Tag Archives: southern

CARSON BROWN’S YAMAHA YZM500 RACE BIKE VIDEO TEST: 2-STROKE TUESDAY

We journey the YZM 500cc TWO STROKE BEAST on a tough observe in Southern California with Carson Brown on the controls. We have been bummed to listen to that the 2024 Fasthouse Two-Stroke World Championship was postponed. We have been happy to have the chance to spend a while with defending champion and Dirt Bike Magazine take a look at rider Carson Brown, although. We obtained to spend a few days with him and his Yamaha/BRC 500. This bike has a ton of customized components and with Carson on the controls you realize its going to be pure chaos. Sit again and luxuriate in a particular video from the Dirt Bike Magazine Crew! Turn up the amount! Scroll down if you need to see extra detailed shot of the YZM500 .

2024 KTM 500EXC-F DUAL-SPORT FIRST RIDE VIDEO IMPRESSION: DUAL-SPORT VIDEO SERIES

Dirt Bike Magazine checks the all new 2024 KTM 500EXC-F in Southern California fully inventory . The new KTM has loads of carry over from the re-designed SXF mannequin line up. New body, new swing-arm, new physique work, new air field, new handlebar switches, new mild, new suspension settings, new seat, new engine, and extra. What did we consider the five hundred on the path? Take a journey with us as we break down the all new KTM and provide you with some perception earlier than you spend hundreds of {dollars} on the dealership. We hope you discover all our movies informative and useful in terms of buying your new bike!

Mercedes-Benz Teams With Buc-Ee’s To Install ‘Premium’ EV Charging Hubs

Buc-ee’s currently has a limited presence in the United States with shops in southern states like Alabama and Georgia, as well as new locations in cities like Johnstown, Colorado, and Smiths Grove, Kentucky. The company’s popularity and gradual expansion could lead to more convenience stores opening in additional states in the coming years, which will contribute to the proliferation of EV charging options in the United States.

Mercedes-Benz executive Andrew Cornelia stated in a press release, “Within a remarkably short period, we’ve made significant progress towards opening several charging hubs at Buc-ee’s travel centers. Buc-ee’s strategic locations along major travel routes, coupled with their commitment to clean and accessible amenities, align perfectly with our vision.”

According to the company, some Buc-ee’s locations will offer EV charging hubs by the end of 2023, with another 30 or so hubs to be installed throughout 2024. Mercedes-Benz has not yet disclosed which locations will receive the upgrade first, but this information may be announced in the coming months as new locations are established.

5 Earthly Objects That Can Actually Be Seen From Space

Did you know that there are certain earthly objects that can be seen from space? One such example is the sea of greenhouses in the Almería province of southern Spain. This massive greenhouse complex covers over 25,000 hectares of land and plays a crucial role in producing millions of tons of fruits and vegetables. Interestingly, if you live in Spain or other parts of Europe, there’s a good chance that the produce you consume is grown in Almería.

The sea of plastic greenhouses in Almería is so vast that it is visible from space. During the daytime, the sunlight reflected by the greenhouse structures creates a distinct visual impression. Unlike the Great Wall of China, which tends to blend into its surroundings when seen from space, the greenhouses stand out due to their unique location. These agricultural wonders are surrounded by water on one side and mountains on the other, making them easily distinguishable from high above the Earth’s atmosphere.

However, the expansion of the greenhouse industry in Almería has also had some unintended consequences. Over the past few decades, the region’s climate has been affected, with average temperatures cooling down compared to the rest of the area. This demonstrates the delicate balance between human activity and the environment.

RIDING THE 2024 RIEJU MR300 TWO-STROKE: THE WRAP

Last week, Mark Berg from Central Powersports Distributing drove all the way from Texas to Southern California to deliver several bikes for testing in future issues of Dirt Bike magazine. As the U.S. distributor for Rieju, Electric Motion, SWM, and now AJP, Mark brought a variety of bikes, but the one that had everyone excited was the Rieju 300MR Racing. This bike is the standard edition of the 300 two-stroke model. Rieju is a Spanish brand that took over the production of the bikes previously known as GasGas. Stefan Pierer acquired a majority interest in GasGas three years ago, specifically for the trials bikes. During that time, the two-stroke off-road bikes were temporarily discontinued until Rieju took over.



2024 Rieju MR300 Racing

What sets Rieju apart is its commitment to quality. The MR300 Racing, priced at $9,699, is not considered a budget brand. It comes with premium parts and is not associated with any Chinese parent company. While it may be less expensive than Husky’s TE300 model, it is by no means cheap. The bike has a slightly old-school feel, with a motor that dates back several years and lacks fuel injection and an electronic power valve. It is equipped with a Keihin Carb and an externally mounted electric starter. Rieju uses KYB suspension and includes an FMF silencer/spark arrestor as standard. One notable feature is the USFS-approved spark arrestor, which is uncommon on modern two-stroke bikes. The bike also features Nissin brakes, billet hubs, a backup kickstarter, map switch, handguards, a skid plate, and frame guards.



Pete Murray on the 2024 Rieju MR300 Racing.

One of the standout features of the Rieju 300MR Racing is its spacious and comfortable layout, which resembles what a 300 two-stroke from Honda might look like. The motor offers excellent torque, with spot-on jetting. It’s worth noting that it may run a little lean on pump gas when the weather cools down. In terms of power, it falls between the KTM 300XC and the 300XC-W, with a more aggressive feel than the XC-W model, especially at lower RPMs, but not quite matching the sheer power of the XC. Many riders find the XC too aggressive for off-road use, particularly in the green map. The Rieju 300MR Racing is comparable to the KTM 300XC in the KTM’s mild map. While the Rieju has its own mild map, it primarily affects the top-end power while leaving the bottom-end mostly untouched.

On the downside, the Rieju motor vibrates more than KTM or Husky models, and the suspension can feel slightly stiff. Although the 2024 Rieju model hasn’t been weighed yet, last year’s model without fuel weighed 242 pounds, which is a bit heavy, but further testing will provide more accurate information. A full test of the Rieju 300MR Racing will be featured in the January 2024 print edition of Dirt Bike magazine.

AJP’S NEW DISTRIBUTOR

Central Powersports, the U.S. distributor for various brands, is now also the distributor for AJP. AJP is a Portuguese brand that sources parts and components from around the world. While its smaller bikes use Chinese motors, the flagship PR7 model comes equipped with an Italian-built SWM motor. The PR7 is reminiscent of the SWM Superdual X, which was tested in 2019 and shares similarities with the 2011 Husqvarna TE630. The AJP chassis is designed for rally use and features a tower that houses a GPS-linked tablet. Currently, the PR7 is intended purely for off-road riding, but plans for a dual-sport version are underway. Look out for a short riding impression of the PR7 in the upcoming Dirt Bike magazine.



the PR7 is in full rally configuration as delivered. The price is $11,499.

CARSON BROWN’S KDX



Carson Brown and his KDX220.

Carson Brown and his father Duane share a passion for older bikes, frequently finding hidden gems and turning them into rideable machines. These bikes are not just for display—they are ridden hard. In their latest venture, they brought down a retro Kawasaki KDX220 last month. It was incredible to witness Carson’s skills on such an iconic bike from the past. Stay tuned, as there are big plans for this bike.

2024 HUSQVARNA NORDEN 901



2024 Husqvarna Norden 901

Husqvarna recently unveiled its 2024 Norden, which boasts several updates. The Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) now offers ten different levels of rear wheel slip when the optional Explorer Mode is engaged. The bike also features a new USB port, hazard warning lights, and an updated exhaust system.

Technical highlights of the 2024 Husqvarna Norden 901 include:

  • New grey and yellow graphics for a distinct appearance
  • Revised Cornering sensitive Traction Control with 10 levels of adjustable rear wheel slip in Explorer Mode
  • New exhaust system for EURO 5+ compliance
  • New USB port on the side of the dashboard
  • New hazard warning system
  • Bosch Cornering ABS
  • Chromium-molybdenum steel frame with engine as stressed member
  • 889cc parallel-twin engine delivering 105 hp peak power and 100 Nm of torque
  • Adjustable WP APEX suspension for exceptional comfort on and offroad
  • Four selectable ride modes (Street, Rain, Offroad, optional Explorer)
  • Ride-by-wire throttle with adjustable response (in Explorer mode)
  • Standard Easy Shift function (up and down Quickshifter)
  • PASC Slipper clutch
  • Tubeless spoked wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires for balanced on and offroad performance
  • Large 19-litre fuel tank offering a range of up to 400 km
  • Optional Connectivity Unit for TbT+ navigation, phone calls, and music from a rider’s smartphone

That’s it for this week’s update. Be sure to check back for more exciting updates in the world of dirt biking!



–Ron Lawson

SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE TALK & RIDE

We took the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE for a quick ride in the hills of inland Southern California, turned on the GoPro and shared our thoughts. For us, the biggest news is that the 800 shows a little more commitment to off-road riding than anything previously in Suzuki’s adventure line. The Showa suspension has more travel and more adjustability, it has more ground clearance and the electronic features show that Suzuki is paying attention.

The Negative Impact of Military SONAR on Marine Life

In 2015, the U.S. District Court concluded that the Navy’s War Games in Southern California and Hawaii were in violation of laws meant to protect whales and dolphins. The court found that the high-intensity sonar exercises and underwater detonations involved in the military’s five-year plan were causing disruptions in feeding, communication, and mating behaviors of marine animals. As a result of this ruling, the U.S. Navy had to scale back its SONAR testing activities and take steps to protect marine life in collaboration with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).

Three years later, the U.S. Department of Defense published a document called the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing, which highlighted the measures taken by the Navy to mitigate harm to marine animals. Some of these measures include having lookouts stationed and designating areas to protect seafloor resources like coral reefs, artificial reefs, and live hard bottoms. The document also emphasizes the importance of adhering to rules such as ceasing activities if a marine mammal or sea turtle is spotted and avoiding specific areas during certain times of the year.

Unfortunately, as of now, SONAR remains an integral part of naval military operations until a better alternative for navigation is invented. However, by implementing legislation and increasing knowledge about the seafloor, military units can minimize the potential damage caused by SONAR technology. Over time, it is hoped that advancements in technology will lead to the development of more efficient and less disruptive methods of underwater navigation.

The Weekly Feed: The Flyin’ Hawaiian • Wild Billy Bolt • Social Fun Pops


John “The Flyin’ Hawaiian” Desoto came to Southern California from Hawaii and worked his way from shop rides to full factory support. John wanted to race in Europe and got funding from Tommy Smothers (of the Smothers Brothers) and Dan Gurney who had befriended him. Europe was a tough sell, John saying that ‘we’ had much to learn about what ‘fast’ really was. After leaving Europe John signed with CZ. CZ mounted, Desoto finally got the results and recognition of a top racer. He raced for CZ through the early ’70s and was always battling for Top American in the Trans-AMA and Inter-AM motocross series. He represented the United States in the Motocross des Nations along with Mike Hartwig and Jim Pomeroy in 1973.

electricmotion.com

Billy Bolt’s recap from the primordial lands of the Outliers Hard Enduro. This is a great show!

Great video from the Assoluti Italiano Enduro Championship

Mitas brings extra strength to Enduro discipline with TERRA FORCE-EX tire line launch

Mitas looks to further strengthen its position as a leader in Enduro racing by introducing its entirely new TERRA FORCE-EX tire line. The new line, tested by Enduro racers for performance in all types of terrains, is designed to deliver more power, control, and endurance even under the most extreme conditions.

Specifically designed for Enduro and dual-sports motorcycles, the new TERRA FORCE-EX tire line is classified as ‘street legal’. It comes in four different patterns available in different versions and covering the most popular sizes, including Junior.

MITAS TERRA FORCE-EX SM (soft to medium terrain)

MITAS TERRA FORCE-EX MH (medium to hard terrain)

MITAS TERRA FORCE-EX HT (extreme terrain)

MITAS TERRA FORCE-EX XT (hard terrain)

mitas-moto.com

polisport.com

Back in 1976, the Supercross buzz was unique and fresh, in a sport that was still very young. Putting a shot of Gaylon Mosier, Jimmy Ellis, Kent Howerton, and half of Tony D was pure adrenaline for the dirt bike junkie. Would we see a cover like this today? Ah…no.

My buddy Billy Berroth sent me this a while back, It’s from 1988, and was our main test zone located out in the high desert. This was a normal gathering mid-week to test and ride. It was Ron Fry’s (RIP) abode and I spy a few friends here. Kevin Hines, Mark Zoller, Doug Johns and Bill Berroth along with my friend and fellow editor Karel ‘The Stormer’ Kramer.

This is from the 1989 Idaho City ISDE Qualifier. It was a rough year for me; I had broken my leg badly the year earlier and had major hardware in my left tibia, which made it hard to ride, which mated to a major pain factor. I had tried to qualify for the ISDE and just didn’t have the necessary tools to get the job done. This bike was one of my favorites, a big-bore-kitted KX250. Team Green’s Mark Johnson helped me set it up and get me to the qualifiers. It made great bottom power and had the best suspension I had ridden with to that point.

2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Faces Hurricane Winds for Dyno Pull

On August 30, as Southern Georgia was recovering from Tropical Storm Idalia, the crew at Steeda and the owner of a 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse took on the challenging task of conducting a dyno session during the storm. Despite the conditions, they pushed ahead with what could potentially be the first dyno session for this powerful Ford pony.

The dyno pulls were performed at Steeda Performance in Valdosta, Georgia, located just over the Florida border and approximately 60 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Needless to say, the crew and the car got soaked during the session, as the storm had brought low atmospheric pressure and high humidity. These weather conditions are not ideal for generating maximum horsepower, and the outcome of the Mustang’s dyno session appears to have been affected by them, as the owner expresses dissatisfaction in the accompanying video.

Revamped Porsche 911 Targa Spied Hot-Weather Testing In Southern Europe

New spy photos have been taken of the refreshed Porsche 911 Targa undergoing hot-weather testing in southern Europe. Although the model is still camouflaged, some changes can still be observed.

The 911 Targa will feature a new front bumper and headlights. The most notable alteration is the number of horizontal slats in the intakes, as the new car will only have two. Additionally, the daytime running lights are currently missing, but they are expected to be concealed by the camouflage. The Porsche will also have revamped headlights that include integrated indicators.