One of the big issues in our industry is attracting new riders or trying to have a versatile lineup of products that suits everybody’s needs. Recently we’ve been seeing “cheap as possible” dirt bikes for the weekend warrior who doesn’t race and just wants to go out and have fun without breaking the bank. I commend Kawasaki on their release of the KLX300R, and I look forward for reviews on how the machine performs.
But what about these off-brand bikes? Sure, the majority of us would consider them junk or throwaway bikes, but the questions remains: are they any good? For example, the SSR SR450 or the Kayo K6. Forget about comparing them to any of the Japanese or European OEMs, because that’ll be a never-ending debate. From the standpoint of the average Joe who’s not a racer, would these bikes be sufficient enough to have fun? I’d be curious to see some of these off-brand models tested and reviewed.
Dan Sutera // La Habra, CA
Dan, thanks for the note. I’ve personally been tooling around on an Alta lately, and while it isn’t on the level of a 450F, it’s a lot of fun, and I can ride it pretty much anywhere. (Well, anywhere close.) We will mention your idea to Ping and see if we can get him to try some off-brands for Racer X Online—thank for the suggestion! DC
Would the AMA consider last year’s 250 Class MX Champion who’s moving up to the 450 Class (like AC 92/9) or a rider who’s pointing out in 250SX to wear his black #1 plate, being that the rider earned that plate but never had the chance to have it on the bike? The 450 champ would obviously still have the red background or white background depending on current points standings.
Chuck Wrenn // Franklin, VA
Interesting concept, Chuck, but I think the AMA prefers consistency and simplicity. Number 1 in the 250 class is just that—should he move up, he can’t take #1 to the 450 class because he’s not #1 there. I’m sure AC would prefer to earn a #1 in the 450 class outright rather than bringing it in with him. DC
I have a question on the possibility for the other Japanese brands to revitalize their old two-stoke lineups. Now I’m not part of the “two-stroke or die” club—I have a 2019 Yamaha YZ450F and absolutely love it. My question would be who would benefit the most from bringing back the 125 and 250. To me, the obvious answer would be Suzuki, but I may be wrong—I just think the other brands may have gotten rid of them a little too soon, and that may be the reason why one of them isn’t doing too hot in sales.
Jordan Lacroix // Sanbornton, NH
Thanks for the note, Jordan. It would certainly be a public relations boost for Suzuki, but it would also be very expensive to retool their production line like that. However, they do still make RM85s, so it’s not like they’ve forgotten how to do premix gas! DC
My kids were lucky enough to race at NCSC Motocross, Capeway Rovers in Carver, Massachusetts, growing up. I believe it’s the oldest (est. 1934) continuously owned and operated facility in the U.S. In an era when owners are turning tracks into wind and solar farms faster than a gate drop, I was wondering why you never did a story on them. Each spring, for the past 85 years, for a short New England racing season, they manage to get open and run events that create lifelong memories for generations. If it wasn’t for them, my son Jake never would have made it to Loretta Lynn’s.
Philip Sheinis // Racer X Online
Philip, this is the second time this month we’ve heard about an 85-year-old motorcycle racing club, and both are in New England: as Paul Buckley recently told us about Middleboro. Sounds like a cool feature. Let us know when the Capeway Rovers get up and running in 2020 and maybe we’ll be there! DC