V254 August 2016 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Steven Davis (Scooter News)

Cover Shot goes to… our mate Craig Russell on his YZ125 Bringing us his hot and dusty report from USA Retrocross

USA Correspondent Craig Russell reports from American Retrocross Rnd 7 & the 2017 KTM launch plus DMCC 85th Anniversary – Photos needed everyone! 7th August 2016

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With no racing for us this past weekend we are lucky this week to have two great reports from our mate Craig Russell #12 in USA – you may remember that Craig, an Aussie now living over there, has been living on the east coast for some months but recently returned to homebase in California for a little vintage riding and testing the new range of KTMs – so sit back and enjoy the sunny, dusty pics and stories.

July American Retrocross Rnd 7 Competitive Edge MX Park 10th July 2016

I have been busy on the road and in NYC with my wife Karith and her career, as she is one of the featured comedians in a new documentary titled “Can we take a joke?” (trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI9emLcjMOk). Luckily I didn’t make it into the documentary because my response to the question of “Can Americans take a joke?” is “NO!” Probably would have been the world’s shortest documentary. So in July I managed to sneak back to my home base in Southern California and timed an American Retrocross race day perfectly. Of course riding a couch, driving a million miles across the US and chasing kids around the NYC parks is no substitute for training and riding, so the racing would prove interesting. Since I am low on training stamina and zero for seat time I chose the least powerful and lightest bike I own

this side of a mountain bike, which was the YZ125. Actually I love riding the little YZ125 as I consider it about the perfect bike. A flexible (for a 125 two

Here I am on the little YZ125! Actually I love this bike

stroke) powerband, light crisp nimble handling and good suspension. The only fly in the ointment is the fact that I have to race against 250 two and four strokes and the monster 450’s, heck there was even a CR500 out there for good measure! The start at Competitive Edge’s hillside track literally runs up the hillside and they generally deeply rip the dirt on the start straight. The first Getting into a corner. Clearly this was later in the day when the moisture had disappeared 2

corner had changed and the new layout really looked grim for my little 125 to haul my oversized body up the hill. Also there were several changes to the track since I last rode there; a nice little roller/whoop section, some new corners and a couple of new jumps. As I rolled into the pits

Always great racing at ARX! just after 8am to sign up the track looked magnificent. The Heck it even looks like I still know what I am doing! Plus I am in front of someone! Yeehaaw! temperature was supposed to be mid to high 30’s Celsius. I

was primed for a fun day of racing. Practice was fun with the freshly turned dirt and the perfect amount of moisture providing fluffy loam to enjoy. However when I returned to my truck I was feeling a little drained since I was literally coming directly off the couch. I knew energy conservation would be critical, especially More of the tight racing but friendly riding 2 classes. racing at ARX. Hal Vosnick #3 leading In the races themselves I Steve Vosnick #17 managed to leave the first There is always a wide spectrum of bikes at an ARX meeting. Here club #1 turn in a decent position plate holder Stan Speck is on his Husky each time by tucking to the inside and going by almost everyone else who went wide. I could hammer down for about 2 laps only and still go decently for about 3.5 laps after that it was limp mode to the finish line! I admit letting a couple of

guys who are not in my aficionado Ed Tashjian tried class go by because I was in a in practice but was Former Pro Kevin Montgomery put on a mounted on his trusty Suzuki for riding clinic on his well-tuned RM465 no shape to keep battling. the races. Ed owns several Factory Works bikes

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All in all it was great to get out and do some riding and racing again. There was plenty of good close racing all day and plenty of bench racing afterwards. The guys at American Retrocross are about the most relaxed and fun racing organization to race with, and true to their motto we were all done by 1pm. Then it was time to catch up with fellow Aussie ex-pat Factory Phil Tourgelis for a bourbon and a good chat.

Andy Shellcross (the Mad Brit) is my newest hero! Andy plays bass in an AC/DC tribute band High Voltage. After his gig on Saturday night Andy drove almost 5 hours to get to the track for the race and proceeded to compete in 3 classes! How does he do it? Red Bull and Menthol cigarettes!

Here is Andy #560 in action! Weapon of choice is a CR500 of course! Here some poor soul is feeling the business end of that 500! After racing 3 classes Andy packed up and drove the almost 5 hours back home! Makes me feel guilty that I am only 30 minutes away from the track!

Video can be viewed here https://www.facebook.com/190426865060/videos/10157234369645061/

Many families race together at The 3 Amigos? The 2x4 class Anyone chasing a 1973 ARX, there are classes for winners 400? everyone

110 Mike Johnstone and 76 Here I am #12 about to be There is always some dicing going Marty Mlaker getting into it in trounced on the way to the on somewhere in the pack at ARX. the older bike classes. 1st corner by all the 450’s etc. Friendly people and good racing.

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2017 KTM Demo day Glen Helen 25th July 2016 By USA Correspondent Craig Russell #12

A couple of Aussie mates, Matt Drake and Daniel Robins, arrived on Sunday and they had a spare day or so before heading up the California coast on a Harley ride. I mentioned that KTM was having a 2017 model demo day at

Glen Helen on Monday. Instantly Dan was foaming at the mouth and we were headed directly to Chaparral to get him the required gear. Matt was being a stickler for time, as he can no longer ride motocross because of an old knee injury, had us up early and headed toward the gates at Glen Helen. Sign up was scheduled for 8am and we were there plenty before that! Unfortunately KTM was having an issue with their wifi and systems, but it gave us a chance to look over the latest steeds from the Austrian factory. The 250 2 strokes were all brand spanking new, so new there were no numbers

on them yet. Finally with the wifi working we were able to sign in, gear up and begin riding. The course was a shortened version of the REM track, which is the site of the original Arroyo Park from way back in the days of the late 60’s and early 70’s (see link for a youtube movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5R0FiE-B8U) I was hoping to get going soon as the early morning temperature was far more reasonable than the scorching expected top of around 40 degrees C. The official rules were to only take 2 laps on each bike, but most riders were definitely considerably exceeding that number of laps. Some people had a methodical process to riding the bikes while others it was much more random. My order probably says as much about how I personally view each KTM displacement model. The first bike I chose was the KTM350, which I view as the great all-purpose bike that is easy to ride so I can learn the track (as the tracks in So Cal are constantly changing). Then I rode the 250 4 stroke, 125, 150 and 250 2 strokes before

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heading back to the big daddy 450 4 stroke. The track also started the day pool table smooth, but quickly develops a decent variety of bumps since REM is renowned for some of the most brutally rough tracks in Southern California. Also there were some moderate elevation changes and a smattering of various jump styles. So here is my opinion of each bike based on my laps today at Glen Helen, please note that I didn’t get to ride the 2016 models because of the unfortunate circumstances that surrounded last year’s event. So my most recent comparisons for KTM models with 2015 versions. 125SX: I was extremely keen to ride the little KTM125 as I have mainly been riding my YZ125 when I am back in California. The previous versions of KTM’s 125 have proven to be supremely powerful, however the power has been equally aggressive having nothing and then a sledgehammer like hit. The Yamaha has a much more user friendly power plant and chassis combination that most riders have seemed to prefer. For 2017 that has all changed. The new KTM125 has a much wider and friendlier powerband. The power comes on with more of a hit than the Yamaha and has far more intensity throughout the range. In talking with another, younger rider he mentioned that the 125 had a slight hesitation before coming to life. It is a 125 and truthfully you shouldn’t be dawdling around in the lower rpm ranges. Although I would happily recommend changing the gearing and adding at least 1 tooth and probably preferring 2 teeth on the rear sprocket. I found there was a little section out the back with a slow corner leading to a steep assent and shifting down to 1st was mandatory for me, although at 6’4” tall and 200+pounds I am not really the target weight for a 125. As for the suspension I like my bikes these days to be nice soft and plush. The 125 was none of these things. I know KTM has been grilled mercilessly in the US media for having settings that are “too soft” or Vet orientated. The new settings seem more “Pro” and the new AER fork does a decent job matching the shock.

In summary the new KTM125 now far exceeds the YZ125. The bike is very light feeling and exhibits nimble handling, making it a joy to throw around the track. The power is plentiful and with a simple gearing change and a suspension revalve a permanent smile should be etched on any rider’s face. If you are in the market for a new 125 then this is the one to own!

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150SX: After riding the KTM125 and being very impressed with its new found usability and breadth of power curve I was excited to see what another 19cc could do. In previous years when I believe the 125 was too singularly focused on peak power instead of usability the KTM150 (144cc to be precise) was usually a lot more fun as it had a shade of mid-range that made the all or nothing 125 approach a little less nothing before the all. In years past I had enjoyed the 150 immeasurably more than the 125.

The 2017 rendition of the 150 though I didn’t find head and shoulders better than the 125. Yes it has more torque, as it was possible to clear the corner that I was required to shift to 1st for on the 125 in 2nd gear. Yes it is easier to use, although the power curve seems to crest a shade earlier than the 125 at the very top. Now that the 125 has become a more balanced power plant the 150 no longer seemed to be the massive advantage it once was. If I had my preference I would add 1 tooth to the rear sprocket to tighten up the power and put 3rd into play sooner.

The handling is similarly crisp as the 125 as they share the same chassis platform. I would opt to revalve the suspension to suit my tastes if this were my bike, pretty much every bike needs some setting up for the individual rider regardless of brand. The KTM150 is still a great bike and it is more powerful than its little brother 125, it no longer dominates. Personally it would be a coin toss as to which I preferred. Each has their charms and the performance gap between them is no longer a gulf, but a mere crossing of a line. Both great bikes and both lots of fun.

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250SX: The KTM250 and I have some history together. I first rode and actually owned one briefly in 1989, which is a story unto itself. Needless to say I was very unimpressed with the way the 1989 KTM250 performed, as the motor seemed weak and the handling was peculiar at best. From time to time I have sampled KTM250’s over the years and they all left me with a similar impression until I rode the 2012 version. The 2012 and 2013 KTM250’s were monsters of bikes that left me wanting to drain all the cash out of my accounts and march right down to a KTM dealer and pay whatever he demanded to get on in the back of my truck. Simply put, they were phenomenal. KTM fiddled with the motor (head design if I recall) to try and make a more user friendly power plant for the 2014, 15 and 16 versions. For me personally I preferred the fire breathing 2012 and 13 motors more, as the newer version was slightly more friendly but traded the espresso style jolt and great top end for a smoother blend and a very flat top end. So where does that leave the 2017 version? I know the bike was supposed to be virtually new from the ground up. I am happy to report that the new version is more like the 2012/13 style motors, possibly even better. The pickup is in the lower mid-range and has a slight hit to it that alerts you to the fact that things are going to start happening at a rapid pace. It has a very broad and vibration free range as the revs build to an acceptable top end. This motor has a willingness to keep pulling. Although the power has a “zingy” feel to it. If I were to do more riding or testing on this bike I would seriously investigate adding a flywheel weight as it just feels a little light. I have a sneaking suspicion that

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with more flywheel weight this bike would be digging some serious trenches instead of spinning and zipping across the surface so much. The bike as a whole feels extremely light weight and flickable, changing direction is effortless. KTM’s continued research and development of 2 strokes is paying off handsomely as they are producing some quality product. I have yet to mention the brakes, but KTM has some kind of magic going on there and everyone who is riding a Japanese bike is definitely giving up braking performance to a KTM rider. After riding KTM’s I have even added larger rotors to my own personal bikes which certainly bridge the performance gap, however stock KTM brakes are still on another level. I can’t even imagine what Dungey’s brakes feel like! As I have stated with the other bikes I would customize the suspension, but that is required basically with all bikes.

250SXF: My previous experience with the KTM250 four stroke has always left me feeling a little flat. The main reason is because all of the power has been focused on the top end and you really had to rev the bejeezus out of the little KTM that had dogs howling several counties away! It may have made good power numbers on a dyno but it never felt fast out on the track. Not helping matters was that the little KTM became a porker with electric start, injection and the linkage. Well I am here to let you know that I was shocked to find a much more contemporary version of a 250F from KTM for 2017. The new 2017 model must have an all new as it feels so different from the last one I rode. This one had just enough grunt off the bottom and a nice mid-range that blended into the top end. To say I was surprised was an understatement, I am more than impressed with this power plant. Although I must state that I used the aggressive #2 map. There is a switch on the handle

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bars that lets you switch between 2 different fuel/ignition maps. The #1 setting is stock and I was told that #2 was the aggressive map. There is also a TC button which I assume is traction control or a start/launch mode. Since I don’t know a single racer who wouldn’t switch a bike to the aggressive, more power mode that is the one I used. In this form it felt like a great well balanced 250 four stroke motor. KTM have gone to great lengths in the last couple of years to reduce the weight of their bikes. Now KTM sell bikes that have electric start, fuel injection, linkage suspension and a host of wonderful other add on features and they have the lightest bikes in the class. KTM (also Husky but they are under the same corporate umbrella) continue to use steel frames. While initially when the Japanese manufacturers embraced aluminum frames KTM was thought to be lagging behind on frame technology. Perhaps they knew more than everyone else as it seems all the race teams are busy trying to replicate steel frame flex characteristics with their alloy frames. These modern KTM’s handle fantastically. Point them where you want to go and they go, want to change line and boom you are there!

350SXF: The KTM350 project was always an interesting concept and I held high hopes for this model when it was first released. Unfortunately the first few years were major disappointments in my opinion. I was kind of hoping that they would try building a small 450 that weighted as much as a 250. Unfortunately the first few years KTM had it backwards, they built a big 250 that weighted almost as much as a 450. Yes I know Tony Cairoli was winning the MX1 GP class on the 350. But for me the stock one had all the power placed at the top of the rev scale and as per the 250’s that KTM was producing back then there was scant amounts of bottom and middle to help you get to the top end knockout punch. Daniel Robins who was also there owns one of the earlier KTM350’s back in Australia and this was his main complaint also in discussing this matter with him. I will note that the 2015 KTM350 I rode was the first 350 that I enjoyed as it had appreciably more bottom and middle. A small local dealer said he sold ten 350’s the day of that 2015 model demo based on riders enjoying that bike so much.

For 2017 the KTM350 still retains the good traits from 2015 and possibly a step beyond. With the 350 I played with the maps and TC the most. On the #1 map the bike was very controllable and easy to ride and the power had a non-rushed almost lazy feeling to it. However, this may be due to the fact that I initially set the map to the #2 aggressive map first. With the aggressive map engaged the KTM350 became A LOT faster. Bottom was noticeably stronger as was the mid-range. Actually with the map set at #2 the 350 felt 450ish in power volume and delivery. Personally I was in love with the #2 aggressive map setting, however talking with other riders one guy mentioned that he began his ride with the bike set at #2 (oops I may have been the culprit) and that it was too aggressive for him and he preferred it once he set the map back to the stock #1 setting. So I guess one man’s perfection is another’s poison. However it is nice to have the ability to select different maps and that they actually make a significant difference.

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Finally the 350 feels like its own bike. In 2015 the bike had a very 250 size and feel about it, which I actually liked at the time. For 2017 the 350 feels like it’s bigger than the 250 but smaller than the 450 in physical size. The weight has been reduced like the rest of the KTM line and the suspension seemed to work the best stock on the 350 also. This is a fun chassis as you have 450ish power with a slightly smaller lighter physical feel. Add in awesome brakes, hydraulic , electric start etc. and it has all the ingredients for the making of a very desirable bike. How desirable? Tony Cairoli has switched back from the 450 he has been racing since early 2015 to the new 2017 KTM350! On the day, although I am reluctant to admit it, the 350 won me over too – especially with the aggressive #2 map setting.

450SXF: Since 2013 I have been a huge fan of the KTM450. The 2013 KTM demo was at Glen Helen also but we used the National/USGP track and the longer track and gnarly hills really gave the 450 the chance to stretch its legs. I remember gleefully launching that beast up those endless Glen Helen hills and rocketing up them with a massive smile on my face. In 2015 we were at Lake Elsinore Vet track and at that track the 450 felt like it was a little too much of everything; a little too ferocious, a little too big and it flamed out on a couple of the slower corners. I still liked it, but not just at that track.

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For this year riding the 2017 at Glen Helen REM track there was a little bit of the sensation that the 450 was again a little too much. The motor is epic, but I might want it to be a little more “chuggy” so if I were trying to perfect everything I might look to adding a flywheel weight. Also it should be noted I only rode the 450 in the #1 setting. I wish I had remembered to try the #2 setting, although I rode the 450 last and my lack of training was apparent and my arms were noodles so perhaps it was wise not to have the top fueller map engaged.

Even though the chassis feels slightly larger than the 350 it is still amazingly light and agile through the corners. Negotiating ruts were second nature and it was easy to get such a big powerful bike pointed in the right direction each corner, straight and lap. By the end of the day some of the jump faces had deteriorated, however the big KTM flew straight every time. Even though I picked the 350 as the best on this day, if I had to go to the dealer and buy a bike I would feel foolish buying one that had 100cc less especially since they are both so similar in price and they compete in the same class. Also I felt instantly the most comfortable on the 450, just seating and size wise. But at 6’4” I guess a slightly bigger bike is to be appreciated. The amazing brakes were really appreciated on the 450 too as they could really haul it down quickly as you enter a corner. It was easy to like this bike, but as awesome as it was it made me wonder how good must Dungey’s bike be?

Conclusion: I applaud KTM for continuing to hold these excellent product demo days. I guess if you are proud of your product then you want everyone to try it and sample how good it actually is. Also the crew at KTM should be commended on having all the bikes run similarly this year, as in years past this hasn’t always been the case. KTM definitely has a commitment to building “ready to race” and it is through their constant development, refinement and pursuit of next level performance that makes these new KTM’s so exceptional.

These new 2017 KTM’s are almost like factory works bike level equipment for the masses. I give them 2 thumbs up and recommend testing them out for yourself. (Photo credit to Matt Drake.)

#165: huge thanks to Craig for his reports this week – and for doing all the leg work on those KTMs. Now to win OzLotto this week and I will be down at the KTM dealers for one of each…

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WE NEED YOUR MEMORIES!! DANDENONG MCC 85TH ANNIVERSARY year

This year one of ’s largest clubs will celebrate its 85th Anniversary with a celebratory dinner on Friday 4th November. And to make the evening a true celebration of the club’s long and successful history we are looking for your photographs to include in a presentation that will run throughout the evening.

The track at Wonthaggi has hosted many legends in the past – and continues to host many legends of the future – so if you have some favourite shots, scan them and email to us at Scooter News or send via Facebook. If that sounds too hard then post them to us (you can request our postal address) and we will scan them and send them back to you. It would be great if we could have them by 30th September.

Perhaps you have some old photos from: The pits and pit crews Camping with your mates Volunteers and officials at work Motocross racing photos Off-road events and pony express events etc Photos of the mx track Old posters promoting events

The older the better! We’ve kicked off with a few we have found around the internet:

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John Orchard 1981 at Wonthaggi (yup, on a Kawasaki) Photo via OZVMX

Ray Vandenburg at Wonthaggi via OZVMX, 1987

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In the off-road section 2007 AORC: Fullnoise

1982 Pony Express Results Is your name on here? Do you have any old photos? Courtesy of Geoff Morris

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Early 2000s at Wonthaggi: Cameron Taylor 2003 (Photo: Phil Smith) Mike Shearer 2003

Details about the Anniversary Dinner are here on the DMCC website:

DMCC 85th Anniversary Annual Dinner This is a save the date and a bit of info on the 85th Anniversary Annual Dinner.

Date will be Friday the 4th November.

It will be held at the Dingley International Hotel in Dingley

Below is some information on what will be included on the night.

Dinner will be a 3 course banquet. Tea & Coffee station with continuous self-serving Full 5 x 5 Dance Floor Full Bar with Beverages at Bar prices Formal Foyer with bathroom amenities and smoking balcony Free parking 10% Discount off any accommodation booked Contact the club if you have any questions or some cool ideas Martin Orchard, Social Secretary, Motorcycling Victoria Delegate, 97769977 0409776997 [email protected]

Track in 2010

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Get along to Clarkefield this weekend for Viper’s “Premier Event of the Year” With invites to Classic Scramble and VCM riders

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Motul mx nationals Round 9 TOOWOOMBA 21st AUGUST

The Motul MX Nationals will be heading to the Echo Valley track in Toowoomba in QLD for round 9 on 21st August. This round will include the Amateur Cup and the decider of the Australian Women’s Title. Live satellite coverage of the racing via www.nrgtv.com.au

www.mxnationals.com.au

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Sponsors/Advertisers: We are excited to a announce our latest advertiser, Comdain Homes, and you can see their quality building projects on www.comdainhomes.com.au. Director James Coen is an avid Scooter News reader! But we are also proud to have Mk1 Motorcycles on board for their support of the DMCC off-road series. Located in Carrum Downs they can meet all your motorcycling needs, so visit their shop or website www.mk1motorcycles.com.au. And Cisco’s Race Tuning supports us and the sport as advertisers – your business can also be seen by over 1650 readers so drop us a line and get the ball rolling.

Steve  #v165

Email: [email protected] Steven Davis #v165 mobile: 0412 999 905

(Scooter News)

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THANKS TO DMCC FOR HOSTING OUR NEWSLETTER THIS WEEK

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