Engine tuners of the past?

Mixon848
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Mixon848
Edited Date/Time 9/22/2017 8:25am
I have always been an Eric Gorr guy. Eric has done about 7 or so Motors for me since 1987. But my very best motor ever was done by Jeff Slaven's on my old 1991 Suzuki RM125. Head and shoulders better then anyone else.

I have 2 bikes that I want some Cylinder work done on (another 1991 Suzuki RM125 and a 1991 KTM125), so I started searching out a few of the better known Engine Builders from my youth, only to find out that most are long gone.

I know that most on this site are my senior so I was wondering if any of you have any info or updates on what the following men are doing these days?

Steve Weilder

Scott Forward

Guy Camaioni

Harry Klemm (heard he only does water crafts these days)

Fred Vertucci


I was just chatting today with Terry Varner and it is my hopes to get some work done by him on an old Honda in the future.
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riv187
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riv187 10/21/2016 2:47pm
10/21/2016 2:47pm
Another builder that is doing work ,,maybe only KXs,,is Tom Morgan,,he was Jeff Wards mechanic in his best days. He did a 83 KX125 cylinder for a friend who posts here sometimes. He is very pleased and recommended him to me for my KX.
Mixon848
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Mixon848 10/21/2016 3:05pm
10/21/2016 3:05pm
nicko-31 wrote:
I've had Eric Gorr,recently do 2 Motors this year YZ's .He's at http://www.eric-gorr.com/index.php/services/big-bore-master-list. Harry Klem and his brother Gerhart are doing Vintage as well as watercrafts...
I've had Eric Gorr,recently do 2 Motors this year YZ's .He's at http://www.eric-gorr.com/index.php/services/big-bore-master-list. Harry Klem and his brother Gerhart are doing Vintage as well as watercrafts. Harry did my Waive Raider. Both do good work . http://www.klemmvintage.com.
Yes I always keep Eric's information on hand. He will always be my go to guy for YZ250's and YZ490's. I just liked a few Suzuki RM125's better by others (I hear Mike Healey did also).

And that is a great bit of information on Harry Klem still doing Vintage Motocross Bikes. I am over here grinning ear to ear. Thank you for that information. I am sure that many on this site will be looking into his work for Vintage MX Bikes.
Mixon848
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Mixon848 10/21/2016 3:07pm
10/21/2016 3:07pm
riv187 wrote:
Another builder that is doing work ,,maybe only KXs,,is Tom Morgan,,he was Jeff Wards mechanic in his best days. He did a 83 KX125 cylinder for...
Another builder that is doing work ,,maybe only KXs,,is Tom Morgan,,he was Jeff Wards mechanic in his best days. He did a 83 KX125 cylinder for a friend who posts here sometimes. He is very pleased and recommended him to me for my KX.
I sold my 1984 Kawasaki KX125 to someone right here on these boards, but before I did I was looking into Tom Morgan. He did wonderful work for Jeff Ward and many after. Also great things for the Kawasaki Road Race Team. Legend.

The Shop

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newmann
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newmann 10/21/2016 3:15pm
10/21/2016 3:15pm
Klemm is doing a 75 CR250 cylinder at the moment for a fellow Vitard.
Mixon848
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Mixon848 10/21/2016 3:52pm
10/21/2016 3:52pm
newmann wrote:
Klemm is doing a 75 CR250 cylinder at the moment for a fellow Vitard.
I can't wait to hear how this turns out. Klemm did a lot of good work.
tydog
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tydog 10/21/2016 8:31pm
10/21/2016 8:31pm
I'll let you know!Smile
Mixon848
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Mixon848 10/22/2016 6:51am
10/22/2016 6:51am
tydog wrote:
I'll let you know!Smile
Thank you very much kind sir. Looking forward to the update. :-)
Chayzed Pilot
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Chayzed Pilot 10/22/2016 9:47am
10/22/2016 9:47am
Harry Klemm is still doing bike motors, I was at his shop last year as he bought a bike from me.
CDswinehart
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CDswinehart 10/22/2016 1:45pm
10/22/2016 1:45pm
Fred's boys are racing last I spoke with him, I think the shop is back to the homestead. Not sure if he's taking in work or not.
Tom's work has always been outstanding over the years, he's been doing Team International Air Hammer's 490's very successfully.
I'd have Eric do engines for us any day.
Mixon848
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Mixon848 10/23/2016 6:16am
10/23/2016 6:16am
Chayzed Pilot wrote:
Harry Klemm is still doing bike motors, I was at his shop last year as he bought a bike from me.
Someone on facebook told me that Harry Klemm did Jeff Emig's 1989 Kawasaki KX125, and then Noleen did Jeff Emig's 1990 Kawasaki KX125. Wouldn't mind picking his brain on what he did to Jeff Emig's 1989 bike if he remembers as it ripped.
Mixon848
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Mixon848 10/23/2016 6:18am
10/23/2016 6:18am
CDswinehart wrote:
Fred's boys are racing last I spoke with him, I think the shop is back to the homestead. Not sure if he's taking in work or...
Fred's boys are racing last I spoke with him, I think the shop is back to the homestead. Not sure if he's taking in work or not.
Tom's work has always been outstanding over the years, he's been doing Team International Air Hammer's 490's very successfully.
I'd have Eric do engines for us any day.
Not many these days know of or remember Fred, he was a great tuner.

Yes Eric has always done great work on my YZ250's and YZ490's. Since way back in my days being helped by Downers Grove Yamaha (DGY). Jim Canner and Rusty Ott were great guys and always got me a huge price break on Eric Gorr's Motor Work.
Mixon848
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Mixon848 10/23/2016 6:21am
10/23/2016 6:21am
My 8 year old daughter informed me about 2 days ago that she for sure is done with racing, but that she still wants to play ride, but if she would of chosen to stay with it I think this would of certainly been a part of our future for her bikes.

Dean (R&D Racing):
https://www.r1dean.com/product-category/engine-kits/
Zeke27G
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Zeke27G 10/24/2016 8:18am
10/24/2016 8:18am

Jerry Leckich (R.I.P.)

Jerry Courll (R.I.P.)
philG
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philG 10/25/2016 12:32am
10/25/2016 12:32am
Eric Gorr does our TM300 SMX supermoto bikes.. they fly .
AK74
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AK74 10/25/2016 8:39am
10/25/2016 8:39am
For the southern part of England, the late Rob Spencer did some stellar work.

Stan Stephens too.
vmx3
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vmx3 10/25/2016 9:02am
10/25/2016 9:02am Edited Date/Time 10/25/2016 9:03am
CDswinehart wrote:
Fred's boys are racing last I spoke with him, I think the shop is back to the homestead. Not sure if he's taking in work or...
Fred's boys are racing last I spoke with him, I think the shop is back to the homestead. Not sure if he's taking in work or not.
Tom's work has always been outstanding over the years, he's been doing Team International Air Hammer's 490's very successfully.
I'd have Eric do engines for us any day.
Yep Tom does all our motor work and not only are his motors awesome but he is just stellar to deal with, just a really good guy that seems to dig making old bikes rip again. He does new stuff too but he seems to be doing more and more old stuff. He can tailor make a motor to your needs but in my opinion he is the absolute king of linear power. Over the years I have had a few dudes do motors for me and they can get great horse power numbers but it doesn't always translate, that is where I found Tom to be way ahead in that with his motors you can get the power to the ground and actually use it.
His info. is http://www.morganracingengines.com/
dr516
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dr516 10/25/2016 12:53pm
10/25/2016 12:53pm
I was friends with Steve in our racing days. When he was with DG he was doing Pete Snotelands stuff when I was hanging out with him. Then a few years later he went out on his own and started doing work for Kyle Lewis we hooked up my buddy Todd doing his bikes. Years later there was an article in MXA about him. last I talked to him was on FB a couple years ago. He is still a dentist and into airplanes I believe. Great times racing with Steve at Saturday saddle back.

Pit Row

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Mixon848
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Mixon848 10/27/2016 4:16am
10/27/2016 4:16am
dr516 wrote:
I was friends with Steve in our racing days. When he was with DG he was doing Pete Snotelands stuff when I was hanging out with...
I was friends with Steve in our racing days. When he was with DG he was doing Pete Snotelands stuff when I was hanging out with him. Then a few years later he went out on his own and started doing work for Kyle Lewis we hooked up my buddy Todd doing his bikes. Years later there was an article in MXA about him. last I talked to him was on FB a couple years ago. He is still a dentist and into airplanes I believe. Great times racing with Steve at Saturday saddle back.
Thank you so very much on your information about Steve Weilder. Those Weilder Dynamics CR125's that he was building for Kyle Lewis were some great bikes. When he was working on Kyle's bikes that is when Kyle was having his best rides and success.

I will be searching out that old Motocross Action Magazine with his interview in it. Once again thank you for this information on Steve.
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wolfy0067 10/27/2016 12:24pm
10/27/2016 12:24pm
Jack Carr , he did 90% of the porting work for Eyvind Boyseen back in the 70's and 80's even into the early 90's I spoke with him at the track, both have now passed
wpark89
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wpark89 10/28/2016 4:52am
10/28/2016 4:52am
You're not going to find anyone with much experience with that KTM 125. I restored one a few years ago and Gorr did the cylinder and head for me. He had written an article in Dirt Rider back in 91 with GP porting specs for the KTM. I sent him a copy of it for reference (which he had forgotten he wrote).

There's a thread somewhere here with all the info if you search for "my 1990 ktm 125 project "

I've got some extra parts and could help if you have any questions. Almost did this in 91 colors but I really had a thing for the 90.

Mixon848
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Mixon848 10/28/2016 5:54am
10/28/2016 5:54am
wpark89 wrote:
You're not going to find anyone with much experience with that KTM 125. I restored one a few years ago and Gorr did the cylinder and...
You're not going to find anyone with much experience with that KTM 125. I restored one a few years ago and Gorr did the cylinder and head for me. He had written an article in Dirt Rider back in 91 with GP porting specs for the KTM. I sent him a copy of it for reference (which he had forgotten he wrote).

There's a thread somewhere here with all the info if you search for "my 1990 ktm 125 project "

I've got some extra parts and could help if you have any questions. Almost did this in 91 colors but I really had a thing for the 90.

Yes those GP Porting Specs were listed in the May 1991 issue of Dirt Rider Magazine which is sitting on my desk as I type this ( the test of McGrath's 1991 Peak/Splitfire Honda CR125 in the issue is informative also).

I also have a bunch of articles and spec sheets from Mark Zoller and the guys from Z Racing from 1985 to 1992.

I have owned a few old KTM's. Just recently sold my 1987 KTM250 and 1989 KTM250.

You did great work with your KTM125, and I got the most informative in your thread in regards to what body work fits the frame and what engine models are interchangeable.

Thanks for posting.
wpark89
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wpark89 10/28/2016 9:10am
10/28/2016 9:10am
Thanks.

I would be interested in any z racing info on the 125's. I called them a few years ago to ask about some old stuff and remembered them being the go to place for ktms in the 80s. Unfortunately whoever I talked to didn't know ktms were ever white or that they made pipes for them. If you ever had time to share or scan any of that stuff I'd appreciate it.

Wparkermx@hotmail.com
vmx3
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vmx3 10/28/2016 9:23am
10/28/2016 9:23am Edited Date/Time 10/28/2016 9:24am
wpark89 wrote:
Thanks. I would be interested in any z racing info on the 125's. I called them a few years ago to ask about some old stuff...
Thanks.

I would be interested in any z racing info on the 125's. I called them a few years ago to ask about some old stuff and remembered them being the go to place for ktms in the 80s. Unfortunately whoever I talked to didn't know ktms were ever white or that they made pipes for them. If you ever had time to share or scan any of that stuff I'd appreciate it.

Wparkermx@hotmail.com
My '86 500MX has a Z Racing pipe and radiator guards. They were bought out a couple of years ago by Orange county KTM who are about a mile away from Anaheim Stadium on Katella.


Beast666
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Beast666 10/28/2016 8:51pm
10/28/2016 8:51pm
EC Birt built a friends YZ100 back in the early 80's and the thing was a total rocketship.

Also there was Dave Miller of DMC fame in the mid 80's
Mini Elsinore
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Mini Elsinore 10/28/2016 9:09pm
10/28/2016 9:09pm
Ted Moorewwod (RIP)
Junior Gartrell (RIP)
Rudy Dickenson (RIP)
EC Birt (RIP - noted above)

Mavens with mini's.
Mixon848
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Mixon848 10/29/2016 9:12am
10/29/2016 9:12am
wpark89 wrote:
Thanks. I would be interested in any z racing info on the 125's. I called them a few years ago to ask about some old stuff...
Thanks.

I would be interested in any z racing info on the 125's. I called them a few years ago to ask about some old stuff and remembered them being the go to place for ktms in the 80s. Unfortunately whoever I talked to didn't know ktms were ever white or that they made pipes for them. If you ever had time to share or scan any of that stuff I'd appreciate it.

Wparkermx@hotmail.com
I have so much information on the old Hopped Up KTM's. I will try to photograph what I can and then go purchase a scanner and scan the stuff that is multiple pages.

Z-Racing were the shop for KTM modifications, and built some solid KTM250's. Later a shop in Las Vegas (I believe called Sportsman Cycles but don't quote me on that) also did good work but it is rumored that the owner who was also the Motor and Suspension guy was going the route of the late Phil Alderton (R.I.P Phil) and thus sold his shop.

I like this little write up:
http://www.vitalmx.com/photos/member/rapperllove-KTM125-and-KTM250-Hop-…
1
Mixon848
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Mixon848 10/29/2016 9:14am
10/29/2016 9:14am
vmx3 wrote:
My '86 500MX has a Z Racing pipe and radiator guards. They were bought out a couple of years ago by Orange county KTM who are...
My '86 500MX has a Z Racing pipe and radiator guards. They were bought out a couple of years ago by Orange county KTM who are about a mile away from Anaheim Stadium on Katella.


Oh the joy it would be to throw a leg over that KTM500. Drool.
vmx3
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vmx3 11/1/2016 9:37am
11/1/2016 9:37am
Mixon848 wrote:
Oh the joy it would be to throw a leg over that KTM500. Drool.
I don't ride it a ton but usually once or twice a year but it is a really nice bike to ride, I reckon KTM's of this era are pretty underrated .
pete24
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pete24 11/1/2016 11:06am
11/1/2016 11:06am
Wes Gilbert did engines for boyesen for a while also

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