Tag Archives: DeCoster

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“`html THE WEEKLY FEED: CLASSIC DECOSTER • DIRTY VIDEOS • NEW PRODUCTS AND TRAVEL

DeCoster- total style, zeroed in function and classically…classic. Mark Kiel photo from the 1974 Saddleback Trans-AMA

2024 NATIONAL ENDURO SCHEDULE

Red Line Oil has signed on to be the AMA National Enduro Series Title Sponsor for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. A 10 round series returns starting in the Second weekend of February and ending the first weekend of November with our season finale. There are a couple returning rounds that the NEPG has not been to in a couple of years with the Cajun Classic in Louisiana, the Grassman in Ohio, and the Zink Ranch in Oklahoma to celebrate their 30th anniversary from the ISDE there in 1994. We also plan on a brand new venue in Missouri at the Flying W Ranch in Cherryville. Take note of which rounds have the Youth Challenge and Enduro Futures Classes listed. All rounds will have an KTM Sponsored E-Balance Bike race on Saturday evenings. Registration dates will be announced shortly.

Mammoth Mountain MX, early 90s, Honda CR500 mounted and loving this Pro Circuit prepped machine that ripped in the high altitude that stifled the juice factor on all machines. Mammoth was all about the starts, and I did quite nicely…for maybe half the moto. I was racing a lot then, but enduros and Qualifiers were my addiction. Once a year for Mammoth, struggled with titanic arm pump but loved every minute of the suffering.

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THE WEEKLY FEED: ICONIC DECOSTER • SUPER MX/HARD ENDURO VIDS


Iconic Roger DeCoster on his 1973 RH72 370 Suzuki works machine. Roger signed with Suzuki in 1971 and proceeded to win the 500cc World Championship for two years in a row. In 1973, the FIM changed the weight limit rules, which effectively ruined Roger’s new machine which was 30-pounds under the weight limit. They were forced to add ballast, throwing off the balance and handling traits of the machine. Roger battled with Maico’s Willie Bauer, who was piloting a long travel machine which out handled the Suzuki equipment. DeCoster won his third consecutive World title when Bauer’s machine had a DNF at the final GP giving him the title by two points.

The Elsinore GP is back!

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It doesn’t get much better than this incredibly well-maintained 1976 Honda 125 Elsinore ‘Full FMF’ for sale at iconicmotorbikeauctions.com.

For more info click here

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THIS IS A SUPERB VID! ‘Behind the Bullet’- Jeffrey Herlings

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SOME NASTY VIDEO OF BILLY BOLT AND JONNY WALKER PRACTICING HARD ENDURO

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Precision Concepts has years of experience building race bikes to compete at the highest level. For instance, every Factory Honda off-road race bike between the years of 2000 and 2008 was built in our shop. Furthermore, these championship-proven bikes were ridden by the likes of Johnny Campbell, Steve Hengeveld, and Kendall Norman.

Since then, our in-house race team bikes from 2009 to present have all been built right here at Precision Concepts. These include Ricky Brabec’s 2014 National Hare & Hound, BITD, and SOCRE championship-winning race bikes. Additionally it includes Robby Bell’s 2013, 2015 and 2016 WORCS championship-winning machines.

If you don’t have goals of competing for championships at the pinnacle of our sport, that same level of motorcycle preparation is available to you for any style of riding that you choose.

nihiloconcepts

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THE BEST DEAL ON THE PLANET!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE!

Ah, the 1994 ISDE held at the Zinc Ranch in Tulsa. I was racing a 501 Husaberg, a machine that I did well with in the Qualifier series. Husaberg brought me a new machine from the factory, I fit on my Race Tech valved Marzocchi fork, Ohlins shock, bars and seat. Unfortunately they had modified some of the internals, giving it way more ‘hot rod’ than the production bike. The bike flamed out constantly, was a brute to ride in the rocky tight woods and would backfire and blow the carburetor right out of the manifold. I houred out on day two, when I couldn’t get it to start. On a side note, I rode chase for Dick Burleson who finished on Silver, racing one of our magazine test bikes, a KDX200. So, 13 years after his official retirement, at the age of 46, Burleson became the only American to ride in both American ISDT/E events. The AMA recognized that accomplishment by naming him Amateur Athlete of the Year for a record third time. My total hero.

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WHEN DECOSTER RODE HANNAH’S WORKS YAMAHA: THE WRAP

Back in July 1994, Roger DeCoster, who was in charge of Dirt Bike Magazine’s testing department, had the opportunity to test the 1979 Yamaha OW40, which was the bike that Bob Hannah raced. This bike, owned by Terry Good of the International MX Museum, is considered one of the greatest works Yamahas of its time. In the July 1994 issue of Dirt Bike, Roger shared his experience riding the bike.

In his interview, Roger expressed his interest in understanding the competition during the late ’70s and how Yamaha’s works rear suspension was superior to the Suzukis and Honda bikes he had previously ridden. He believed that the Yamahas had an overall advantage, especially in the 500 class.

After 15 years, Roger finally had the chance to ride the OW40. Despite the muddy conditions at RedBud in Michigan, he described the bike’s rear suspension as forgiving and better than some modern bikes. He noted that the bike had a sharp midrange hit that was challenging to control, but when on the powerband, it accelerated as hard as a modern 250 MXer. However, he felt that the handling of the bike felt old, with the front end having too much rake and the handlebar placed too far rearward.

Contrary to his expectations, Roger found the fork to be soft, which he attributed to the rider position being farther to the rear. He concluded that the bike, while very good, would not be competitive in today’s motocross. He also acknowledged that the bike’s success was not just due to its excellence but also Bob Hannah’s exceptional riding skills.

1981 SUZUKI RM125

During his exploration of Dirt Bike Magazine’s archives, the author came across a photo of the 1981 Suzuki RM125, a production bike that significantly influenced the 125 two-stroke class. The RM125 revolutionized the class and set the standard for the next 30 years.

Prior to the RM125, the 125 class and motocross in general were evolving rapidly. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki were introducing new advancements each year. However, the 1981 Suzuki RM125 stood out with its liquid-cooling system, vertically mounted rear shock, and performance in local and professional motocross competitions. The RM125 outperformed its competitors and paved the way for future advancements in two-stroke technology.

Although Suzuki’s dominance in the 125 class was short-lived, the impact of the RM125 was significant. It influenced the development of power valve technology and rear suspension design. Despite being surpassed by newer motocross technology, the RM125’s contribution in shaping the future of motocross cannot be undermined.

SPEAKING OF BOB …

The author also stumbled upon an issue of Dirt Wheels featuring Bob Hannah on the cover riding an ATV in 1986, a nostalgic moment for motocross enthusiasts.

THE ‘WICK!

The Southwick motocross event is happening this weekend! The author provides details on how to watch the event and lists the broadcast team, including Jason Weigandt, Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, and more. The event will be televised on Peacock and NBC.

2024 BMW ADVENTURE MODELS ANNOUNCED

BMW has unveiled its 2024 Adventure models, including the R1250GS and G310GS. The G310GS starts at an MSRP of $5,695, while the R1250GS Adventure is priced at $20,745. The bikes come in various colors and feature different options and packages. Changes to the standard equipment include the addition of Intelligent Emergency Call on the R1250GS Adventure.

That’s all for now, see you next week!