More Fun in 2008
It's a good time to have fun because there are several new playbikes being offered in 2008. Kawasaki is bringing out a KLX140. The air-cooled KLX140 is a completely new model to replace the Kawasaki/Suzuki alliance KLX/DR-Z125. It comes in electric start and two versions-the standard 17-inch front/14-inch rear wheeled and the "L" version with larger 19-inch front/16-inch rear wheels.Suzuki wasn't about to miss out on the fun, and it's showing up with the new DR-Z70. Check out the Dirt Rider review on page 114 of this issue. And just to show that you can be blue and still have a great time, Yamaha is introducing the TT-R110E, an all-new model for '08 with a four-speed auto clutch and electric start. The existing TT-R125 gets some cool changes including an updated YZ-style seat/tank for improved ergonomics and looks while you're having a blast.Big Red's Big Changes
Honda's 2008 CRF450X will receive the Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD), and the '08 CRF450R and 250R are being offered in a limited edition black.Moto Bowling for Dollars
The Women's Motocross and Supercross Foundation recently held its 4th Annual MotoBowl days before the Glen Helen National, and by all accounts, it was a raging success. Monster Energy, One Industries, Live Nation and the riders themselves all pitched in to the event, held at Concourse Bowl in Anaheim, California. The silent auction, which included such MX memorabilia as gear from Carmichael and Stewart, signed helmets and jerseys, supercross tickets, ride days and some great donations from One Industries, raised over $15,000 for the WFMX, a nonprofit group that lends support to any racer or crew member who suffers injury as a result of participation in or preparation for a professional motocross/supercross event.The event also raises money by selling spots on bowling teams so that anyone can roll a few frames with their moto heroes. At this year's event Grant Langston, Kevin Windham, Timmy Ferry, Andrew Short, Ryan Villopoto, Broc Hepler and moto (but not bowling) legends Jeff Ward, Greg Albertyn and Roger DeCoster were all in attendance. The event raised more than $37,000. Everyone involved deserves a thank-you for giving their time and it seemed everyone had fun. For the fans it was a rare occasion to give their moto hero pointers on technique and make fun of their shoes in the same breath. Sure, there was a "highest score" and a "winning team," but that wasn't really the point. For more information and to make sure you don't miss out next year, check out www.wmxf.org.Great Escape Stuntman
Dies at 77
Bud Ekins, the stuntman who performed the motorcycle jump for Steve McQueen in The Great Escape died on October 6, 2007. He was 77 years old. Before becoming a Hollywood stuntman, Ekins was a dominant desert racer in the 1950s and '60s, helped found the Baja 1000 and won four gold medals and a silver at ISDT events during the 1960s.
Bird Flies 321 Feet
Imagine getting 23 feet off the ground before actually leaving the ramp. Now imagine going off that ramp pinned in fifth gear on a 2003 CR250. Then imagine touching back to earth the distance of a complete football field away. That's what a jumper named Bird did on October 2 at the Honolulu Hills Raceway property in Taft, California, to launch himself 321 feet! Don't believe it? Check out the video at http://youtube.com/watch?v=R6LF7nfxVjk. We can already hear Ryan Capes warming up his bike...Christini AWD
Gets Orange and Drops Price
Christini's AWD concept is gaining traction and the company begins full-scale production on its AWD Honda kits and has also added KTM kits. Full-scale production has reduced the manufacturing costs, consequently the kit price has been lowered. The Honda CRF kits are now $3995 and the kits for select KTM models are $4595. That's great news for future Christini owners. The exciting news for existing Christini owners is that the company will issue a credit for the price difference for anyone who purchased a kit before the reduction. As of press time the company still had some complete demo bikes for sale at $7000. For more information, contact Christini at 215.351.9895 or e-mail adantonio@christini.com.
Harley-Davidson/Buell Out,
BMW Getting Closer
Harley-Davidson-owned Buell has announced it is shelving its off-road motorcycle, so you won't be riding a Hog off-road, but you could be closer to a dirty Beemer. BMW has finished up its campaign in the European Cross Country Championship with a victory. Simo Kirssi won the final round in Schefflenz, Germany, which gave him second overall in the championship. BMW's testing now gets out of the cold and continues at indoor Enduro events. For more info, check out www.bmw-motorrad.com.The Upside-Down Boot Wash
To keep your boots looking their best without soaking the insides, simply find something you can set the boot upside-down on, like a traffic cone, and blast away. We hope you don't have any mold growing in your boots, but we know we don't have any growing in ours.
Retraction
In November's Letter Rip, we mistakenly reported that Honda had discontinued all of its Pro Honda spray chemicals because they were too much trouble to ship. Honda was quick to point out our error and told us it had been "temporarily" out of the aerosol sprays business solely because of supplier issues, not due to shipping problems. According to American Honda, it has solved its supplier issues and is once again supplying Honda dealers with the full range of Pro Honda aerosol products including its popular Spray Cleaner & Polish. We also spanked Karel, which is much safer than spraying contact cleaner in his eye.
