Ask Ping!
Friday, January 20, 2012 | 10:00 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.
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PrintHello Mr. Pingree,
What is your most favorite motorcycle that you have ever had the pleasure of riding?
Mine is a 1995 CR125. I purchased it from a meticulous over the hill rider at the tail end of 1995. The OTH rider was very proud of his machine and sent the motor and suspension to Pro Circuit to have a little extra magic put into it. It also had a PC pipe and silencer and all the cool stuff to make it look like one of the factory Honda’s of its day. It never looked the same after I got my hands on it however. This poor machine went through numerous moto's that year in sand, mud, clay and all the terrain that the northwest has to offer. I had my biggest progression in skill while riding this machine.
I often wonder if it isn't the bike or a combination of things like time period, age, riding buddies, skill level, etc. that really made the bike what it was. That was the fastest and best handling 125 I ever got to ride.
You may have answered questions like this before but the topic seems to be worthwhile and sure does start a good bench racing session.
Anyway, thanks for the constant new material on your site. I often find myself looking for a good reason to slack off while writing papers or doing logarithms. RacerXonline sure does provide a good reason for that.
Throttle McTwist
Best bike ever.
Good question. We all have that one bike that sticks out in our minds, don’t we? For me it was my 2000 Suzuki 125. It was pretty much the same as my 1999 bike but with a few minor improvements. The motor was incredible and had the lightest, quickest-revving characteristic of any 125 I had ever ridden. The suspension was dialed. The bike itself just fit me like a glove. I think that is one of the things that make a bike fun to ride or not. How comfortable are you just sitting in the saddle? I loved that bike. I won two supercross rounds with that team and finished behind Carmichael at Steel City, which is pretty much like a win in my book. The following year they made huge changes to the bike and, as far as I’m concerned, it was never as good. I wish I could go for one more spin on my race bike from that year. That thing was a rocket. Thanks to @tblazier for the image.
PING
Dear David,
Since you are an expert on all things motocross, daughters and now medical emergencies I was wondering if you could help me. I am suffering from what I believe to be PTPP (Post-Traumatic Polly Pocket) Syndrome. As I was heading for the bathroom last night I got a Pink Polly imbedded in the sole of my foot. Like you, I am outnumbered three to one and dangers lie everywhere in this joint. I was wondering if you might have any suggestions as to the best means of extraction/treatment for this condition from which I believe you also suffer?
Any help would be much appreciated!
Sincerely,
Maimed in Missouri
Pull the shrapnel from your ugly foot and see a doctor.
Few things in this world can compare to the pain of stomping on one of your child’s hard, plastic toys in the hallway between your bed and the toilet at 3:00am. And that comes from a guy who has broken his femur, twice, broken both arms simultaneously and passed multiple kidney stones. Like many motocross racers, I’m a connoisseur of pain. In the same way a wino can elaborate on the characteristics of a specific wine from a certain year and region, I can relay in great detail the severity, intensity and duration of an injury and cite specific examples of other injuries that would compare on the pain scale and give you the most appropriate swear word for the injury. For instance, when I separated my ribs it was a tall 7 on a 10 scale with sharp, burning pain upon inspiration and if I sneezed or laughed within the first three weeks of incurring the injury I wanted to shoot myself in the head. It’s about as comfortable as a colonoscopy and the best verbal expression for that injury is “Son of a Dirty Whore!”
Polly Pockets lie strewn about my house in much the same way you’ve described your Missouri home. Strategically placed like landmines in the carpet, one of these pink, Chinese-made figurines will bring a grown man to his knees, especially just before dawn with a full bladder. If it actually went through your foot you should see a doctor. If not, start wearing slippers and then throw them away if your kids don’t pick them up. That’s what I did.
PING
Ping,Bret Michaels? Really? This is the best we can do? Doesn’t Feld produce concerts for a bunch of top singers? That song in opening ceremonies sucks.
Rick from Alhambra
Only photo I've ever seen of him without that ridiculous bandana.
I’m so tired of everyone dissing Bret Michaels. Here’s a guy who for years made smash hit songs like “Unskinny Bop” and “Cry Tough.” Those tracks changed the way people thought about music, man. He is a motocross fan and, as far as I can tell, an excellent rider. He came up with a very catchy name in the Rock Hard, Ride Hard award to support a sport that he loves and we crap on him for it. Did you know Ralph Shaheen is, like, best buds with Bret and a bunch of other 1980’s hair bands? I don’t have any idea how but it’s true. So by hating on Bret you are also slapping the voice of our sport right in the face. Come on, everyone, let’s stop the hating and get our ride on! Yeah, okay, I just heard it. Maybe we can get a track from Nate Adams new rap album for opening ceremonies.
PING
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...and the RM125 didn't break in half! (Sorry, I just hadta).
loved my 95 RM 125 and my 97 KX 250
As McTwist states, it must be an coming of age/timing thing. My favorite was 78 RM125. I abused that thing for 6-8 years. Hardly ever even cleaned the air filter, let alone do any other real maintenance. Probably a couple of thousand miles put on it in the Kettleman hills in Cental Cal. I remember getting gallon jugs of MC1 for birthday and being super pumped!
1987 CR 125.
Leave B. Michaels alone. He loves the sport and he's trying to do something to help promote it. We want to crap on that? Dumb.
Thanks Bret, that song might suck but we really do appreciate the support.
I loved my 2005 CRF450! On the topic of Brett M, the fact is he loves moto so can he be a bad thing? I think not! Rock on Brett!!! Right on bud! LOL
The 75 RM 125 changed MX for me. You could buy a six pack of them a season! Put my little brothers TM 100 motor in one of my practice bike frames and created the 1st RM100 in June of '75. In '76 the RM125A out did everything and finally put the CR / RM Debate to rest. They just got better through out the rest of the '70s.
That BM song is just that, a big bowel movement!
We need something better for this great sport, how could we have stooped so low to get a song like that piece of sh#t?
125 Bill's Pipe's built Suzuki, I think it was a 2002. Bought it off of TWMX.com after they did a test story on it. Best bike ever.
http://vintagemx.com.au/wp-content/gallery/suzuki-tmrm125-models/1981_rm125.jpg
Check out that link......1981 RM125......came straight off an POS 1982 yz80 ( coolant pissing out of the steering head )
That RM made me feel like a factory star for a solid 3 years......
Support from people like Brett Michaels is pretty cool, even if that song makes a Myley Cyrus album appear to be timeless, technically proficient, or talented. Get your cheese on...
I agree about Bret Micheals, leave the guy alone. He is a huge Moto fan, has brought a new award and some money into out sport. And guys want to rip and rag on the guy, For what?? being a fan and wanting to be involved?? Not everyone is going to like any song put up there, so quit b!tching like a bunch of schoolgirls and be glad somebody else is trying to help bring something new to our sport.!
Wow, B.M. looks like a 50yr old trailer park queen that smokes three packs a day without the bandana on.
The Brett Micheals question? Good one with a good response. I totally agree with you Ping. The other questions? Garbage. As what is becoming quite common on "Ask Ping." My own opinion...of course!
So the sport should take money from anyone no matter what kind of roll model he is? Is he something for young riders to aspire to be, have them watch his show on E! Maybe i'm wrong, but it only took one episode to know he is not my role model! Nothing against him, his life is his choice, I'm just not a fan.
KX250f 2004, wish i could get in my time machine and go back to 2004 and buy 10 of these bikes. I used them for woods riding, with a little suspension work and at wet bike weight of 213lbs it was a real treat to ride. great bike at the track too, but i couldn't keep enough left intake valves & valve guides on hand to keep it running, with a 13,000 rpm rev limiter.
don't get me started on Bret. This is a younger mans sport, i find it hard to believe any of the guys lining up on the start line has ever listened to or know who Bret is. No disrespect to Ralp's buddy, but come on i agree with tandk2222 i bet 98% of SX fans would rather not have a rock hard hard award.
Mine was 79 RM125 with Fox air shocks and ported to the max by yours truly.
I made expert that bike it was awesome.
Seems to be a trend with RM's! I'd also vote for the 78 125. I was always a Kaw guy but I think Kawasaki gave it up for a few years. A dealership in Mansfield was selling these for 800 bucks!! Very easy to go fast on that thing. Loved it!
1985 CR 125 Supposedly once owned by Chad Pederson. had #315 on it when I bought it. 1st place the first time I raced it and it was 4 years old!
Best bike...I have to pick two one from each class that I raced in.
#1 1987 cr 125 that thing was a rocket on wheels and had decent suspension...Got my first trophy on that thing.I also went up on the carb and had Pro Circuit do a couple of cylinders for me.I bet that motor would still be good with any local joe racer.
#1 A 1998 CR250 another Honda rocket and the bike I fist learned to triple on.I had an FMF Fatty pipe on there more for show than go.I believe that bike to be bullet proff as I never DNFed her even after many a crash...even finished a race with no coolant and steaming like crazy.
Good times..Keep up the good work Ping!!!
P.S. 2 strokes are much less expensive to repair.
"Maybe we can get a track from Nate Adams new rap album for opening ceremonies."
I think he was kidding, but if left to vote, I'd bet the majority on here would vote for that over the BM song.
Didn't the Blair brothers have a band? Or Blake Wharton?
I my favorite bike to ride was an 1981 Maico 490. The motor was smooth and it could turn inside of most any other open bike.
It was almost my least favorite bike to own, probably due to the 100 times I pushed its lifeless carcass back to my van, rather than riding it across a finish line. I still get PTS symptoms when hearing "Maico-Breako".
The song does suck, and it is also the drummer from Def Leppard and a guitar player from My Darkest Days (at least that is what Bret said last week). My biggest complaint is that Bret gets constant recognition for his award that gives out "only" $10,000 and gets mentioned every week. They say it more than they say monster which probably pays millions to be the title sponsor. Make it the top privateer award since we don't have that any more, the top guys won't appreciate the money like a privateer would.
NO to Bret Michaels. Many people put up cash in this sport, but why give this guy a special promotion? and yes, i can bag on anyone i want to- i dont care if he 'rides' and knows the sport, his music sucks, keep him off the air.
My best bike ever?My 93CR250.Bought it in 94 with only a few rides on it from a buddy for 2500.Rode it for 4 years and sold it for 2400.I have a KX450 now and I wish I still had my '93.I just ride for fun now but have been a rider/racer /fan for 38 years of this sport.
As I am older I am ok with Brett Michaels,he is a fan of the sport.
I have a good idea Brett.....how about $500.each round for the 41st rider in each class who didn't qualify?
Rap, are you serious
WAAAAAAAHHHH waaaaahhhhh...Free show ,free music , free money for riders and they still whine and bit*h. It might be a young mans sport but theres ALOT of fans over 30 who don't really need some highly perforated fake bada*s screaming at me or rapping the same old rap. Its over so quick it isn't even a big deal except to those who find something wrong with EVERYTHING. Give it rest .sour grape people.I do think the money should go to privateers though. @MXbob sorry but if you pushed a 81 490 Maico back to the truck a hundred times trust me , it ain't the Maico ...it's you.Had one ,my favorite, go 2 seasons Pro class with one failure (a wheelsmith pipebracket).. The separated rib thing is so true . Worst pain for just sucking air and a sneeze would put you in a coma...
the voice of our sport? I don't know if you have seen the video/intro of the song but they just show riders crashing and landing in each other. Yes, that's part of motocross but there are much more positive things than just "cool" crashes. It's not the song, it's not bret michaels, it is just that we are tired to see our sport been promoted to attract the wrong king of people.
1979 Maico 450 Magnum II that I bought from Ronnie Smith at Calhoun Honda-Maico, Oxford, AL on Mar 16, 1979 for $2,224.50. I still have it in mint condition and all original equipment except rear shocks and rims.
I also have techinical data/owners manuel and bill of sale and original copy of Dirt Bike magazine featuring the magnum on the cover that I bought for a buck twenty five.
who is david pingree????
Who is David Pingree???? WTF???? Are you serious dude???? Ping is the F ing Man! The SH#T. Who is David Pingree???? What a dumbass! You call yourself a moto-x fan???? That's like asking who is Jesus. What a douche bag you are.
My favorite bike was my 1993 CR 250! Plenty of power and handled like a dream.....
78 rm 125,,,,then 77 rm 125
2004 RM 250 favorite. 2001 RM 250 hated it, it hated me everything that could go wrong did including the gearbox exploding UGH! My current 09 YZ 250 closed second favorite.
I had a 1985 RM 250 it was pretty cool as well but I was to young to respect it and take care of it properly got clapped out quickly and I didnt care back then.
I had a 1985 RM 250 it was pretty cool as well but I was to young to respect it and take care of it properly got clapped out quickly and I didnt care back then.
'82 YZ 80, '87 CR 250, '06 CRF 450. Look, MX is full of kooks. Always has been, always will be... I bet you Bret would be fun to hang out with for a little while, and not super often... maybe more so during the Poison days. Let him hang out and be involved if he wants to be.
... always figured he was bald under the bandana/cowboy hat-combo.
cMoto wrote: The 75 RM 125 changed MX for me...Put ..TM 100 .. created RM100 in June of '75. In '76 the RM125A out did everything and finally put the CR / RM Debate to rest..."
Had me grinning. Our stories intertwine... For me it was the original 74 CR125 Elsinore. Until 1974, anything under a 250 was European, overpriced , and fragile.. OR Japanese, overweight, slow, and actually a jacked-up trailbike. Then, from a different planet, comes the CR125. For a couple years you rode one or you weren't really racing. In early 75 my sponsor's shop offered me a HRC CR100 kit (actually, HRC was RSC then). Sure, OK!. In 1975 a "CR100" (with Long Travel front and rear, 'natch) was like playing paintball with an M16. I felt like a bully. Traded back the 100kit for Honda's "GP Kit" and returned to 125 for '76. (Just in time, as my district passed a "no CR100" rule a week later. Pretty sure I was the reason). You are very right in that the STOCK 76 CR stank, but modded 74-75s still won a lot as I am sure you know, but no thanks to Honda. I agree that by 77 it just made no sense. If Honda didn't care, why should we? I went RM250. Great bike. Honest bike. But she wasn't that crisp and flicky 179lb 6-speed original CR125. With long-travel suspensions nothing ever will be again.
I feel damn lucky to have been 16years old, eating and breathing MX, when the most revolutionary 125 ever came out. It was a privilege. Didn't last long, but it was special.
Brett michaels can unskinny bop his way out of here,poison blew and that song also blows!!,,vanilla ice rides so if he puts up a cash bonus will they play ice ice baby?,,soo funny my 2 kids age 10 and 12(both girls,both ride) laugh thier ass off at that jackass,oh well every rose has a thorn ha ha ha!
I just wish he would give the cash to a hard charging privateer. Not someone who has a few Million in the bank, Sorry Reed, but there are guys who race with little to no support, THATS riding and rocking!!!!
Is it just me or does that pic of Brett look like a very ugly girl or possibly a shemale. I am sorry I have to bag on him after the rock of love show. He just cant deal with the fact that his career is over and wants to be in the spotlight whenever or where ever he can. If he wants respect and wants to help riders start a race team. Not a award for a sport that you never been a pro in. The hard charger award from the goat is different because he knows what the riders have to go through to do what they do. So I think Brett should team up with Vanilla Ice and they can have a 5 lap race during the opening ceremonies and the winner gets to go up in the booth with the speed team. Ice would probably destroy the booth though. But on a serious note it is just embarrassing and I personally don't like what the guy is all about.
I haven't read every post word for word, so not sure if this has already been mentioned, but the whole Polly Pocket incident reminds me of Adam Sandler in the movie Big Daddy......"Damn you Scuba Steve." LOL! Favorite bike? 1985 CR250!
The favorite bike stuff on here baffles me. I see alot of old bikes people are listing. Is this because no one has a new bike or are you confusing sentimental with favorite? My favorite bike is the one I ride today-a 2010 YZ450F. There's no substitute for new technology. But I still have the 1993 CR250 I bought new back in '93. That bike is hanging on the wall in my man cave. And I still have the 2001 CR250 I bought back in '01. I still rip around the CR and it is fun. I have kept it for sentimental reasons....I guess. But the YZ is just awesome.
Bret Michaels with his running mate Ralph Shaheen for President 1012!
Gotta be better than the alternative.
Your right prime, I guess if bikes I had in the past were my favorite I would have kept them around. I guess my current 2009 YZ 250 is my favorite, thats right still a two stroke, if you know how to ride it they are competetive. Soon I will buy a new YZ250 to replace it then it will be my fav. I love two strokes if they quit making them altogether then maybe a CRF450 would become my fav.
Yes Prime. the old bikes are favorites totally for sentimental reasons. No arguing that my pro circuit suspended 450 is a far superior motorcycle.
As someone who has considered this my favorite sport for years, I truly appreciate Bret Michael's association.I, for one, DO appreciate the fact that he is a true fan and he rides. I don't listen to his music but I think it will be some good PR for the sport for at least the short term. All you over non-high school and college age guys out there like me should think before you complain because, considering the youth culture around the sport, it could be a whole lot worse....'nuff said? :)
Man I wish the race were live on Speed!!!!!!!
I know everyone is saying Brett MIcheals cant deal with his career being over and this and that. I was never much of a Poison fan, and I grew up through the '80's.. But the last time Poison played a show around here, just a couple of years ago, if that long. The Newspaper reported that over 11,000 people were in the crowd. Now thats not a huge crowd, but it doesnt look like Brett Micheals or Poisons career is over. That is a pretty decent crowd.. Especially since they havent put out any music for how long??
@RCRDDW--I agree 100%. We could have some flat-billed tattoo covered no talent, non-music writing clown out there in saggy pants showing his underwear and a huge oversized wife beater on saying "Bro" and Boy and "My Dogs" every five seconds. Anmd rapping some lass-as$ song at the intro. It could be alot worse than Brett Micheals.. Like I said I never was a big fan of Poison, but it could be worse.
bd200 ...You had me at "I agree 100%"........Lol!!! I'm glad somebody knows what I'm talking about "bro".
@ jo jo. Thats just what pingry would say. hmmmm.
ok Brett thats fine he rides and loves the sport,,but dont make it sound like you are givin that cash out of your own pocket,i mean you are getting paid for that song(i hope not that much)every time its played and im sure that they probably paid you a lump sum up front to use during the supercross races,which in turn you pay out to the rider that wins your award at the end of the year,,that is of course if you have a good agent,which im sure you do.
Favoite bike? 02 YZ 125 that I bought to "get back to the basics." In a point and shoot 450 motocross world, getting back on the 125 forced me to learn to corner, and not abuse the power of the bigger bikes. Nothing brings a bigger smile to my face than railing a corner and getting past a 450, only to have them come up to me in the pits wanting to know how I passed them so easily.
1990 XR 200. White plastic and everything