771 Racing - Dirt Shenanigans, GO!

[Kurlon]

NEMM 2017 Round 4 — OutOfSpec.COM

If you missed out on another weekend at Boxshop, shame on you. All the fun of a track day but it's racing, AND there is dirt!

[carsick]

This is bullshit! I take a couple years off and now you're better than me at everything!

[Imbeek]

<Sigh>

Is a 250xc any good for this? I think remember Colin saying he got smoked here on the klx400 he sold me

[Kurlon]

I'm on an antique WR250ZD, your 250XC is a modern miracle in comparison. Bring it, rip it up.

[Imbeek]

What tires can I/should I run, and when are you codgers going again?

I'd be interested in the school too

[Kurlon]

If you don't want to buy new wheels, there are a few 'sportsman' options that'll work. The normal go to suggestion is Bridgestone's BT45 series, 'V' rated versions where available in the desired rim diameter. Doug showed up with a set of Shinkos that are a good deal cheaper and should work pretty trick.

If you're going the 17" route, there are all sorts of options depending on budget and goals. I'm running Metzler sumo slicks for example.

[Imbeek]

I have sumo wheels that came with the klx and should fit the KTM...they have dot's on them now. I have rains and knobby tires kicking around too. If I don't use tires I already own, it'd be cool if I could buy and use something that could stay on the klx for slightly more street oriented dual sport use.

[Kurlon]

Run 'em!

[number9]

If I wanted to try this, hypothetically.. would I want to do it on the KTM or the Honda?

Hypothetically.

[Kurlon]

Yes?

Many modern Sumo techniques rely on engine braking, which your Katoom doesn't do as well. (Nor my smoker.) There is also a difference in power delivery that impacts line choice and techinque, etc. Lastly a 300 smoker uncorked is a hell of a thing to manage compared to the (relatively) milder 250 thumper. You'd likely be able to learn and get up to speed quicker on the Honda, and I have to admit that despite wanting more smokers out there running Superbiker with me.

[carsick]

despite wanting more smokers out there running Superbiker with me.

You know, I'm slow enough that the KDX with Shinkos wouldn't really be a handicap. I think the dirt would be mine.

[Kurlon]

You know, I'm slow enough that the KDX with Shinkos wouldn't really be a handicap. I think the dirt would be mine.

Yeah, but you also were showing the most progress with the rear tire dragging antics on your thumper...

[Chippertheripper]

Dirt schmirt. I saw pavement on somebody's instafeed.

[carsick]

Yeah, but you also were showing the most progress with the rear tire dragging antics on your thumper...

I thought everybody could do e-brake turns? I felt clunky transitioning from sliding the rear to tipping in to powering out.

Dirt schmirt. I saw pavement on somebody's instafeed.

I meant I would excel at the dirt section where we all stumble through like zombies on 17"s. I'm already slow on the pavement, why not halve the HP and have some fun?

[number9]

Yes?

Many modern Sumo techniques rely on engine braking, which your Katoom doesn't do as well. (Nor my smoker.) There is also a difference in power delivery that impacts line choice and techinque, etc. Lastly a 300 smoker uncorked is a hell of a thing to manage compared to the (relatively) milder 250 thumper. You'd likely be able to learn and get up to speed quicker on the Honda, and I have to admit that despite wanting more smokers out there running Superbiker with me.

Thanks Josh. Tire-wise, would you give me the same advice that you gave to Imbeek?

I can slide the rear of the CRF a little on corner exit, but only on dirt...

[Imbeek]

Run the DOTs?

As far as engine braking, color me none (rekluse clutch on the KTM)

[number9]

Run the DOTs?

As far as engine braking, color me none (rekluse clutch on the KTM)

Oh, that reminds me -- both of my bikes have Rekluses, so no engine braking for me no matter what!

I think the KTM would scare me shitless.

[Kurlon]

Tire wise - DOTs will work fine to start. You don't have to futz around with warmers, they've got more tread to give you a lil confidence boost in the dirt, they won't get completely obliterated at Boxshop like they would if you chucked them on a 600 and decided to drop some 15s at NHMS, etc. If you get to the point that they're the limitation, good news you're already hooked and won't mind the upspend on race tires.

Rekluse or no, I'm still going to suggest the 250 thumper as less intimidating on a small track to start. Imbeek, the DRZ will be less intimidating but... holy heavy, bring the smoker.

[Paul_E_D]

Rekluse and sumo sounds...interesting. is there really no engine braking at all? If so i just lost interest altogether

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[Kurlon]

Rekluse and sumo sounds...interesting. is there really no engine braking at all? If so i just lost interest altogether

Your bike is factory equipped with a variable engine brake simulator.

[number9]

So where's the video of some of these races? Extra points if it's a GoPro on Josh's noggin..

[Imbeek]

Rekluse and sumo sounds...interesting. is there really no engine braking at all? If so i just lost interest altogether

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Nope. Can't pop start it either, for the same reason. It's weird riding steep downhill trails at first, for sure, especially tipping into right handers where you need your right foot for things other than braking.

[Kurlon]

So where's the video of some of these races? Extra points if it's a GoPro on Josh's noggin..

No vid, but there was a pro photographer: Boxshop Speedway - 22photos

[maxim_X]

So where's the video of some of these races? Extra points if it's a GoPro on Josh's noggin..

I have some footage that I can upload. I haven't reviewed it yet, it may not be great.

[nhbubba]

Josh, you rode very well this weekend. Emily was encouraging me and commented that she felt I looked good on track, then added "well, not as good as Josh, but".
Mr smooth in Supermono and on the pavement. But now you're starting to put it together in the dirt too. I need a new plan..

Great weekend. I enjoy racing with you man. And I was beyond stoked that JC and Doug made it up too. Open AM definitely seems to be the spot right now and I'm just stoked I can be in it.

I too was very happy with how the weather cooperated. Left the rains in their trash bags pleasantly out of sight all weekend.