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| New KTMs for 2008, Part 1
| A huge array of models, fresh for 2008. See which one is best for racing, youth, or just tearing up the dirt. | | | Even More New Hondas for 2008
| | This week we tackle the CRF 450X, CRF 250X, CRF 230L and Honda Progressive Steering Dampers. | | | More New Hondas for 2008
| | Changes are coming in the big bikes. This week we look at the CRF 250F and CRF 450R. | | | 2008 Suzuki Dirt Bikes
| | Suzuki's new lineup for 2008! | | | 2008 Kawaski Dirt Bikes
| | TEAM GREEN'S LINEUP | | | New 2008 Yamaha DirtBikes
| | Let's take a look at the New 2008 Yamaha models. | | | 2008 RM450Z Suzuki
| | Motocross is about to enter a new era with the all-new 2008 RM-Z450 with fuel injection. | | | New Hondas for 2008
| | Honda released some models early for 2008, and the models they did release are familiar units with not many changes made to them. | | | 2008 Kawasaki KLX450R
| | For far too many years, the KLX line of bikes has been rather bland. Imagine our surprise when Kawasaki came out with a deadly serious off-road/enduro bike. In fact, the only serious enduro bike from the Big K was the KDX200/220, which unfortunately ceased production in 2007 due to the phase out of two strokes. | |  MORE ARTICLES
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| Checkpoint - February 2007
| | In the mid-70s, I had a friend who was a Sachs-Penton-Rokon-Bultaco dealer. He lived on the outer fringes of poverty in the winter months and, seeking to correct that, ran a special in the local cycle paper to bring in some business during those gray days. | | | Checkpoint - January, 2007
| | I first met Dave Coombs in Pennsylvania, at the Brownsville track for the Annual Mother?s Day race. Here, he seemed like a perfectly pleasant individual. The day of racing was fun, the organization excellent and, like they say, a good time was had by all. | | | Checkpoint - December, 2006
| | Bench racing is an integral part of dirt riding. Whenever a handful of riders get together, the yarns and stories start to flow. How much of these stories are truth is debatable, but the idea behind bench racing is to tell the wildest possible tale-and still have a germ of truth. | |
| | Checkpoint - November 2006
| | The week started off like a pagan sacrificial rite. At 7:41 p.m., I slashed my left index finger with a razor blade while removing some dried-up duct tape from my helmet visor. It wasn't a bad cut; just the kind you suck on for a moment and forget about... until you dip your dirty filter into a bucket of gasoline to clean it | | | Checkpoint - October, 2006
| | I got to the finish line late … real late. Both tires were flat and flapping on the rim and the levers were snapped off. I had to nurse the bike the last 40 miles on a flat rear and the last 15 with both of them gone. That’s the way it is in a desert race | | | Checkpoint - September, 2006
| | Grover chalked up his 11th straight win at Desperation Flats MX Track. Like the previous ten rides, his 11th was a come- from-behind win, the leader crashing his brains out with less than half a lap to go. | | | Checkpoint - August, 2006
| | You figure it out. Quite frankly, I have given up. Let me set the scene for you. It?s late at night, and you are in the garage, working on your hike. You have been there way too long, and getting sluggish, but you have to finish the bike so you can go riding in the morning | | | The Year of Loading Dangerously
| | In the last year, I have seen just how dangerous the ordinary loading ramp can be. Thus, this column will serve as a public service bulletin, as well as making the sadists among you slap their thighs in glee. | | | Checkpoint Archives Nov 2005
| | Information About - Checkpoint Archives Nov 2005 | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Don't Ask: Rick Sieman Answers Your Questions
| | Super Hunky tackles questions about the Yamaha TTR-230, 1976 Suzuki Endure TS 185, Honda CRF230F, a 1982 Honda CR250 and more. | | | Project Old School KTM 380: Rebuilding the Bottom End
| | In our last installment, the 380 motor was back from getting the crank rebuilt and the cylinder porting cleaned up. Now it's time for the bottom end. | | | The Monster Maico: A Look at the Maico 620
| | The Maico 620 doesn't look like any Maico you've ever seen. | | | Legendary Motocross Bikes Book Review
| | Legendary Motocross Bikes provides inside secrets about important factory race dirtbikes. | | | Rick's Vintage Garage Queen
| | A Garage Queen is a bike that's not ridden, but instead shown off to friends. I'll have to admit that I own one. Yep, among my stable of bikes is a 1976 Maico 400/5 motorcycle that has been lovingly restored. | | | Blog: A Real Tear-Jerker
| | Whenever I hear about a baseball player not playing because of a sprained knee or some other pussy injury, I just read this column and figure I must be a hell of a man. Or in a really stupid sport. | | | Don't Ask: Load Your Fanny-Pack With Answers and Hit The Trail
| | Readers share their questions and a few tips on a do-it-yourself workbench, RM 250, Air Cooled KDX200 and more. | | | Project Old School KTM 380: Rebuilding the Forks
| | Having ridden a 2002 model bike with stock 43mm forks we can say that we think something was probably done to our forks because the stock 2002 forks had a near deadly mid-stroke harshness that our forks didn't exhibit at all. | | | The Mysterious 175 Hodaka: The Bike that Never Existed
| | Right now there are four of the RX175 Anfesa Hodaka's (water-cooled) left, with one I am keeping to make a hot-air-cooled 175 Hodaka with great suspension. Mono-shock and 38 mm upside-down Marzocchi forks really help these old bones. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Travis Pastrana to Sign Autographs at Suzuki Booth at Washington DC Show
| | Eight-time X Games Gold medalist, 2007 ESPY award (Best Male Action Sport Athlete) winner and Subaru Rally Team USA driver will be signing autographs at the DC Cycle World International Motorcycle Show this Saturday. | | | IMS Long Beach HotShots!
| | Wander through the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California with the ORC staff - and take a look at what caught our attention. | | | IMS Long Beach
| | Dirt bikes, ATVs, hot rods, and tech guys abound at this year's International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California. | | | NYC Mayor Proclaims Jan. 19-21 International Motorcycle Show Days
| | New York City Mayor Proclaims January 19-21 "New York International Motorcycle Show Days" as Series Visited Big Apple and the Nation's Capital! | | | Preview! Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows Presented by Toyota
| | The 2006-2007 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows Presented by Toyota will be bigger and better than ever with expanded showcases, new displays and EVEN MORE ENTERTAINMENT! | | | Marquee Brands Return as Sponsors for 2006-2007 Cycle World International Motorcycle shows® Presented by Toyota
| | Advanstar Communications, a leading provider of integrated media solutions to the automotive aftermarket, off-road and powersports industries, announced that Cycle World magazine, Toyota and Progressive Motorcycle Insurance will all return as sponsors for the 2006-2007 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® presented by Toyota | | | 2006-2007 Cycle World International Motorcycle shows(R) Presented by Toyota to Hit 13 cities Nationwide
| | Advanstar Communications today announced the 26th annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows(R) presented by Toyota will kick-off its 13-city nationwide series November 3, 2006 | |
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| Project Updates and Product Review: BulletProof DesignsBilletRadiator Guards
| | Since our last article the 525 has provided us with many miles of fun. The orange giant has taken us on numerous desert rides, over plenty of nasty singletrack, on a few dual-sport rides and even found its way onto a few motocross tracks. The 525 handled each of these scenarios remarkably well. This fact can be partially attributed to the extremely rider friendly and torquey motor, partially to a chassis that isn't overly stiff but can take a beating and partially to the Novation suspension that has proven to be so versatile in varying conditions and terrain we expose the bike to. | | | Project 525EXC - Novation Update Adjustable Progressive Dampening System
| | We last reported that Pete Russell from Novation had a new 3 way adjustable system for the PDS shock he calls the APDS (Adjustable Progressive Dampening System). Upon hearing about the available update we couldn't resist and sent our shock was off to Novation for a rework. For the last few months we have been testing with the updated shock and finding settings for the desert, rocky singletrack and even on a few motocross tracks. It is amazing at just how adjustable the suspension system is with the S.S. valves in the forks and the new in the shock. | | | StompGrip Traction Pads Revisited
| | Have a nasty habit of shredding your airbox stickers with your boots like I do? Enter StompGrip traction pads, designed to provide you with traction knobbies that help hold you in place when gripping the bike with your boots and knees. The StompGrip traction pads are designed for individual bikes out of a pliable elastomer material with the knobbies molded right in. Since the traction pads are clear you can apply them right onto the airbox over sponsor logos or stickers. | | | Spare Tube Bag
| | While making plans for our upcoming dualsport rides I started thinking about things that I should be sure to bring along. One of the first things that popped into my mind was to bring along besides the general tools was a spare tube in case of a flat. To secure a tube and the tools required to make the change we needed a spare tube carrier. Since our rear fender bag has proven functional and extremely durable we decided upon Dirt-Bike-Gear.coms new front fender bag. | | | Oil Change - Tips and Tricks
| | Over the past number of months we have performed numerous oil changes on the 525 and come up with a routine and a few tricks to make things easier. Our normal schedule has been to change the oil and clean the two screens and then on every third oil change install two new oil filters. If you're racing or really abusing your machine you may want to change the filters more often. | | | Fastway FIT Handguard System - Damper Mount
| | There are many options when it comes time for shopping for handguards. Our local shop had initially supplied us with Enduro Engineering handguards when buying the 525 Project bike. | | | Fastway FIT Evolution II Footpeg System - F3 Series
| | What do you do when you're too short for tall seat foam but you're still looking for a little more legroom on your dirtbike? Enter Fastway's F3 footpegs with their new optional "lowboy" position. During a recent ride I had the opportunity to ride a friends 525 that had tall seat foam installed. I was surprised at how much easier it was to move around on the bike, especially going from sitting to standing. Another big advantage was how much easier it was for me to get my foot set and apply pressure to the.. | | | DirtTricks Adjustable Offset Triple Clamps
| | The 2004 KTM 525EXC comes with the 18mm offset triple clamps straight from the factory. KTM must be on to something because the '04 525EXC we rode turned better than the 2002 520 or our 2003 525. Lucky for us - Greg Burns of DirtTricks supplied us with a set of adjustable offset triple clamps to make our bike turn like it should. The clamps run $339 with the 14mm/20mm insert; for $69 more you can also get the extra 16mm/18mm insert to give you the full range of adjustability - 14mm through 20mm. | | | FMF Q and Powerbomb Header System
| | The decision to purchase an aftermarket exhaust for a four-stroke dirt bike is getting tougher each year. Current sound restriction laws combined with the already high tech factory exhaust designs don't leave a lot of options for those of looking for more performance without the price of a thundering exhaust note. Dirt bikers who are riding in public areas and off a closed course should want to keep their exhausts as quiet as possible out of courtesy and the desire to protect our right to ride responsibly... | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Project 2003 Yamaha WR450F - OLD
| | Yamaha revolutionized the 4-stroke off-road motorcycle world in 1998 with the release of the YZ/WR 400. Previous 4-strokes paled in comparison to Yamaha's new high performance liquid cooled thumper. | | | Project WR450F - Super Moto - 101: A Basic Guide to Super Moto
| | One leisurely Sunday afternoon as a kid in the late 1970's I was flipping through the few channels that were available at the time when a segment titled Superbikers showed up on Wide World of Sports. | | | Project 2003 WR450
| | After a year abusing the WR and relentless vulgar emails from you folks we've decided to update the infamous 2003 project WR450. With the new well worn off we've clocked somewhere around 3,500 miles on the blue beast. | | | Project WR450F - Barnum Pro Products
| | Rob Barnum, owner of Barnum Pro Products, is always coming up with new and unique ideas to get more power out of off road machines. Rob's a long time desert racer, business owner and R&D guy with mechanical knowledge superior to most. | | | Project WR450F - Maxxis Tires - Thirty-Five years in the Making
| | What's the most expensive item on your motorcycle that needs to be replaced on a regular basis? Tires! Our tire investigation crew (me) set off on a mission to find the best all around off road tires for our project WR450F. | | | Making Your WR450F a True Off-Road Weapon
| | Yamaha built the WR450F so it would appeal to the majority of off-roaders - and it does a good job for occasional riders. Hardcore riders, on the other hand, require more then what the stock machine offers: products that serve an intended purpose or function to enhance the bikes off road vigor to suit specific needs. | | | Project WR450F - Big Gun Exhaust and Jetting - Make Your WR450F Run Better
| | Those of you that have followed my ramblings over the years may have noticed I always use Big Gun exhaust systems on my bikes. Being an objective moto journalist I feel the need to explain: Mike Young (owner of Big Gun Exhaust) is a friend of mine. | | | Tech Tips and Tricks for the new WR450F
| | With any newly released motorcycle, there are bound to be a few glitches in production. Known for its refinement and attention to detail, there are a few minor errors with the WR450F. | | | Project WR450F
| | As delivered from the factory, the WR450F isn't bullet proof but don't worry we've got your back. Our friends at BRP and GPR have the goods to turn your WR450F into a rock solid mount without making it as heavy as a tank. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Stupidcross Feedback
| | Wish my 14 year old would read this. He moved in with his dad almost 4 years ago to peruse motocross. StarTed on a 65 and just got a 250, even though he can only touch the ground on his tippy toes while sitting on it. The sad part is he can't ride it because he is nursing a broken humerus that hadn't healed and last week rebroke. | | | StupidCross San Diego Style
| | It had been about three years since I'd been to a supercross race,
so when Scotty Wallenburg of Racer X magazine offered me some press
box tickets to the San Diego SX, I figured it would be a good time
to take the race in. | | | MXOffroad.com - StupidCross - San Diego Style
| | StupidCross Feedback | | | Editorial Opinion - STUPIDCROSS INJURIES
| | (Editor's note: We received this question from a young racer and I chose to answer it in the DON'T' ASK column. However, this seemed important enough to make sure it was seen by as many people as possible, so I'm also running it as an opinion/editorial column. If you would like to respond, feel free. The address: rick@off-road.com) | | | "STUPIDCROSS INJURIES" FEEDBACK
| | Editor's note: We received this question from a young racer and I chose to run it as an editorial. Since the column was run, we received an avalanche of mail with feedback from the readers. I'm including the letter than started it all, and my response. What follows is the opinion from the ORC readers. | | | MORE STUPIDCROSS FEEDBACK
| | Editor's note: We received this question from a young racer and I chose to run it as an editorial. Since the column was run, we received an avalanche of mail with feedback from the readers. I'm including the letter than started it all, and my response. What follows is the opinion from the ORC readers. | | | "STUPIDCROSS INJURIES" FEEDBACK
| | Editor's note: We received this question from a young racer and I chose to run it as an editorial. Since the column was run, we received an avalanche of mail with feedback from the readers. I'm including the letter than started it all, and my response. What follows is the opinion from the ORC readers. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| The Wanderers - February 2007
| | When we last left them, The Whale had just run out of gas in the middle of the woods because the new hot-rod motor had used up 60 gallons of gas in 30 miles.? | | | The Wanderers - January, 2007
| | When we last left them, Carl had just headed for an All-Chevy Swap Meet in Toonerville, Colorado, professing "the need for speed". Yes, Carl had been bitten by the horsepower bug, and bitten bad! | |
| The Wanderers - December, 2006
| | We join them now as they drive north, through the lovely state of Colorado, on Highway 287. Why such an out-of-the-way road like 287, instead of Interstate 25? Simple. Because on those massive and smooth Interstates, you are isolated from experiencing what the real world is like. | | | The Wanderers - November 2006
| | When we last left them, Carl had just out-run a New Mexico state Highway Patrol car across the border into Colorado by hitting the nitrous oxide bottle on The Whale. Emma, of course, was in a state of panic and thought that the cop would shoot at them. | | | The Wanderers - October, 2006
| | We join them now as they lumber along in a northerly direction on Interstate 25 in Northern New Mexico, heading for the Colorado state line. As per standard practice, Carl kept the cruise control on The Whale set at exactly two miles per hour over the speed limit. | | | THE WANDERERS - September, 2006
| | We join them now, as Carl drives The Whale north on Interstate 25 toward Albuquerque, New Mexico, at exactly two miles an hour over the speed limit. Emma is sitting at the fold-down table with road maps spread all over the place, a frown on her face. Carl bites off a plug of tobacco, and asks: “Hmmmphs pparsziitt foooo dap phaarod?” | | | THE WANDERERS - August, 2006
| | When we last left Carl and Emma, they had just arrived at a motorcycle dealership in St. Louis to look up an old friend, Fat Jack Splinkowitz. Fat Jack owned "MOTORCYCLES R US," a modern fancy facility that was a far cry from the old grubby bike shop Carl remembered with great fondness. More than twenty years ago, Carl used to race dirt bikes out of Fat Jack's shop. | | | THE WANDERERS #107
| | When we last left Carl and Emma, they had just left a crooked mechanic in an utter state of dismay. We join them now, as they head north, toward St Louis, with The Whale purring gently along at exactly two miles per hour over the speed limit. | | | THE WANDERERS #106 - In Search of Elvis
| | We join them now as they head Southwest on Natchez Trace Parkway, toward the great state of Mississippi. The Suburban purred quietly along at exactly two miles an hour over the speed limit... | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Woman Overbored
| | Suspension Not Made Easy - and how to fix it, dirt bike chick style! | | | Woman Overbored
| | She's back! Kim Orndorff explores how men and women view dirt biking - and life - through humorously unique lenses. Viva La Difference! | | WOMAN OVERBORED!
| | The real problem though involves a small percentage of J.Q. Public. They don’t understand the complexities inherent in the system and therefore expect miracles equivalent to Moses parting the Red Sea. When they don’t get them, they get nasty, and amazingly enough all their parts immediately go on back order. We find this to be ironic and will cheerfully call said individuals with the bad news. | | | Still Here
| | Dear Readers: I'm not dead. I'm not trapped under my motorcycle in the middle of some godforsaken Utah desert. | | | Turning the Corner
| | When I was but a wee lass, I apparently got in the habit of spilling my drink at dinner. My parents got tired of cleaning up milk spills, and my dad finally warned me I was going to get spanked the next time it happened. | | | Patience -or- Stand Here and Hold My Bike Up Straight Please
| | I received some interesting junk mail the other day. It wasn't addressed to 'Resident', it was addressed to me, personally, Kim Orndorff. That means 'THEY' know who I am, how old I am, and probably what my last purchase was | | | Home Alone
| | I have a list of things likely to drive me nuts. I mean more nuts than I already am. Impending menopause and that stupid hard plastic packaging manufacturers use that you CANNOT get into without the Jaws of Life and chain mail to protect you... | | | Mork of the Desert Part II
| | A couple of days ago Chris and I were at an inside fairground arena watching a barrel racing competition. Ya know, with horses? | | | Mork of the Desert Part I
| | The story you are about to read is 97.5% true. I can prove it because there are photos. I'm not capable of taking a decent photo, much less doctoring one. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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Untitled Document Off-Road Videos -
Check out over ten years of extreme 4x4 action, product testing and the Off Road Nation at play. Baja racing to rock crawling, ATVs in the sand to motorcycles in the dirt, it's all here. Rate them, share them and upload your own.
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 ATV Reviews -
Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Polaris, Kawasaki, Can-Am. First rides to long-term tests, check out the latest in ATVs, UTVs and Side-by-Side vehicles of every make and model. Read expert opinions and follow custom project vehicles. |
 Axxxtion Sports.....
Axxxtion Sports is heating things up with their 2010 Winter Heat snowmobile calendar! Simply Sexy! |
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