THE ULTIMATE COMBINATION
Versatile, powerful and proven by some of the most respected off-road champions in the world, like seven-time GNCC XC1 Pro Champion Kailub Russell, the KTM 350 XC-F combines competition-crushing power inside of a nimble, all-terrain chassis for the ultimate READY TO RACE weapon.
Photo:
S. Cudby
The Big Picture
AND GAM THE “EYES” HAVE IT
Ben Kelley’s KTM factory mechanic Jorge Cordova checks out the linkage on Ben’s bike at the Wild Boar GNCC before putting it away until Ben’s return from injury.
PHOTO BY SHAN MOORE
The Big Picture
AND GAM ROOTY TOOTY
Reigning British champion and Vertigo UK rider Jack Price gets a kick off a slimey root to clear this log during this year’s British Championship.
PHOTO COURTSEY G2F MEDIA
The Big Picture
AND GAM
YEE-HAW!
FactoryONE Sherco’s Steward Baylor does a “no-footer” while leading FMF/KTM’s Kailub Russell to the finish of the General GNCC in Georgia. Stew lead until the final three turns.
PHOTO
BY
DARRIN CHAPMAN
The Big Picture
AND
G
... AND A CLOUD OF DUST.
Ricky Brabec continues his dominance of Rally by taking a win at the Sonora Rally, held in the Mexican Sonora Desert on the border of the United States, in March.
PHOTO COURTESY MONSTER ENERGY HONDA
CHAMPIONS RIDE KENDA.
Kenda welcomes Cody Webb and FactoryONE Sherco to the Kenda team.
Looking forward to an exciting 2020 race season with Webb and the entire the powerhouse FactoryONE Sherco team.
Photo by Shan Moore
News and Culture From The World Of Trials, Offroad and Extreme Racing
TONI BOU 2020 X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPION
Coronavirus Outbreak Forces Cancellation of Pentultimate Round of 2020 X-Trial World Championship in Wiener Neustadt, Austria
The cancellation of the penultimate date of the 2020 X-Trial World Championship in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, due to the Coronavirus outbreak, means that Toni Bou mathematically seals the top championship honours. In doing so, the Repsol Honda Team rider takes his indoor title tally to 14 and 27 overall titles (indoor and outdoor).
The measures for the containment of Covid-19, Coronavirus, which have been applied by different European countries including Italy, France or, more recently Austria, have forced the cancellation of various trial events, such as the one scheduled for April 21st in Wiener Neustadt. The Austrian trial, the penultimate of the X-Trial championship, has been called off and, as a consequence, Toni Bou, who currently leads the competition with 100 points – 25 more than the nearest second-placed rival – is now automatically able to claim the X-Trial World Championship title.
Since 2007, the Repsol Honda Team rider has never failed to win the event. The feat represents a fourteenth indoor title for Toni Bou and his 27th overall, who has won all five events held so far in this year’s X-Trial World Championship (La Reunion, Rennes, Budapest, Barcelona and Bilbao).
Toni Bou will now celebrate the newly conquered title in the final world championship trial to be held in Andorra la Vella (Andorra) on April 25th.
“It is a pity that this decision had to be taken to postpone the Austrian trial due to the Coronavirus, but I understand that everyone’s safety the first and foremost issue.,” said Bou. “The sensations, in this case, are strange, because I would have preferred to win the title during a competition. This year we have had a great season: I showed myself to be at a high level: we have won all five trials and would have arrived at Wiener Neustadt with a great possibility to take the title there. Anyway, there is still one final trial before we finish the championship and I hope to celebrate it definitively in Andorra, where I am confident that I can give the show that the Coronavirus prevented us from putting on in Austria.”
NATC ANNOUNCEMENT ON US MOTOTRIALS SERIES
Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the 2020 US National MotoTrials schedule has been adjusted, moving back the series opener in California from April 25-26 to May 23-24 (tentatively). The following is a statement from North American Trials Council CEO Brad Baumert.
Dear fellow MotoTrials enthusiast,
You, our volunteers, participants, spectators and the communities our events are held in are of the utmost importance to us.
As we continue to see new developments surrounding the Coronavirus COVID-19, we wanted to communicate some necessary actions we are taking for the safety and health of everyone. We will be postponing the upcoming National that was scheduled in California on April 25th and 26th 2020, the PITS club that has worked tirelessly to host this event has accepted this postponement and will instead host the National on Memorial day weekend, May 23rd and 24th 2020. Any rider who has signed up for the event will receive a full refund of rider/minder fees if the postponed date is not appropriate.
We will assess California and other future rounds of the series as we get closer to those dates and further understand the developments surrounding the Coronavirus.
We did not do this lightly and will communicate further developments.
EL TRIAL de ESPANA RESCHEDULED
MotoTrial Enthusiasts, Sponsors and Supporters,
In a response to COVID-19 pandemic, 50th El Trial de España has been rescheduled to the last weekend of October (Oct 31- Nov 1).
The 250 entries available for the original dates Apr 18/19 sold out within the first week of online sign-up, opening on March 1.
All signed up riders will be automatically refunded. A new online sign-up will begin on Oct 1, 2020.
EVENT LOCATION: Motoventures 50250 CA HWY 371, Anza CA 92539
As a Community, we would like to offer our help to those in need.
Contact us anytime!
Website: socaltrials.com
Facebook: Southern California Trials Association
PS Don’t forget to bring your costume! It’s a Halloween Party!
Yours, SCTA Board of Directors
Please check the SoCal Trials website for further updates: https://www.socaltrials.com
Caprock Canyon National Enduro
Rescheduled for Nov. 15th
The Caprock Canyon National Enduro hosted by the Post Enduro Association that was previously scheduled for March 22nd in Turkey, TX has been rescheduled for Nov 15th. The NEPG along with the Post Enduro Association would like to thank all of the riders that have preentered the event and have waited patiently for this reschedule date to be released. Now that the rescheduled date has been established, hopefully you will be able to join us.
• If you plan to participate in the event we will be happy to hold your row.
• If you don’t plan to participate in the event and would like to receive a refund for your entry, please email info@nationalenduro.com by 3-27-20 and the PEA will issue a refund.
• If you don’t plan to participate in the event and would like to donate your entry fee to the town of Turkey, TX for the money that they have lost stocking up on extra perishable food that will be lost, please email info@nationalenduro.com and the PEA will add it to their donation fund.
• After the refund deadline of 3-27-20, the NEPG will fill the open rows created by the riders that requested a refund by adjusting the remaining entries based on their previously requested row and earliest time stamp. Note: Remaining riders will be moved as close to possible to their requested row, but not earlier than the row that they requested. Riders that entered together will be kept together if moved.
• We will close the online entry system for a few days during the time period that we are adjusting the rows, then reopen the online entries once that is completed.
Thank you very much for your understanding during this difficult time.
Third Triumph for Ricky Brabec in the Sonora Rally
Monster Energy Honda Team rider Ricky Brabec made off with the victory in the Sonora Rally, held in the Mexican Sonora Desert on the border of the United States. For Brabec this is a third win in the event, the second in a row.
Current Dakar Rally title holder, American Ricky Brabec, retains the top honours with a triumph in the Sonora Rally after having commanded the prestigious American race this week. The rally featured 1358 km of racing, including some 1078 kms of timed special stage, on some very Dakaresque terrain: high-speed hard ground, sand, dunes and stony terrain. The Monster Energy Honda Team rider claimed four out of the five stages and even managed to pull back from a 13-minute penalty which had been meted out after the first stage. The American went on to win the rally with a margin of less than a minute over the nearest rival. This represents Brabec’s third triumph in the Sonora Rally, the two most recent having been won consecutively.
“I always look forward to the Sonora Rally in México. It’s the only rally in North America that simulates a Dakar style rally raid,” said Brabec. “It has all the ingredients; fast pistes, mountains, washes and mountains dunes! This year the organization laid out a route that took us to new places and new faces. I had a set back in stage 1 that left me with large penalty and I had to claw my way back to the top, day by day. It made the final stage interesting when I needed to make up over a minute and only have 142km to do it. Thanks to my Team and my Factory CRF450 RALLY, I was able to overcome and finish on top for the third time in the Sonora Rally. It was an incredible event, well organized and looking forward to coming back in 2021. I wanted to also give my condolences to all the victims of the current Covid-19 virus. Everyone please be safe and stay healthy so we can get back to normal soon.”
OVERALL RESULTS
1. Ricky Brabec (11:56’09)
2. Skyler Howes (+0’50)
3. Bill Conger (+2:11’56)
4. West Van Nieuwenhuise (+2:12’05)
5. Mike Johnson (2:16’08)
SHERCO COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT
SHERCO WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SERVICE FOR SPARE PARTS, RECEIPT OF GOODS AND SHIPPING OF VEHICLES.
Working within the framework of the provisions linked to Covid-19 that have been dictated by the French and the Spanish governments, we maintained our normal production activities in our factories until Friday March 20th.
In view of the evolution of the situation and for supply reasons we have decided to limit the activity of our factories to the shipment of spare parts, and vehicles and the receipt of goods.
The Technical, Commercial and Communication services representatives are 100% operational in teleworking. Our other services are always available and operational according to their capacity to work remotely.
During this period, the spare parts will be delivered according to the usual conditions and the vehicles will be dispatched according to the available stock considering the production stoppage.
This ability to adapt allows us to continue to meet the demands of our customers by offering them the same level of service they are accustomed to for the next few weeks.
Let us once again be united in the face of this threat which affects our individual and collective health.
Thomas TESSIER, Managing Director, SHERCO.
MAINTENANCE TIPS FROM
LIAM DRAPER TO FACTORY KTM
The FMF KTM Factory Racing Team announced today that 2019 NE Pro 2 Champion Liam Draper will fill-in for the injured Ben Kelley in the 2020 AMA National Enduro Championship’s NE Pro 1 class, beginning with the upcoming Round 2 in Texas.
The New Zealand native will race aboard Kelley’s factoryprepped KTM 350 XC-F until Kelley makes his expected return to racing in July. From there, the team will make a decision concerning Draper’s role for the remaining rounds. Furthermore, Draper will continue to race under his KTMsupported Tely Energy Racing Team in the complete 2020 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) and Full Gas Sprint Enduro (FGSE) series.
Antti Kallonen: “I’m happy to be able to give one of our support riders this opportunity to race the National Enduro Series under our Factory program. We expect Liam to do well even with the short notice and preparation. He raced and won the NE Pro 2 class last year in the series and now jumping into the NE Pro 1 class, he should adapt just fine.”
Ben Kelley recently underwent shoulder surgery to repair injuries sustained during a routine practice session the week leading up to the opening round of the GNCC Series and he is expected to return by the end of July.
Photos Courtesy KTM
STORIES FROM THE ROAD
Appearance is Just an Illusion
Eight or ten years ago, I was driving to all of the National Enduro rounds on the east coast and I made friends with Ted Campbell, who was the rep for Leo Vince Exhaust Systems at the time. At the first round of the season in South Carolina, he was lamenting (whining, lol) about having to drive the Leo Vince sprinter all the way from the west coast for each round, so I suggested we work together. I told him, since I am centrally located in Oklahoma, if he would leave the sprinter with me and let me drive it to each of the races, he could fly in and at the races he would use the sprinter to display product and I would take his rental car around the course to shoot photos. Leo Vince agreed to pay for all my fuel costs and motels, so it was a win-win for both of us. I got to travel free, and he didn’t have to make 10 cross-country drives that year. When they needed to stock the sprinter, they would just ship product to my home. Well, the sprinter was pretty cool, and of course, it was wrapped in big, bold Leo Vince graphics. Since Leo Vince is an Italian company, on the back of the vehicle in big red letters it read: “Italian, Sexy and Cool!”, which was Leo Vince’s tag line. So, I would be driving down the highway to the races and several times a day I would see middle-aged ladies pull up alongside the sprinter and look over at me, expecting to see Fabio driving the sprinter. It stung a bit to see the disappointment in their faces when they saw it was just me… lol. n
Sherco USA puts together a winning combination of original and aftermarket parts to bring riders the highest level of performance. No need to make upgrades after you bring your bike home, it’s race ready right out of the box.
KYB suspension, a full Akrapovic exhaust system, Galfer rotors and pads, Excel rims, AXP skidplates... the list goes on. Sherco’s attention to detail is unmatched when it comes to putting together a race-winning machine straight from the factory. This year is no exception with high-performance upgrades throughout the range. Visit us online to find a local dealer to see for yourself.
NO NEED
FULL AKRAPOVIC EXHAUST *4-Strokes
SELLA DELLA VALLE SEAT
SHERCO GNCC YOUTH PROGRAM
FactoryONE Sherco is proud to announce today, in a follow up to their Extreme Off-Road and Trials development program, by announcing their GNCC youth development program for the 2020 season. The team welcomes Orlando, Florida native, Alex Lugar, as a development rider.
“We’ve been working with Alex for a few months now. He was introduced to us through our FactoryONE team sponsor, Ronnie Hames, with HBD Motografx,” said Ron Sallman, team owner. “Alex is a tremendous talent a great young man. He’s the perfect representative and is the future of our GNCC program. Alex can benefit from being alongside Steward and Grant and having a resource in them along with the team mechanics, Garrett and Eric. We want to provide a platform for the next generation to learn and grow from the factory supported team.”
Alex will be riding for Ol’ Red Racing/Right Coast Racing. His primary focus will be on Open A in GNCC but will also ride AA in FTR. At 18 years old, he has a solid resume.
“I got my first bike when I was 6 but really only rode trails until I was 11 when I did my first Hare Scramble,” said Lugar. “As soon as I got a taste of racing, I was hooked. Until last year, I’ve always just raced locally in Florida, but I took a shot at the GNCC series and was able to get 3rd in the 4 Stroke A-Lites class. I had a lot of up and downs last year, but overall it was super fun and was a great learning experience. I’m really excited for the new season as I’m moving into the Open A class onboard a Sherco, as well as racing the AA class in the local FTR series. My goal for this year is to just continue to better myself and grow as a rider and hopefully that can allow me to fight for some wins. I am appreciative of the support of Sherco USA and FactoryONE”
Here is a look at some of his accomplishments
* 2017 FTR 200A Hare Scramble champ
* 2018 FTR 200A Hare Scramble champ
* 2019 FTR 250A Hare Scramble champ
* 2019 FTR 250A Enduro champ
* 2019 GNCC 4 stroke A-Lites 3rd place overall
* Best 2019 GNCC race result 1st in class and 24th OA at Rd 11 Mason Dixon 2019
* Best 2020 GNCC Finish 3rd OA Amateur and 2nd in class at the Wild Boar
SUBSCRIBE! IT’S FREE!
D Mario Roman RIDING SCHOOL
AUGUST 17th, 2020 Training Center, Sequatchie, TN 2 of the World ’ s best hard enduro PROs!!! Sherco Factory rider, Mario Roman, and half with FactoryONE bo�led water.
SMAGE RIDING TECHNIQUE PAT
FOR THE NEXT YEAR, 11-TIME US MOTOTRIALS CHAMPION PAT SMAGE WILL BE BRINGING US MONTHLY RIDING TIPS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU A BETTER RIDER. AND WHO DOESN’T WANT TO BE A BETTER RIDER? WHETHER YOU’RE A TRIALS RIDER OR AN OFFROAD ENTHUSIAST, WE’RE CERTAIN YOU’LL BENEFIT FROM PAT’S TIPS, SO SIT BACK AND TAKE IT ALL IN. BE SAFE AND DON’T FORGET TO PRACTICE WITH A BUDDY!
Beta USA Voyager Kit, 2020+
Max Sug. Retail: $419.90
Part number: AB-21998
Fitment: Beta
Website: www.betausa.com
Voyager is the original Trail Tech off-road GPS, designed specifically to meet the needs of off-road riders. With Voyager you can download, record, and share maps while recording vital engine data. The 2.7” TFT backlit display is ideal for viewing in any environment and gets easier to read in direct sunlight. At only 4.5 x 2.5 inches it is compact and will not get in your way. This specific kit is exclusive for Beta motorcycles and was designed here in California. Fits 2020+ 2 Stroke Standard & Race Editions, Xtrainer, as well as 4 stroke Race Editions
The FX and TX cross-country model range offers purpose-built motorcycles with ultra-modern components like electric start to get the rider off the line faster and a Map Select switch to put the power to the ground. Performance-focused innovations were implemented to ensure power accessibility and agility to stay ahead of the competition.
Photo: F. Lackner
2020 SHERCO FAJARDO
FAJARDO REPLICA
The Fajardo Replica is an exceptional limited-edition trial motorcycle by SHERCO that is available in the 250 and 300cc of our trial range.
Designed as a model dedicated to high-level competition, it comes with exceptional equipment, usually reserved for the bike ridden by our top rider Jeroni Fajardo.
“We have developed a high-performance trial bike that is accessible to all, every component has been tested and validated in the 2020 Xtrial events,” said Fajardo “We want to offer you the opportunity to ride and own an Xtrial and Trial GP motorcycle.”
The FAJARDO REPLICA is equipped with true racing components. Open and lightened rims, red billet machined hubs, titanium exhaust elbow, Reiger 2-way rear shock absorber and TECH aluminum factory double adjustable fork. Everything is there to offer you a totally new riding experience.
FAJARDO REPLICA SPECS
• Lightened front and rear rims
• Red billet machined hubs
• REIGER 2-way rear shock absorber
• TECH aluminum factory double adjustable fork
• Renthal handlebars
• BrakTec clutch master cylinder
• One-piece front brake caliper
• New front and rear disc protectors, chain guide and gearbox sprocket protection FIM approved
• FIM-approved solid rear sprocket
• Red anodized master cylinder covers
• Red anodized chain tensioner
• S3 Hard Rock Footrests
• New S3 chain guide
• New S3 TRI FIX grips with integrated handlebar ends
• New FAJARDO Replica graphics
• Titanium exhaust elbow
• Interchangeable red cylinder head dome
You can also find all the Fajardo Replica level equipment on our Factory models.
2020 BETA RR-S 125
THE “DO IT ALL” BIKE
Beta recently announced the 2020 RR-S 125 model adding new colors for the new year.
The 2020 125 RR-S was designed for many different riders and is determined to put a smile on all that experience it. The bike is very reliable with its 125cc electric start 4 stroke engine that provides a soft power delivery yet enough torque to inspire riders of all abilities. All this while being street legal in all 50 states.
Beta owns the phrase Rideability and the 2020 125 RR-S continues this experience with a slim, lightweight bike that is safe, reliable, and easy to ride while creating a riding experience like no other manufacturer can provide.
Also new for 2020 is the ability for customers to order their 125 RR-S model straight from the factory with a 1.5” lower seat height over the stock models. These “lowboy” models have parts installed inside the front fork and rear shock to lower the seat height.
ENGINE SPECS
Type:Italian built single cylinder, 4 valve 4-stroke, liquid cooled
Bore: 52 mm
Stroke: 58.6 mm
Displacement: 124.6cc
Compression Ratio: 11.2:1
Ignition: CDI (TCI)
Spark Plug: NGK CR8E
Lubrication: Oil pump w/cartridge oil filter
Oil Capacity: 1000 cc
Carburetor: Keihin 30 mm
Clutch: Wet multi-disc
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: Chain
CHASSIS SPECS
Frame: Molybdenum steel/double cradle
Wheelbase: 55.5”
Seat Height: 36.4”
Ground Clearance: 13.2”
Footrest Height: 15.7”
Dry Weight: 224 lbs.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.9 US gallons
Front Suspension: 41 mm USD fork
Rear Suspension: Steel body shock w/adjustable spring preload w/linkage
Front Wheel Travel: 10.2”
Rear Wheel Travel: 10.6”
Final Gearing: 14t front, 63t rear
Front Brake: 260mm rotor
Rear Brake: 220mm rotor
Front/Rear Rim: 90/90 x 21” (Front) 120/90 x 18” (Rear)
Front/Rear Tire: Michelin Enduro Competition (DOT Approved)
Warranty: 12 month Limited Warranty
MSRP: $4999.00 plus $389.00 destination charges
2020 HUSKY 701 ENDURO LR ADVENTURES AHEAD
Husqvarna Motorcycles is announcing the release of the 2020 701 Enduro LR, the new long range enduro machine for riders wanting to travel further. Offering additional touring capabilities thanks to its increased fuel capacity of 25 litres, the 701 Enduro LR features the same advanced electronics as the highly popular 701 Enduro.
KEEP THE RIDE GOING
Bred from Husqvarna Motorcycles’ 701 Enduro, the brand new 701 Enduro LR provides astounding power-to-weight performance, a ride-by-wire throttle system and carefully engineered ergonomics. With its fully integrated 25-litre fuel tanks, it is the perfect machine for extended, adrenaline-filled onroad or offroad adventures, allowing up to 500 km distances between fuel stops.
The renowned, torquey, 74 hp single-cylinder 692.7 cc engine offers a perfectly linear power delivery in all riding conditions. Fitted with cornering ABS, lean angle sensitive traction control, switchable ride modes and easy shift as standard, the 701 Enduro LR is capable of serious adventure riding and long-distance touring.
Extremely well-balanced and delivering impressive agility and handling, the 701 Enduro LR comes fitted with fully adjustable 48 mm WP XPLOR upside-down forks and a WP XPLOR rear shock, offering 250 mm of wheel travel and excellent all-terrain capabilities.
The 701 Enduro LR comes with its own unique new graphics. Strikingly individual, it features progressive colours that guarantee they stand out in style.
TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
• Lightweight, integrated fuel tanks - additional 12-litre capacity, +/- 500 km range
• Switchable Ride Modes – change power characteristics while riding
• Bosch cornering ABS – lean angle specific braking technology
• Easy Shift function – seamless up- and down shifting for a smoother ride
• Lean-angle sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control – perfect rear wheel traction
• Chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame – amazing agility and stability
• Aluminium swingarm – extremely low weight for maximum traction and stability
• Polyamide rear subframe with integrated fuel tank – high-tech, single-piece construction
Ensuring all 701 Enduro LR riders are fully prepared for their next adventure, the Functional Clothing Offroad 2020 collection offers high-quality items that guarantee protection, all-round functionality and comfort. Husqvarna Motorcycles also offer an extensive line-up of Accessories – high-quality items that add additional protection, durability and style to all 701 Enduro LR machines.
The 2020 701 Enduro LR is available at all authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles Dealers from March onwards. Availabilities may differ from country to country. For all details on pricing and availability please refer to your national Husqvarna Motorcycles Subsidiary or Importer. n
2020 VERTIGO VERTICAL MODEL R2
REVISED INSIDE AND OUT
Vertigo Motors has announced the new, Limited Edition, 2020 Vertigo Vertical Model R2. This new Model R has been revised extensively both internally & externally. It is the direct evolution of it’s already hugely successful predecessor. This new model benefits from a full year of technical advancements & developments following feedback from Vertigo’s World Championship Factory Team, ensureing the new 2020 R model is more refined and advanced than ever before.
Thanks to an agreement the Racing Department has reached with Tech Suspensions, the first units of the R2 will be fitted with Tech Factory Spec forks. These are the same forks that Vertigo & all the brand’s top Factory riders are using in the FIM X-Trial and FIM Trial GP Championships.
With an already extensive list of high-performance components, the addition of these Factory Spec Tech Forks further consolidates the Vertigo R2’s position as the number one & only genuine R model on the market.
This new racing model is available in the entire Vertigo engine range 125, 200, 250, 280 and 300cc versions. Each of these versions have been subject to a meticulous testing & technical development by the Vertigo engineers. n
2020 TRRS X-TRACK
ELECTRIC START
TRS Motorcycles will start supplying models ONE R & ONE RR with full integrated Electric Start system, as well as new ON-E Kids electric 20”, both in March 2020. US TRRS importer Jim Snell tells us he is importing four TRS models in 2020: The TRS ONE R, the TRS ONE RR, the X-Track eStart, and the TRS ON-E Kids.
According to Jim, the X-Track eStart model is a “game-changer” for our aging demographics and he has 15 of them waiting to be shipped.
TRS Motorcycles announced that the Electric Start system developed by the Brand, which has been selling since July last year on model Xtrack, has been fully integrated on Trial models ONE R & ONE RR, becoming first trial manufacturer in the market giving this option to final users, a real trial bike high performance with 67 kilos of weight (model RR) and fully integrated electric start system.
Check out www.trsmotosusa.com for more info.
A LOOK AT
TRS’S UNIQUE ELECTRIC START SYSTEM
2020 US MotoTrials
The 2020 Trial Store US MotoTrials National Series has been rescheduled to tenatively kick off on Memorial Day Weekend, May 23 and 24, in Wilseyville, California, which will be the first real opportunity for riders to show what progress they’ve made during the off-season. We’re also expecting the 50th edition of El Trial de Espana to take place the following weekend in Cahuilla, California, but that is still to be decided.
A lot of team lineups have changed during the off-season, so to get up to speed here’s a preview of the 2020 US National MotoTrials Series and a look at this year’s Pro riders.
MotoTrials Series Preview
These have been trying times we have been going through recently, but as Americans we need to try to live as nornal lives as possible while staying healthy and helping each other. At its annual meeting this past November the NATC came up with a schedule that consists of eight rounds held over four weekends, however, the opening national of the season in northern California had to be reascheduled due to COVID-19.
Trials Store US MotoTrials National Series NOW starts on Memorial Day weekend (at least for now) and ends in early October. This year’s list of venues provides a wide variety of terrain and obstacles, giving the advantage to the best allaround rider... the one who can ride a wide variety of terrain.
Here’s a look at all four venues.
Rounds 1-2 (West Regional)
May 23-24, 2020 Wilseyville, CA
This year’s series kicks off near Wilseyville, California, at a new location in the Sierra Mountains southwest of Lake Tahoe. The elevation will range from 3500 to 4000 ft.
The Schaad national will be held on private land consisting of large wooded areas, loamy soil, creeks and streams. Many of the sections are set on side hills with water, rocks, and logs for the obsticals. The conditions can be very slick or just slippery, depending on weather conditions. So far this year it is very dry with lots of traction but that could all change with a little rain.
A note to the riders, if you are picturing Donner type terrain you will be in for a surprise!
UPDATE 2020 AMA/NATC MotoTrial
US National Series Schedule www.mototrials.us
May 23-24..........Wilseyville, CA (W)* (FIM North America)
June 13-14.......Little Hocking, OH (E)*
July 25-26.................Kingman, AZ (W)*
October 3-4...........Scottsboro, AL, (E)*
YOUTH SERIES
Eastern Youth Nationals & Women’s Open
July 2-3-4...............Sequatchie, TN
Western Youth Nationals & Women’s Open
July 31-Aug 1-2...............Turkey Rock, CO
* (W) = Western Series rounds
* (E) = Eastern Series rounds
SUPER TRIAL SERIES
May 15-16...................Luckenbach, TX
July TBA.....................................VMD, OH
Aug TBA.................................Sturgis, SD
Oct 16-17....................Luckenbach, TX
SPECIAL
EVENTS
August 15-16..........Ute Cup
Colorado
Oct 31-Nov 1..............El Trial de Espana Cahullia, CA
www.mototrials.us
The land owner and P.I.T.S. club members have worked very hard to try and make this an enjoyable experience for everyone. The camping/pit area is grass. There are some level areas but others will need to plan to level up their rigs. The club will try and provide some wood blocks and assistance if needed.
Rounds 3-4 (East Regional)
June 13-14, 2020
Little Hocking, Ohio
Rounds four and five will be held at the Wildwood Lake Raceway in southern Ohio, were the promoting club (Trials Inc.) is planning a very technical trial. This area offers multiple types of landscape, including green moss covered rock, logs, creek beds, ledges and possibly a hillclimb or two. Camping is available on site, as well as concessions. The event will feature a 5 to 7 mile loop which follows some of the Hard Enduro Loop from last season.
Rounds 5-6 (West Regional)
July 25-26, 2020
Kingman, Arizona
Rounds 5 & 6 of the series takes place on July 25 & 26 in Kingman, Arizona, which was the site of the 2017 World Trial GP.
The pit area is based in beautiful, cool pines at an elevation of 6500 ft., just 14 miles outside of Kingman, AZ.
Please be prepared for wet (Arizona Monsoons in the evening), early morning 40 degrees to dry, warm weather in the 80s
Riders can expect sections that range from “slab boulder” type sections to loose dirt with logs, possible running water creek beds and rock outcropping sections, with a fun, tight single track Loop.
Rounds 7-8 (East Regional)
October 3-4, 2020
Scottsboro, Alabama
The Alabama national will be held on a property that is 600 acres in a valley with mountains on both sides and a flat 60-acre field for parking in between. The elevation will be around 1,600 feet. Hollytree off-road park is the event site. They have a Facebook page and a website.
The terrain is rocky hill sides with large creek sections, waterfalls and offcamber hill sides.
Pat Smage and Nigel Parker competed in the Huntsville Trials Club’s Battle of the Pipes event back in November which was a cross between trials and Extreme Enduro with observed sections scattered throughout the course and Smage told us the terrain is great and the club has plenty to work with for the event.
Camping is primitive and has a nice “his and hers” shower house. n
MotoTrial Top Class Numbering
Number one
The #1 plate is assigned to the rider who won the Top Class (men’s or women’s category) in series the previous year, provided the rider competes, if not, the number remains unassigned until the next year when it is assigned to the rider who won the series the previous year.
Single digit numbers
Single numbers, if available and unassigned (i.e. 2-9) are reserved for riders who have won the Junior Expert or Expert series championship in a previous year (or the Women’s class in the case of the Women’s Top class). If there are no single digit numbers available, the rider will be assigned the next chronologically available 2-digit number.
2-digit numbers
Riders who do not fit into any of the above categories, 2-digit numbers are assigned chronologically based on availability.
Once a number has been assigned it will be that riders number until retired or it remains unused by the rider in AMA/NATC MotoTrials Top Class competition for two consecutive years.
AMA/NATC MotoTrials Top Classes:
Men’s category: Pro Women’s category: Women’s Pro
5 - Pat Smage (#1)
3 - Karl Davis Jr.
2 - Daniel Blanc Gonnet
7 - Sam Fastle
9 - Andreas Niederer
6 - Alex Myers
4 - Josh Roper
8 - Will Myers
21 - Alex Niederer Women’s
7 - Louise Forsley
9 - Maddie Hoover (#1)
5 - Kylee Sweeten
THE FACTORY TEAMS...
THE 2020 PRO RIDERS AND THEIR TEAMS
FACTORYONE SHERCO/SCORPA
Having won his 11th US National MotoTrials Championship in 2019, Pat Smage returns to the series to compete for an unprecedented 12th championship with the FactoryONE/Sherco team. The team for 2020 features the same Pro riders as last year, however it’s now managed by multi-time Women’s Pro Champion Christy Williams.
Floridian Karl Davis Jr. returns to the team on a Scorpa, as does Will Myers, while Josh Roper and James Fastle are back on Shercos.
Louise Forsley is the Women’s Pro rider and the FactoryONE/Sherco rider will be going for two championships. One in the US MotoTrials series and one in the Hard Enduro Series. She will also compete in the AMA. EnduroCross series.
Oregon’s Kylee Sweeten switches from Sherco to Scorpa for 2020, while Forsley jumps from Scorpa to Sherco.
US GAS GAS FACTORY TEAM
In case you missed the memo, there have been a few changes at GasGas. KTM aquired the company and is currently in the process of setting up a new dealer network in the US. As far as the US MotoTrials team, 10-time US MotoTrials Champ Geoff Aaron takes over as team manager and Daniel Blanc-Gonnet will be the lone Pro rider, with globe-hopping Maddie Hoover holding down the fort in the Women’s Pro class while juggling a hectic World schedule.
BETA USA
Beta USA is returning with a strong team with the addition of last year’s number two rider Alex Niederer in the Pro class. Returning to contest the Expert class is longtime Beta USA standout Jay Gregorowicz. Jay was third in last year’s Expert standings and looking to move into the number one oposition for 2020.
VERTIGO USA
Due to the ongoing convern about the COVID-19, and the European travel ban, Vertigo USA has yet to announce it’s Pro team. Details coming soon.
FactoryONE Sherco/Scorpa
PRO
Pat Smage - Sherco
Karl Davis Jr. - Scorpa
Josh Roper - Sherco
James Fastle - Sherco
Will Myers - Scorpa
Alex Myers - Scorpa
EXPERT
Eric McCurdy - Sherco
Nigel Parker - Sherco
WOMEN’S PRO
Louise Forsley - Sherco
Kylee Sweeten - Scorpa
US FACTORY GASGAS
PRO
Daniel Blanc-Gonnet
WOMEN’S PRO
Maddie Hoover
PAT SMAGE
Beta USA
PRO
Alex Niederer
EXPERT
Jay Gregorowicz
ALEX NIEDERER
JAY GREGOROWICZ
STEwARD BAYLOR
Grand National Cross Country Series Round 3
March 15, 2020
Washington, Georgia
Photos by Darrin Chapman
Round three, The Specialized General, of the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, concluded yesterday in Washington, Georgia. After an intense battle throughout the duration of the race it was FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell coming through the finish line first.
Russell would have his work cut out for him after a mid-pack start, and coming through timing and scoring fourth on the first lap. K. Russell made his way into the lead as they came around on lap four, but FactoryONE Sherco’s Steward Baylor Jr. would remain close. Baylor Jr. battled back-and-forth with K. Russell the entire last lap, swapping the lead position multiple times. As the duo made their way to the motocross track portion of the track, K. Russell would find an inside line and make the pass stick.
Baylor Jr. would hold onto second overall, coming in just 1.8 seconds behind K. Russell and earning Sherco’s first GNCC podium finish at the premier level.
LAYNE MICHAEL
Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Josh Strang came through the pack to earn third overall on the day. Strang came through sixth on the opening lap, but would put his head down and push throughout the entire three-hour race. Strang currently sits second in the National Championship points standings after three rounds of racing.
Coming through to take the fourth place position in XC1 Open Pro and sixth overall was FactoryONE Sherco’s Grant Baylor. As the riders made their way through the course, Baylor would find himself starting out eighth. However, as time wore on Baylor would find himself making moves through the pack to get towards the front and battle with the top riders.
Steward Baylor (FactoryONE Sherco) and Kailub Russell (FMF/ KTM Factory Racing) had an intense battle for the duration of the race on Sunday afternoon.
Steward Baylor (FactoryONE Sherco) and Kailub Russell (FMF/ KTM Factory Racing) had an intense battle for the duration of the race on Sunday afternoon.
Ken Hill
BECCA SHEETS
After grabbing the $250 All Balls Racing XC1 Holeshot Award Coastal Racing Husqvarna’s Ricky Russell would finish fifth in XC1 and eighth overall on the day. Russell would battle with Baylor for fourth throughout the race, but would fall behind on the last lap. Russell holds onto third in the points standings after three rounds of racing.
Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Jordan Ashburn would come through leading the way on lap one. As the race wore on Ashburn continued to fight for a top spot, but would fall back to sixth in XC1 and ninth overall.
Sitting seventh for majority of the day was Phoenix Honda Racing’s Andrew DeLong. DeLong had a consistent race in Georgia, and would come through the finish line seventh in his class and a 12th place overall finish. AmPro Yamaha’s Layne Michael came through eighth in his class and 15th overall. Michael had a decent start to the day coming through fifth on the opening lap. Michael would try to battle back after falling back to eighth, but would ultimately end his day there.
Rounding out the top 10 in XC1 Open Pro were Levi Keller and Rockhill Powersports/Ti Dezigns/UFO Plast’s Evan Earl. Keller and Earl would engage in a battle on the last lap to see who would come through first at the checkered flag.
Round three saw another new winner in the XC2 250 Pro class. It would be Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Craig
DeLong coming through to earn his first XC2 win of the season, while also coming through fourth overall on the day. Trail Jesters KTM’s Jonathan Girroir would battle for a second place finish in XC2, and holding onto the class points lead. AmPro Yamaha/St. Lawrence Radiology’s Mike Witkowski rounded out the XC2 podium with a third on the day.
Coming through to earn the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class was Raines Riding University/Atlas Sales/Yamaha’s Jason Raines. Raines would lead the race from start to finish, putting over a 2 minute gap on the rest of the class. Ohlins USA/Brewer Cycles/FXR’s Cole Mattison battled through the pack to earn second in his class, followed by points leader Moose Racing/Carolina KTM/XC Gear’s Zack Hayes rounding out the top three.
At the conclusion of the 10 a.m. race it was WXC competitor, BAB’s Racing Yamaha/Maxxis’ Becca Sheets coming through to take the overall win and her thirdstraight WXC class win. Sheets had her work cut out for her as she came through fourth on the opening lap. Sheets would put her head down and push as she made her way into the lead on lap three. On the final lap Sheets would push and finish with a 21 second gap back to second place.
Grabbing the $100 Trail Jesters Holeshot Award was Enduro Engineering/ MEPMX/Fly Racing/KTM’s Mackenzie Tricker. Tricker would battle for the lead, but would remain in the second place position as the checkered flag flew. Coming through to earn third in the class was Rockstar Energy/LanMills XC’s Tayla Jones. Jones would battle throughout the race, but would remain in the final spot on the podium. n
XC1 PRO 1:
1. Kailub Russell (KTM)
2. Steward Baylor Jr. (SHR)
3. Josh Strang (KAW)
4. Grant Baylor (SHR)
5. Ricky Russell (HQV)
6. Jordan Ashburn (KAW)
7. Andrew DeLong (HON)
8. Layne Michael (YAM)
9. Levi Keller (HON)
10. Evan Earl (KAW)
XC2 250 PRO 2
1. Craig DeLong (HQV)
2. Jonathan Girroir (KTM)
3. Michael Witkowski (YAM)
4. Cody Barnes (BET)
5. Lyndon Snodgrass (KAW)
6. Liam Draper (KTM)
7. Evan Smith (HQV)
8. Tegan Temple (KTM)
9. Jesse Ansley (KTM)
10. Thorn Devlin (BET)
CRAIG DELONG
JOSH STRANG
LOOKING AHEAD BECCA SHEETS
AM-PRO YAMAHA’S BECCA SHEETS IS OFF TO AN AMAZING START IN 2020, AND IS UNDEFEATED IN THE wXM wOMEN’S PRO CLASS AFTER THE FIRST THREE ROUNDS OF THE GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY SERIES. ON THE PEGS SPOKE wITH BECCA AFTER THE GEORGIA ROUND TO TALK ABOUT HER RACING PROGRAM.
PHOTOS BY DARRIN CHAPMAN
AHEAD
You’ve had an amazing season so far. How do you feel about it? Do you feel like you’re on a roll, or is it a struggle every week, or is everything just coming easy for you?
I’d say that I’m kind of somewhere in-between. I’m feeling really good on the bike and I’m feeling very fast. I feel comfortable. I feel like I can go fast. I know that I am going faster, so part of that for me is also kind of getting used to that speed. I’ve had a couple crashes in the last couple rounds, and wins have definitely not come easy. I would definitely not say that. I just think with a little more time obviously getting the bike more dialed will help me even more tremendously. In a way, I do feel like I’m on a roll. I’m just ready to go.
You are on a roll. That’s for sure. How much do you think is maybe the Yamaha fits your style? How much do you think that plays into it?
It’s definitely a major part of it. I rode Yamaha’s for eight years before. I rode KTM for three short years. They felt like a long time, but I had to kind of really learn and adapt my riding in order to ride that KTM. So when I got back on the Yamaha I felt like it was going to take me a minute because the KTM’s were so different for me. But once I got on the Yamaha, it was like, I just feel like I’m at home on this bike.
Did you do anything different as far as training or practice during the offseason that might have helped as well?
Not really anything different specifically. I usually spend time at South of the Border for the last three winters. I did that this year and then I made my way down to Florida and rode some sand before the Florida race. That’s kind of what I always do. I’m definitely changing a couple things up and putting more focus in different places of my training. So I think that’s something that’s helping me. I’m not really changing what I’m doing. I’m just changing the focus on certain things.
Are those certain things top secret?
Yeah, of course.
Tell me if I’m wrong, but I think you look like you ride like you’re in the best shape you’ve ever been. Is that how you feel?
Yeah. Last year was a tough year for me. The last couple years, actually, since I broke my jaw in 2018. That really set my health back in some crazy ways. I kind
of had to overcome that. It’s just kind of been part of my journey in the last couple years and led me to where I am today. I feel healthier and better. I’m in the best shape mentally and physically this year. I think that’s where I have always tried to be,, but I feel like I’m a lot closer than I was a couple years ago.
Does sometimes an injury make you more determined?
I guess in a way. I think I’ve had enough pretty crappy injuries in my career that it doesn’t add to the determination. You just know, what do I have to do? I can do this, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to get me back to where I need to be. In a way, it keeps you determined, I guess you could say.
Where do you live?
I live in Ohio, just south of Columbus.
You grew up racing there. Did you grow up racing hare and hound, or motocross? How did you get into the sport?
I grew up racing motocross. From the time I was seven until… I would say I stopped racing competitively in motocross, doing the amateur nationals and stuff, I stopped doing that after 2009. Then I kind of just rode for fun motocross, and then I made the transition to off-road in 2011.
Do you like off-road as much or better than motocross?
Yeah, definitely. I think it’s safe to say that off-road is definitely my passion. I like it so much because it’s just more of a challenge than motocross, to me. It’s a little more fun. There’s a lot more change that goes on in a woods race than what you’re doing when your’e doing laps out on a motocross track. It keeps your mind busy. I enjoy it.
I haven’t had a chance to talk to you about Six Days. First of all, congratulations.
Thank you, first of all. I think Six Days has been an adventure. It’s been a threeyear adventure for us girls. Brandy and I have been together for… That was our third year doing it together, and Tara her second year. Six Days is different than anything because obviously there’s nothing like it here. We have the sprint enduros which are great practice for sprinting, but Six Days is not only about sprinting. It’s mental and physical because you have to last all those days and long hours that we spend on our bikes. It’s almost like the sprinting part of it comes easy, but
I wouldn’t say that it came easy until this year. I spent a lot of time racing the Full Gas series last year. It was the first year I got to do the whole series. I think that really helped me learn how to race that style because it’s so different than GNCC, in my opinion. You have to just maintain focus for ten minutes at a time, very intense focus. Then you also have to be on transfer trails. You’ve got to be pretty well 100% focused because there’s a lot of things going on on transfer, whether it’s the terrain changing, going up and down mountains, the arrows you got to follow… You’re just focused all day long. I think that’s really taxing just on your whole body. It’s just a little bit more endurance that you need for that race compared to GNCC. Last year when we went to Chile, in 2018, I think we did well there, but the terrain was very crazy. Our team had some mistakes that cost us a lot of time. The Australians were doing really well. They ride really well in that terrain. Portugal was similar in a way, but it had some toss-ups. I think the way we worked as a team last year, we weren’t in competition with each other. We just gave each other advice every day on what to change up and do better. So I think that carried over for us this year as as team. We just worked really well together. We killed it on all the sprints. I know Brandy practiced a lot. She set up a bit more training loops on her properties. It kind of just fell into place. It takes consistency. It literally takes six days of being consistent, which is very hard to get three people to do.
I think Women’s Team is on a roll in that, too. I just hope they don’t cancel Italy, but that doesn’t look very good right now.
I know. I’m not sure what the heck they’re going to do. I know Antti has Brandy on board. I know that she wants to keep going, and I know that Jordan Jarvis wants a chance to go. Hopefully they get that opportunity and get to go to Italy safely.
Tell me what BABs Racing means and how you came up with it.
Babs is just a nickname. It started out as a nickname and it stood for “Bad Ass Becca Sheets.” This was a nickname my dad wrote down when we were at an all-girls race back when I was racing minibikes. All the girls had the chance to write their nickname down to be announced as they went to the line. They were just making it a big deal for us. So of course my dad writes down “Bad ass Becca Sheets,” because my dad is just kind of like that. So instead of announcing it, they just announced it as “Babs.” I had a couple friends next to me on the line with their dads too. We just all looked at each other. We were laughing, like, “What’s Babs?” Then my dad told me about it later. Not very many people called me that or any-
thing. Just a few people. Just kind of an inside thing. So when I started riding for KTM, I had to create a corporation for myself and a business name, so we just came up with Babs Racing. It’s kind of a secret, but it’s kind of not. It’s just something that means a lot to me just because it’s been in my life forever. We’re just running with it.
Tell me something that not many people know about you. Maybe a hobby or something you’re good at it.
I can juggle. I can ride a unicycle. I think that’s kind of known. I guess a hobby, if it’s like the average joe that doesn’t really know me, I would just say cooking. I really enjoy cooking. That’s something that cooking and serving other people is something that I see in my future after racing. n
RICKY RUSSELL
JOHNNY GIRROIR
THEWORLD’S LEADING YOUTH ELECTRIC TRIALS
MOTORCYCLES
Globallyrecognisedas the bestbeginnermotorcycles forchildren todevelopand improvetheirskillsand confidence.Beingelectricthey have nohotparts,require no gas andare virtuallysilent whichmeansriderscanuse themeverydayinplacesother bikescannotgo...
USA DEALERS
Dirt Riders West ///Mike Carlton///602.370.7546///Phoenix, AZ
Lewisport USA///Adrian & Mandy Lewis///209.785.6878///Copperopolis, CA
Balance Trials Supply///Bill Haskell///720.207.7715///Arvada, CO
Trial Store USA ///Alex Niederer///941.404.0757///Bradenton, FL
Aloha Trials///Clayton Oshita///808.822.2706///Kapaa, HI
Hawaii Rides ///Sam Bird///808.621.6686/// Wahiawa, HI
Jack’s Cycles ///Stuart Preston///207.337.1274///South Berwick, ME
Mossy Rock Trials///Dan Larson///406.930.0227///Big Timber, MT
Competition Wheels///James McKenzie///704.906.3238///Concord, NC
HVC Cycle///Brad Obidowski///402.817.4795///Lincoln, NE
Miller Ranch Trials///Aaron & Andy Miller///607.765.8362///Corning, NY
Adroit Engineering ///Jon Rentschler ///440.668.3207///Chardon, OH
Gran Prix Cycle///Gary & Robyn Byers///541.926.3139///Albany, OR
Trials Training Cntr. Charlie or Carey///423.942.8688///Sequatchie, TN
Frank’s Motorbikes///Frank Kergil///425.603.9000///Bellevue, WA
ALIENAUTOPSY
GRANT BAYLOR’S SHERCO SEF450
A GEARHEAD’S LOOK AT SOME OF THE TRICKEST BIKES IN OFF-ROAD
GRANT BAYLOR TALKS ABOUT HIS SHERCO SEF450. PHOTO DARRIN CHAPMAN
Just before the Wild Boar GNCC, On The Pegs got the chance to talk to FactoryONE Sherco’s Grant Baylor about his Sherco SEF450. Although the team was still waiting on a few key items, such as an exhaust system from FMF and a bigger tank with a dry break, Grant says he and Sherco mechanic Eric Siraton have the bike pretty much dialed in.
SINCE THE BIKE IS SO NEW, AT THE FRST FEW RACES, THE FACTORYONE SHERCO TEAM HAS SUFFERED DUE TO UNAVAILABLILITY OF A FEW CRITICAL AFTERMARKET PARTS.
At the General GNCC, FactoryONE Sherco’s Steward Baylor turned in an incredible ride aboard his SEF450 and came within three corners of taking the win. Due to the unavailability of a larger tank with dry break, the team had to use the stocker and refuel the old fashuined way, by unscrewing and screwing on the fuel cap, which may have cost Stew the valuable few seconds that might have given him the win. Still, Stew came away with Sherco’s first GNCC podium with a second overall finish.
At the Wild Boar, the team tried to plastic a dry break to the stocker but it ended up leaking.
They are also awaiting an FMF exhaust system due to fitment problems. Grant fills us in on his impressions of the bike.
What I would say I could remember from my first impression was I jumped on the bike and I had been riding last year’s model and the new model side by side. This model was completely stock. Completely stock suspension and everything. Only thing we had on it was the Kenda tires. So we jumped on it and went out. Right away I noticed in the first turn I could feel the difference in the handling. The handling was just night and day difference on the front end. The front tire just sticks and goes wherever you want it. It’s crazy how good it handles. Overall bike length, you could just feel the rear wheel was a little bit closer up under you. So that was kind of my first impression. I got off of it and I was just like, that felt kind of goofy. It wasn’t anything like I’ve ever ridden before. It felt weird. I could feel a little bit of the Yamaha in it and a little bit of the KTM in it. It was crazy. I jumped on it and I was faster on it right away with stock suspension and everything. So right away I was like, this bike’s pretty good. Everybody knows when it comes
down to it, it’s all about how good you can hit your mark and not necessarily how fast you hit it. So, with this bike, I feel like I can really put it where I want it and manage the trail and put it right on those two inches of trail that I want it.
I believe the wheel base is about an inch shorter, which definitely helps cornering. It helps cornering, but everybody knows a longer wheel base is going to give you a more stable feel. So for faster stuff it’s a little less stable, but it’s not unstable. You can just tell that it’s a lot more flickable when you’re in the air. The bike is really easy to turn when you’re in the air, which it’s not a bad thing. It’s not going to turn unless you do something to make it turn. So it’s good. I really like how it handles. I’ve gotten used to it now, so I’m really enjoying it.
There is a little bit of bike setup we can do differently for GNCC if we want more straight-line stability. We can push the wheel back a little further on the GNCC bike to get it a little more stable. Triple clamps, just little things like that we can swap over and get that feel with it we want for the GNCC’s. So, you still got plenty of room to play with it. The bikes are still new, so some of these parts they’re just now starting to make. So it’s a process, but it’s getting better and better. It’s a process to build this program.
Right now we got the ODI bars. Running the RC4 bend. Not necessarily got a different setup. This weekend we’ll drop the forks down flush, mainly for being in the sand so you’re not going to get that knifey feel in the sand. So, the forks will go down, which really raises the front end of the bike. You want a choppier bike out in the sand definitely.
We’ll drop the side down from 106 to 110 and change a few clickers. We had JDP down here testing with us the day before yesterday. So we got some testing in and got the bikes dialed in. Honestly, I feel better in the sand on this bike right now than I ever have. I’ve never really felt like I could really commit in the sand. Steward has always been the better sand rider. The other day when we got the suspension dialed in, I felt like I was the man. It’s a whole different story when we get here to the GNCC and then have to do it for three hours. We’ll see how it goes Sunday, but I’m feeling really good on it.
Right now, it’s basically just stock suspension, KYB. I believe the race model Sherco comes with the KYB, and then the other one comes with the WP stuff. We got the KYB models. It’s been really good. We’ve had JDP tuning it. He’s up in Ohio and he does quite a bit of the pro guys here. He does the stuff really good. He got us dialed in really well. Another thing is we have lengthened the radiators. Me and Steward are bigger
FOR THE DEEP, SUGAR SAND OF THE WILD BORE GNCC, THE TEAM CUT DIAGONAL “CHANNELS” IN THE SIDE KNOBS TO FUNNEL THE SAND INTO THE CENTER KNOB TO GET A BETTER”PUSH” THROUGH THE SOFT SAND.
guys so we really get these bikes hot. Steward likes to ride it a little harder too. He rides about a gear lower than I do and pushes the bike a little harder. We’ve always both had some heat issues, no matter what bike. We put the oversized radiators on here just to make sure that we don’t have any issues. They actually helped quite a bit when we did the testing with them. So we got that. We got a Quick Fill made on there last minute for Big Buck. We had that done by Community Off-road. Community Off-road did our Quick Fills and got them done before Big Buck. So big thanks there. Like I said, everything is kind of just last-minute because these bikes are so new over here in the States. Over in Europe they don’t really do anything to their bikes over there. They kind of run a stock bike and it is what it is. Over here everybody knows that we do everything we can to make sure we have the best bike out there so we can win these races. Especially in a GNCC, you got to have something that’s going to get you through that race as well. I’ve been really impressed with how well these Sherco’s have held up, honestly. I feel like they’ve held up better than most bikes. In the mud races. I did a mud race a while back, and never even overheated. Never spilled any coolant out
or anything. I couldn’t even see my radiators they were so clogged up. It’s really impressed me with the reliability on the bike, because everybody was kind of doubting it. I wasn’t. I rode the bike all winter and I was like, this thing is solid. Everybody was kind of doubting it when we came into the season. I wasn’t. I knew it would finish the race. I lined up confident with that at Big Buck. In Big Buck, I didn’t ride my race there. That was just my fault. I kind of had some goon moments. Just the first two laps weren’t that great. Hopefully we can bounce back here.
For the clutch, we got the Rekluse torque drive in there, which that’s always a big improvement. I highly recommend getting the Rekluse in there if you end up getting one of these bikes.
The power delivery is really smooth. It’s a really controllable power on the 450. It’s still got that 450 power, though. It’s a fast bike. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a lot smoother and more controllable on the bottom at initial grunt, I feel like, which is better in the woods stuff because you don’t really need the bike to rip out from under you like that. It’s more about carrying your momentum. The thing rips when you get it going. It’s been really good. Like I said, that torque drive helped out a lot. That was a big improvement there too on the overall power delivery to the engine and the wheel. So it’s a really good bike. n
GOOD OLD TIMES BLOG THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
BY KENNETH OLAUSSON PHOTOS: HUSqvARNA
After a 20-year absence, Husqvarna introduced their 4-stroke big-bore beast. In 1983, it tried establishing the brand as a top player on the bike market. Not only was a new engine presented, but the Swedes also gave up the red/chrome tanks in favour of new all-white machines. However, MX competition from Japan was fierce and Husqvarna did not have the financial resources to keep up with their opponents. Instead, the company looked towards enduro.
During the last three years of the 1970s Husqvarna had adopted a manufacturing level of around 10,000 yearly units. This production rate was maintained during the early 1980s, before figures started sliding. At this stage, the interest from the board members to invest was very limited. The frequent rumours that
the two-wheel division would soon be up for sale flourished, but until now, nothing was decided in any direction. Demand was still good in the United States and with a new 4-stroke enduro on the menu, Husqvarna looked forward to increasing sales figures. The Swedes offered a broad power-band and their bikes had efficient performance as well as giving the customer reliability. Together with good racing results this gave a solid feedback from the market. Offroad events were popular on the American West Coast and across the border in Baja, Mexico, while racing enduros also made sense in the U.S. northern and mid-region, south of the Great Lakes area. In the AMA National Enduro Series, Husqvarna won titles for seven consecutive years, from 1980 to 1986, predominantly by the overwhelming riders Dick Burleson and Terry Cunningham. It was top class PR and helped the Swedish brand in sales.
But when the 1980s began, production was lean at Husqvarna. Total sales were slow and paving new ways were indeed in need. The factory’s focus was to aim at the lucrative enduro segment, where not only experts, but also novice and leisure riders were potential customers. Husky now aimed at enduro, which proved to
be a good decision as their motocross bikes were inferior in comparison. In 1981, Svenerik Jönsson won his first “Novemberkasan” with the new Husqvarna 390cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke. The model did not turn up at the dealers until February 1984, so there was a lot of development work to be done on the prototype that Jönsson rode. Even so, quality was not up to standards as there were numerous novelties to be introduced. At the same time, the economy was strained, so there was little money to enhance investments in the new machinery.
“We were too few managing too many projects at the same time,” said Svenerik Jönsson who then worked full-time at Husqvarna. “Despite thousands of hours, we could not cope with the new 390, the new 4-stroke and the new single suspension system simultaneously.” In the following year, Jönsson took his second straight “Kasa” victory, now straddling the Husqvarna 430. Three years later, Jönsson captured his first Kasa trophy for good in Arboga, when he won this race for the third time, now on a 400cc machine.
After 10 months of 4-stroke developments, in 1979 the factory made a financial contribution that enabled the task force to cast a cylinder and buy cylinder heads from an outside source. But besides getting some experience, the development was still lingering. In 1980 a new cylinder-head was formed, but it wasn’t until 1981 that things happened. Together with Husky’s chief engineer Ruben Helmin, a new spark was initiated and now everyone wanted to finish the elusive plus-500cc engine. Thomas Gustavsson had just won the national enduro championship and joined the Husqvarna resources. “At last we had a complete team for the final work”, said Urban Larsson with a smile on his face. There were still outstanding details on the new 6-speed 503cc enduro machine, when Thomas Gustavsson made his debut. From the beginning, there were things to be adjusted and improved, but all in all, this novelty promised good results. The market for enduros was growing and the competition machine had the performance to tackle racing off the roads. Then, in 1983, Gustavsson took part in the International Six Days Enduro, the event now having modernised its name. This time, it was run in Great Britain and Gustavsson both proved himself and the novelty big-bore machine by winning the 4-stroke class overall. The new power plant was offered in three versions, which was an achievement by Husqvarna. Customers could choose from the Enduro, Motocross and Cross-Country models. The WR 510TE had a competitive market price and was a favourable option over the Japanese makes. But although the factory machines had success in its trail, the production engines suffered from overheating. This resulted in a difficult starting procedure, especially when the motor was hot. It was stated that the market would absorb some 18-20,000 units when a lot of people went from 2-strokes to 4-strokes. However, Husqvarna didn’t make its homework and launched the 50 HP product before it was fully developed. Besides, one of the disadvantages came from engine vibrations. In a relatively short period, the market switched to downsizing, liquid-cooling, front disc-brake and single-shock suspension. By 1985, this beasty 4-stroke showed potential, but there was never any real Swedish sales success achieved from the old musketmaker. But in 1985 Thomas Gustavsson won the European Enduro Championship on his 4-stroke and things looked promising for the future. The Husqvarna 510 machine was further developed and sold during a few years until Cagiva purchased the company. n
Toni Bou World Champion, at Home
Coronavirus has altered the plans of practically every athlete in the world with competitions cancelled and outdoor sports banned. Today, the conclusion of the X-Trial championship was officially confirmed, giving Toni Bou a 27th title, after the rider won every one of the season’s points-paying events. With the current lockdown conditions, we find out what the trial champion has been up to.
Toni, we have all seen the viral video that you posted at the beginning of the lockdown, riding your motorcycle around the house… but… how has Toni Bou been spending the seclusion?
A little like everyone else, as best I possibly can. It is a tough situation for everyone. And we are fortunate to stay home, while others get the job of putting an end to it all. I want to encourage and thank all of those who are making such an
enormous effort. For my part, I’m trying not to lose my fitness and I am acting as if it were pre-season training, even if I’m at home… which is quite tricky, but with the change of pace, I will try to lose as little fitness as possible and hopefully make it through to the end of the lockdown in the best physical shape. That’s what’s keeping me motivated these days.
What are the rules for citizens in the area that you live in? Is going out restricted?
Yes, there is a decree which restricts everything and people are confined to their homes. You can only go out to buy what is really essential.
What exercises do you do?
Walking the dog is the only thing we can do to go outside. Only one person can go out and until now my partner has not been out.
What sports do you do?
The exercise bike. Cardio basically. I can’t do anything else. Core exercises and a lot of stretching…
Do you take care of the diet?
Our normal diet is supervised. So, I don’t think it needs to be changed right now. If we see something happen, maybe then we’ll change it, but for now just paying attention to what we eat is enough.
What have you done with the bike?
The video and nothing else. Anything else is a risk. I made the video without taking risks; it is fun for everyone and it was fun for me too. Until all this is finished, there’ll be no motorcycle. In my case, this break will do me good. I’ve had some nagging injuries and now it will be good to fully get over the vertebrae injury and recover from the lumbar area injury that I never completely got over. You have to be positive and take advantage of it to heal those weaker parts.
The 2020 X-Trial World Championship has finished earlier than expected. What’s your final assessment after having won all five events held?
It’s a shame to have finished the championship in the way that we did. We set a very high standard, with some very close trials with Adam [Raga]. Having won all five trials, the final assessment couldn’t have been more positive. It was a re -
ally good year for us, against an opponent who always makes it very difficult. I had to fight hard and battle it out in all the finals, with the team always giving 100%. This is a title that I will always remember – winning Barcelona again was an incredible moment for me. It’s a pity not having been able to celebrate it in Andorra with my friends, but I understand perfectly, given the current situation.
What do you expect for 2021?
We hope to have an X-Trial calendar with many events that we will be able to finish! The start of the next season is a long way away, but it seems that all the trials will be closely-fought in the Outdoor World Championship and there will be no rest possible. I think it will be a championship with many trials, just the way we like it.
So, the start of the Outdoor World Championship has been delayed. Are you confident that you’ll be able to compete in all the dates?
Right now it is super-difficult to know what will happen. It is an unusual situation for everyone and for sport in general. At least we will be able to recover the Saturday and Sunday two-day format. Doing the whole calendar will be complicated. If you do five double-date GP’s, that’s ten trials already. Let’s hope it turns out that way. There are not many other options…
Do you think that all the riders will make it to the first event on equal terms?
It is hard to know. It will be difficult for everyone. We are all experiencing a difficult situation and depending on how the Coronavirus affects the country that you live in, you may have more or less options. When the curve begins to flatten, that will be something else.
What does your daily routine involve?
I get up, walk the dog, have breakfast and my sports routine is 1h30 of exercise bike, gym and stretching. I prepare the meal, perhaps a little later than usual, a little television and social networks to try and stay up-to-date and find out what I should do. Gym in the afternoon, a little easier, for about an hour. Shower, dinner, TV and sleep…
And the motorcycle?
I haven’t touched the bike again since the last video. I haven’t had to do any maintenance or anything. It is clean and dust-free. Ready for when everything is over.
What precautions are you taking against Coronavirus?
I don’t have a mask. If I have to go out for something urgent, I try to go to the gas station nearby, first thing in the morning, when there is hardly anyone about. I wash my hands very well – that is also important. I buy food online and they deliver it to my home. I don’t go to any supermarket in order to avoid contact with people.
Finally… do you want to send a message to the fans?
I especially want to thank the health workers and other professionals who are working so hard and battling for all of us. We have the easiest job and all we have to do is to stay at home to get through this difficult time. Good luck and my best wishes to all those who have family and friends affected. Everything will return to normal soon. n
• A versatile trials or trail bike (with the addition of a removable seat)
• The T-18 Dragonfly is an adult electric trials bike featuring a real hydraulic clutch
• A 5 speed gearbox provides the best match of engine power to terrain requirements
• M4 39mm Aluminum AIR FORKS
• Special Ohlins shock direct to swing arm (Linkless suspension)
• 3 hr quick change battery
• Weighs in at 132 pounds
TRIALS TRAINING CENTER TRIALS TRAINING CENTER
2020 Schedule
February 23: CTC Fun Trial
(Following STRA Banquet on February 22)
March 28-29: Bicycle Event
April 4-5: Trials Training Days
April 18-19: Spring Splash Trial (STRA)
May 30-32: Southern 4WD Meet and Greet
June 29-July 1: Family Camp
July 2-4: East Coast Youth Nationals & Women’s Open
July 3: TDN Fundraiser Gate Trial
July 5-9: Invitational Teen Camp
August 14-16: 10th Annual Kenda TKO
September TBA: ITSA Vintage Trial National
October 17-18: 28th Annual 58K Fall Trial (STRA)
November 8: Bicycle Event
December 6: Toy Trial - CTC Winter Series Round 1
2020 US MOTOTRIALS
May 23-24 Wilseyville, CA (Updated)
June 13-14 LIttle Hocking, OH
Huly 25-26 Kingman, AZ
Oct 3-4 Scottsboro, AL www.mototrials.com
2020 SUPER TRIAL SERIES
May 15-16 Luckenback, TX
July TBA VMD, OH
Aug TBA Sturgis Rally, SD
Oct 16-17 Luckenback, TX
2020 EL TRIAL DE ESPANA
April 18-19 Cahullia, CA
2020 UTE CUP
Aug 15-16 TBA, CO
2020 EAST YOUTH AND WOMENS OPEN
July 3-4-5 Sequatchie, TN
2020 WEST YOUTH AND WOMENS OPEN
Aug 1-2-3 TBA
2020 FIM TRIAL GP
May 23-24 Czech Republic
June 5-7 Japan
June 20-21 Andorra
July 4-5 Italy
July 10-12 Great Britain
Aug 29-30 France
Sept 5-6 Spain
Sept 12-13 Gouveia www.trialgp.com
2020 FIM WORLD X-TRIAL
Nov16
Reunion Island, Nov 23 Rennes, France
Jan 19 Budapest,
Feb 2 Barcelona, Feb 15 Bilbao, Spain
March 21 Neustadt, April 25 Andorra la
2020 KENDA AMA NATIONAL
Feb 2 Sumter, SC
Mar 22 Turkey, TX
April 26 Forest Hill,
June 7 Greensboro, June 21 Huntersville, July 26 Cross Fork, Aug 23 Chandlersville, Sept 20 Prk Hill, MO
Oct 4 Mathews,
Nov 1 Stanton, AL www.nationalenduro.com
2020 KENDA FULL GAS SPRINT
Feb 8-9 Gaston, Feb 29-March 1 Garfield, March 28-29 Henderson, May 9-10 Union, May 23-24 Glen June 13-14 Bristol, July 18-19 Fairmount Aug 8-9 Young www.sprintenduro.com
2020 FIM WORLD ENDURO
April 17-19 Marco de April 24-26 TBA, Spain
Island, France
France
Budapest, Hungary
Barcelona, Spain
Spain
Austria
la VellA, Andorra
ENDURO
Hill, LA
Greensboro, GA
Huntersville, MN
Fork, PA
Chandlersville, OH MO
AL
SPRINT ENDURO
Gaston, SC
Garfield, GA
Henderson, NC
Union, SC
Glen Daniel, WV
Bristol, VA
Fairmount City, PA
Young Harris, GA
June 5-7
June 12-14
July 17-19
July 24-26
Sept 18-20
Oct 16-18
2020
Cavaneses, Portugal
Spain
Spoleto, Italy
Hungaroring, Hungary
Saaremaa, Estonia
Skovde Estonia
Requista, France
Zschopau, Germany
WESS ENDURO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
May 8-10
May 21-23
June 10-14
June TBA
July 21-25
Aug 15-16
Extreme XL Lagares, Portugal
Trefle Lorerien, France
Erzbergrodeo, Austria
Red Bull Megawatt, Poland
Red Bull Romaniacs, Romania
Tennessee Kncokout, Tennessee
Sept TBA Hawkstone Park, UK
Oct TBC Hixpania, Spain
www. iRideWESS.com
2020 FIM ISDE
TBA
Lombardy, Italy
2020 FIM SUPER ENDURO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan 4
Riesa, Germany
Jan 18 La Coruna, Spain
Feb 1
Budapest, Hungary
Mar 14 Lodz, Poland
2020 WORCS
Jan 24-26
Feb 21-23
Mar 20-22
April 17-19
May 1-3
May 39-31
July 17-19
Sept 18-20
Oct 16-18
Primm, NV
Taft, CA
Havasu, AZ
Blythe, CA
Las Vegas, NV
Cahullia, CA
Prineville, OR
Glen Helen, CA
TBD