Moto-Brian

LEDs are for experienced intermediate riders. If you only have one day, the LED is probably not for you. It is run with Intermediates and Advanced riders together...

No problemo here...

I meant at a Rider's Meeting or something. Things like that need to be brought up to avoid such things happening again. I know FT is a fun atmosphere, but these types of things are why racing is serious no matter what the level or what the atmosphere is. Shields go down, you need to be alert and know what to do. If not, buy a set of golf clubs...

No, you shouldn't keep your mouth shut. If the guy was blaming Jason and the video is remotely correct, someone should be paying for Jason's broken bike. There are racing incidents where you are battling and even mistakes that occur causing crashes. That's racing. But a bone head move while battling for mid pack novice at a FT event and essentially running out of talent taking a guy out? Bullshit. Then, to not come up and offer help or apologize? Asshat. That guy target fixed and is either riding well past his ability (likely) or he got a burr up his ass and was heads and shoulders deep in a situation where he was so over his reserve limit that he plowed a fellow racer...

Doubt I'd lap anyone with the RC8 and with not being up there for so many years. Locals rule that track. Again, if Gaige would show, I'd be more inclined to run there. We'll see... I'll probably do the 20 for sure, though and the endurance with a buddy...

Oh, and you're right on the softer part. Grass is packed dirt and packed dirt fuckin hurts.

Grass will grab for sure, but gravel traps at speed are worse on bikes than grass. The bike augers the front wheel in typically and at anything fast (Brandon's crash was very slow) will cause the bike to tumble and destroy in seconds. Turn 1 and 14 at Mid-Ohio is a classic example. Even the slower groups of riders that crash there cause serious damage. Bike flips and eats itself alive. If it low sides into grass, well... It's why most guys don't run sliders anymore. Things sticking out get caught. It's almost a loss any way you look at it, but if it is a slow speed off, it doesn't matter as gravel will simply suck you in - very deep stuff - and grass usually pulls you in as well. High speed? I'd pick grass, i guess... Solution to it all? Stay on track! How'd the hell did you go off there anyways?? I've ate a shit burger while trying to cheat distance with a guy. Trailed too much into one there and low sided. Frame slider caught the grass, ripped the bolt clean out of the motor... We finished the race, but damage was fairly expensive.

KTM now has linkage on the 250, 350 and 450 for 2011 MX/SX bikes. The PDs shock is still on the trail and enduro machines due to racers prefer it for several reasons with ground clearance a high reason... The PDS is very good in woods and related type racing and riding. With updates to the full line, it is even better for 2011... Also, parts aren't that much, guys. Certain pieces are as they are better quality. Magura, Brembo, etc are components on these bikes and therefore, cost a little more, but replacement items like control levers, switches, etc are typically in line with what is out there from the Big 4...

He asked a set question and from his response, seemingly an appropriate answer from me was given. The 250 XC-W is a good trail bike. Didn't state it would make a good dual sport. A 300XC? Probably a better choice with proper turns and lights, etc. needed for dual sport. However, as stated, the EXCs are probably the best choice from what I read from him. Now, as far as them being expensive, how so? In reality, for the components and such you get, they aren't out of line. And, tell that to over 60% of the off road market share we have...

Thinking of taking the stock RC8R to the final round up there and endurance it or one of the solo 20 thingies they now do. Probably consider sprinting the 1000 if maybe Sam shows...

Guy is a novice and wasn't running but maybe a 1/2 second a lap faster. Guy is a bone head and if he thinks it was somehow Jason's fault, he's a tard. Hell, Jason was just starting to lean in!!! I can't wait to get up there this year...

Dude, if the guy was trying to blame Jason, he's a bigger dousche than ever. Who was the guy? I'll email Jason to see how he's doing, but if you see him, tell him I said "hey".

No problem, man. It's just this site is starting to get a lot of guys that are in a huff when you tell them there are better choices out there. Bottom line? Don't come on to a website asking what is the best choice. All that ever happens is suggestions from people who own a set bike. They probably have limited bike experience and limited number of bikes they've ever ridden in such conditions. At the end of the day, buy what YOU feel is best. Take the bikes talked about, research and decide what is best for you. Not some tool bag that "thinks" it is the best choice simply because they own one...

That's not Midlam, is it? That guy that did the "pass" should be drop kicked in the nuts. Total bonehead right there. Your buddy was smooth and even allowed a PILE of room on the inside for the tool box to make a pass. From initial thoughts, I suspect that goonrider probably came in too hot, target fixed on Jason and clocked him... Doucher

Ok, here's my response and I am out. I get all you guys bitching and moaning that because I work for KTM and have been working in the motorcycle industry for 16 fucking years. When I mention even remotely something that I am familiar with, you bitch and whine and complain. I've been working in this industry and while trying not to be too arrogant, have probably ridden more bikes than you probably have read about. I've had the pleasure of riding bikes that have not even been released yet in the past and present. I've never once claimed to be great at anything and am still lucky to be an average rider. However, I have ridden almost every type of bike out there. Wanna test my abilities? Want to test my experience? Wanna test what I haven't or have ridden? Go for it. The fact is that it isn't any different than a guy that comes on and says that his bike is the best choice and recommends it to someone who asks. Look, dipshit - I suggested metric bikes to the guy. Gave him some choices and backed them up. Get over yourself and maybe get a damn job where you too can experience different types of bikes. Sure, I work for KTM (who owns Berg) and sure, I am going to suggest them. But, truth be told, find me a Japanese bike that fits in the 530 EXC or 570 S category. Good luck. Look, the XR/XLs, KLXs, DRZs are good and decent bikes, but on trails like I described, they aren't the best choices. If you think so, great. Have you even ridden an EXC? Terms I used like "turds" and such may hurt your feelings. I apologize. However, not every bike can be cherries and Dirt Rider's Bike of the Year. Get over it. Jesus.

That will be tough to find a suitable seat height. I know it sounds bad, but when a woman came into our shop looking for a trail bike that was on and off road, we'd move them towards the smaller bikes. I think Honda has a 230L now that is very low seat height and somewhat an ok trails bike. If you are a serious off roader, though - same applies and many a woman ride regular big bikes with no issues.

In all serious, then... I would simply buy a CRF, RMZ, KX, or YZ 450 and convert to street. In Ohio, it is VERY easy to do. They make a Baja Designs light kit for every model and you can get the needed horn easily enough. In fact, according to state law, a simple bicycle squeeze horn will pass. My buddy did a CRF450 and didn't even have to get it checked by the State Patrol. He went to the DMV with the Off Road title and told them it was a street bike and they took care of it! Anyways, getting a good used CRF and the like is really cheap and will provide serious fun. You can also buy a set of 17" wheels for under $500 and slap them on in maybe 20 minutes total time (if you are slow) and have a blast on the street or at CRP!! Here's the Yamaha 450 I had that I never did get legal, but did plenty of street rides on: Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Well, I am probably going to be slated as biased towards the KTM and Husabergs, but it is only because I have ridden them and see what the focus for them is. The company is truly an off road company and unlike many of the other companies out there, they have not strayed away from their roots in off road. Many a Dual Sport event will show you what I mean. Look at the GNCCs and especially the National Enduros. That technology and focus is sent over to the on/off road segments, as well. Here's the new Berg. I have an FX450 and love the damn thing. 570 S (2011): Uploaded with ImageShack.us They will be over at Wheelsports (Only Ohio Berg dealer)...

KTM 450 EXC or 530 EXC. Done. The other bikes are pigs off road and if you are a serious trails guy and not just running some wide open dirt paths, the bigger 650s and such are just turds. Can easily be fun for sure, but they are soft and very much designed to be less trail and more wide open area off road riders. I've ridden 650 Hondas, KLX Kaws, DRZs and they are all very heavy as you noticed and if you decide to ride a serious trail, you're going to be sore or so worn out that you won't last long. If street has to be an option 100%, get something that is a trail bike (Trail meaning what you'd see in a GNCC or Enduro type atmosphere) with blinkers and a horn with lights... Husky also makes some decent stuff and Husaberg has a new 570 S coming that is EXCELLENT. That motor configuration is unique, but makes the bike transition back and forth in tight woods VERY well... As for getting parts, they are EASILY available and cost similar if not cheaper than their Japanese counter parts. Oh, wait, they don't make such bikes!

Ok, here's the drill... Their closeouts aren't priced where normal stuff should be. Are you freakin serious?? Where have you found a new AStar one piece suit for $300? Give me a break... Where have you found a brand new Fox V3 helmet for $39.99? As for the MSRP on things in the store, what you don't get is that EVERY God damn internet company alive has to abide by what they call a MAP policy or RSA. These are agreements that state if advertising a certain product whether internet site, catalog, newspaper, national magazine, etc., they have to advertise retail price or the ad will be pulled and they can essentially have that brand removed from their store. Now, can they sell it for whatever they want within their own store? Yes. But, I will sit here and challenge you to find any CURRENT Fox, AStar, Thor, Oakley, Shoei, Icon, Sidi, etc. to be advertised on the internet for less money. Now, that excludes the Dennis Kirk $1 less than any advertised price BS... The point is that you are clueless when it comes to internet shopping. Tires? Sure. Certain other items? Sure. But, the traditional stuff that is popular and most common in most shops and on the internet are advertised at the same damn price UNLESS it is non current product. So, focus on whatever else you want, but I get freakin sick and tired of hearing how shops around Ohio rip people off because they try and make money. I get tired of hearing that you can get a better deal on the internet vs. a local shop when in fact, outside tires and a few other items, you cannot. Then guys bitch even at the tire deals when they gotta pay decent money to get them mounted at another shop they didn't buy them at. And, in fact, the tire deals at Pony are really good and when you weigh shipping, getting them mounted, having to wait a few days, etc., Pony's deals and other local shops and companies (And site sponsors) are actually better... Support local. Whether you are CBus, Cincy, Cleveland, etc. Support local or they will go bye-bye. Rant over.

Who's this Reuben guy you speak of? :D Guy is one of the best out there and knows EXACTLY what is going on. No pretending to know shit and doesn't use money to buy knowledge. He's got real world experience and doesn't "know someone" that does and then regurgitates it to potential customers. Real deal, folks. Try him out and you'll see why some of the top teams and riders seek him out...

He's not the same kind of guy like the suspension guy is he? Heard he also does clinics on scrubbing tires, too!

It's a HUGE difference in elevation from the top of the keyhole down to turn 7. You don't realize it until you either stand up on top of the mound watching and just see how many feet lower it is. There's TONS of elevation at Mid-O that you never realize sitting in the seat of a bike...

Techincally speaking, I have a kid that could ride a GSXR600 better than most MX riders on dirt. So, does that make the GSXR600 a good choice?

Probably a kickstand switch issue. I would simply unplug and solder the wires together to by pass. Of course, you'll have to remember to make sure the kickstand is up when you roll as it will not stall when you put into gear. Or, since it was crashed pretty badly, did anyone check to see if the connection to the fuel pump was securely fastened? If you don't hear the pump activate, it probably isn't connected possibly... Common issue at the track when we are working 9 million miles per hour...