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GuyB
4/17/2017 11:11am
4/17/2017 11:11am
Edited Date/Time
4/26/2017 4:42pm
Whether you know him from his racing, his bike development role, or as the Senior Test Editor of Dirt Rider Magazine, Kris Keefer is definitely a character and lover of all things two-wheeled. He agreed to check in this week for a Vital MX Forum QNA, so bring your best questions. He'll be peeking in here this week to answer them. As always, keep it respectful, and ask questions that you would like in a face-to-face meeting.
If you want to see previous Vital MX Forum QNAs, click the Forum QNA tag below the subject line. (Check below to see what it looks like.)
Edit: oh and why?
The Shop
Also, do you see Suzuki releasing new 125 and 250 two strokes, as rumours suggest?
Also, who would win Best Dressed in the early 80s?
It has to be one of the Honda guys....
Bailey, Omara, Hannah?
Why cant we go back to the good ole days of gear matching the bike?
Where do you see motocross bikes predominantly headed in the next 15 years? Do you see electric bikes become the norm just like 4-strokes did in the last decade? Do you see it still being dominated by 4-strokes as they continue to evolve? Do you see 2-strokes making a big comeback with fuel injection?
Loaded question, I know, but thought it might be a fun one to think about.
Keep up the awesome work man!
For helping out the indrustry on both spectrums of 'Factories ' and , consumers
With your talent and literature.
My question is what major part of a manufacturer bike would you change
For reliability or better material every time
If you had to?
Again thank you for all you have been doing and excepting our questions.
Best Dressed in the 80s would for sure be RJ or Lechien! I mean Ronnie had sweet gear set ups a lot!
Look for a lot of gear companies to go back to solid colors in 2018. We are in for some less busy patterns and very clean, traditional colorways!
Pit Row
I would see Suzuki doing a two stroke soon is my guess!
A. Buying a new bike every 1-2 years, all different brands, trying everything that everyone has to offer, similarities and differences between manufacturers.
-OR-
B. Riding the same bike for 5 or more years, making marginal gains over time and truly adapting the machine to your riding style and body over a long period of time.
I still see four-stroke technology leading the way in our sport the next 5-10 years. Electric technology although advancing is still not quite there yet for Supercross and Motocross. However maybe in 15 years this could be the way to go.
I also do see two-strokes making a comeback and more manufacturers getting involved in the re-birth of two-strokes. It's hard to deny when KTM is selling a crap ton of bikes and Yamaha is still making an older platformed version of there 2006 machines. Kids coming from 85's need to learn how to ride a bigger bike and the 125 is a perfect fit. I feel the jump from 85 to 250F is too much for these kids. Manufacturers are taking notice and will adapt. Watch!
Thanks, I really try hard to help consumers find the best buy or give them advice on things that i have tried myself. My family was middle class and my dad although was a great car mechanic didn't know much about motocross machinery or parts. He shopped blindly and sometimes we got hosed. It was just trial and error. I (and Dirt Rider) am trying to make it so all of you at least have a direction to go.
You stumped me on your question, that is very good. If I had to choose I think I would change a couple things. One is how fast some of these 450's are down low (bottom-end). Although very fun and helpful in deep sand controllability is what I would strive for on such a big machine. Connectivity to the rear wheel is important and having an insane engine character down low doesn't mean it is the best bike on the track. Less experienced riders tend to lean towards the "fun factor" or throttle response feeling without knowing that same thing will get them in trouble down the road.
The other thing is the development of oversize bars on stock machines. Yes, they are more durable and hold up well in a crash, but also give increased rigidity to a machine. I am doing some research right now and going back to a 7/8 bar on some 1 1/8 equipped bikes and it helps the front end feeling. Besides Honda most manufacturers are using 1 1/8 bars. Most of us are not Ryan Dungey's and need less flex. I think some companies should look into the 1 1/8 diameter but figure out a better flex character inside the bar. It's funny how small a change this is, but can make a good bit of difference out on the track.
Thanks for the question and sorry for the long winded answer.
Recently it was Mike Brown. He still hauls ass and has a young mans style/technique. I like this!
Another guy that hauls butt, but maybe is starting to get old man style is my good friend Doug Dubach. Doug still blows me away at how fast he can go in his 50's! He butt whips a little too much but can still throw the lap times down!
B without a doubt.
Keep your bike in good condition and ride the crap out of it. I switch bike's weekly and can adapt fairly well, but there is nothing like staying on the same bike for a long time. Ask Tomac this. He had other offers to go to another color for more money, but stayed with green because he has his bike down and knows it!
Practice. Practice. Practice. There is no replacement. Just ride laps!
Poor kawi made 4 less HP than the 350. Ouch
Two Qs.
1. Keith Code's "A twist of the wrist" is considered the definitive primer on motorcycle road racing. There doesn't really exist a moto equivalent. Some of your technique breakdowns remind me of Code's. Have you considered writing a book on technique?
2. What area do you think most B and C riders lack? Can you be specific (example: if it's in turns, is it entry, exit, body position, throttle and brake use, etc.)
Post a reply to: Vital MX Forum QNA: Kris Keefer