The best thing about me and my testing is that you get the raw truth about exactly what I think of a bike. There is no sugar coating. I don't care what color it is, if it's got 2 strokes or 4, I don't care about the color.... if it's good and makes me happy to ride it, you will know.  If it makes me want to ride more, you will know about it.

This is not a full review of the bike, just my initial thoughts after about 4 hours of engine time.  It's time to stand up and applaud what Yamaha has done with this bike.  Gentlemen, please stand and remove your caps.  

Hope you enjoy this podcast!

Support the show

Arlington Texas was the 2nd of three Triple Crown races for the 2020 season.  Karen and Kyle go over the racing and share their views of the events in both classes. 

Support the show

Here on today's Tuesday Evening Mechanic (sorry about being late), Karen and I give a rundown of the Tampa Florida weekend of Racing in Monster Energy Supercross.  It's the beginning of the 250 east championship, so we have a number of new names to go over in that division.  We will also go over the points lead for the 450 class and give our favorites to carry it though and get the title.

Support the show

Since it is something that keeps coming up over, and over, and over, and over, I figured it's time to talk about it on the podcast.  I'll give you three reasons, with context for each one, that has kept me from doing any official racing.  Also know that I love to watch racing.  We are huge supercross fans as a family.  I love to watch people push themselves to the extreme.  It’s inspiring much of the time.  Also know that I don’t want to say ANYTHING bad about racers of any type.  Most racers are great people and many of them are out to have a good time and would gladly help you out.  Desert racing in the area where I live is a family friendly sport from what I’ve heard, so if it's your thing, keep doing it.  

Support the show

Karen and Kyle recap the racing from Petco Park in San Diego on February 8th in Monster Energy Supercross.  It was military appreciation night and we had a great night of racing.  We will go into both the 250 class and the 450 calls and share our insights as casual fans watching from the comfort of our family room.

Support the show

Ever wonder what it's like for an extreme off road dirt bike rider to switch brands from Husqvarna to Sherco?  Rich Larsen comes back in studio to give us the whole story and explain his new relationship with Sherco, what it's like going back to a carbureted 2 stroke, and much more.  We also get a detailed ride report of the recent Red Bull Override event in Texas where Rich overcame adversity for a top 14 finish while giving up at least an hour in navigation problems and a fluke mechanical issue.  

Follow Rich Larsen on IG and take one of his 1 on 1 personal training courses.  You'll be glad you did.
@richlarsen511

Support the show

Karen and Kyle break down the racing from the Coliseum in Oakland on February 1st 2020.  We will cover both the 250cc highlights and the anecdotes from the 450cc class.  Good times!

Support the show

Today we have Mike Spurgin on the podcast.  Some of you may know him from his Baja Taco Tours.  Others may know Mike from his FB Group EXC/FE Performance and Tech Talk, or  Company Taco Moto Co.  Mike is passionate and relentless about helping dirt bikers. 

Mike and I solve the world's problems as they related to dirt bikes.  By the time you implement the plan outlined in this podcast, you will have solved world hunger and will be ready for the next challenge in life.  

Support the show

Karen, Kyle, and Kase break down the racing from Glendale Arizona.  It was the first of three "Triple Crown" races for the 2020 season.  Ken Roczen takes the overall win with 3 main event wins on the night.  Eli Tomac rounds out second with a strong overall performance as well. 

Support the show

Here are my top 10 riding tips in no particular order:

1. Stand up on the pegs - be in attack position - when it’s gnarly, stand up!
2.  Look ahead! At least 1 bike length for each gear you are in.  Maybe 1.5 bike lengths per gear.
3. Carry more momentum than you think you need.  It will help! 
4. Bike Setup - bars, controls, and sag.
5. Cover the clutch and brake - only one or two fingers.
6. Don’t Skid the rear wheel when braking if possible - and don’t always clutch when braking. 
7. Point toes in - and position the pegs on the balls of your feet.
8. Don’t clutch when shifting down. Much faster this way.
9. Weight the outside peg in turns.
10. Sit on the tank in turns. Shift that weight forward!

Support the show