THE WEEKLY FEED: HONDA ELSINORE CR125 SPARKED THE SPORT
FROZEN
NEWS
Second round of ISDE qualifying events to take place in April
Two competitions will help determine riders for U.S. International Six Days Enduro team
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Two AMA Regional ISDE Qualifier Series are holding their second round of competition in April, offering riders a chance to earn a spot on the U.S. ISDE team that will compete in the 2018 FIM International Six Days Enduro in Viña del Mar, Chile.
“The ISDE qualifying season is in full swing,” said AMA Off-Road Racing Manager Erek Kudla. “We were delighted to bring back the multi-event qualifying format last year. The competition was fierce in 2017, with some spots on the ISDE team being decided by razor-thin margins. This year is shaping up the same way, and we are looking forward to qualifying our very best riders through the close competition at these events.”
The AMA West Region ISDE Qualifier will be hosted by North Bay MC and is slated for April 7-8 in Lakeport, Calif.
The AMA East Region ISDE Qualifier Series round will be hosted by Michigan Sprint Enduros on April 28-29 at the Battle Creek Motorcycle Club facility near Battle Creek, Mich.
The AMA ISDE Regional Qualifier Series were re-introduced in 2017 to create a fair and exciting platform for determining which 21 Club Team riders will join the 10 Trophy Team riders to make up the official U.S. ISDE team.
Each qualifier series consists of three rounds, two days each.
Riders compete in one of four classes (E1, E2, E3, E4) on motorcycles ranging from 125cc to 500cc. They are scored on their overall performance and their performance in the E4 (40+) class, if applicable. Riders evaluations will be based on their best four days of the six days of competition.
Points scored in these events also count toward a rides’ respective local class championships.
Registration is now open for both April qualifying events. Those interested in competing in the West qualifier can register by visiting www.moto-tally.com/D36/Enduro/PreEntry.aspx. For those interested in competing in the East qualifier event, visit www.livelaps.com/promoter?7917 to register.
For more information on the AMA West qualifier event and facility, visit www.northbaymc.org.
For more information on the AMA East qualifier event and facility, visit www.battlecreekmotorcycleclub.com.
VIDS
This is big time AIR! Pretty certain that this guy has Buick sized guavas
GEAR BAG
SIDI X-3 SR
Features/technology: Sidi’s most cost-effective way to experience professional level boots.
Protection: Single flex pivot system with “soft stop” to limit hyperextension/flexion. Rigid, shock resistant heel cup.
Base material: Laminated Technomicro is used as the base material.
Shank (material): Nylon insole (for safety).
Buckling system: Replaceable micro adjustable cam lock buckle system with memory straps.
Sole: Same replaceable sole system on the Crossfire 2. Replaceable at home with a flathead screwdriver.
Weight: Size 44/10: 7.0 lb. per pair
Replaceable parts: All bolt on parts of the boot are replaceable. Sole, buckles, straps, strap retainers
Price: $375.00
Contact: www.motonation.com
Polisport Plastics Clutch Cover Protectors
Polisport is protecting bikes with new Clutch Cover Protectors. These impact resistant guards are the optimum protection against rocks and other riding abrasions. The hard outer shell offers a slim design that resists heat and won’t interfere with the rider’s boots. A built in rubber o-ring allows this protector to mount perfectly to the OEM clutch cover without the need to disassemble. Polisport offers the Clutch Cover Protector in six colors and includes all mounting hardware.
Price: $33.99
Pro Circuit offers their High-Compression Piston Kits for the 2018 CRF250R and 2018 KTM 450 SX-F for racers looking for a performance edge. Manufactured by JE Pistons to our exact specifications, Pro Circuit pistons are forged from high-quality aerospace aluminum alloy using advanced CNC-machined technologies. The result is a significant gain in low-end torque and high-RPM performance. $349.95
TM Designworks Bare Bones Slide-N-Guide Kit
TM Designworks introduces its Bare Bones Slide-N-Guide Kit for 2018 models. With the performance of modern day bikes, evolving to meet current durability demands is a tough task due to the high horsepower numbers put out by these machines. To drastically enhance durability, and style, over stock OEM parts, the TM Designworks’ minimalist kit replaces the high wear items of the Chain Slider and Inner Rub Block at an affordable cost. Stronger and less expensive than OEM replacement parts. The Bare Bones kit provides the high performance TMD Slider and inner rub block for smooth chain performance and increased power. Ample colors, ample protection and ample savings. $59.95
ALL BALLS PETCOCK REBUILD KITS
CRASH AND BURN
TECH TIP: PRECISION CONCEPTS ON FORK HARSHNESS
One of the most common questions we get has to do with fork harshness. More specifically, it’s how to make adjustments to improve harshness while out riding. Of importance is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for making adjustments. For example, harshness under braking requires a different approach than harshness/deflection under acceleration. If you’re at the track, or on the trail, and want to make some adjustments on the fly, the best place to start is to deduce when the harsh feel is occurring.
Fork Harshness Doesn’t Always Mean Go Softer
For most, logic dictates that if the forks are harsh, they need to be softer. But our testing has shown that if the fork harshness is under braking, firming them up will actually help more often than not. To explain, when your forks are harsh under braking, it’s typically because they’re diving too low and hitting a “step” further into the valving, or stroke. A step can occur when the valving ramps up in a less-progressive fashion. Our goal is to eliminate valving steps internally, but if there is a step, it usually shows up lower in the stroke. So, the goal when making an adjustment is to get the forks to stay up a little more; to not hit that step as abruptly. In order to achieve this, stiffening the compression clicker 2-3 clicks can firm the forks up enough to make a difference. It may not be the ideal long-term fix, but it can help if you’re already riding and want to try to improve the feel.
Sometimes Rebound Can Make The Difference
Continuing with the previous example, another area to adjust is the rebound. Softening the rebound can help the forks recover faster under braking. In effect, this can help them stay up in the stroke and off a harsh step. It also helps the forks recover quicker, which can ease any harshness due to packing. If you’re going to play with the rebound adjuster, try 1-2 clicks at a time and feel the difference it makes. If the front end starts to feel like it’s moving too much, popping back at your face, then you’ve likely reached the threshold for speeding up the rebound. A little bit quicker rebound can also help if the forks are harsh down a straightaway. For the same reasons, it can help the forks stay up off a step in the valving or recover quicker over small chop.
Deflection Can Require Softening Compression
Softening the compression adjuster usually comes into play if the forks feel tall, stiff, or have a tendency to deflect. While also referred to as harshness, this feel differs from harshness under braking. An example is if you’re riding over choppy or rocky terrain and the forks feel like they need to move easier or absorb more. If the forks feel harsh, or deflect, under acceleration, then they may need to be softened. Going out on compression will also aid the forks in diving a little easier when cornering. As always when making adjustments, try 1-3 clicks at a time and note the change in feel. And if the forks start to dive too much or hit a hard spot under braking, then that’s the limit for external adjustment.
SOCIAL DISTORTION
Jeff Emig going big at the Des Nations on his KX500.
WOLF: BACK IN THE DAY
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