Planetminis Magazine Issue 2 by Fluent Designs

FEATURES PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE: VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2

16 THE CONSISTENTS 8 IN THE FORUMS: Video Directory, Download Back Issues, Member Albums, PM Box 9 RACE BUZZ:

2up Race Series, Masters of Mini, Mini Moto SX, NJ Minibike GP

10 OFF TOPIC: Crusty Demons 14, Nitro Circus TV, Go Pro Helmet Cam 13 THE FINISH LINE: Havasu Finishes 14 PRODUCT REPORT: 6 Plate Billet Clutch, Z50R Gas Tank, Rebound Grips, Bionic Neck 42 SNAP SHOT: Two pages of user submitted pictures! Get yours into the next issue! 44 PRODUCT FEATURE: 2009 Pitster Pro LXR 160R

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

MAY 2009

40 ONTHECOVER

MASTEROFMINIS Canada’s Kaven Benoit Destroying Connecticut. Photo by: Matt Francis

MAY 2009

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

CRUNCH TIME Second Down

CRUNCH TIME m

Racing is where the heart of pit bike riding lies. Sure there are plenty of fun things to do on a pitbike that do not involve racing but this seems to be the lifeblood of our sport. In uncertain economic times like this, we feel it is even more important to highlight the part of our sport that breaths strong. Companies that make their livelihood form the pitbike industry are supporting racing more and more as they realize that without racing, the pitbike industry might just as well be a couple of guys riding a couple hours a month in their back yard, never hoping up their bikes, never wanting the newest greatest thing, just existing.

PUBLISHER Nick Nicholls nick@planetminis.com

CONTRIBUTORS Eric Ketchum Jesse Pierce

Racing is what drives this sport, and therefor its business! When riders race, they break things, replace things and hop their bikes up. It is what keeps business going. So if you have a pitbike - support your local races. If you dont have any local races - start something up. If you are a company that makes pitbike accessories, make sure you are supporting local and national races because without them you might as well close your doors.

Tyson Brooks Matt Francis

mattfrancisphotos.com

Dan Smith

honda50.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Whitney Davis

It is because of this that Planet Minis would like to solute local and national events by posting their discussions at the top of our forums from now on - in an effort to really highlight why we got into this sport in the first place - to ride (and whoop up on our buddies) -Nick Nicholls // publisher

Publisher

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

MAY 2009

MAGAZINE

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE: VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2

Nick Nicholls

AD INDEX BBR

RED BARON RACING

TBPARTS.COM

MATT FRANCIS PHOTO

SANO SYSTEMS

POWERSPORTSSTORE.COM

PITSTER PRO

TBOLT USA

MOTOVERT

HUTCH MOTORSPORTS

AHP MINIS

BACK COVER

in the forums

Didyouknow? Monthly forum tips and information Video Directory

We recently added a video directory that lets you add all of your favorite youtube videos right into categories on Planetminis! You can even add HD youtube videos too! If you havent had a chance to check it out yet I suggest you get on over to the following url!

issue available for download! This is only issue 2 so of course these two will only be available! Hopefully we can get some really cool wallpapers submitted by members to add to the download section!

pictures directly from you albums into a thread or post on the forums. To view all the currently uploaded photos from all the members go to the following url. http://www.planetminis.com/all_albums.php

http://www.planetminis.com/downloads.php?do=cat&id=1

Private Message Box

planetminis.com/video.php

Download back issues

One of the most requested feature for the magazine was the ability to download each issue. So of course I listened to you guys and made every

Its always good to have a clear inbox incase anyone needs to get a hold of you via PM. To empty your PM box go to the following url then select all your messages scroll to the bottom of the page and and delete! http://www.planetminis.com/private. php

Member Albums

With one of the recent updates to the site we introduced member albums. Member albums give you the ability to upload photos into seperate albums. I soon plan to add a feature to post

RidingTunes Random tunes I enjoy while riding Atreyu - Blow Listen at:

http://www.last.fm/music/Atreyu/_/Blow

Other Sick Picks Editors Pick

Dope - Thanks for nothing Drowning Pool - Tear Away Nonpoint - Circles

Atreyu is a five-piece metalcore band from Orange County, California that formed in 1998. The band consists of vocalist Alex Varkatzas, guitarists Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel, bassist Marc McKnight and drummer and vocalist Brandon Saller. The band was originally named “Retribution” but, when they found out that another band from Hemet, California had been using the name, they changed their name to “Atreyu,” after the character from the fantasy movie The Neverending Story (by Michael Ende) .

White Zombie - Grind house Guano Apes - Open your eyes Clawfinger - Two sides

Default - Somewhere Blindside - Pitiful

Memberataglance Random member profile

PM Name: Red_Baron526 Real Name: Hunter McNutt Bike Setup: SSR 170r

Member Since: 06-09-2008

Riding Style: Relaxed and Pinned

Number of Posts: 1,070

Bike Number: 526

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

MAY 2009

Favorite Riding Spot: Lake Elsinore

pit racing dates and information

Race Series, Single Events, Ride Days Date

Location

State

2up Minis Race Series 4/25

Tomahawk

5/16

Happy Ramblers

6/13

Sleepy Hallow

7/11

Rocket Raceway

7/25

Tomahawk

8/8

Rocket Raceway

9/6

Sleep Hollow

9/19

Happy Ramblers

TBA

09 2up Minis East Coast Nationals

race buzz

UpcomingEvents

Masters of Mini Series 4/25

Milford

Round 1

5/11

Crow Hill

Round 2

5/25

Rocky Hill

Round 3

7/12

Crow Hill

Round 4

8/25

Marshfield

Round 5

9/27

Rocky Hill

Round 6

11/7

Cycles 128

Round 7

NJ Minibike GP 3/29

Open Practice

4/19

Open Practice

5/10

Open Practice

5/24

Round 1 Race

6/21

Open Practice

6/22

Round 2 Race

7/12

Open Practice

7/13

Round 3 Race

8/9

Open Practice

8/30

Round 4 Race

9/20

Open Practice

9/27

Round 5 Race

10/18

Open Practice Day

Mini Moto SX 5/1

Las Vegas MMSX

MAY 2009

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

DVD’s and more!

off topic

CrustyDemons14 Another year and another amazing Crusty adventure. This time we feature the world’s best fmx riders going head to head for the world’s most mind blowing world records. From double back flips to insande long distance jumps, the Crusty team travels the world through the extremes of Alaska, the head of Mexico and some of the best secret riding compounds of the world. Also journey throughout Australia and Europe on one of our craziest crusty tours. The Demons are going bigger, higher and farther than ever before.

[29.95, http://fleshgear.com/store.php?ProductID=242]

NitroCircusTV Nitro Circus revolves around the world’s greatest freestyle motocross rider Travis Pastrana and his crew of top action sport athlete buddies and enablers. Imagine if Evel Knievel and eight of his equally insane buddies had a television show where they tried to top each other’s stunts week after week. That’s Nitro Circus. Whether they are trying to back-flip a motorcycle over a ravine, jump out of a plane without a parachute, or jump a Big Wheel 40-feet into the air into a crowded boat dock, Travis and his gang of nuts are going at it hard, 24/7, and there is no downtime -- it’s just fast, faster and disaster.

[http://nitrocircus.com/]

GoProHelmetCam The Motorsports HERO Wide quick-release attaches to helmets, cars, motorcycles, boats, planes, etc. Features the industry’s widest 170º wide angle lens and 5 megapixel sensor for the most immersive point of view video and photos possible from a wearable sports camera, period. Sets up in seconds and is easily moved between different mount locations. Shoot 56 minutes of high-resolution video and 5 megapixel photos automatically in “Photo every 2 seconds” mode. Use as a hand held camera, too. Shockproof and waterproof to 100 feet/30 meters.

[199.99, goprocamera.com]

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

MAY 2009

New Technology

GoogleVoice The basic idea around Google Voice is “one phone number for all your phones, for life.” Google Voice gives you one phone number that can access all your numbers, whether they be cell, home, mobile, and work numbers; the Google Voice numbers stay the same, as many of these numbers change over the course of a user’s lifetime.

[http://www.google.com/voice]

NanotechSwimSuit Sun Dry Swim makes bathing suits that dry off in seconds. Using a special nanotechnology treatment, water moves right through and off the fabric, drying off with no towel required. Apparently, the fancy suits are also resistant to fading from UV rays, act as a sun repellant and aren’t harmful to your skin, which is an important aspect of any piece of clothing. You’ll pay dearly for the suits, however, with a men’s suit or bikini running you $80 and a woman’s one-piece costing $90. But hey, I guess you’ll save money on towels, right?

[http://www.sundryswim.com/]

iPhone3.0 iPhone OS 3.0 is coming. Set your clocks, mark your calendars. It’s going down March 17th. Apparently, we’ll get a sneak peak at the new OS, as well as a look at a brand new version of the SDK. Apple’s calling this an “advance preview of what we’re building,” so we’re not expecting anything ready to go as of the 17th, but hopefully this will allow developers to start building toward future functionality (hey, how about some push notifications?), and presumably users won’t have too many months to wait after that for the real deal.

[apple.com]

MAY 2009

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

the finish line

RaceResults 928 Minis Lake Havasu Race

Lake Havasu Race Feb21 12” Stock MOD 1 Kyle Zirkus Valley Center, CA 2 Travis Damon Lake Havasu City, AZ 3 Cole Armstrong Scottsdale, AZ 4 Matt Dally Lhc, AZ 5 Kenny Mortenson Lhc, AZ 12” Open 1 Kyle Zirkus Valley Center, CA 2 Joel Forester Crona, CA 3 Rich Schulenberg Lhc, AZ 4 Jordan Terautino Valley Center, CA 5 Luke Cure Valley Center, CA Powder puff 1 Kelli Park Lake Havasu City, AZ 2 Kourtney Brundage Lhc, AZ 3 Matisun Skirvin Lake Havasu City, AZ 4 Madisin Kuntz Lhc, AZ 5 Anna Stephens DNS PRO CLASS 10’ 1 Colton Cunningham Oro Valley, AZ 2 Kevin Bosch Chino, CA 3 Kyle Bosch Chino, CA 4 Andy Runkel Lhc, AZ 5 Troy Sweet Lhc, AZ DNS

MAY 2009

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

PRODUCTREPORT Transmission

6 Plate Billet Assembly Clutch

PROD

TBparts.com

Replace your troublesome Chinese stock 5 plate clutch with this new 6 plate billet assembly from TBparts.com. It includes the following: • • • • • •

Billet Clutch Housing CNC machined from 7075 T6 aircraft grade aluminum (unlike weak stock cast basket) Removable primary gear with Torx screws (unlike stock that uses rivets) 6 plates (unlike stock 5 plate) Heavy duty clutch springs Spacer to remove possible basket end-play due to large tolerances on the main shaft commonly found on the Chinese engines. Installation instructions

Bparts.com also carries all the spare parts for this assembly so getting replacement T parts will never be an issue (as it is with the stock clutch assemblies). This clutch works on all YX150 and 160s, as well as all Jailing and Lifan 120cc engines with main

shaft mounted clutches (not for engines with clutches mounted on the crankshaft). Price is $199.00 and available at www.tbparts.com

Luxury

Tag Metals - Rebound Grips Tag Metals

This breakthrough will allow you to ride longer (up to 40% longer) before fatigue or blisters can affect you. When you are racing,every single bump, rut, or jump sends a shock through your hands and into your arms. This undesirable shock is transferred directly to you entire musculoskeletal system which can produce pain, fatigue, arm pump and increased wear and tear on your wrists. When you are working so hard to win, doesn’t it make sense to do all that you can to reduce these unwanted effects? http://www.tagmetalsracing.com

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

MAY 2009

DUCT REPORT Vintage

1982 -1987 Z50R Gas Tank and Seat TBparts.com

New aftermarket gas tanks and seats from TBparts.com for your 1982 -1987 Z50R. Tanks come in black, red, white, and chrome. Visit www.tbparts.com for more information and prices.

Safety

Bionic Neck Support Alpinestar

The Alpinestars Bionic Neck Support (BNS) is a structure which is designed to work with a helmet to reduce the risk and severity of a catastrophic neck injury (i.e. a paralyzing injury) while riding motocross or off-road. While no product can guarantee protection from all motorcycle injuries, due to the varied dynamics of accidents, the BNS is designed to substantially reduce the likelihood of a career ending neck injury although it must be stated at the outset that it, as with other such systems, may not prevent injuries occurring in all cases.

MAY 2009

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

DYNASTYINTHEMAKING

MASTERS OF MINI

t was a warm September day in 2003 when it all began. The sun was out with just a few clouds in the sky. Someone had talked promoter Dave Olcott into running a pit bike race. Funny thing was, he didn’t know much about them. At that time, in the roughly 10 years of doing events, the former Stimilon King Pin turned Red Bull Marketing guy had run a handful of Motocross races, one Snocross race, and a few skateboard events. Stimilon’s main focus since 1994

however, had been snowboarding events. He and his crew had been around the world building, designing and running events for the US Open, the Japan Open, the Kodak Air & Style Challenge, the Bud Light Big Air Series, and the US Olympic Grand Prix events to name a few. But pit bikes, that was new. The pit bike scene was small but growing rapidly at the time. In fact 12 inch bikes weren’t really even around

Story by: Whitney Davis Photos by: Matt Francis

then. The bikes were mostly made up of Honda 50s and maybe a handful of SDG’s (the first of the Chinese knock offs to come on to the scene). Olcott coined the name “Masters of Mini” and laid out the ground rules for that first event. “Actually, a friend and long time expert rider, Pete Collins, really helped me understand the sport. He and his buddies were doing it for years and I knew he was the man. I have worked with Pete ever since,” explained Olcott.

DYNASTYINTHEMAKING

MASTERS OF MINI

Red Bull backed the event and has been involved with Olcott’s ventures ever since. That event hosted 16 entries, all of which signed up that morning. In fact, 2 of the guys who signed up at the last minute didn’t have bikes and had to borrow from their friends, alternating between the motos. That first race in 2003 was held at Rocky Hill MX Park in Connecticut. Tony and Lisa Lorusso agreed to let the event run on their kids track. Normally, a Saturday would bring in good money for the Lorussos on the kids track so allowing pit bikes to take over for the day was a big risk. But Tony had a pit bike himself and thought it would

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

MAY 2009

be fun. And the rest, as they say, is history. In 2004 the event was again held at Rocky Hill. It rained a ton the night before and the track was literally under water. Tony got in his dozer and committed to getting the track ready for competition, and he delivered on his promise (it would not be the last time the CT track was hampered by weather and certainly not the last time Lorusso would waive his magic wand to make a miracle happen and keep the riding alive). “We literally raced around a giant moat. Tony pushed enough dirt up to give us a track, but if you went off the track you were in anywhere from 2

to 6 feet of water. It was knarly but super fun!” said Olcott. That race drew 42 competitors and everyone left with smiles and stories. In 2005 a third and fourth event were held. Rocky Hill played host for the third year in a row on a picture perfect day drawing 115 entries during the summer, and the fourth was literally thrown together at the last minute with Cycles 128 in Beverly, MA in the fall. “Pete (Collins) told me that John Rice (Cycles 128 GM) used to run the best race anywhere and that I should talk with him. I called John up and asked why he didn’t do the event anymore and he said, ‘Come on Dave, you run races, pit bikes don’t make any money.’ So I told him, ‘what if I helped, would you be interested in resurrecting the dead?’ And he said ok,” Olcott recalls. “I think at that first race at Cycles we had around 72 entries, I’m not really sure, but it was a blast.” The track was the first asphalt race MoM had ever held and the track was about 25 seconds a lap long.

In 2006, Olcott persuaded his then employer, Transworld Motocross Magazine to back his idea of growing the event into a small series. Transworld was reluctant at first, but agreed to bankroll the series. Now Olcott had the ingredients to really do something: media, credibility, and financing. 4 events were held that year – Round 1 was at the Marshfield State Fair in MA, Round 2 was again at Rocky Hill in CT only this year Olcott talked the Lorussos into letting him run on the full size Quad track, Round 3 was back at Cycles 128 in MA, and the finale was at Mototown USA - a brand new 300,000 square foot indoor track in CT. That year the series breathed new life into a slowing East Coast pit bike scene by attracting 844 entries over the 4 events.

Thumpstar among others, as well as non-traditional sponsors like Red Bull, Vitamin Water and Smart Water. The tracks allowed MoM to grow each race by using their whole facilities. Now most lap times averaged 1½ to 2 minutes. Even John Rice and the Cycles crew opened up their warehouse, allowing the track to wind through it. By doing that, they doubled the track making it now a minute long. No more ‘pit bike’ or kids tracks, this series was the real deal. That year Olcott’s vision was to hold a major event at Mototown USA with a $5000 purse. That event alone drew nearly 450 entries bringing in the big names like Derek Costella, Derek Rose, Carl Schlacht and Kaven Benoit. The 2007 series saw a record attendance of 1488 entries.

In 2007, with Transworld’s support and full page ads, MoM grew to 5 events adding Crow Hill in MA. The series attracted top names in the sport like BBR, Sano, Pitster Pro, AHP and

In 2008 the series had a few set backs. Mototown USA, which was slated to host the Series Finale for a third year in a row closed down in April. And although it reopened in the fall, the

“This was never suppose to get this big. We just started running Pit Bike races for fun with friends and now we are averaging over 300 entries per race!” MAY 2009

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

series schedule was already in place and a deal could not be put together in time to hold another major event at the indoor Connecticut facility. So the series was limited to just the other 4 venues: Marshfield, Rocky Hill, Crow Hill, and Cycles 128. The Rocky Hill race was again threatened with poor weather conditions but the track crew rebuilt the track that day. Attendance, however, suffered and MoM only drew 237 entries in the mud (down from a normal 333 the year before). Another major set back was the fact that the economy caught up with MoM. The financial downfall didn’t just hit the motocross Industry but the entire publishing world, and Olcott was laid off from Transworld before the series finished. Ever the promoter, he vowed the show must go on, and despite negative opinions towards the magazine from some of his loyal competitors, Olcott finished the season with Transworld as title sponsor. “The Masters of Mini Series was around before Transworld, but their support has helped us to grow beyond where I could have ever imagined. I am bummed not to be part of their family anymore but I made a commitment to all my sponsors, including TWMX, for the entire season. It wouldn’t be right to just drop them with one race to go.” And MoM actually finished the year stronger than ever. Despite loosing their biggest venue from the tour, and less than average attendance in the mud at Rocky Hill, the series drew 1133 entries over the remaining 4 events. In fact, many of the riders said they didn’t want the series to end, so the MoM staff threw together a last minute open practice at Mototown just before the Christmas Holiday and drew 150 riders. Afterward they went to their favorite hangout just down the street, The Hartford/Windsor Marriott, and held an impromptu holiday party at their bar.

Now, in 2009, MoM looks to be on a mission! Plans include a potential 10 event schedule; 7 races, up to 2 open practices, and another big party at the Hartford/Windsor Marriott the Friday before the Southwick National in August. Despite a horrible economy, Olcott and his staff have rallied the industry (and outside industry) sponsors to “SUPPORT FUN,” as he puts it, and almost all of his previous years supporters are helping out in some way or another. The Masters of Mini Series has had tremendous success promoting its sponsors over the years. MoM claims to retain over 90% of its support year to year through loyalty and creativity. Olcott continues, “I give my ‘NASCAR speech’ during every riders meeting and I think the riders get it now. They know I am not saying it to put money in my pocket. They understand that when they purchase sponsor’s products from sponsor shops they are actually making a difference. And that difference is what keeps their series going. And they did make a difference. MoM is an amazing example of basic business success. By actually educating the riders on these essential business principles and endorsing MoM sponsor’s products and shops, it has become its own little economic entity. Several shops that participate with the tour have reported noticeable sales related to the growing pit bike series, and in this market anything helps. Olcott attributes his success to what he feels is the best event staff anywhere. “These guys have shown me their dedication to running a professional event while still having a blast,” he said. Several of the staff, including Olcott himself, actually race in each event, allowing them to experience first

DYNASTYINTHEMAKING

MASTERS OF MINI 22

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PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

hand what the competitors go through at each race. He feels that helps keep the events grounded. “We also have great tracks that really have worked with us over the years and helped us to grow. But I especially want to thank our sponsors who come out year after year and help us make this possible, as well as the riders themselves. They always have great feedback and have given us solid ideas on how to keep it fun, and that’s what is most important to me, showing everyone a good time.”

is still rewriting the rules on what people can expect from events. If their past is any indication, this series isn’t done growing yet. Maybe that is just another factor of MoM’s success: Keeping it simple. In fact, some argue that this once ‘backyard event’ has become the largest pit bike series in the country! And with an average of over 300 entries per race, a third of which actually pre register up to a month in advance, a lot of people are taking the Masters of Mini seriously.

And a good time is the perfect description as each event is more of a party then just a race. While the Masters of Mini Series has drawn some of the top names in the sport as well as local rippers from all over the Eastern half of the country, it is mainly made up of regular riders. MoM draws all abilities, ages, and personalities. According to Olcott, “We try and offer something for everyone. We wildcard our top pros to Mini Moto SX, the Super Bowl of our sport, but we also realize that most of the riders racing with us are not that serious. They just want to ride with their buddies, so we provide plenty of classes that allow for that also.” 7 years after their first event, The Masters of Mini Series

MoM has a new website, www.mastersofmini.com, and a new motivation. “I know the economy sucks, but I believe people will still come out to have fun. We have worked with several of our top riders to revamp the series. We have added new classes, new formats, new tracks, and have done everything we can to remain a leader in the market place,” said Olcott. This year, the series starts in April and runs through November. Check out their website for all the details. If you have a pit bike or have ever wanted to have a good time, you need to go to a Masters of Mini event. I can promise that you will come back, and as Olcott always says, bring friends!

DYNASTYINTHEMAKING

MASTERS OF MINI 24

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

MAY 2009

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

There ’ s what in Indiana?

Above: From left to right Ty Solomon riding Motovert pro 150, Skip Edwards riding OGM sx 140, Tyson Brooks riding Motovert pro 150, Clint Aschliman riding Pitster X4 150 Contributor: Tyson Brooks

ypically when you talk to people about Indiana there are two things that, at some point come up in the conversation. Someone mentions corn, or you get the typical, “You’re from Indiana, what’s in Indiana?” Truthfully the answer is, not much, at least while the corn is still growing. When October hits and the crops are harvested miles and miles of tracks open up. At least that’s what we thought until my phone rang one spring morning two years ago. I’ll never forget the conversation. “Hello?”

“Pack your tent and your bike were heading to Haspen this weekend.”

“I don’t have time to drive out to Colorado.”

“Not Aspen dufus Haspen.”

“What’s Haspen?”

“750 acres of wilderness chalked full of quad trails and dirt bike trails.”

“Sounds fun.”

So I hang up the phone and do a quick internet search for Haspen. I’m not impressed. The only pictures they had up on their website at the time were of huge rusted out 1977 ford f150s all jacked up and muddy. Not your idea of fun on a mini.

The morning comes and we head out, bikes in tow and coolers loaded down with all the essentials. About 90 minutes later we’re pulling into Haspen Acres near Indianapolis. After paying our $15.00 for an overnight stay, we busted out the minis and hit the trails. I had arm pump after about two seconds from my death grip on the bars. The trails were so steep and I was braking so hard I flipped over the top of my bike within the first five minutes. Climbing the trails was just as scary. More than once one of our minis pulled into an insane wheelie and the unlucky victim had to ‘ghost ride’ the bike off the trail. (Note: ghost riding is when your mini rockets out from under you without a rider and you pray it finds a safe place to land.) At this point you might be tempted to roll your eyes and call us amateurs. Yet, you have to understand how much of a shock this can be to good-old-boys from the heartland. We can see for five miles in any given direction, and what most people call a hill we call a mountain.

The sand pit, located about two miles off the main entrance.

Naturally we fell in love with Haspen. From the small water falls to the rocky shelves, there were endless trails to ride and countless obstacles to conquer. Needless to say three hours later we find our way back to camp and peeled ourselves off the minis to set up camp. After hydrating, that is chugging some monsters, we hit it again only this time to discover a full size motocross track with decent step up’s, table tops, and the typical doubles and triples. Next to the motocross track is a well groomed drag strip, and down around the corner we discover, much to our delight, a mini motocross track. We spent several hours on the mini track then headed back into the wilderness again only to get lost several times along the way. Around every tree there seemed to be new and unique trails, each with its own unique challenge that you had to try several times before getting it right. We have gone back to Haspen six times since that first trip and every time there is something new and unique to do, ride, and see. You don’t need a mini to ride Haspen. 4x4’s, quads, buggies, big bikes, side by sides - you name it, all are welcome. We’ve even heard rumor that some people take their lawn mowers down to Haspen, yet we haven’t seen it to date. The camping is nice, there is ample grass in the campground, and speed limits are enforced there which keeps the dust down and makes it safe for everyone. Whether you like sandy trails, steep climbing, rocky trails, motocross tracks, drag racing, or camping this place has a little something for everyone, and I know we’ll be back. The only question we ask now is, how soon can we do it?

The phone rings.

“Hello?”

“It’s Haspen time baby!.”

“Sweet! I’m in, when are we going?”

“October 11th and 12th.”

“Sounds good.”

I hang up the phone with a new bounce in my step it’s only two weeks away and I’ve done some decent mods to my bike that need put to the test that only Haspen can give it. The last week of work is dragging by agonizingly slow all I can think about is the weekend and how early we can leave on Saturday morning. The phone rings on Wednesday.

“What’s up?”

“Let’s go a day early.”

“Done.”

So I take a personal day at work along with four other buddies that are heading down early with us and we take off on Friday!

We opened up the weekend by hitting the larger of the two motocross tracks. It was nicely groomed on each side but the center was rock hard clay and actually had a blue tint to it from the rubber of countless tires. We stayed on the sides where the grooming was at its best and could clear the 20 foot table on our minis! After hitting the track we launched ourselves out into the wilderness that Haspen has to offer. We stumbled across their six mile enduro trail so we stopped there for a break and watched the quads and bigger bikes going by and disappearing around a bend in the trail heading off to who knows where. Then I heard it, one of us thinking out loud. “I wonder where that trail goes?” It was quickly answered by, “Let’s find out!” So we mounted up and five pit bikes and two quads started on Haspen’s enduro trail. There were hair pin turns through sand, dirt, clay, and gravel. Some of the steepest slopes we’ve climbed to date at Haspen. One of the quads actually rolled on its rider! The enduro trail took us through dried up creek beds, rocky shelves, and beautiful gentle rolling hills. An hour and a half later and six miles under our belt we emerge from the enduro track wore out and sweaty, but none of us were much worse for wear than when we started, even our buddy who rolled his quad. Back at camp is was deep fried chimichanga night with all the fixings! Then it was off to Devil’s Backbone to watch the rock crawlers and quads go up the most dangerous part of Haspen Acres in the dark. The next morning dawned bright and clear, the fall colors on the trees were shining their golds and reds. The fire was still burning and coffee was brewing, it was a good beginning. Then the rest of our group then rolled in. There were fifteen of us in all. Three guys on quads, one on a side by side due to a broken leg, five on big bikes ranging from a 500cc

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

MAY 2009

two stroke down to a 125 two stroke, and six of us on pit bikes. The looks that we received when all six of us rode by on the mini’s were priceless. Some people shook their heads, some rose a fist in appreciation, and we left each one of them staring blankly at the hills we climbed that they wouldn’t climb on their quads and big bikes or the nooks and crannies that we tucked into that they couldn’t do. There were several times people stopped us and told us how much they loved our minis, and how impressed they were at the stuff they were taking and were able to do. Our mini world may be small but it’s growing quickly. These little bikes are the best thing that has happened to us, and every trip to Haspen people ask us where we got them or how to get one! So one trip at a time we’re doing our part to help our little addiction in the sport that we all love so much. So if you wind up close to Indiana, head down to Laurel, Indiana just southeast of Indianapolis to Haspen acres, it’s the trip of a lifetime!

East Coast National

2up Minis hosts their east coast national at Mountaineer Raceway in Inwood WV. 7k purse was up for grabs!

n October 17th and 18th 2up minis put on the biggest pit bike race of the year on the east coast with a 7000 dollar purse. The 2up minis East Coast National was held at Mountaineer Raceway in Inwood WV. It attracked racers from all over the country as well as some of the biggest names in pit bike racing. CHP and BBR even sent some of their factory riders. On Friday Oct 17, as riders arrived for practice they were greeted by an awesome track. It had a little bit of everything designed into it. There was wide open fast sections with big jumps. Some people were saying they were some of the biggest they have seen on a pit bike track; but there were also some small tight sections and a fun uphill rhythm section so the track had a little of something for everyone whether they were on a stock bike or a mod bike.

By: Jesse Pierce

East Coast National

As practice got started Friday evening it didn’t take long for a lot of people to start turning some fast laps and hitting the big jumps. At that point it was obvious there was going to be a lot of good, fast battle on Saturday when the first motos got started. Plus everyone in the 12” pro/open class had their work cut out for them. Willy Browning was flat out flying. As it got dark they turned the lights on and practice ran until 10pm so everyone got a lot of track time for their money, thanks to 2up minis for making this happen. As practice came to an end everyone was talking about how fun the track was and were getting excited to race

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MAY 2009

on it on Saturday. To make sure everyone had a good track to race on, as soon as practice was over the 2up crew and track crew got to work touching up the track and didn’t stop watering and working on the track until about 2am. Thanks for all the hard work guys all of us racers truly appreciate it. Saturday Oct.18, as the racers got to the track and looked at the track it appered a dream track. They were bringing in more light stations to light up some of the dark spots on the track from the night before. There were lots of cool bikes to look at as you walk

MAY 2009

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

East Coast National

around in the pits, but my favorite thing to look at was all the vintage pit bikes that were there for the vintage race. Thanks to Mike from TrailBikes.com for coming up with the idea, sponsoring the vintage race, and paying everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entery fees. Also there were several teams that had impressive pits set up: 2up, Solomon Racing, Pit Pro, and G2 moto. Some of the 2up Minis guys also found time in the morning before practice to give out the year end awards for the series they put on last summer. congratulations to every one that did well. After that was finished practice got under way. The track was a little wet in

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MAY 2009

the first couple of practices, but as it went on the track dried up a ittle and was in great shape. Once Again everyone got lots of track time. Every class got two fifteen and one five minute practice sessions. Then the moment we were waiting for all weekend, the first moto was on the gate, the10in youth class; and those kids were impressive. One stand out rider from the first motos came in the 10â&#x20AC;? pro/open class. Jason Langford got a mid pack start and ran down BBR Derek rose for 2nd, then set his sights on BBR Carl Schlacht but just as he started to show Carl

MAY 2009

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

East Coast National

wheel and battle for the lead his motor let go. But look out for this kid and his cowboy boots, he will be a force to reckon with in the future. Another kid to look out for is Kyle Davis, he had a bid lead over the field in both the 12” youth and amateur class. Another youth rider that put on a impressive showing was Kyle Lowery. This was his first major pit bike race andhe ended up getting 3rd in both 12” youth and amateur. He will be another one to keep an eye on in the future. Some of the best racing action came in the second motos after

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MAY 2009

the sun went down. It was the 10” and 12” stock that proved the most action. In the 10” stock class it was 2up Minis Josh Sheffer and his cousin Clint Johnson battling for the lead the whole moto who got all the spectators on their feet with Josh coming out on top and earning 500 dollars. In the 12” stock class it was Tyson Clark and Carl Schlacht out front passing each other back and forth at least seven times in the five lap moto with Tyson taking the win and the overall that was good for 500 dollars.

East Coast National

The pro/open class is where the big money was up for grabs. In the 10” pro class BBR Carl Schlacht went 1-1 for the overall that sent him home happy and 1000 dollars richer. His BBR teammate Derek Rose finished 2nd with 500 dollars. 3rd went to Grant Runkes along with 250 dollars. In the 12” pro/open class it was all CHP Willy Browning going 1-1 for the overall scoring him a sweet 1000 dollars. BBR Derek Rose rode to 2nd place overall and 500 dollars, and new comer Dan Raible finished 3rd for 250 dollars. On a personal note I would like to congratulate my brother Jim Pierce with 4th in the 12” amateur class after a

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MAY 2009

rough last season and a half with 2 major injuries. I would also like to congratulate my dad Ray Pierce on 9th in the vet class at the young age of 52. So if you were not there you missed some great racing and a real good time thanks to the 2up Minis crew. Plus all the riders and fans that came out for a great weekend of racing and hanging out with friends get a thanks. Thanks to all sponsors that helped make the 2up Minis East Coast National happen.

Ye Olde “Z”

History of the

Honda Monkeybike Photos Courtesy of Liam Shubert of Motoliam.com fame, and the crew at Honda50.com

1961

Honda began operation of the Suzuka Circuit (Suzuka, Mieprefecture) in 1962 as the first full-fledged international race course in Japan, but also as a place to promote a mobility culture, to host educational activities, and as a facility featuring an amusement theme park including traffic safety education facilities. Tama Tech opened in 1961, the year before the launch of Suzuka Circuit, as an “auto run” where motorcycles could be ridden freely. Soon after its opening, the original attraction of the “machine powered by a Honda engine” was introduced, and Tama Tech became popular as “a place to have fun with motorcycles while learning traffic rules reflecting real life,” and “a scientific automotive amusement park,” which led to the Motopia of today. During the establishment of the park, the Honda engineers created an unusual side project. Not much bigger than a tricycle but equipped with a sporty 50cc engine shared with the Honda Cub. As a prototype the Z100 soon became the park’s most popular ride. People remarked how simian (resembling monkeys) riders looked as they cruised around the track. The novelty bike quickly became known as “the Monkey”. Looking more like a toy than a motorcycle. The compactness and fresh appearance of the Monkey scored high with people of all ages.

1962

The Original Z100’s used at Tama Tech were not street bikes and did not have headlamps or tail lamps as shown in most of the stock pictures along with the restored example at the Honda Collection Hall Museum in Tokyo, Japan. One of the most popular Honda stock pictures shows an American boy riding the Z100 at Tama Tech with full lighting. This picture was actually a marketing poster for the US marketplace, as the Z100 with full lighting was shipped in very limited quantity to the USA as a kid’s bike. The majority of the US spec 1962 Z100’s were rode by adults and subsequently broken and recalled. Honda fixed the broken US models and later used these at Tama Tech. We’ve personally never seen either model of Z100 for sale and the only known to exist resides at the Honda Collection Hall Museum in Tokyo, Japan.

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MAY 2009

little tidbit... The Honda Z-Series refers to the lineage of mini bikes manufactured by Honda Motorcycles. They are some of the most popular mini bikes of all time. Though their official model designations are typically Z50M, Z50A, Z50Z Z50J, Z50R and ZB50, they are more commonly referred to as the “Monkeybike”

1963

Honda revamped the Z100 park version for use on public roads, and in 1963 introduced the CZ100 for general export. Hitting the production line with a similar look of the Z100 sported 5 inch wheels and borrowed the and Push-Rod 50cc motor and fuel tank from the Cub (CA110). The CZ100 lived for another 3 years on the production line with several minor changes. Today it’s one of the most collectable Honda motorcycles worldwide.

1967

became one of the most memorable years for the Monkey-Bikes when, the 1967 Z50M was born. The Z50M carried a foldable tartan (plaid) seat (for all you pimps out there) and came in three different models. The Japanese Domestic Model (JDM), UK and French models all having their own distinctive style. The Japanese had a small style headlight and triangular muffler behind the engine under the seat area. The UK model also had a small headlight and low style muffler. The most sought after of the three models was the French version, which had a very large headlight with HI/ LO modes and a low style muffler similar to the UK model. The Z50M was the first Z50 to utilize the OHC 49cc 3-speed semi-auto clutch engine still used today. In our next issue, we will discuss the first full production Z50 model hitting the US shores. The 1968 Z50K0 and subsequent K1 and K2 hard tail models and their overseas brethren, the Z50A and Z50Z.

MAY 2009

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

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Snap Shot

Product Feature the all new

2009 Pitster Pro

LXR 160R

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

MAY 2009

Has Pitster out-done themselves?

Extensive testing, design and an open ear to their dealers, customers and racers has made the new 2009 LX, LXR one of best Pitster breeds to date! So what are the Key features that set the new 2009 Pitster Pros ahead of the competition?

Suspension

The Pitster Progressive link suspension system includes features of a full size motocross bike allowing for super smooth and tractable handling in the small stuff and a progressive leverage ratio for better bottoming and high speed impacts. Advantage? Yes, allows for faster lap times, better tracking through the whoops and stable handling over braking bumps. Some of our competition use a high leverage ratio requiring very high spring rates up to 1200lbs stressing the shocks and making it impossible to get a plush feel! With the new 9.8” travel Pitster Progressive link suspension system and new dual high and low speed adjust shock with compression and rebound adjustment, riders can fine tune there suspension, adjust seat height with optional pull rods, allowing for a personal touch to your bike. Other options include, spring rates from 220lbs springs for kids to 375lbs springs for the linebacker types. Our Progressive link tuning allows riders to meet every track and trail condition. Advantage? Yes, near infinite tuning, our design allows for the shock to work as it is designed to work, with a light spring rate and correct leverage ratios the shock has much less stress, less heat and allows for a better performance and longer life. Not to be out done by the rear end, the front end comes standard with our race proven GPX MOTO forks with 8.5’ of plush travel, equipped with separate Compression and rebound adjustment, low-friction fork seals. CNC alloy triple clamps and adjustable handle bar mounts. Including oversized taper handle bars on most models.

Frame and Swing arm

The all new Central Double “A” Box Cradle Frame W/ Tri Mounting, is the most advanced pit bike/mini cross frame on the market. Each detail of the frame has been thought out to increase performance, making it the perfect fit for a serious pit bike or mini cross rider. Features include, EZ removable foot peg, with adjustable height to cater to every riders size. Additional features include oversized foot pegs, EZ grab handles integrated into the sub frame and much more. Our all new swing arm is a Progressive Link, tapered “D” section with stamped alloy and CNC cross section. Finishing off the rear end is a CNC Axle blocks and stepped axle spacers for longer life a sure track alignment. Other features include integrated upper and lower chain rollers and heavy duty chain guide.

MAY 2009

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE

2009 Pitster Pro LXR 160R Specs Wheels

Light weight alloy wheels come standard on all the new 2009 LX, LXR, LXM, LXT, MX, MXR models. Lighter and stronger with plenty of optional sprocket size available for every track and trail condition.

Air Intake and Cooling

Our all new integrated air box, is a first in class, another one of our modern motocross features you will not find on any other pit bike on the market. Our under the seat design allows for better protection of the engine, EZ tune and jetting, all weather performance and a low maintenance EZ to clean filter, not to mention looks much better! Another first in class feature is the Twin oil coolers with air deflection shields for maximum engine protection and performance. Mounted in the shrouds to keep them out of harms way and offer the most air flow to the coolers.

Bold New Look

Bold new lines and slim new feel give the rider the comfort that is lacking in other pit bike designs. The new tank and shrouds offer the rider a nice slim feel for better grip and feel of the bike. The shrouds feature large openings over improved air flow and a all new graphics that stand out where you might take it. Optional graphics and templates for custom graphics available up on request. Pitster Pro also offers custom inhouse art work to create your own cool team Pitster Pro look!

Protection

The Pitster Protection parts include, alloy skid plates, frame guards, disc guards, brake caliper guards, heavy duty 3m graphics with gripper texture, chain guides, brake snake, case savers heavy duty alloy chain guide and more. The Pitster Protection system was designed to help keep your bike looking and running like new, and also give a little extra advantage in the event of a collision on the track.

Specifications Wheels Front Rear CNC- Aluminum Alloy Hubs Tires- Maximum Traction “Motivity” Front Rear Frame Swing Arm Frame Removable sub-frame 3 point engine mount Suspension

Rear Suspension GPX Moto Inverted Front Forks, with adj. Compression/rebound Suspension Travel Frontw/Rear Brakes Front Rear Brake Pedal Engine

Engine Epa Certification/ California CARB Carburetor Size Air filter High Flow Exhaust Compression ratio Chain/Drive ratio Oil Cooler Dimensions and Capacities Overall Length Wheelbase Seat height Dry weight Ground clearance Fuel Capacity Oil Reservoir Features Foot-Pegs Shifter

LXR 160R Twelve 14” Aluminum 12” Aluminum Yes 2.75 x 14 3.0 x 12 Progressive Linkage Central Double Cradle Chromo W/ Tri Point Mounting, Removable Footpeg Bar Design, Yes Yes Pitster Progressive Link W/ high speed Compression and Reb Adjustment, Adjustable Spring Preload GPX Moto Inverted Front Forks, with adj. Compression/rebound 8.0” / 9.8’ 220mm Wave Rotor W/ Floating Caliper 190mm Wave Rotor W/ Floating Caliper Over the Peg GPX Moto 160 SOHC air cooled w/4-up manual transmission, 5 plate clutch, kick start, and lighting coil Competition Only 26mm Dual Stage Foam 32 mm 420/ 16:39 Dual Oil Cooler System 66” 46.5” 30.5” TBA 12” 3L 1.25 L HD Stainless Steel extra wide CNC Alloy

Oversized Alloy Chain Guide

Yes

Wave Rotor Hydraulic Disk Brakes

Yes

Steel Braided Brake Lines

Yes

Built-in Reservoir Rear Brake Master Cylinder

Yes

CNC Fuel Cap & Exhaust Silencer

Yes/Yes

3M HD Graphics

Yes

Adjustable Handle Bar Clamps

Yes

Build-A-Bike Options Rear Shock Upgrade

Fox Podium / Elka

ASV Inventions Unbreakable Levers Upgrade

Yes

Exhaust Options

FMF / Pro Circuit

Air Filter Upgrade

UNI / K&N

Holeshot Device Upgrade

Yes

Pricing

$2,495

MSRP

MAY 2009

PLANETMINIS MAGAZINE