450 Words: Las Vegas
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At Anaheim 1, I ran into the Icon, 1983 SX Champion David Bailey. He wrapped up the event with a simple, “Score one for Aldon Baker. We’ll see what Johnny comes up with next weekend.”
James Stewart had been working with Baker since 2008, but then moved in a new direction for 2011 and picked up Johnny O’Mara. Baker then signed with Ryan Villopoto, making for an odd rivalry between the two trainers. After all, O’Mara was the one who originally brought Baker into this sport, recommending him to Ricky Carmichael ten years ago. There aren’t any personal issues between Baker and O’Mara, no doubt chasing the 2011 SX crown for two different riders put a whole lot of professional pride on the line.
Villopoto hired Aldon Baker for 2011, who was once the trainer for James Stewart.
Photo: Simon Cudby
It’s just an example of how this season turned into a massive proving ground not only for riders, but for the personalities around them. Kawasaki, remember, chose to invest in Villopoto in 2009 and let Stewart go, and now that team would have to watch their current and former employee duke it out, with the team principals hoping their decision from three years earlier would pay off.
Kawasaki recently had a relationship with Reed, too, and that didn’t work out well at all. Reed walked away from his contract there, and now he had to prove he still had something left—and of course before long found himself battling for the title against Villopoto, his former teammate.
And before that, Reed raced for the San Manuel Yamaha team that now employs Stewart. Or does Stewart employ them? Not only did Stewart split with Baker, but by the halfway point his old Team Manager Larry Brooks was gone. Getting rid of Brooks made Stewart and Chad Reed friends for a brief moment, until Reed crashed into Stewart later that night, setting their rivalry ablaze once again. Beyond that, Stewart would have to race the second-half of the season in hopes of proving he could do better without Brooks.
Reed got help from Honda after Trey Canard went down with a broken leg.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Somewhere on the other end of the pits, Ryan Dungey was struggling a bit, and he no longer had his old team manager Roger DeCoster around. RD was over at KTM, a team that will no doubt court Dungey for a 2012 ride. Dungey had to build a relationship with new Suzuki boss Mike Webb, all while chasing the points they lost early in the season.
Late in the year, American Honda Racing’s Trey Canard went down with a broken leg. The Honda squad then teamed up with Reed, a rider who they chose not to hire a few months earlier. It was just another example of the tangled web of personalities weaved into this year’s Monster Energy Supercross Championship.
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YIPEEEEE!! Sholehot!!
That is some crazy sh-t, it's like a moto soap opera!!
I know team managers play a big role, but I didnt think they are the determining factor....out on the track it is the rider that needs to perform once the gate drops....Sure Dungey and DeCoster had a great working realtionship....but is that what won him the title? I think Dungey looked like a better rider this year...just more hands in the mix to deal with....
A great season for sure. My fav. came up 4 points short. But he made a lot of people who questioned his abilitys and talent eat crow!!! (Mcgrath). Major props to RV1!!! great championship. Rd5 will be up front this season outdoors. JS7 needs a major overhaul. Where to begin? looking forward to Hangtown!!!
I doubt Honda turned down Reed. I'm sure it was more like they couldn't afford him. I bet his price was double JG and TC's salaries combined. Then when Reed decided he wanted to race no matter what, it was already too late. Hmm...Kinda like a certain frenchie.
RV2 is my #1 rider, but you can deny the facts. RD1 was screwed out of the Championship by a Mechnical DNF, not a mistake made by him. All the others made mistakes on the track. Also why is a derailed chain something you can not fix quick and try to gain some points instead of a DNF? Not knowing what caused it, and could not chance of it happening again?
@Pizzacorner: Yes that is exactly it. They didn't know at that point what caused the derailment, and it would have been a very bad move for them to put it back on and keep racing. Because if it delrailed again, on the face of a jump for example, there could have been a season ending injury involved. They played it quite smart to just pack it up. As it turns out though.. If I remember correctly, it was either impact with TC41, or a rock off his back tire.. Can't remember which, but it bent the chain guide. So it WOULD have come off again.
Oh great. More Dungey what if's. You go blame that chain on something else and RV fans will blame Boni on RV not qualifying. Enough already. Get over it.
I disagree, you never know what would have happened. It's like those people who are saying Windham would have won Vegas, if...... again you never know what will happem. RD1 simply didn't get the job done this year and that is the only fact you can't deny. I am not hating on him either. For most of the year he just seemed content to set back behind RV, CR, & JS. Given all the mistakes those 3 made and points that they gave away, RD never took advantage of the situation.
So I no I don't agree that RD was robbed of anything. It's call racing and as Reed said there is a reason the races are won. Anything can and usually does happen. The one who ends up on top is generally the one who deals with those things the best. and this season that was RV
Jake......thanks for being a voice of reason in this gong show.
I'm not sure I would agree that RD was content sitting behind the others, I just think they are all of equal speed and skills. Not very often did one guy pull a huge gap on the others, it was more of follow the leader until something crazy happened. It was all in the start this year and being consistent on the track.
I can see the championship changing hands again several times over the next few seasons with the amount of talent out there now, not to mention Pourcel and some of the up and comers. Living through the McGrath and RC years, SX was fun to watch, but getting stale because you had a fairly good idea who was going to win. We are really lucky to have this much talent in SX now, and for what seems like years to come.
Yeah, from my experience, once your chain derails, it's usually minutes away from doing it again.
Instead of making excuses for Dungey, or Villopoto, or Stewart, I'll make one for Reed. Dallas was mostly out of his control, much like Dungey's chain, so instead I'll say this: As the most consistent SX rider in the sport, if Reed was as comfortable with the bike at A1 as he was at Vegas, the competition wouldn't have stood a chance this year. I know everyone gets more comfortable as the season progresses (except Stewart), but Chad's improvements were obviously more dramatic.
From his first podium at Oakland (round 4) all the way to Vegas, Chad Reed scored 16 more points than the next closest man, Ryan Dungey. (Dungey probably would have gotten 5th at A2, which is worth 16 points.)
But if Reed had managed to podium at A1, with Stewart's horrible start, the wheels would've already been in motion, and the only man that's proven he can beat Chad Reed in a championship went on to have a disaster of a year.
Like many people, my respect for Reed tripled this year, and I hope he's a contender outdoors. He'll most likely be even better in 2012, but so might everyone else.
Also, although Dungey's chain has been proven a 'racing incident,' you couldn't really counter it with Boni falling in front of Villopoto anyway. After it happened, RV chose not to keep riding in his heat, and he's admitted as much in interviews. He likely would have qualified easily.
Whoops_Blitzer.. Good comments.. But you do forget one important thing... RV did manage to beat Reed on several occasions come main event and heat races...
@pizzacorner, RD got a bad start whitch lead to the chain and a DNF much like RV got a bad start only he crashed instead on a chain, Either way if they both got a holeshot what would be dif??
PS if you feel that way you must think CP got screwed out of the lites outdoor title when his bike blow and RD won it??
Always had a Issue's with riders leaving a Team,that might have even sponsored a rider thru His entire Amatuer career and Well into the Pro's ..See Kawasaki.I heard they Only offered JS7 a one year deal..and knowing they were courting Poto,James was looking to leave..(for More money)and Do his own deal.be it on CR22's old team..I respected The Goat when he went to Suzuki,and was followed by Reedy,It wasent the Bike,But It was The MAN...who Helped bring Suzuki back to the Top again,with help of those two riders and now Dungey..Too Bad for Suzuki..The Blew it letting Decoster go..I hope Dungy Does go to KTM,a up and coming team,(and great bike)..We'll see how Alessi does..I wish the best for him,in his Element.Should be a FANtastic outdoor season..Enjoy the couch all you SX only riders..THAT,is why you are not as Dominate anymore..Never fails..
If Reed was closer in points would RV go faster?? YUP. The same can be said about RD leaving points on the table, The first Race TC won IMO RD should have won it, 3 points, he was way faster than Reed at another round, could not make a pass after 17 laps he even feel got up and ran Reed down again but could not get by even though RV and JS did 2 more points, and then the last race RD was faster IMO ran down Reed but could not make a pass 3 more points so theres 8 points and I am sure I could find a few more. So RD could have won this if he made a few passes.
For those of us who have been riding and watching this sport for...ever :-)
You will remember that in the 80's DNFs where not un-heard of and you saw all sorts of weird things happen that made for different winners.
It was not until MC and then RC that you started to see dominating performances. This season reminded me of the 80s when anything could happen! Loved not really knowing who was going to win the race.
I hope we see more seasons like this going forward.
I think these trainers' names are getting thrown around by the riders as jabs at the competition, to make the other rider feel bad or have regrets.
The trainers sure are getting plenty of free publicity because of it.
I have to admit that I completely underestimated Reed this sx season. With the failed Kawasaki ride along with starting a whole new team just 3 months before the season started I really didn't believe the training, focus and determination would be there. I was totally wrong. [ Just because you've been involved in the sport for almost 40 years doesn't mean you know everything.] As far as Dungey is concerned, I don't think Decoster leaving had that much of an impact. What I saw was five riders all running very close lap times at virtually every race. The real difference seemed to be the starts. The rider that won almost every race seemed to get a top three start most of the time. Dungey was outside the top four on most starts.
Very interesting observation BillC. One other is the fact that RD never really crashed all year. That being said if he were a little more aggressive in his riding things could have turned out different. What amazes me is how he is just as fast as the others but without all the crashing the others seem to do much of.
BTW I do feel that having the right manager does make a huge difference on how you perform on the track. I think RD inspired Dungey last year and his accomplishments show that. This year he didn't seem to be the same. Also look at JS's meltdown after LB left. What goes on behind the scenes shows up on the track.
I for one dont think Dungey losing his chain cost him the title, and PIZZACORNER Dungeys chain derailed because of a bent sproket. And RV went down in Jacksonville at no fault of his own, and guy wads up in front of him with nowhere to go. Its how it goes. And if the points were tighter, RV wins in Vegas. If I read the lap times right, he turned the fastest lap before he backed it way down. I think he would have beaten Reed and Dungey like he did 6 times before If he had too>>
Dungey was a little better than Trey at Houston...he set him up perfectly for the last corner, had the drive and everything, but Canard's line intersected with his and Dungey had to shut off before the line.
He was certainly better than Reed at Indy, but who knows if he ever would've made the pass. Stewart was right behind them, and if Dungey didn't make something happen soon, James would've gone by them both.
He just needs to force things a little more. Still, his consistency is going to be a great foundation on which to build speed in the coming years. Also needs to work on his mud riding--dude's terrible at Seattle.
IF your mom had balls, she'd be your dad.
IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF
Of course the manager is of extreme importance! Would the Lakers be the same w/o Phil Jackson? How 'bout the Patriots w/o Belicheck or Jets w/o Rex Ryan? Suzuki losing DeCoster was HUGE on two counts. First, huge loss for Suzuki & Dungey. Second, Huge coup for KTM & their racers. Yes, there are other successful team managers out there (Brooks & Payton come to mind) but, where DeCoster goes, Victory follows. If you're not hip to that, you haven't been paying attention. I would also wager HEAVILY that Dungey will be moving at the end of this season.
Suzuki has possibly the best, most developed bike in moto history, an unstoppable phenom in Ryan Dungey and all the momentum that RC & Reed brought to the brand. DeCoster leaves and it all crumbles. That tells me something (besides the whole "Suzuki can't pay their riders" issue).
I do think that Dungey will have a better MX showing than his SX season though. He's conditioned, bike's great (arguably the best in the field) and he's been there, done that.
IF Dungey went to KTM, that would kick ass. Hopefully they could do it without kicking Short to the curb. Hmm...Alessi, you better perform outdoors; your ride may depend on it. (Not that I know what his contract looks like.)
A trainer does not make the rider, just helps him or compliments him, that is if the rider is willing to listen or apply the info. First it was js7 trainer, then his team manager, what next his bike mfg.
Suppercross only rides are a risky business, the sport and others evolve and you can get left behind, and left blaming others.
Reed surprised me as well this year, but now as I reflect, I too would give it my all knowing its me or die trying.
All the what if's and who's training who don't mean diddly when someone else gets to sport the number one plate. So keep it coming all you bench racers!
Js7, the championship was never yours, so how do you think you threw it away? Get some consistent finishes, and ride smarter not harder!
A racer races no matter what time of year it is. Hope that summer off was worth it!
bd200,,, so now lap times matter ??
Damn.. So many ifs ands and buts. They're all champions. They put on one of the most gnarly sx seasons in years. It was great in my opinion. RV just happened to come out with a few more points. They all whooped a$$.
And for the Dungey ktm deal, KTM has $$$$$ up the yang. They'll have Rd as and ma.
Never been a Alessi fan but,.......remember his yard sale at red bud few yrs back? ran over a few times, he never has been back to himself however bad or good he was has he? I hope R/D - r/d are a team again, dont care if its on a hadaka super combat wombat.
What's with the erkel glasses oakley? Hope you paid big bucks for Js7 to wear that crap, or did Js7 choose to make a bigger fool of himself off the track as well as on?
If Roger Decoster would not have left Suzuki and if JS would have stayed on Kawasaki as well as Chad Reed. If Trey Cannard would not have gotten hurt, we would of had a 5 way tie for first place.
But instead, Reed ran into JS, JS ran into Reed and whoever else was close to him. Trey got hurt. RV didn't qualify for a main, Dungey lost a chain, JS crashed again and again, and then one other time. And after all this, RV was the champion in a great series that everyone wanted to win badly.
If RV qualified for the main then this would not have been "the greatest supercross season of all time."
I am right and that is all!
"What If's " are like A-holes...everyone has one... If RV, JS and Dungey didnt DNF a race, Reed would have been way back in points since he never had a "lose 25 pts at once" night like those guys did and his year wouldnt have been so great.....It's racing...it sucks that a chain derail or first turn BS knocks you out....but you keep going and thats why RV won the title... I dont think Reed did anything spectacular other than he didnt DNF a race and he ended up second in points in the end...2 race wins isnt that much to brag about when you usually win 8 races or so a year.....Reed had some luck this year.....but luck it a part of racing and life....so you suck it up and deal.....GO RV 2011 SX and MX CHAMP!!!
BTW, although funny looking....the Oakley safety glasses Stewart was wearing was exactly that....eye protection from the wind and dust....Not sure you could tell in TV land, but it was dry, dusty and windy as hell out there Saturday night and if Stewart wore goggles or regular sunglasses to protect his eyes he would be made fun of too...
I think next years' KTM contracts depend on James Stewart in a convoluted way.......
If other sponsors throttle back on the "JSE" bandwagon, Red Bull, not wanting to lose star power against the Monster SX effort, would reach into the coffers for #7. That would hinder the signings of other talent to KTM (they already have Alessi, Short & Musquin. Not sure about Roczen's contract status).
Ideally, I'd like to see Roczen added FOR SURE, Dungey added (or CP#377 if RD doesn't pan out) and room left for Herlings and an American 250 racer for future growth (or develop a "Satellite" team for 250 MX & E/W SX but, I'm not so sure DeCoster will want to share or sub-out Roczen)
OR let DeCoster do whatever he wants and financially be there to make it happen!
I like plan A but, wouldn't lose a wink of sleep if plan B was in effect.
What ever the reason, like you said funny looking! Safety glasses su*k it in windy conditions, if that's the only type oakley makes (doubt it) no wonder I haven't seen them before.
Didn't Kawasaki go with Villopoto over Stewart because of financial/economic reasons? RV was probably alot cheaper, and my guess is they are not regretting that decision. RV is pretty down to earth, while Stewart prefers to be a circus, and these big corporate factory teams just want to get down to the business of winning, without the extra "fluff", in my own humble opinion.
One huge seismic shift this season: JS is no longer feared by the other riders (other than him hurting them with his bike), though he does do well in heat races just not when it counts. I think long term RD is the the guy who'll win the most titles amongst the current field. RV is fast but alway on the edge as is TC and JS, and I believe Reed is headed to the barn.
Yes, JS has become what Tiger is to golf. (Except JS is still winning...and crashing).
Both are huge attractions for the sport, but just as the field is no longer intimidated by Tiger, so it is in Supercross with JS.
I am right and that is all!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Windham had the fastest lap at Vegas.
ptazzz sum up of the season was awsome. That 5 way tie would have been something to see.
I would call Dungeys chain bad luck not a mechanical DNF. The rear sprocket got bent when Trey hit him from behind. Bikes get hit by each other at every race- but how often does a sprocket get bent? - that is just bad luck same as reeds spokes getting taken out by Stroupes footpeg at A1 2009- just bad luck- but shiitt happens.
And lets not forget that Dungey led Stewart for seventeen laps at 2009 A1 and almost got him back at the end. If thats not going for it, i dont know what is. Maybe that is what led to Stewarts dumb/ impatient move the following weekend at phoenix that ruined his whole year. Dungey doesn't get enuf credit imo.
2010 A1 not 2009 sorry.
That would be a "hOdaka" joemotocross- and is that a thunderdog 250- I see in your avatar?!? Those tanks hurt my nuts, but man, the toast came out perfect every time
I am not a CR22 liver at all, the past championships he did win were by a default, although he did not win the number one plate I have the most respect for him because he dug in and was like a fighter, came up short on the gudjes cars a bit, but BRAVO Chad, BRAVO
@Carlsbad.. KTM signed Roczen for a multi year deal... Suzuki Eur/De, was stupid to let the kid go... So no worries for Roczen remaining on KTM.
Musquin.. he has a 2 yr deal, and for a relative cheap price compared to a Roc or a Cairoli.
JS has a contract going till 2012 at yamaha... Unless there are clauses where both parties can part ways... However, Yamaha will be pretty desperate to keep him as they are NOT coming back as a team, and will continue to provide support to the exising teams. And yamaha have nobody else to ensure yamaha is winning (in the 450 class).
Even though Redbull have increased their collaboration with JSE... It all depends how much $$ is KTM willing to spend to get JS on board.. And I know one thing.. KTM is bent on the 350 program... Hence the extension of Cairoli's contract, for many $$.
And this coming outdoors.. It is make or break for Alessi... DeCoster is pretty positive about Short, as the later one seems a more mature rider and DeCoster sees fit to use him for KTM's program.
And... Dungey is not going to stay at Suzuki... I see him either riding a orange or a red bike next year.
I hate to see a good man like Dungey prematurely going to KTM.
People only go to KTM when they're at the end of their rope. It's the kiss of death. A swan song. A farewell.
I just think it's unwise to go chasing DeCoster to KTM.
Nobody really cares what you think u jackass "jairtime"...why don't you go post some more immature, low life racist stuff about your nemesis James Stewart somewhere??? You POS!!!
Didier-- I thought Stewart and his Yamaha contract was up at the end of this supercross season?? Maybe I'm wrong.
@Stewtard.. According to various forums or websites.. JS's contract with yamaha is till 2012.
@jairtime... Nothing wrong with KTM.. Compared to the other manufactirers... KTM is still focusing big times on motorcross, enduro and lately trying their hand in the road bikes.
Their latest bikes, especially the 2011 stock prod bikes are on a par or better than the japanese bikes.
Am a 2 stroke fan.. But test ride the 350 sxf... If the budget permits, am seriously thinking in getting one. And KTM has a great accessoires availaibility.. Which is far better than the japanese offerings.. Speaking of Europe then.
@jairtime?? Yeah because KTM has hurt the guys over sea's so much right??
jairtime, people used to say those same things about Suzuki before DeCosters arrival (as manager). Their Red Bull sponsorship assures us they WILL become a force in all aspects of MX / SX in the U.S. (as Red Bull will not allow Monster to monopolize the market).
Didierlotsyeng, I think you're right on all counts. I'm very hopeful for Alessi 'cause I'm one of the people that (still) believe he still has a MX title in him.
I am VERY curious as to the amount of Yamaha support to Stewart (is it just bikes, parts & technical assistance or is there a dollar figure involved as well) and where exactly does the rest of his support come from?
I wholeheartedly believe KTM would do well to steer clear of the head-case Stewart clan and why would DeCoster want that with Roczen & (possibly) Dungey in the pipe, anyway?
I understand the impetus with the 350 but, it may be mis-timed for the U.S. market (why not dual-development alongside the 450?).
Anyone that doesn't like them, hasn't ridden a KTM from the last 3/4 years or is just blind prejudiced to the brand. Easily above the j-brands at the sportsman level and on par at the pro-level. This will only improve as KTM's U.S. business model takes shape.
Put James on that Ktm 350.... That is a bike he may be able to cotrol wide open !
I thank all the what-if's that happened this season. If it wasn't for the javelin, a chain, a new bike, a broken femur, or failing to qualify one of those guys would have won the championship by 20+ points.
RV won the title , and nobody cares , All the talk is about JS. He is and will continue to be the most popular rider on the planet , Next year will be even better, He could probably get paid to not Quit , he is that important to the sport right now ...He will not do the outdoors , its not in the cards, and there is no money to be made ..His natural talent far excedes anyone else , that could change one day, it allways does .. BARCIA >>>>>>>
I'm a Dungey fan, but to say Villopoto's championship was only because of RD's mechanical would make me no different from the people who said RD only beat Pourcel because of his mechanical at Southwick. Both are wrong. I do think people need to give the kid more credit and stop talking like last year was luck. He was pretty close this year, and he'll be in the hunt for years to come. He does need to get a little more cut-throat, but he's still got a long career ahead of him.
Tim, it's not in the cards because he chooses for it not to be in the cards. That guy has made more than anyone including Reed I'd bet, and Reed showed up this year on his own efforts. JS just doesn't have the work ethic and his natural talent is no longer enough to stay on top in my eyes. After all, he's been seen in videos bragging about how fast he is and how he barely rides. If he sold a couple of his cars he could do the outdoors on his own dollar.
@Carlsbad.. What I can recall reading or listening to podcast.. JS is being paid a base salary by Yamaha, and gets the big bonus's as well.
I believe yamaha is the biggest contributor to the astronomical salary JS is getting.. Then comes San Manuel & Redbull. (the later one, was a personal sponsor of James already, and they just stepped up their sponsorship in 2011. Other are the answer, nike, oakley etc...
Yamaha supported L&M Bikes, suspensions parts.. Prior becoming San Manuel and eventually JSE (Still in a legal battle with Brooks regarding the last shares of the team).
DeCoster is THE man to help turn things around. Spoke to the guy when he was in Belgium some yrs ago... Even thoug he is a french belge.. He speaks fluently Dutch and you can see... He's technical and a excellent manager as well. Just spurred me more to become a good manager myself! Ha,ha!
KTM's only problem might be their genuine belief in the 350.. And I fear they might neglect their 450, which is also an excellent machine!!!
A couple of months ago, a friend of mine, working at KTM mentioned that they even scaled down the production of the 450's in favour for the 350.. Go figure???
Nevertheless, KTM is in for the long run... Just look at their efforts in enduro... Took them some yrs.. But now, they completely dominate the class!!!
They have taken over WP suspension, a Dutch company and turned things around.. KTM is a serious threat to the japanese manufacturers.
Very disappointed with the AMA .
Misdemeanor my arrss. AMA you knew the circumstances!
Posting Js7 ahead of k-dub (a peoples choice award winner many times) in a race when they both dnf at the same lap one clearly went farther than the other.
Giving a forth place award out & call-in him up to receive it, for the first time in history!
Not addressing Js7 reckless abandon riding style, this is not his rookie year AMA he knows better, will you do something when he really hurts someone?
Common, I don't hate Js7, he is good for the sport, but at what cost?
Does the AMA not respect the other riders, or the history, or equality for all who compete or who have ever competed?
Or are they just concerned with exploiting the only good different colored person this sport has seen, all in the name of what? Money?
Say what you will hater's, its no longer about Js7, its become apparent to me AMA is the racist!
@tim, you are wrong. this sport would be fine without Stewie, or any other rider. It didnt go away when MC, the one rider who took our sport mainstream, left. And it didnt go away when RC retired, and he was the most dominate ever. And last year, when Stewie was out injured practicaly all season, I never saw attendence drop. And he hasnt raced outdoors for a few years, and people are still going in droves. this sport will be just fine without Stewie. He IS NOT BIGGER THAN THE SPORT!!
Really getting sick of people saying lil'Stew is good for the sport. What an absurd statement. This seem to be little more then a Pavlovian response. It is like claiming Obongo is good for America when in every measurable way America is worse off since he was elected.
Would a quarterback that cracks under pressure and throws just and many game losing interceptions as he throughs game wining passes be good for football or his team? No, the guy would be fired! Such a player would get absolutely no respect for bring the team to 4th place. Would football fans claim if you only considered his game winning passes he has the "best arm in the game"? No!
Didier-- I hope you are right, I love KTM bikes. I ride mostly enduro or off-road these days. Leave the racing to my kids. So I love them. I think they are the ultimate off-road weapon. For supercross style tracks, the suspension is a little weird, but all in all, I love mine. Especially since its a 2-stroke. I did ride my oldest sons Suzuki this weekend, and I must say, love the suspension much better. It handled squared off hits much better, didnt deflect at all. But love the KTM quality better throughout the bike.
It amazes me how people on this forum keep telling each other how we or they are wrong about our opinions .. If we all thought the same there would be no need to post , Bringing Race, Politics and other sports into this is a waste of time ,no one is going to change anybodys mind , so quit trying and STFU. James will be back next year Ready to entertain us again , thats what it is , a show... I believe he will dominate next year , and has learned from his mistakes , And big James will step in for sure , Mookie will also bring it ... Everyone better be on ther toes next season , Because its coming!!!!!....... But thats just my opinion , right or wrong ...
Hey @wrote ...Dude or Dudette , What the hell are you talking about, This is not a POLITICAL platform , You sound stupid Talking about Obama And Football , are you confused ....lol this is about RACING ... BEAT IT FELLA !!!!!
Anyone who makes others up their game, is good for any sport.
I understand your argument, but This isn't stick and ball sports, white dragon or what ever.
Tony hawk crashed and burned many times before he landed a 1080. And because he pulled it off everyone had to up their game. And yes mx / sc is not skateboarding, but my point applies.
If you disagree, I respect that.
bd200.. A couple of yrs ago, when I just joined vw, at a redbull sponsored event for sales... Met the some sales reps from ktm.. And have ever since remained friends.
I also do enduro... Not because I am "that" old.. But my back just does not permit me to do motorcross. And I am not a fan of the many, sand tracks where I live has to offer.
Am a Honda fan, but thanks to my best friend, who is a die hard ktm fan & rider... Test rode his bikes... What a difference they are from let's say a decade ago.
And KTM has come a long way.. Which I find admirable!
Getting a bad finish or DNF is one thing, but a mechanical DNF like Dungey had with the chain coming off is very freakish and not the riders fault at all. I don't play the 'what if' game on crashes, but if Dungey's chain would not have come off, he would have won the championship.
DeCoster or Yahweh himself, if I'm Dungey, I stay with Suzuki until they make that KTM competitive. Watching KTM in SX is like watching Suzuki in Moto GP- sad.
i miss moto..this 2 week off season blows,lol..instead of watchin some moto news,or forums,my teachers makin us watch wall-e .....depressing