up Paulin. Desalle is also close enough to get the Kawasaki rider.
After 14 laps Cairoli block passes Paulin in the same way he did to Tonus, aggressive, but it’s beautiful to watch the legend riding like this. Desalle will be the next victim.
Herlings is also just ahead of Desalle, he won’t be able to stop the Italians run.
After 15 laps its Gajser by four seconds to Bobryshev, Herlings is five seconds off Gajser, then came Desalle, Cairoli, Paulin, Tonus, Van Horebeek, Nagl, and Strijbos in 10th.
Time running out for Cairoli to get to Herlings and equal points to Gajser. Bobryshev has lost some time and Cairoli is now right behind Herlings and the Russian as he block passes Desalle in the same place he got Tonus and Paulin.
Cairoli onto Herlings with two laps to go. This is just brilliant from Cairoli. This is ridiculous, he passes Herlings in the same spot as the others, again a block pass on Herlings.
One lap to go and Cairoli tries to set up Bobryshev, you know where he will pass him don’t you?
Cairoli takes Bobryshev in the same spot. He takes the GP overall. Maybe his best GP victory ever.
MXGP – Overall Classification
1 222 Cairoli, Antonio ITA FMI KTM 25 22 47
2 243 Gajser, Tim SLO AMZS HON 20 25 45
3 4 Tonus, Arnaud SUI FMS YAM 22 14 36
4 777 Bobryshev, Evgeny RUS MFR HON 14 20 34
5 21 Paulin, Gautier FRA MCM HUS 18 15 33
6 25 Desalle, Clement BEL FMB KAW 16 16 32
7 89 Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL FMB YAM 15 13 28
8 84 Herlings, Jeffrey NED KNMV KTM 7 18 25
9 12 Nagl, Maximilian GER DMSB HUS 10 12 22
10 27 Jasikonis, Arminas LTU LMSF SUZ 9 10 19
MXGP – Championship Classification
1 243 Gajser, Tim SLO HON 201
2 222 Cairoli, A. ITA KTM 183
3 25 Desalle, C. BEL KAW 151
4 777 Bobryshev, E. RUS HON 145
5 21 Paulin, G. FRA HUS 145
6 89 Van Horebeek, J. BEL YAM 144
7 461 Febvre, Romain FRA YAM 106
8 4 Tonus, Arnaud SUI YAM 101
9 12 Nagl, M. GER HUS 95
10 22 Strijbos, K. BEL SUZ 90
11 24 Simpson, Shaun GBR YAM 88
12 84 Herlings, J. NED KTM 84
Sunday
Apr162017
MXGP Trentino
Sunday, April 16, 2017 at 8:43AM Prado wins in Trentino
Spanish rider Jorge Prado of the Red Bull KTM Factory rider has given us the glimpse of the future as he rolled off a 2-1 result to win the Grand Prix of Trentino. Prado led home Pauls Jonass and Julien Lieber for a complete KTM podium.
Jorge Prado: You know, it was a really good win, first time in hard pack and it gives me more confidence. I got the holeshot and Pauls caught me and on that last corner, I can’t believe I am the guy winning it. First moto was already good, the second moto I needed to win it, and I got mixed up with some lappers and I was so emotional at the end.
Pauls Jonass: In the first race I got the holeshot and got the win, but in the second Jorge got the holeshot and its so difficult to pass. Big thanks to all my supporters to fans and I am glad to take the red plate. I got a good start with my team-mate Jorge Prado (in the first moto). We had a really good race, this morning we made some changes to the bike, to the suspension and I am looking forward to the second race and I hope I can do the same.”
Julien Lieber: Good weekend for me, we made some changes to the bike and in the first moto I made a mistake and second moto two Husqvarna riders took me out really hard, and I was really disappointed about that.
Jonass won the opening MX2 moto at the Grand Prix of Trentino. The Latvian led home Jorge Prado and Julien Lieber. Jonass once again showed brilliant mental strength as Prado remained close for most of the race.
Jonass led early from Prado, Lieber, Olsen, Watson, Brylyakov, Bogers, Cervellin, Ostlund and Mewse in 10th. Seewer goes down quickly and was back in 18th place.
Watson gets past Olsen to move into fourth place, but Olsen gets him back quickly. Mewse moved into 8th place as Bogers drops back to 26th place. Covington back in 17th place after a terrible start of his race.
Lieber slides down and Olsen tried to pass and crashed himself, dropping back a few places.
Top ten after three laps was Jonass, Prado, Lieber, Brylyakov, Watson, Cervellin, Mewse, Olsen, Vlaanderen and Sterry. Seewer not making a lot of progress in 19th place.
Prado is doing a great job as he keeps Jonass in his sight. Three brits in the top ten with Watson still fifth, Mewse seventh and Sterry 10th.
Covington moved into 14th place as he passed Lawrence and Tropepe, and Seewer is also setting those guys up.
Olsen gets back past Watson, and then the brit made a mistake and dropped to 10th place. Sterry loses places and goes to 12th place.
Seewer in 17th, but a group of six or seven riders were just ahead of him. Olsen all over Cervellin.
Olsen dives under Cervellin to move into fifth position. Mewse back in ninth place and Watson 13th. Top fifteen after 10 laps was Jonass, Prado, Lieber, Brylyakov, Olsen, Cervellin, Paturel, Vlaanderen, Mewse, Hsu, Sterry, Covington, Ostlund, Watson and Seewer.
Jonass doing a brilliant job as he continues to keep Prado off the lead, but the Spanish youngster is doing a great job.
Covington is on fire as he moves into ninth place after passing his Husqvarna team-mate Mewse. Seewer up to 12th position.
The top three are now close as Lieber also moves to within two seconds of Prado and Jonass. Prado losing ground on Jonass and Lieber onto the Spaniard.
Lieber got past Prado, and Seewer moved into ninth position. Prado repassed Lieber for second place and even caught Jonass near the end.
Jonass wins it from Prado and Lieber.
Prado took the lead early in the second MX2 moto, followed by Jonass, Lieber, Seewer, Covington, Olsen, Bogers, Watson, Monticelli, Bernardini and Mewse.
Prado continued to stretch his lead, and Lieber was looking for a way to pass Jonass for second place.
Covington bursts past Seewer and looks to set up Lieber for a pass. The American is riding really well.
After five laps the top 15 was Prado, Jonass, Lieber, Covington, Seewer, Olsen, Bogers, Watson, Monticelli, Bernardini, Hsu, Mewse, Van Doninck, Brylyakov, and Gole.
The group of Jonass, Lieber, Covington and Seewer remained close together, but no passing. Covington putting a lot of pressure on Liever, but it’s a hard place to pass is Trentino.
Prado fading as Jonass starts to close in for the moto and GP victory.
Brilliant passing move by Covington as he dives up the inside of Lieber, and Olsen passes Seewer and then pushes Lieber off the track and goes into third.
Its action all around the track as Jonass looks for a way to pass Prado. Olsen is also chasing Jonass and Prado as he moves closer to those guys.
Olsen went down hard while in third, and dropped back to sixth.
Prado riding a brilliant race as he continued to hold off his KTM team-mate Jonass.
Prado wins the moto and the GP.
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MX2 – GP Classification 1 61 Prado Garcia, Jorge ESP RFME KTM 22 25 47 |
Saturday
Apr152017
MTA 2 Stroke National Pro Class Results
Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 5:55PM |
MTA 2 STROKE MX NATIONAL - 4/15/2017 |
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Saturday
Apr152017
Friday
Apr142017
Friday
Apr142017
Two Stroke RM Spotted at Glen Helen
Friday, April 14, 2017 at 9:20PM SPY PHOTOS : ALUMINUM FRAMED SUZUKI RM250 TWO-STROKE
Could this be a new beginning of two-stroke production machines for Suzuki ? We hope so ! With how hot the two-stroke market is currently Suzuki would for sure sell every unit imported into the US. The bike looks pretty close to a production unit with the use of all stock parts.
Friday
Apr142017
MX And Family A Perfect Mix
Friday, April 14, 2017 at 6:10PM On the right track: Motocross is a family affair for area riders
On a damp and muddy Sunday morning, hundreds of people congregate at Fiddler Creek Motocross track to watch racers speed around corners and soar over jumps. Some come to race, some to watch friends and relatives, but they are all family.
Denise and Liam Philpotts have been involved in motocross for almost 20 years. Originally getting their start in England, the couple is an integral part of the Fiddler Creek MX track in Homer, Neb. Racing is part of the family tradition for the Philpotts’, as not only are Liam and Denise involved, but also their sons Brandon and Kieran.
Family is not just about blood in this sport, as Denise says.
“If you speak to any motocrosser they will tell you about the “motocross family.” We are
all truly one big family at the track. Lifetime bonds and friendships are formed over the season. We will all come together to help each other out, from lending parts to making sure other riders get their bikes, a quick fix to race, to lending out entire bikes to complete their motos. When a rider gets injured we are there for the families, to make sure their family member gets treated without worrying about anything else. We bond over bonfires, food, and lots of laughter after practice sessions and track prep.”
Many racers spend time at the track and travel with one another as the season progresses from March to October.
These bonds lead to a lifetime of friendship, said Kieran.
“I have made some of my best friends at the track. It’s kind of like we are just one big family at the track and nobody wants to see another rider get hurt. I got my first bike when I was around four and I only really started racing when I moved to America, but some of my best memories have been made while I was racing. Fiddler Creek Mx Park is my home track and it was one of the first tracks I had ever ridden at. My family and I have always been a part of that track and brought many friends into racing because of the track. The fact that it’s local just helps so much. We make new friends all the time and just become an even bigger family, but as soon as you get on the track, everyone drops those smiles and gets serious.”
And while the riders may be serious during the race, when the checkered flag comes down, they go back to being part of one big family.