Would Vet riders still be riding MX if?

sdmx
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sdmx 7/12/2017 12:02pm
7/12/2017 12:02pm Edited Date/Time 7/12/2017 12:07pm
KirkChandler wrote:
There weren't many Vet guys in the 80s because the sport only really started in the USA in the 70s with a majority of young guys...
There weren't many Vet guys in the 80s because the sport only really started in the USA in the 70s with a majority of young guys. So by shear mathematics most of the teenagers/20 something's that started in the 70s wouldn't have been 30+ until the 90s.

But during the 90s groups like Over the Hill Gang out in here in California were huge.
Harry Backmon wrote:
Exactly. I remember back in the 1980s we had a guy that was 40 racing. We couldn't believe it. Now it's common. 40 is young these...
Exactly. I remember back in the 1980s we had a guy that was 40 racing. We couldn't believe it. Now it's common. 40 is young these days.
Haha. In the 1980s I raced Carlsbad in my late teens and there was this one guy in the 40+ class (I think he had just turned 40) who really hauled ass. I remember thinking "Wow, how does a guy that old go so damn fast?".
FreshTopEnd
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FreshTopEnd 7/12/2017 12:02pm
7/12/2017 12:02pm
OldYZRider1 wrote:
You old guys needed to jump on the KTM 200cc two stroke train when it was in the station. Lightweight like a 125cc, power close to...
You old guys needed to jump on the KTM 200cc two stroke train when it was in the station. Lightweight like a 125cc, power close to a 250cc and much lower maintenance than a 125cc. Close to dirt bike nirvana for me but not enough sales to keep it in the marketplace; a real shame cause I can't buy one now unless this new Beta 200cc I've heard about pans out. At 58 yo old, I'm probably gonna looking to the electrics for my next bike.
The 200 is/was the perfect bike.
lumpy790
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lumpy790 7/12/2017 12:14pm
7/12/2017 12:14pm
When I tried to sell my 01 YZ250 after going 4 stroke everyone tried tolow ball me as "no one wants a 2 stroke" and I told them the bike will rot in a corner of my garage before I give it away. Years later after selling my 4 st I went back and started riding it. I am now back on 4 strokes but I still have my trusty YZ. It is street titled so ....

I can ride either 2 or 4 strokers.



SwingHard
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SwingHard 7/12/2017 12:34pm
7/12/2017 12:34pm
bigmaico wrote:
I would still ride, Just pull out the Old 490 Maico & ride the heck out of it! Hell I raced it until I was 56...
I would still ride, Just pull out the Old 490 Maico & ride the heck out of it!

Hell I raced it until I was 56 years old, I might even do it in November at the Rio Bravo AHRMA race.

Shouldn't be that bad in the 60+ class, I hopeWink
APLMAN99 wrote:
Yep, I remember when our local track would host old timer races in late 70s/early 80s. All of the old guys would show up on awesome...
Yep, I remember when our local track would host old timer races in late 70s/early 80s. All of the old guys would show up on awesome open bikes and lug them around the track.......
I remember 70's-80's spending almost every weekend at Indian Dunes in So.Cal. My Dad & Uncles would hop on bikes and go down by the river and hit trails up in the hills across the river but, they would never even think about going on the Shadow Glenn or International tracks. They were probably in there mid/late 30's and,pretty good riders!

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JRMX59
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JRMX59 7/12/2017 12:34pm
7/12/2017 12:34pm
jeffro503 wrote:
Side note #2.....The 2 strokes revived my riding and made things interesting for me again. Seriously feel younger on them and smiling from begining to end...
Side note #2.....The 2 strokes revived my riding and made things interesting for me again. Seriously feel younger on them and smiling from begining to end on a ride.
This. I sold my 450 in March and am back on a CR250. 58 yrs old. The 4t was too heavy feeling unless you were always riding fast and I don't want too. Now it's fun again esp in the woods.
TJMX947
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TJMX947 7/12/2017 12:39pm
7/12/2017 12:39pm
731chopper wrote:
The tracks have more to do with it than the bikes. I think things are starting to change where tracks aren't building as many stupid jumps...
The tracks have more to do with it than the bikes. I think things are starting to change where tracks aren't building as many stupid jumps as they once were in general but it takes a long time for people's perspective and mindset to change. I have a lot of friends that stopped riding because of the danger and I don't think most of them are ever coming back.

I hope the sport continues to regress at the amateur level with the manmade obstacles. I have two young boys. My oldest is 3.5 and getting quite competent on his oset 12.5r. He just rides at our nearby parks and at our family's ranch. Last time he rode he asked me to build him a supercross track with jumps. He has no idea what he is asking for but it got me thinking about the future or riding and for the first time ever, question my decision to get him into moto.
I'm in the same boat as you my friend. My son is almost 2 years old and my wife's biggest fear is that he will follow in dad's footsteps. A kid got killed at my local track a couple of years ago and I honestly couldn't live with myself if my son got seriously injured because I introduced him to the sport. We've made the decision that we are going to do our best to shelter him from motocross and really try to push him in a different direction.

As far as jumps go they didn't bother me in my 20s (circa 2005). It seems the tracks were still built with two stroke mentality back then and to me the jumps were just easier on the four strokes. I watch a ton of old nationals from the 90s and it seems the jumps weren't very big at all by today's standards. Fast forward to now and you've got kids on 250Fs in the C class throwing whips over every jump on the track. I honestly just try to keep my ego in check and stay safe out there.

I ride a KTM350 SXF coming off a 450 and although the nostalgia of the two stroke is awesome and I would love to have a garage piece YZ250 at some point, I know from experience that two strokes are a lot more sketchy for the average person to ride. I picked up a 2008 YZ250 about 5 years ago and it was fun but I felt so unsafe jumping it. I went back to a 450 then eventually a 350. Hell I might work myself back to a 250F before its all said and done.
NeedMoto
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NeedMoto 7/12/2017 1:31pm
7/12/2017 1:31pm
58 years young, still love to moto!

On jumpy tracks I'm on my 450.

Not so jumpy, more old school layout I'm on my 07 cr250.

I would adapt either way, as I just plain love to moto Cool



centralcalmx 7/12/2017 1:55pm
7/12/2017 1:55pm
I think it kept me in the game and buying a new one about every 16 months or so.
we have a pretty solid group that hits the OTHG National for about the last 10 years.
Or I could be on a houseboat at millerton lake bitchin about whatever.
I'll take moto. My golf clubs don't seem to work properly also......
I'll take moto
Falcon
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Falcon 7/12/2017 1:56pm
7/12/2017 1:56pm Edited Date/Time 7/12/2017 1:56pm
I'm 46 and I don't ever plan to buy another 4 stroke. I'm doing just fine on my 250 smoker. Braaaaaap!
calbr
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calbr 7/12/2017 2:25pm
7/12/2017 2:25pm Edited Date/Time 7/12/2017 2:30pm
SwingHard wrote:
Would us Vet riders (52 here),still be riding MX (tracks) if 4 strokes didn't take over? I asked this question of my riding crew,most of who...
Would us Vet riders (52 here),still be riding MX (tracks) if 4 strokes didn't take over? I asked this question of my riding crew,most of who are 50plus,with two youngsters,43 and 42 yrs.old. The guys over 50 said probably not.
I've been riding MX since I was 5 years old and, in the 80's,90's,I don't remember seeing many Vet riders. In my late 20's,early 30's I owned a couple of CR-500's. At 52, I would want nothing to do with a 500 2stroke on a MX track for more than 2 laps!
Hell,at this point I want nothing to do with a 4T 450 .Currently on a 350 and the fun has returned!
48 y/o and loving them all, 2 stroke and 4 so the answer is YES.

2000 CR500 at Glen Helen



1985 CR250..Yes that's a holeshot over a Maico 490..haha




450 at REM





Radical
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Radical 7/12/2017 3:08pm
7/12/2017 3:08pm
I'm 55 and have only ridden only 125's my entire adult life.
I'll be racing again soon and am close the best shape of my life (mountain biking hills, and lifting weights).
I continue to get faster, and hope and expect to win soon on the 125. Then I'll move up.

I'm racing 45+, and 250F beginner.

I've ridden the 4T's and while I'm immediately faster on the 250F, it's not what I want to do.
I like the way a 125 makes me ride, all out, hitting every gear on time, and choosing lines wisely.

I'm not that fast yet, but expect to be soon.

I think electric street bikes are sexy, but I'm not a fan for moto. There's something raw about motocross that the electrics just don't satisfy.
nolookpass
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nolookpass 7/12/2017 3:59pm
7/12/2017 3:59pm
I'm about 40, so not like "old man" vet status yet (though sometimes I feel like it), but I would be riding mx regardless if it was 2t or 4t.
PRM31
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PRM31 7/12/2017 4:24pm
7/12/2017 4:24pm
50 and riding an RM 144. I found the 4t to suck the fun out. Like navigating a Chevy Tahoe around an auto cross course.
Now the change to tracks with lots of make it or break jumps, that's another story.
mxislife17
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mxislife17 7/12/2017 4:44pm
7/12/2017 4:44pm
My pops just turned 65 and still rides his 2 strokes.




731chopper
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731chopper 7/12/2017 4:56pm
7/12/2017 4:56pm
TJMX947 wrote:
I'm in the same boat as you my friend. My son is almost 2 years old and my wife's biggest fear is that he will follow...
I'm in the same boat as you my friend. My son is almost 2 years old and my wife's biggest fear is that he will follow in dad's footsteps. A kid got killed at my local track a couple of years ago and I honestly couldn't live with myself if my son got seriously injured because I introduced him to the sport. We've made the decision that we are going to do our best to shelter him from motocross and really try to push him in a different direction.

As far as jumps go they didn't bother me in my 20s (circa 2005). It seems the tracks were still built with two stroke mentality back then and to me the jumps were just easier on the four strokes. I watch a ton of old nationals from the 90s and it seems the jumps weren't very big at all by today's standards. Fast forward to now and you've got kids on 250Fs in the C class throwing whips over every jump on the track. I honestly just try to keep my ego in check and stay safe out there.

I ride a KTM350 SXF coming off a 450 and although the nostalgia of the two stroke is awesome and I would love to have a garage piece YZ250 at some point, I know from experience that two strokes are a lot more sketchy for the average person to ride. I picked up a 2008 YZ250 about 5 years ago and it was fun but I felt so unsafe jumping it. I went back to a 450 then eventually a 350. Hell I might work myself back to a 250F before its all said and done.
I know of several people who lost their life on the track around here and several more who will never walk again. That weighs on all of us that have been around the sport long enough. The sport is inherently dangerous, even without jumps people will get hurt and that risk is part of the adrenaline rush that we get hooked on. However, there is a point where the risk outweighs the reward and I think amateur motocross let that get way out of balance on the risk side.

I stopped racing over a decade ago when I went to school and what revitalized my racing again for me was vintage motocross, We have an awesome group of people in my area with TVRC where they have classes for bikes from the early 70s all the way through the last generation of two strokes from the big 4. I ride well within my ability, don't jump any triples because I don't need to and have a hell of a lot of fun. I've raced a couple AHRMA nationals and those are just as fun. For anyone reading this and thinking they'd love to race again but don't want the risk of modern motocross, I highly encourage you to look into your local vintage scene.

Oh and on a side note I rode my old man's factory edition 250f ktm the other day when my 125 was having issues and it was a reminder how easy four strokes are. I hadn't ridden one in a couple of years. There is no doubt that I could turn much quicker laps around the track with much less effort than my early 2000 two strokes but it just wasn't the same. The two strokes have more soul and are more rewarding to master for me.
inthebadboycorner 7/12/2017 5:19pm
7/12/2017 5:19pm
motogrady wrote:

It's got nothing to do with the 2 or 4 stroke thing.

It's the stupid fucking man made jumps that keep a lot away.
TeamGreen wrote:
2 words: Vet Track.

Works for me!
Not every facility has a Vet track, unfortunatly!
KurtJ99
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KurtJ99 7/12/2017 5:51pm
7/12/2017 5:51pm
I don't think 4T/2T has anything to do with it because you can still get both, though not as broad a selection.
Most of the older guys don't necessarily upgrade year/year so it's not a big deal to get the latest bike. You have the time to get the suspension or engine done as you see fit.

IceMan446
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IceMan446 7/12/2017 6:31pm
7/12/2017 6:31pm
jeffro503 wrote:
I do totally get why some older guys wouldn't want to be on the 2 strokes. They " can " be a handful I guess on...
I do totally get why some older guys wouldn't want to be on the 2 strokes. They " can " be a handful I guess on some tracks. The 250F's are definitely a very popular Vet bike , and for good reason.

I'm 49 now and will be 50 this coming January. I have a Husky 125 ( 2017 ) , which is my first tiddler bike in 30 years , and it has been a blast re-learning how to ride one. I totally believe it's re-teching me certain things I have forgot all about. Now my 2006 RM 250.....it really depends on the track. If it's hard packed , blue grooved with big knarly ruts every where....it can be a handful at times. BUT....on good , moist dirt days , on a good track layout where I can open her up and let er' rip.......there isn't a bike on planet earth I would rather ride.

With all that being said......Come later this summer / fall ( or possibly spring ) , I will be getting another Husky. I'm not sure exactly which one I'll get as of right now. Either a TC 250 , or a FC 250. I plan on running quite a few OTMX rounds when I can.....but I need a bike that will let me finish 5 X 25 min motos.

I already have my RM 250 2 stroke , so I'm not sure I'll want another one. But dang it , I love the 125 Husky so much , I'd really like to have the 250 version of that bike.

Side note : I'm done with 450's as well. I just simply can't put in a hard 25 minute moto on those any more , and don't want that type of power under me when I'm tired.
Jeffro...the Husky 350 is the perfect bike man. I ride the 30+ class and race guys on 450s and it has enough top end to keep up with them but i can ride it like a small bike. Doesn't rip my arms out of my shoulders and I feel like I can ride and ride and ride without getting tired.

Coming from a Yamaha 250f, which was a great bike, I feel so much better on the 350 and it isn't scary fast like 450s are and I have more then enough power to jump everything and get good starts. I can ride in 3rd to 4th gear every where and its so easy to corner and with electric start I was sold!! lol

I love the two strokes so this isn't a hate fest on them. I just couldn't believe how good the 350 was until I rode one.

Pit Row

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SmokinJoe439 7/12/2017 6:44pm
7/12/2017 6:44pm
I raced the old timers national at washougal this past weekend. It was a pretty even mix of the two out there.
yak651
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yak651 7/12/2017 7:04pm
7/12/2017 7:04pm
I'm 45 and have a 250f and a 125. Haven't riden my 125 for about a month but took it out tonight and had a blast. Highly recommend both if possible!

Riding the 250f....




SwingHard
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SwingHard 7/12/2017 7:26pm
7/12/2017 7:26pm
jeffro503 wrote:
I do totally get why some older guys wouldn't want to be on the 2 strokes. They " can " be a handful I guess on...
I do totally get why some older guys wouldn't want to be on the 2 strokes. They " can " be a handful I guess on some tracks. The 250F's are definitely a very popular Vet bike , and for good reason.

I'm 49 now and will be 50 this coming January. I have a Husky 125 ( 2017 ) , which is my first tiddler bike in 30 years , and it has been a blast re-learning how to ride one. I totally believe it's re-teching me certain things I have forgot all about. Now my 2006 RM 250.....it really depends on the track. If it's hard packed , blue grooved with big knarly ruts every where....it can be a handful at times. BUT....on good , moist dirt days , on a good track layout where I can open her up and let er' rip.......there isn't a bike on planet earth I would rather ride.

With all that being said......Come later this summer / fall ( or possibly spring ) , I will be getting another Husky. I'm not sure exactly which one I'll get as of right now. Either a TC 250 , or a FC 250. I plan on running quite a few OTMX rounds when I can.....but I need a bike that will let me finish 5 X 25 min motos.

I already have my RM 250 2 stroke , so I'm not sure I'll want another one. But dang it , I love the 125 Husky so much , I'd really like to have the 250 version of that bike.

Side note : I'm done with 450's as well. I just simply can't put in a hard 25 minute moto on those any more , and don't want that type of power under me when I'm tired.
IceMan446 wrote:
Jeffro...the Husky 350 is the perfect bike man. I ride the 30+ class and race guys on 450s and it has enough top end to keep...
Jeffro...the Husky 350 is the perfect bike man. I ride the 30+ class and race guys on 450s and it has enough top end to keep up with them but i can ride it like a small bike. Doesn't rip my arms out of my shoulders and I feel like I can ride and ride and ride without getting tired.

Coming from a Yamaha 250f, which was a great bike, I feel so much better on the 350 and it isn't scary fast like 450s are and I have more then enough power to jump everything and get good starts. I can ride in 3rd to 4th gear every where and its so easy to corner and with electric start I was sold!! lol

I love the two strokes so this isn't a hate fest on them. I just couldn't believe how good the 350 was until I rode one.

This post was never intended to be a 4T vs 2T debate. I also love my 2 strokes but, I'm just not the same rider at 52 yrs.old on a 2T as I am on my 350.
Great post Iceman! My feelings exactly on the Husky 350!
NorcalVet
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NorcalVet 7/12/2017 8:29pm
7/12/2017 8:29pm
I'm 50+
I like 'em both. But I wasn't really racking up any hrs on the 450 and I would usually use it for site laps and pacing some jumps ... was having more fun on the smoker. So I sold the rmz. I think a 400 efi/ magic button would be perfect. But for now my rm isn't loosing any value.

Been spending more time w/ my ole girl-- lol
Just enjoying more family time. When it cools off in a few months ... the track/ race bug will bite








dirtnapper
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dirtnapper 7/12/2017 8:53pm
7/12/2017 8:53pm
I'm 37 years old, so not ( really ) old Tongue and I have been riding an 06 CR250 since 2010.

I've often thought about how much better I might be on a 4 stroke ( I haven't owned one since 2006 ) but then again....maybe I dont care.......

Cool
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jeffro503 7/12/2017 11:32pm
7/12/2017 11:32pm
jeffro503 wrote:
I do totally get why some older guys wouldn't want to be on the 2 strokes. They " can " be a handful I guess on...
I do totally get why some older guys wouldn't want to be on the 2 strokes. They " can " be a handful I guess on some tracks. The 250F's are definitely a very popular Vet bike , and for good reason.

I'm 49 now and will be 50 this coming January. I have a Husky 125 ( 2017 ) , which is my first tiddler bike in 30 years , and it has been a blast re-learning how to ride one. I totally believe it's re-teching me certain things I have forgot all about. Now my 2006 RM 250.....it really depends on the track. If it's hard packed , blue grooved with big knarly ruts every where....it can be a handful at times. BUT....on good , moist dirt days , on a good track layout where I can open her up and let er' rip.......there isn't a bike on planet earth I would rather ride.

With all that being said......Come later this summer / fall ( or possibly spring ) , I will be getting another Husky. I'm not sure exactly which one I'll get as of right now. Either a TC 250 , or a FC 250. I plan on running quite a few OTMX rounds when I can.....but I need a bike that will let me finish 5 X 25 min motos.

I already have my RM 250 2 stroke , so I'm not sure I'll want another one. But dang it , I love the 125 Husky so much , I'd really like to have the 250 version of that bike.

Side note : I'm done with 450's as well. I just simply can't put in a hard 25 minute moto on those any more , and don't want that type of power under me when I'm tired.
IceMan446 wrote:
Jeffro...the Husky 350 is the perfect bike man. I ride the 30+ class and race guys on 450s and it has enough top end to keep...
Jeffro...the Husky 350 is the perfect bike man. I ride the 30+ class and race guys on 450s and it has enough top end to keep up with them but i can ride it like a small bike. Doesn't rip my arms out of my shoulders and I feel like I can ride and ride and ride without getting tired.

Coming from a Yamaha 250f, which was a great bike, I feel so much better on the 350 and it isn't scary fast like 450s are and I have more then enough power to jump everything and get good starts. I can ride in 3rd to 4th gear every where and its so easy to corner and with electric start I was sold!! lol

I love the two strokes so this isn't a hate fest on them. I just couldn't believe how good the 350 was until I rode one.
SwingHard wrote:
This post was never intended to be a 4T vs 2T debate. I also love my 2 strokes but, I'm just not the same rider at...

This post was never intended to be a 4T vs 2T debate. I also love my 2 strokes but, I'm just not the same rider at 52 yrs.old on a 2T as I am on my 350.
Great post Iceman! My feelings exactly on the Husky 350!
I will say , I haven't ever had the chance to ride a 350 yet. Either Husky or KTM , but I sure would like to. I have heard the same thing from a few people , but I just haven't ever had the chance. I love my 2 strokes for sure , but I have nothing against the 4 strokes. I just couldn't man handle a 450 any more. If I get the chance to jump on a 350 , I most definitely will. Thanks for the advice you guys!
mx317
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mx317 7/13/2017 4:15am
7/13/2017 4:15am Edited Date/Time 7/13/2017 4:16am



Still ride both
mx317
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mx317 7/13/2017 4:18am
7/13/2017 4:18am Edited Date/Time 7/13/2017 4:19am


I ride this on the street. I just finished restoring it.
oldrider
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oldrider 7/13/2017 4:26am
7/13/2017 4:26am
I'm 50, racing Vet 50+ with YZ450F, if there were not no many doubles after tight turns I would love to ride 2 strokes, but as the track are designed now I get scared with a 2 strokes on those kind of jumps, expecially in the 2 half of a heat when tired.
hassbeen 7/13/2017 5:11am
7/13/2017 5:11am
731chopper wrote:
The tracks have more to do with it than the bikes. I think things are starting to change where tracks aren't building as many stupid jumps...
The tracks have more to do with it than the bikes. I think things are starting to change where tracks aren't building as many stupid jumps as they once were in general but it takes a long time for people's perspective and mindset to change. I have a lot of friends that stopped riding because of the danger and I don't think most of them are ever coming back.

I hope the sport continues to regress at the amateur level with the manmade obstacles. I have two young boys. My oldest is 3.5 and getting quite competent on his oset 12.5r. He just rides at our nearby parks and at our family's ranch. Last time he rode he asked me to build him a supercross track with jumps. He has no idea what he is asking for but it got me thinking about the future or riding and for the first time ever, question my decision to get him into moto.
TJMX947 wrote:
I'm in the same boat as you my friend. My son is almost 2 years old and my wife's biggest fear is that he will follow...
I'm in the same boat as you my friend. My son is almost 2 years old and my wife's biggest fear is that he will follow in dad's footsteps. A kid got killed at my local track a couple of years ago and I honestly couldn't live with myself if my son got seriously injured because I introduced him to the sport. We've made the decision that we are going to do our best to shelter him from motocross and really try to push him in a different direction.

As far as jumps go they didn't bother me in my 20s (circa 2005). It seems the tracks were still built with two stroke mentality back then and to me the jumps were just easier on the four strokes. I watch a ton of old nationals from the 90s and it seems the jumps weren't very big at all by today's standards. Fast forward to now and you've got kids on 250Fs in the C class throwing whips over every jump on the track. I honestly just try to keep my ego in check and stay safe out there.

I ride a KTM350 SXF coming off a 450 and although the nostalgia of the two stroke is awesome and I would love to have a garage piece YZ250 at some point, I know from experience that two strokes are a lot more sketchy for the average person to ride. I picked up a 2008 YZ250 about 5 years ago and it was fun but I felt so unsafe jumping it. I went back to a 450 then eventually a 350. Hell I might work myself back to a 250F before its all said and done.
Tracks have a lot more to do with it than the 2T vs 4T discussion. I have both 250 2T & 250 4T fun on both, but at 52 I couldn't be bothered racing killer tracks & generally only ride the easier / Natural ones.
Harry Backmon 7/13/2017 5:17am
7/13/2017 5:17am
I've been reading your comments since my initial comments, and I have to say some of you are making a strong case. I'm starting to change my mind.

Oh, I will still get the KTM 150 smoker, but I am seeing what you mean about the 4 strokes and the vets. They are easier to ride, so it does make sense.
skypig
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skypig 7/13/2017 6:44am
7/13/2017 6:44am
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My last two new MX bikes have been 250fs as that what I think I'd be fastest on, over a race. (Vets class - I can race any size bike)
Having ridden '17 model Husky 350 4t and 125 2t, I'd say a 350 is the easiest to ride MX bike ever made, and if you rev it out, it makes similar horse power to a CR500!
I'm about to buy a 125. I'll be a little slower, but I only race for fun. (I'll keep the aging, but pristine 250F, and maybe compare race/lap times. It's worthless to sell - 2008 YZ250f)

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