Ask Ping!
Friday, April 22, 2011 | 9:20 AM
ODI dates back to the 1980’s as the leader in grip manufacturing. Focusing primarily on the bmx and mountain bike industries through the 90’s and early 2000’s, ODI re-entered the motocross scene when they developed the patented lock-on grip system that eliminates wire and glue. Continuing to advance the way riders hold on to their bikes, ODI has worked closely with the teams they support such as Troy Lee Designs to create the product that is now being used by some of the top teams in the industry.
Tweet
Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Share
Comment
Email
Print
Ping
Let me get to the point: $8,500.00 for a new bike, $30.00 for the aluminum throttle tube, $254.99 for the power tuner, $75 bucks for the back tire, $70.00 for the front, $24.95 for the twin air filter, $995.95 for the pipe, $179.95 for the fork re-valve, $149.95 for the shock, a couple of hundred for the springs, $70 for new handle bars, $250.00 for the clamps, $71.99 for foot pegs, $65.43 for a new chain, $74.99 for a new back sprocket, $40 for a new filter and now I think I am ready to take my new bike and go get lapped in the over 50 class. What in the hell were we thinking when the 2-stroke died? If mom and dad are paying for it it’s great, but it sucks when I do. Now it gets real fun when the thumper grenades.
Sincerely,
Current, former and forever Grand National Bench Racing Champion and current # 1 plate holder.
Mike Moran
That’s quite a list you’ve compiled. I was waiting for the American Express commercial ending where you said, “Being passed by a 14-year-old on a YZ125… priceless.” But your closing was good, too. Really. If my math hasn’t failed me, and it certainly could have, you are about $10,813 in the hole before you even fire up your new machine. That’s pretty heavy. You do know that they still make two-strokes, right? I mean, if you are going to get your ass kicked anyway you might as well do it on a budget and have some fun in the process. KTM and Yamaha both make amazing two-strokes still and you would be shocked by the deals you can find on used machines in your area. It almost makes it more fun when you pick something up for a great price and then put a little elbow grease into it and pimp it out. It’s a lot like dating an ugly, fat girl and then getting her a trainer and a makeover until she is smoking hot. It’s a win-win, really.
The two-stroke is still alive, Mike. Congrats on that number one plate.
PING
Dear Ping,
Since we are on the home stretch of one of the best Supercross Series in history, Outdoor Nationals are just around the corner, which will be just as exciting. In light of being outside and letting it all hang out on the track, I was thinking, we should let it fly when it comes to our ‘staches. Just wide open, bar bangin grizzly growth on the upper. For 2011 Nationals, I declare "Stachies for Nashies" where we all rock our best tom selleck, french tickler, nose mullet, flavor saver (and whatever else you wanna call it) at the races.
K-Dub rocks one hell of a handlebar; you know he'd be up for it. Barcia and Wharton haven't even got out of 1st gear yet with their scraggly peach fuzz...but I'm sure they'd still try.
What do you think Ping? And can you even grow facial hair yet?
Wes - #831
-
Hey, look.. Bill Clinton is ramping up with Stachies for Nashies!
I think that’s a great idea and I’d like to encourage anyone reading this to go ahead and join the “Stachies for Nashies” campaign in your area. Get creative and really “Explore the Space,” to borrow a phrase from famed produced, Bruce Dickinson. He was a fan of the cowbell, but I’m sure he would love to see some tributes to Sam Elliott out there as well. We already know Barcia can grow a split chin beard, an obvious tip of the cap to Jacobim Mugatu, but I haven’t seen his stache yet. And something tells me Dean Wilson isn’t going to sport a full push broom between now and the end of May… 2014. But they’ll get points for trying.
Personally, I can’t grow a respectable mustache. I know that seems sacrilegious for a guy going into the fire service, but it’s out of my control. I let all my facial hair grow recently during a trip to the mountains. It actually didn’t look too bad as a full goatee, but when I got home and shaved it into a mustache in my shower I looked like Adolf Hitler. It was frightening. I called my wife over to have a look at it and she started laughing hysterically. Usually when you are standing naked in the shower you don’t want your wife laughing, but this was pretty funny. So, if it’s all the same, I’ll sit this competition out.
PING
Ping,
Why do you look so angry in your RacerX icon photo? Did you just hear about the “lead law” or are you just constipated?
McB
Mechanicsville, MD
Stuntin' in my daughter's Barbie Jeep...Avatar possibility? Take that, Raiseituptv.com.
Cudby shot that picture during our 450 shootout this year and I do look like an angry dick, don’t I? Draw a little black smudge under my nose and I bear a striking resemblance to Der Fuhrer. See question two for reference. I think I already knew about the lead law prior to that photo and, while I have been known to overdo it with the cheese on occasion, my gastrointestinal tract is as reliable as a Pontiac Bonneville. That rules out constipation. You have my word that I will put up a better picture before next week’s edition of Ask Ping. I will also try to oblige any requests… shirtless, shaved head, close-up, mustache? Anyone?
PING
Have a question for Ping? E-mail him at [email protected].
Did you like this article?
Check out LONE STAR RISING
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
The James Stewart Freestone AMA Spring Classic in Texas has quickly earned a place on the list of must-attend springtime amateur events. Page 182.
Look for the verified symbol 
Impulse Studios
Even a used trashed out 2-stroke is cheap to get back running, and lotsa fun!
HOLESHOT!!
Happy Easter everyone!
Must... Learn... To... Use... Refresh... Button...
Hey I thought it was a wonderful pic of clinton and the fine Dog (reversed the capsto make a piont) I love that pic. I must print that out and see if I can make it bigger and put it on the wall!!! The only person that is worse than little bill is hilary. No i dont think much orf bama either LOL thanks for making my day with the pic!!
that guy doesnt vote along party lines ^^^
any truth to the rumor that Davy is buying Dodger Stadium and kicking out the baseball team and having an all time supercross track built?
http://www.stachiesfornashies.blogspot.com/
I'm pretty tired of these old guys complaining about how great two strokes were. If that's what you love please continue to ride them no one is stopping you. As for your "shopping list" I only see a couple four stroke specific things on there anyways (power programmer, and the inflated cost of both bike and pipe). Most of what you have on your list is unneeded anyways. Your list just looks like your trying to have the best looking slow bike. Really dude, I see these vet riders (and I'm 30) with their pimped out bikes that show up at the track ride for a half hour (god forbid their steed gets dirty) and shoot the crap with other old guys for four hours, mostly talking about how much the new titanium footpegs they just bought helped them ride faster. If you can't afford the latest and greatest, don't buy it. Maybe you should be riding that old clapped out maico you have sitting in your garage in some vintage races instead of wasting your breath complaining.
LOL Jason that was kinda funny. Vet rider myself going up against pimped out 450s on a "well-maintained" properly jetted and suspended stock 07 250f.
1000 smackers for a 55 horsepower 450 ? OAF here , I dont know if my bike even has a fifth gear, might be 6 for all i know ! Save some of your scratch for ambulance money.
Dirt
Jason- The reason we keep bemoaning the dearth and potential death of the two stroke is because they are just plain more fun to ride. Riding around on a heavy bike that makes noises like it has some sort of flatulence problem isn't exactly inspiring.
Here's a reference point for you- http://twostrokemotocross.com/2010/11/jimmy-decotis-rips-on-a-125-two-stroke/
@rg807: Cool post! I have a CR125, too, but can't make mine go quite that fast or big!
I am one of those 50+ guys, but came into the sport after the beloved 2 strokes died. I ride an 05 RMZ450 I bought for 2k and have invested a whopping $250 for a new set of valves and $45 for for some bling (a closeout set of graphics) over the past 3 years. Unlike my kids 2 strokes which I spend hours maintaining every week, my bike has always been ready to ride with only filter and oil changes. I think all these old 2 stroke lovers have just spent too many years breathing 2 stroke exhaust and can't think straight.
please don't put up the picture of you in the shower!!!!! very disturbing
I own a crf 250 , and a yz 125 , Quess which one is the most fun to ride ???
Hey Jason, i am an old guy that rides a custom made 3 stroke with a hand built 3 tooth rear sprocket and i will kick yer ass
Here's an interesting take on the 2 stroke vs. 4 Stroke thing:
http://motocrossactionmag.com/Main/News/START-THE-FOURSTROKE-REVOLUTION-WITHOUT-MEBY-WILLY-7813.aspx
I agree the price of bikes is getting out of hand. At the same time you are getting a full race machine that know one but a pro could actually push to limits.(put gas in and ride it)If you think motorcycles are expensive, I suggest you look at full race mountain bikes. Bring back works bikes and you would see motorcycle prices level off. On a side note, new bikes are so good that if people actually read the manual and learned to adjust suspension they would find a setting that would work perfectly for 90% of all riders. The suspension on a stock bike now is better than Carmichael had eight years ago and I guarantee you and I will never be that fast.
Wow, look at the mansion you can buy, even if you always completely sucked on the pro level, and got your butt kicked every time you tried racing in Canada. Will a fireman's salary even pay the taxes on one of those castles?
I have 2 450's, one is completely pimped- one is a carbureted 06; I also have a 96 CR250 that is super clean, and an 06 CR250 that will be completely pimped. I'm a vet rider at 33 and I love riding all of them... Sh!t- I had a point to make when I started this, now I feel like I should just say "Hi, my name is Jake and I have a bike hording problem'.
If the 4 strokes are so much better, why do they need double the displacement to be competitive?? Come on AMA, let them race straight up, 250 vs. 250, and bring back the 125 class!!!
@old man Steve, you are missing something. If you spend more time working on the 2-strokes, you are doing something wrong, or are missing something. The 2 new 4-strokes I own take way more time to maintain, than my 2-stroke. Cost more too. Checking valve cearences and all. That 2k dollar 4-stroke is prabably just waiting to explode. When it does, the parts alone will be over a grand. Just bought a rebuild kit for my 2005 2-stroke, every part I needed was under 300 bucks. Good luck. That 2005 will need alot of work if it has any hours on it. Or it will be REAL slow, if thats what you want.
EVERYBODY HERE MAKES ME FEEL SICK. IF THE TWO STROKES ARE BETTER THAN THE FOUR STROKES GO AND BUY THE DAMM BIKE YOU WISH. STOP COMPLAINING ABOUT THE 4 STROKES. YOU DONT KNOW NOTHING ABOUT BIKES. AND IF YOU DONT HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO BUY A 4 STROKE GO AND WORK HARD OR BUY THE BIKE YOU DESERV. IF YOU RIDE YOU HAVE THE BIKE WHAT IS CONFORTABLE FOR YOU. STOP CRYING LIKE BABYS AND CHICKS.
TWO STROKES! JAJAJAJA EVEN IN MEXICO EVERY BODY RIDES FOUR STROKES. TWO STROKES ARE IN EXTINTION DANGER.
I have to agree with Jason on this one. The only thing on that list that would be 4 stroke specific would be the tuner and the uber expensive exhaust...neither of which are needed if you are an average rider. I will agree that bikes are too expensive compared to their prices just 2 or 3 short years ago, but so is everything else in the world. A well maintained modern day four stroke mx bike will last you many years and really won't cost you that much more than a 2 stroke to maintain. Stay on top of your maintenance and your bike won't blow up!
@Welker
Can you..., Are you..., physically capable of Shutting-the-F*ck-up regarding your own personal political opinions...,?!?
This is RACER-X..., Moto & Supercross topics & opinions are wanted.
Right-wing, Left-wing or Centrist opinions are not, wing-nut.
Ping, it was really when both of your arms were in cast that your wife pulled that shaving trick on you wasn't it?
Is civil service kinder? More kind perhaps?
'YOU DON"T KNOW NOTHING'... Oh the irony. Ha ha ha
New racerx picture for Ping.... you in a skirt!!
I'm in new Zealand. At the moment a 2011 crf 450 is $14980. You can by a brand new RM 250 2stroke for $9000 rite now too. If I was just getting bak in to riding I could buy a brand new 2 stroke and a truck to carry my bike for the price of a 4stroke
THIS FORUM SUCKS- dude, most of us stopped typing in ALL CAPS when we stopped using AOL, back in 1996 or so. No one listens when you type in all caps.
Dude...Firefighters make bank. Salary isn't amazing but overtime is HUGE! They make 6 figures. They also aren't hiring ANYONE. I destroyed the CPAT test with nearly 2 min to spare and all I heard was "boy did you pick the wrong time to try and be a fireman." Anyway, good luck Ping. Sounds like you got it sorted out...congrats.
Also, I just finished rebuilding my RM 125, totally new everything...AND IT WON'T START! f$*%!!!!
@FroLives
Dude, turn the gas on below the tank, pull up the choke lever/button and kick it!
Just kidding, man. Probably something really minor you will sort out in no time. What year RM? Looking for one myself (a '78) to restore..., commemorating my first Suzuki MX bike.
Good luck, Bro. I'm sure it's gonna rip for ya real soon. I can almost hear it now... Enjoy!
all this two-stroke talk is making me cry!!! My favorite bike back in the day was the 79' yz100 i had. Basically, a big wheel 80, but it was a blast!!! My 89 cr 250 was wicked quick also. Good times!!
Stunting in the Barbie Jeep! That definitely needs to be your new avatar Ping!
the new thumpers are cool and all but ya I like the old stuff. I was just given a 74 MT250 elsie with a plate..she's siezed up but soon she will sparkle..remember the compression release sound?? the smell of castol oil..silver tank complete. yummie
damn!!,,ride what ya want as long as u enjoy it!!!!!,,,
Yeah, a lot of the familiar whining about 2-smokes. Listen, the boys in MXA hit the nail on the head - if you're so worried about saving the 2-stroke - then go out and buy a NEW one, not a used one. If the smokers start outselling the thumpers, everyone but Honda will start making/selling them again. It's economics. If you buy it, they will make it. Plain and simple.
Thanks for the link “OldRM”
Unfortunately most of the newer four stroke racers or riders out there have never competed on a two stroke and don’t know what they missed. There is a good comparison of the 2011 Yamaha YZ250 2 stroke verses the YZ250F 4 stroke MXA magazine.
http://twostrokemotocross.com/2011/01/mxas-2011-yz-250-vs-yz-250f/
The facts are the facts – the more horse power and torque the better off you are. The YZ250 2 Stroke has just 4 LBS less torque than the four 450F.
Horse power: YZ250 2 Stroke = 46, YZ250F = 36
Torque: YZ250 2 Stroke = 30, YZ25F = 20
The 4 Stroke has almost a third less HP and torque – you figure it out.
If you are racing all the time it just is cheaper to race a 2 stroke hands down – there all good but the 2 stroke is a lot of fun and much cheaper to race, and in my opinion faster.
I agree with MXLord – If the AMA let the bike race heads up 250 & 450 2 Strokes against 250 & 450 4 Stroke we would not be having this conversation.
Hey Ping! I bet only you and Wardy could ever fit in that toy jeep. My legs hurt just looking at that picture! Hahaha.. good read as always! classic dirty sanchez!
Once a racer, always a racer.............Im referring to the photos that the AMA has on file of the pros and comparing this to the Ping icon photo.
Ping,
Where are you starting in the fire service at?
Haven't heard of that aspiration.. good Luck!