THE WEEKLY FEED: RODNEY SMITH’S FIRST SIX DAYS • NEW HUSKY SUPERMOTO • WILD VIDS

BLAST FROM THE PAST: RODNEY SMITH’S FIRST ISDE

Back in 1992 Rodney Smith had little fanfare as a motocross star despite finishing third in the 250cc MXGP title chase in 1988 riding for Chesterfield Suzuki. Rodney had returned to the U.S. in 1990 following his MXGP assault and a 5-year Brazilian stint where won five Brazilian national championships. In 1991 he rode the AMA National Motocross series with some help from American Suzuki. But it was at this point that he was burned out on moto and looking for a change of scenery. Rodney’s family had always enjoyed off-road riding and his Dad and brother raced the Northern California District D36 Enduro series. It was at the Minden, Nevada ISDE qualifier that Rodney rocked the off-road world by handedly winning the event. He backed this up when he won the Virginia City GP, straight up trouncing the undefeated Larry Roeseler. Dave Bertram contacted Mike Webb at American Suzuki (who had just taken over American Suzuki’s off-road program) and discussed the idea of putting Rodney on the U.S. Trophy team for the upcoming 1992 ISDE in Australia. Rod liked the idea and Suzuki prepped a bike and sent him to Oz. Rodney would shock the off-road world when he came incredibly close to winning the overall event, battling with Giovanni Sala, eventually finishing second in class and fourth overall. Upon his return Suzuki’s Mike Webb signed Rodney to race for Suzuki Off Road (his first hire) and this led to a Hall of Fame off-road career.

NEWS

HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES LAUNCHES COMPETITION FOCUSED 2021 FS 450

IMPROVED SUSPENSION, CHASSIS AND BODYWORK FOR ADVANCED 450CC SUPERMOTO RACER

Underlining the brand’s continued commitment to the supermoto segment, Husqvarna Motorcycles is pleased to announce the release of the MY21 FS 450 – the single-cylinder competition supermoto machine that features advanced engineering, class-leading ergonomics and traction control as standard.

Housing a compact 63 hp engine within a lightweight frame and modern bodywork, the FS 450 features revised suspension settings that deliver enhanced handling and damping characteristics for incredible on-track riding experiences.

For 2021, the FS 450 features WP XACT forks with AER technology and a new mid-valve damping system that ensures a more consistent front-end suspension performance. Further enhancing the machine’s manoeuvrability, a new 22 mm diameter front axle and a 7 mm reduction in the base offset of the forks sharpens turning and overall agility. Refinements to the easily adjustable WP XACT shock improve rear-end damping performance with new, low-friction linkage seals delivering a refined suspension response.

Technical Highlights:

• New mid-valve damping provides consistent fork performance
• New low-friction linkage seals for smoother shock action
• Revised WP XACT shock settings improve traction
• New seat cover texture for exceptional comfort and control
• Shortened wheelbase (7 mm) for optimal turning capabilities
• New 22 mm front wheel axle for improved fork response
• Engine – 63 hp and only 27.3 kg
• Frame – perfect flex characteristics, advanced rider feedback
• Carbon fibre composite subframe – lightweight and robust
• Swingarm – optimal stiffness and reliability in a lightweight construction
• WP XACT front fork – progressive and consistent damping
• WP XACT rear shock – 266 mm wheel travel
• Black 16.5”/17” Alpina spoked wheels and Bridgestone slick tyres – top-level performance
• Bodywork – distinctive looks, modern design and new seat cover texture
• ProTaper handlebar – class-leading function and style
• Launch control – maximum traction for perfect starts
• High performance Brembo brakes – shorter stopping distance with greater control and confidence

STEWARD BAYLOR: QUOTE OF THE MONTH!

SOCIAL DISTANCING

VIDEO JUKEBOX

WHAT A BATTLE!

ARVE

HILLCLIMB NIGHTMARE

ARVE

GEAR BAG

Pro Circuit has a new triple clamp and a throttle tube for the 2019-2020 KTM 85 SX. The triple clamp kit is made in the USA from 6061 aircraft-quality billet aluminum for optimum strength. Its clear anodizing offers a durable protective finish to complete the works look, and the reversible bar mount allows you to choose from four different handlebar positions. These different positions will help to customize the ergonomics to better fit your riding style.

The PC KTM 85 SX throttle tube is CNC-machined from aircraft-quality aluminum and is much stronger than the OEM plastic material. It has a Teflon coating on the inside to help ensure a smoother twist of the throttle. This throttle tube will also fit other recent KTM two-stroke models, like the 2017-2020 KTM 125/150/250 SX, and newer 250 and 300 enduro models.

Price: Triple clamps- $699.95, Throttle tube-$59.95

www.procircuit.com

Kick Starter Kit for `20-21 KTM, Husqvarna

Kick Starter Kit for `20-21 KTM, Husqvarna has all the parts you need to install the kick-starter on your bike. The combination of kick-starter and e-starter means you can be absolutely sure that your bike will always start up as quickly as possible. Price: $244.99

Kreft Moto – Revalve Control 2.0

It’s Like Having a Factory Suspension Mechanic at Your Fingertips

Revalve Control (patent pending) is a comprehensive suspension upgrade for WP forks. The system makes it possible to revalve your fork in seconds by simply turning a dial — no disassembly required. Kreft Moto’s unique valve design and WP tuning focus create a more supple and refined suspension action.

Now in its second generation, Revalve Control 2.0 includes refinements such as:

Kashima coated damper rod
Durable hard anodizing
Detent “clicks” for more precise adjustments
A protective cap that duals as a wrench to make adjustments without tools
Revalve Control works by adjusting how the shims behave on the fork’s mid-valve. This is radically different than the traditional compression “clicker” (a fixed orifice “bleed” device). A compression clicker is not speed sensitive, while Revalve Control is. Therefore, the range of adjustment provided by Revalve Control will literally allow riders to easily change from a Track setting to a Trail setting. It is that powerful.

But it’s not just about adjustability, a Kreft Moto tuned fork is still customized to the rider’s requirements. Our revised spring curve and damping modification creates a more free-moving feel in the initial stroke, enhances traction, and improves cornering confidence with a reliable turn-in feel and controlled line tracking.

Revalve Control 2.0 is available for all 2017 & newer KTM/Husqvarnas (125 – 450cc) with WP XACT or AER48 forks (SX, SX-F, XC, XC-F, FC, TC, FX).
Revalve Control is also available for all 2017 & newer KTM/Husqvarnas (125 – 501cc) with XPLOR forks (EXC, XC-W, FE, TE)

kreftmoto.com

KLIM’S NEW FALL RELEASE OFF-ROAD GEAR

In an exciting fall season move, KLIM has added a brand new lineup of colors for all three off-road lines, the Dakar, Mojave and XC Lite. The Idaho-based company typically releases all their new off-road gear in the spring, so this is an exciting surprise for those shopping for new gear in the fall.

The Dakar series gets a full new kit (matching pant, jersey, glove) plus one more new jersey, the Mojave series also gets a full kit (matching pant, jersey, glove) plus one more jersey, and the XC Lite series gets two new fully matched kits.

KLIM DAKAR SERIES- **PANT / GLOVE** COLORS Green, Aqua Blue, Sage, Gray-Orange, Black, Black-Red, Blue

The Dakar series gear is a blend of durability and airflow, featuring massive adjustable vents on the pant legs in addition to multiple stretch panels, leather overlays, and heavy duty 840D Cordura in key areas. The recently redesigned Dakar Jersey, with tough sleeves, vented sides, a zippered sleeve pocket and a lightweight body, is equally focused on durability while still maintaining good airflow for off-road riding.

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KLIM MOJAVE SERIES- **MOJAVE JERSEY / PANT / GLOVE**
COLORS Red-White, Orange-Gray, Blue-His-Vis, Sage-Orange, White-Blue, Green

The Mojave series focuses big time on airflow while maintaining solid durability, with pants featuring the same burly materials as in the Dakar Pant, but with fully open mesh panels for full-time airflow in hot weather. The recently redesigned Mojave Jersey also features a more open mesh body material for more airflow, while upgrading to the same durable sleeve material found in the Dakar Jersey.

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KLIM XC LIGHT SERIES – **JERSEY / PANT / GLOVE** COLORS Gray-Green, Red-Black, White-Orange, Gray-Blue, Pink-Tan, Black-Green, Blue-Purple

Topping the charts for mobility is the XC Lite series. Engineered with the aggressive trail rider and racer in mind, the XC Lite series puts extra focus on comfort in extremely demanding conditions, where airflow, moisture-wicking materials and highly flexible fabrics can make or break the experience. Still, durability isn’t pushed aside with leather overlays and durable fabrics in high wear areas.

See the new kits at www.KLIM.com

WOLF: BACK IN THE DAY

1982 Black Coal National Enduro. I was testing a brand new HQV WR250 and being a California child it usually took me all day to find some comfort level dealing with getting my hands slammed for hours at a time. I rode my butt off here and finished 21st overall- so no AA points. I’ll never forget the final special which was miles of the tightest woods I had ever ridden in. I totally sucked! I also remember the guy who won. Johnny Martin. I rode a lot with him when he’d come to California and prep for the Nationals out west. You can see that Brian Palermo shot both photos though JM seems to twisting it a bit harder!