Would Vet riders still be riding MX if?

kkawboy14
Profile picture for user kkawboy14
Posts
11486
Joined
6/5/2015
Location
USA
kkawboy14 7/13/2017 8:39am
7/13/2017 8:39am
I run VP race fuel but I was wondering if I could add just a little 2 stroke Caster Oil just so I could at least have the smelz?
kijen
Profile picture for user kijen
Posts
1242
Joined
10/1/2010
Location
Jacksonville, FL, USA
kijen 7/13/2017 8:52am
7/13/2017 8:52am
sdmx wrote:
I think you are right that there would be fewer vet riders without 4 strokes. However, I am 49 and am still riding because I got...
I think you are right that there would be fewer vet riders without 4 strokes. However, I am 49 and am still riding because I got back on a 2 stroke and started having more fun. No 2t 500 for me. I ride a 125 and 250.
Harry Backmon wrote:
I don't agree. I have no evidence other than my own personal observations, but the 4 strokes "taking over" are the reason why A LOT of...
I don't agree. I have no evidence other than my own personal observations, but the 4 strokes "taking over" are the reason why A LOT of guys don't even bother anymore. When I first got back into it I purchased a 4 stroke. I was told, "Everyone rides them now." Turns out that wasn't true. I sold that thing within 4 months of buying it and purchased a new smoker. Been having fun ever since. I love the fact that I can rebuild any part of it with the knowledge I already have. I love that I can rebuild the top end in a few hours - taking my time - on a Saturday. Anyhow, that's my take - your mileage may vary.
Yep with the hairy dude on this, bought a 2008 yz250f, gave it to my, kid and bought a yz250. Engine braking is what bugged me about the 4 stk. Now I try my son's 450f, same problem, and the weight.... I ride for fun, and the 2 stk is easier to ride for me. I'm 54, about 15 years younger then harrySmile
Harry Backmon 7/13/2017 8:56am
7/13/2017 8:56am
kijen wrote:
Yep with the hairy dude on this, bought a 2008 yz250f, gave it to my, kid and bought a yz250. Engine braking is what bugged me...
Yep with the hairy dude on this, bought a 2008 yz250f, gave it to my, kid and bought a yz250. Engine braking is what bugged me about the 4 stk. Now I try my son's 450f, same problem, and the weight.... I ride for fun, and the 2 stk is easier to ride for me. I'm 54, about 15 years younger then harrySmile
Hahaha! Hey L, how are ya? We need to ride soon. We're moving up to Georgia and will be about 3 miles from NFMX. Hope all is well. 15 years? More like 15 months!

The Shop

See All »
ky_savage
Profile picture for user ky_savage
Posts
2786
Joined
12/4/2008
Location
Kentucky, KY, USA
ky_savage 7/13/2017 9:38am
7/13/2017 9:38am
I'll be 45 in September and I currently own a '16 KX450 and a couple older 2 strokes. A couple years ago I lost all interest in riding or racing MX. I love the sport, but lost motivation to go ride/race. I've been riding more street and offroad lately. I even converted my KX to street.
OW38B
Profile picture for user OW38B
Posts
3619
Joined
8/17/2006
Location
Coto de Caza, CA, USA
OW38B 7/13/2017 9:41am
7/13/2017 9:41am
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.
For sure the OTHG was rockin' back in those days, we had quite a few years with 600 to 700 members in the club and had many races with over 300 riders on a race day.

Not too shabby for a "membership ran" Vet MX club. Cool

KirkChandler
Profile picture for user KirkChandler
Posts
1678
Joined
7/31/2015
Location
Oceanside, CA, USA
KirkChandler 7/13/2017 11:17am
7/13/2017 11:17am
OW38B wrote:
For sure the OTHG was rockin' back in those days, we had quite a few years with 600 to 700 members in the club and had...
For sure the OTHG was rockin' back in those days, we had quite a few years with 600 to 700 members in the club and had many races with over 300 riders on a race day.

Not too shabby for a "membership ran" Vet MX club. Cool

I was a kid racing the 80 or 125 classes, and I hated the days the OTHG showed up to Carlsbad and mixed in with our normal REM crowd, the day got so long because of the extra motos. lol

My Dad liked it though. More guys for him to battle with.
FreshTopEnd
Profile picture for user FreshTopEnd
Posts
13361
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Sacramento, CA, USA
FreshTopEnd 7/13/2017 2:53pm
7/13/2017 2:53pm
kkawboy14 wrote:
I run VP race fuel but I was wondering if I could add just a little 2 stroke Caster Oil just so I could at least...
I run VP race fuel but I was wondering if I could add just a little 2 stroke Caster Oil just so I could at least have the smelz?
Folks used to do that regularly with old Beezers and Triumphs, just enough Castrol R to be fragrant! Speedway Jawas. too.

Not to mention lawnmowers....
kkawboy14
Profile picture for user kkawboy14
Posts
11486
Joined
6/5/2015
Location
USA
kkawboy14 7/13/2017 2:57pm
7/13/2017 2:57pm
kkawboy14 wrote:
I run VP race fuel but I was wondering if I could add just a little 2 stroke Caster Oil just so I could at least...
I run VP race fuel but I was wondering if I could add just a little 2 stroke Caster Oil just so I could at least have the smelz?
FreshTopEnd wrote:
Folks used to do that regularly with old Beezers and Triumphs, just enough Castrol R to be fragrant! Speedway Jawas. too.

Not to mention lawnmowers....
Ok I'm gonna try it! Smile
OW38B
Profile picture for user OW38B
Posts
3619
Joined
8/17/2006
Location
Coto de Caza, CA, USA
OW38B 7/13/2017 11:06pm
7/13/2017 11:06pm
OW38B wrote:
For sure the OTHG was rockin' back in those days, we had quite a few years with 600 to 700 members in the club and had...
For sure the OTHG was rockin' back in those days, we had quite a few years with 600 to 700 members in the club and had many races with over 300 riders on a race day.

Not too shabby for a "membership ran" Vet MX club. Cool

KirkChandler wrote:
I was a kid racing the 80 or 125 classes, and I hated the days the OTHG showed up to Carlsbad and mixed in with our...
I was a kid racing the 80 or 125 classes, and I hated the days the OTHG showed up to Carlsbad and mixed in with our normal REM crowd, the day got so long because of the extra motos. lol

My Dad liked it though. More guys for him to battle with.
Absolutely Carlsbad was fun. Did your dad ever get to race this with the OTHG?




It was the social highlight of the year for Vet MX racing.
KirkChandler
Profile picture for user KirkChandler
Posts
1678
Joined
7/31/2015
Location
Oceanside, CA, USA
KirkChandler 7/13/2017 11:41pm
7/13/2017 11:41pm
OW38B wrote:
Absolutely Carlsbad was fun. Did your dad ever get to race this with the OTHG? [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2017/07/13/204750/s1200_Mamlogo_clean.jpg[/img] It was the social highlight of the year for Vet...
Absolutely Carlsbad was fun. Did your dad ever get to race this with the OTHG?




It was the social highlight of the year for Vet MX racing.
He raced it several years on the OTHG weekend before the current format.
Johnny89superbike 7/14/2017 3:23am
7/14/2017 3:23am Edited Date/Time 7/14/2017 3:24am
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.
Yep l agree :-) l am 57, I ride an '84 CR500 and 2011 RMZ450, love them both, l prefer to ride the CR on sand tracks though :-)
PRM31
Profile picture for user PRM31
Posts
3879
Joined
8/7/2009
Location
Northern, VA, USA
Fantasy
1264th
PRM31 7/14/2017 3:36am
7/14/2017 3:36am
I don't think the 4ts are necessarily easier to ride. Easier to keep in power, yes. However, they are heavier, and feel much heavier when riding. I know after a few laps on a rough track like Budds Creek I'm definitely feeling better on the 2t.
Xracer
Profile picture for user Xracer
Posts
529
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
Xracer 7/14/2017 4:37am
7/14/2017 4:37am
Yes to the OP. In the early 2000's, in my mid-30's, with 3 kids and after being spat off my CR250's and injured most summers for the previous 20 years, I sold the bikes and hung up the boots. I just couldn't afford to be hurt anymore - it was selfish. Then in 03' I went out to the track to watch some friends ride and one of them talked me into taking a spin on his then-new YZ250F. After a few laps I declared that the bike was nearly crash-proof as it was so forgiving and calm to ride. The next weekend I also had a new 03' YZ250F and I've had a new one every few years since. 50 now and zero injuries in over 15 years, and with the kids grown up, we probably ride more now than we ever did. As everyday bikes, the 2-strokes and even the 450's have fallen away for all of us. We all have old 2-stroke bikes that we take take out once in a while for nostalgia's sake, but the bulk of the time is spent on 250F's and as of right now, there's no end in sight. I think the 70+ class is going to be pretty interesting in the future, as a lot of these old dudes are still flying in their 50's.
Swann
Profile picture for user Swann
Posts
314
Joined
4/19/2017
Location
Phoenix, AZ, USA
Swann 7/14/2017 9:22am
7/14/2017 9:22am Edited Date/Time 7/14/2017 9:22am
I predict a lot of the "vet" racers in the future will be riding maintenance-free, high performance electric bikes that can be "tuned" to have characteristics similar to that of a 2 stroke or 4 stroke.
calbr
Profile picture for user calbr
Posts
32
Joined
9/25/2016
Location
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
calbr 7/14/2017 1:50pm
7/14/2017 1:50pm
Swann wrote:
I predict a lot of the "vet" racers in the future will be riding maintenance-free, high performance electric bikes that can be "tuned" to have characteristics...
I predict a lot of the "vet" racers in the future will be riding maintenance-free, high performance electric bikes that can be "tuned" to have characteristics similar to that of a 2 stroke or 4 stroke.
I disagree..Vet racers have soul, that of which is soothed by the smell of exhaust and high revving motors. There is also a lot of satisfaction and therapy involved in the art of fine tuning your machine and connecting with it. Take that away and I'd rather ride my mountain bike.
bvm111
Profile picture for user bvm111
Posts
10188
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
bvm111 7/14/2017 2:27pm
7/14/2017 2:27pm
Yes.... because I'm not a pansy!
dedi684
Profile picture for user dedi684
Posts
1389
Joined
8/21/2009
Location
Ravena, NY, USA
dedi684 7/14/2017 2:42pm
7/14/2017 2:42pm Edited Date/Time 7/14/2017 2:53pm
Rode some of The new ktms today at Southwick. 350 was my favorite and I'm a 2 stroke guy.

150 was fun but had to shift more.

Pit Row

See All »
Brent
Profile picture for user Brent
Posts
5905
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Temecula, CA, USA
Brent 7/14/2017 5:32pm
7/14/2017 5:32pm
You don't get old until you stop riding, Two strokes or Four, Moto is Moto. I'm in till my body gives out.

riding a 450 forces you to be in better shape so you don't kill yourself - I'm 54 and I train harder now than I did at 20.

Plus, riding a dirt bike at my age gets me tons of attention from the hot GILFS at work.Woohoo

Fuck golf, this is a sport for real men.


Radical
Profile picture for user Radical
Posts
2947
Joined
10/20/2012
Location
San Diego, CA, USA
Radical 7/14/2017 5:34pm
7/14/2017 5:34pm Edited Date/Time 7/14/2017 5:34pm
Swann wrote:
I predict a lot of the "vet" racers in the future will be riding maintenance-free, high performance electric bikes that can be "tuned" to have characteristics...
I predict a lot of the "vet" racers in the future will be riding maintenance-free, high performance electric bikes that can be "tuned" to have characteristics similar to that of a 2 stroke or 4 stroke.
calbr wrote:
I disagree..Vet racers have soul, that of which is soothed by the smell of exhaust and high revving motors. There is also a lot of satisfaction...
I disagree..Vet racers have soul, that of which is soothed by the smell of exhaust and high revving motors. There is also a lot of satisfaction and therapy involved in the art of fine tuning your machine and connecting with it. Take that away and I'd rather ride my mountain bike.
I agree 1000%!
I live my life pretty environmentally friendly, but I will burn petrol until it's no longer available (unless I can figure out how to make my own).

I'll most likely still be riding a 125.
al711
Profile picture for user al711
Posts
147
Joined
1/5/2013
Location
Athens, AL, USA
al711 7/14/2017 7:52pm
7/14/2017 7:52pm
I'm 51 and here is a picture of me blowing up a berm at MX56 in south Alabama on a 2001 RM 250.
I quit racing moto last year and have been racing secca series hare scrambles and having a blast.

ruy
Profile picture for user ruy
Posts
4091
Joined
4/26/2009
Location
España, ES
ruy 7/14/2017 8:30pm
7/14/2017 8:30pm Edited Date/Time 7/14/2017 8:32pm
I am 50 years old, I did my last race 4 months ago, I was second in veterans, the first was 38 years old, but maybe I will not run more races, because I have more fun training and I get tired less, but hey I always say and I always race again,I have two 2T, one 250 and another 300 and a 4T 450, I like them all, 125, 250F, but I can not have All, according to the track I use one or the other,normally the 300 or the 450, the 250 I use more for enduro. I have tried the KTM electric and I think that when next year arrived the ALTA to Spain maybe I buy one and if I like a lot, I sell the gasoline bikes, the 450 I do not think, because people do not pay it and I will not give it as if it were a gift, also when it is a fast circuit is incredible speed with this 450, and yes also because I have the red plate in the 450 Lol




captmoto
Profile picture for user captmoto
Posts
5918
Joined
4/22/2009
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA
captmoto 7/14/2017 9:20pm
7/14/2017 9:20pm
Vet riders? 30+? I'm 60, what do you think was available 30 years ago, 20 years ago?
jeffro503
Profile picture for user jeffro503
Posts
27651
Joined
7/22/2007
Location
St Helens, OR, USA
jeffro503 7/15/2017 7:46am
7/15/2017 7:46am
2 strokin' it today. Loaded up and heading out. Testing the new Scalvini and FMF powercore 2.1. Braapp!!

theinternetkid 7/15/2017 7:59am
7/15/2017 7:59am
NeedMoto wrote:
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...
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



You've got the best attitude in this thread, rock on.
SwingHard
Profile picture for user SwingHard
Posts
482
Joined
3/14/2017
Location
Sacramento, CA, USA
SwingHard 7/15/2017 11:32am
7/15/2017 11:32am
jeffro503 wrote:
2 strokin' it today. Loaded up and heading out. Testing the new Scalvini and FMF powercore 2.1. Braapp!! [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2017/07/15/204934/s1200_20170715_074333.jpg[/img]
2 strokin' it today. Loaded up and heading out. Testing the new Scalvini and FMF powercore 2.1. Braapp!!

That is a sweet machine Jeffro! Sounds like your in the PNW? I'll be in Oregon in August. We should get together and spin some laps! You can try out my 350!

kkawboy14
Profile picture for user kkawboy14
Posts
11486
Joined
6/5/2015
Location
USA
kkawboy14 7/15/2017 11:38am
7/15/2017 11:38am
Swann wrote:
I predict a lot of the "vet" racers in the future will be riding maintenance-free, high performance electric bikes that can be "tuned" to have characteristics...
I predict a lot of the "vet" racers in the future will be riding maintenance-free, high performance electric bikes that can be "tuned" to have characteristics similar to that of a 2 stroke or 4 stroke.
calbr wrote:
I disagree..Vet racers have soul, that of which is soothed by the smell of exhaust and high revving motors. There is also a lot of satisfaction...
I disagree..Vet racers have soul, that of which is soothed by the smell of exhaust and high revving motors. There is also a lot of satisfaction and therapy involved in the art of fine tuning your machine and connecting with it. Take that away and I'd rather ride my mountain bike.
No smelz and sounds? I would change sports and go back to flying Ultralights
PFitzG38
Profile picture for user PFitzG38
Posts
1743
Joined
11/6/2009
Location
Newport Beach, CA, USA
PFitzG38 7/15/2017 3:29pm
7/15/2017 3:29pm
4 strokes are the reason I'm riding after a 20 yr lay off due to a broken neck in 83. When Yam came out with their 4stroke, I figured it'd be just like a big XR-75. As soon as I rode one I knew what I had to do. Since I had never raced Mammoth prior to breaking my neck. I asked if i could take it to Mammoth and race it. My friend let me race it for new graphics, a seat cover and a DR.D hot start cable. That was in 2004, I pulled a holiein my main and faded like a cheap suit but I had a new goal! I've been going back to Mammoth every year since until I finally won my class and got my bear in 2013. My only regret is the 20 years I took off because of fear of crashing again. IMHO Why would someone want to race a 2 stroke if there was a 4 stroke available? LONG LIVE THUMPERS
PFitzG38
Profile picture for user PFitzG38
Posts
1743
Joined
11/6/2009
Location
Newport Beach, CA, USA
PFitzG38 7/15/2017 3:39pm
7/15/2017 3:39pm
Brent wrote:
You don't get old until you stop riding, Two strokes or Four, Moto is Moto. I'm in till my body gives out. riding a 450 forces...
You don't get old until you stop riding, Two strokes or Four, Moto is Moto. I'm in till my body gives out.

riding a 450 forces you to be in better shape so you don't kill yourself - I'm 54 and I train harder now than I did at 20.

Plus, riding a dirt bike at my age gets me tons of attention from the hot GILFS at work.Woohoo

Fuck golf, this is a sport for real men.


Amen. I'm your age, and agree with everything you said! I'm clearing jumps I would never have considered as a 20 yr old pro. Until I separated my shoulder 2 months ago I was in the best shape of my life. Now I'm just a skinny little bitch with a frozen shoulder and zero endurance. But I'll be back!!

Motocross keeps me healthy and feeling young..................except when it doesn't!
PFitzG38
Profile picture for user PFitzG38
Posts
1743
Joined
11/6/2009
Location
Newport Beach, CA, USA
PFitzG38 7/15/2017 3:51pm
7/15/2017 3:51pm
Harry Backmon wrote:
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...
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.
Thats what I thought when I first rode one, easier to ride; and for me it was, at least after getting them started. that was a whole nother thing. part of the allure for me was the sense of pride you felt after doing a top end job and going out and pulling a holie on it. Anyone can rebuild a 2 stroke, you don't even need a feeler gauge! What fun is that?
I almost like working on my bikes as much and I like riding them. I came from a one parent family and had to do my own work if i wanted to ride. Jeff Wards dad Jack and Harry from Harry Cycle Sales walked me through my first XR75 rebuild over the phone. I wasn't pulling any holeshots on that since the YZ80's had just dethroned the XR as the bike to have in the minis - but I learned about cams, valve lash, TDC and how to time points.

Post a reply to: Would Vet riders still be riding MX if?