Kailub Russell to Yamaha

Johnny Ringo
Posts
8220
Joined
1/11/2016
Location
Tombstone, AZ, USA
12/6/2024 8:33am

In most XC racing, but GNCC is so open and fast that a 450 definitely makes a difference. 

LungButter wrote:
I don't totally disagree with you but Toth and Davis winning multiple overalls this year does kinda discredit that some.Also worth noting that KR won all...

I don't totally disagree with you but Toth and Davis winning multiple overalls this year does kinda discredit that some.

Also worth noting that KR won all his titles on the 350 and I believe the current KTM XC1 guys are on 350s too.

That said, I do think to do battle with guys like Stu and Johnny you definitely don't wanna be at a horsepower disadvantage and somebody like KR is obviously gonna be fit enough that a 450 shouldn't wear him out like it does us mere mortals.

Dante was on a 350 in his win this year too

2
LungButter
Posts
8684
Joined
1/9/2016
Location
Yellow Pine, ID, USA
12/6/2024 8:39am

It could also come down to Yamaha wanting the XC1 guys on 450s, they already pay guys to ride the 250 in XC2.  

They need to market the 450 as a viable option for off road too.

Side note...kinda related.... it was interesting to hear Cody Webb say that he will definitely be putting a big bore on his 250f for Endurocross.

1
sam hain
Posts
1178
Joined
11/8/2011
Location
USA
12/6/2024 10:41am

I agree with some of what other's have mentioned here in that I don't think Yamaha signing Kailub has anything to do with developing a 350 off-road bike. I think its more cut and dry that what us fans would like to believe. KTM is cutting every corner they can on spending and they no longer wanted to pay him to train their guys AND he wanted to come back and race full time again and they just didn't have a spot for him so he went shopping. 

4
LungButter
Posts
8684
Joined
1/9/2016
Location
Yellow Pine, ID, USA
12/6/2024 10:49am
sam hain wrote:
I agree with some of what other's have mentioned here in that I don't think Yamaha signing Kailub has anything to do with developing a 350...

I agree with some of what other's have mentioned here in that I don't think Yamaha signing Kailub has anything to do with developing a 350 off-road bike. I think its more cut and dry that what us fans would like to believe. KTM is cutting every corner they can on spending and they no longer wanted to pay him to train their guys AND he wanted to come back and race full time again and they just didn't have a spot for him so he went shopping. 

It would kinda make sense too that a guy like KR making a comeback after several years would be interested in something "fresh".  Racing for KTM again would just be the same ol' thing that led to him getting burned out and retiring, going to Yamaha is new and exciting.  Might give him a little more drive to come back and kick ass.

5

The Shop

soggy
Posts
8754
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
USA
12/6/2024 7:53pm
DB505 wrote:

Maybe! But in my opinion XC racing isn’t about horse power, it’s about keeping your momentum up !  But I’m shure he knows what he wants! 

EAmato88 wrote:

At his level HP is definitely a deciding factor. If you think KR could go head to head against JG 250 vs 450, youre nuts

The XC2 guys have been steadily creeping into the top 3 overall. Josh Toth took an overall this year on a Honda CRF250RX. https://racerxonline.com/2024/03/11/josh-toth-makes-history-with-gncc-overall-win-from-xc2-250-class Let's not forget...

The XC2 guys have been steadily creeping into the top 3 overall. Josh Toth took an overall this year on a Honda CRF250RX. https://racerxonline.com/2024/03/11/josh-toth-makes-history-with-gncc-o…;

Let's not forget the enigma Shane Watts, although going back a few years, really drove the point home that it's more about the rider. "I rode five different models on the way to that GNCC title – the 125, 200, 250, 300 and 380cc two-strokes, and the 400cc four-stroke. The 520EXC was the only model I didn’t win on in 2000"

Shane watts is goated. I saw him when he raced southwick in 2000 (I think). He may have failed to qualify I can’t remember but he was just there pitting out of his van nothing around him. Hardly anyone knew who he was. Might have been the only one to ask for his autograph that weekend. Haha

He spends time in Utah now and I’d see him at the track every once in a while one a box stock 150 xc-w shredding the track.

6
12/7/2024 7:17am
EAmato88 wrote:

At his level HP is definitely a deciding factor. If you think KR could go head to head against JG 250 vs 450, youre nuts

The XC2 guys have been steadily creeping into the top 3 overall. Josh Toth took an overall this year on a Honda CRF250RX. https://racerxonline.com/2024/03/11/josh-toth-makes-history-with-gncc-overall-win-from-xc2-250-class Let's not forget...

The XC2 guys have been steadily creeping into the top 3 overall. Josh Toth took an overall this year on a Honda CRF250RX. https://racerxonline.com/2024/03/11/josh-toth-makes-history-with-gncc-o…;

Let's not forget the enigma Shane Watts, although going back a few years, really drove the point home that it's more about the rider. "I rode five different models on the way to that GNCC title – the 125, 200, 250, 300 and 380cc two-strokes, and the 400cc four-stroke. The 520EXC was the only model I didn’t win on in 2000"

soggy wrote:
Shane watts is goated. I saw him when he raced southwick in 2000 (I think). He may have failed to qualify I can’t remember but he...

Shane watts is goated. I saw him when he raced southwick in 2000 (I think). He may have failed to qualify I can’t remember but he was just there pitting out of his van nothing around him. Hardly anyone knew who he was. Might have been the only one to ask for his autograph that weekend. Haha

He spends time in Utah now and I’d see him at the track every once in a while one a box stock 150 xc-w shredding the track.

That's amazing. The guy really had (has) a talent on the small bore stuff. Great to hear he is still riding.

2
Coach529
Posts
404
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Coeur d'Alene, ID, USA
12/11/2024 7:59am

The interview on Pulp was a bit wierd. Seemed like there was a lot left unsaid.

5
12/11/2024 8:43am
Coach529 wrote:

The interview on Pulp was a bit wierd. Seemed like there was a lot left unsaid.

Kind of a tough listen. Everyone asked almost the same question and all of his answers were long winded with little value... KR could use some time with AC😂

I know I'm being a bit critical but I was hoping he would go a little deeper. Rooting for him to kick some ass on the Yamadog

 

5
12/11/2024 10:25am
LungButter wrote:
He mentioned in the podcast with Max Gerston that there was some change over in staff at Sherco the last year that he wasn't too pumped...

He mentioned in the podcast with Max Gerston that there was some change over in staff at Sherco the last year that he wasn't too pumped on either.

Rumor is that Will Riordan is taking the Sherco seat.

Will will be on Sherco for 2025

2
12/11/2024 10:27am

I love Offroad stuff but man his podcast is a tough listen 

 

And absolutely full of misinformation

3
12/11/2024 10:32am
LungButter wrote:
Are we certain Ben Kelley is coming back?  I could see him getting caught up in the budget cuts and KTM just rolling with Johnny in...

Are we certain Ben Kelley is coming back?  

I could see him getting caught up in the budget cuts and KTM just rolling with Johnny in XC1.

I also wonder if Bollinger, Delong and Ashburn are looking for new homes?

Ben Kelley is signed through 2026, Craig will also remain with husky, Bollinger will be a privateer on a kawi, and Jordan Ashburn will still be on a GasGas but Coastal GasGas will now be Lander$ GasGas

2
12/11/2024 11:06am
Coach529 wrote:

The interview on Pulp was a bit wierd. Seemed like there was a lot left unsaid.

Kind of a tough listen. Everyone asked almost the same question and all of his answers were long winded with little value... KR could use some...

Kind of a tough listen. Everyone asked almost the same question and all of his answers were long winded with little value... KR could use some time with AC😂

I know I'm being a bit critical but I was hoping he would go a little deeper. Rooting for him to kick some ass on the Yamadog

 

It was very awkard, I kept thinking like why did you even come on here if you didn't want to speak on anything lol. Or why even bring up all of the "its such a long story" if you can't mention a single detail on it really. Kind of just seemed forced and awkard on his part. 

9
BoxcarWilly
Posts
1180
Joined
10/5/2023
Location
Thunder Bay, ON, CA
12/11/2024 5:13pm

I get the feeling like he thinks all of the competition are pussies. 

7
12/11/2024 5:27pm

Either I missed it but did he say if he had a choice to remain with KTM, Sipes just posted he was no longer with the group 

BoxcarWilly
Posts
1180
Joined
10/5/2023
Location
Thunder Bay, ON, CA
12/11/2024 5:32pm
Swarty89 wrote:
Either I missed it but did he say if he had a choice to remain with KTM, Sipes just posted he was no longer with the...

Either I missed it but did he say if he had a choice to remain with KTM, Sipes just posted he was no longer with the group 

He mentioned briefly that he had an offer that didn’t work for him. 

LungButter
Posts
8684
Joined
1/9/2016
Location
Yellow Pine, ID, USA
12/11/2024 5:41pm
Swarty89 wrote:
Either I missed it but did he say if he had a choice to remain with KTM, Sipes just posted he was no longer with the...

Either I missed it but did he say if he had a choice to remain with KTM, Sipes just posted he was no longer with the group 

Is Sipes gonna be Team Manager for Baylors Team? 

1
NicNak
Posts
1063
Joined
2/18/2019
Location
Palm Desert, CA, USA
12/11/2024 6:24pm

After watching his vlog & listening to him on pulp I can definitely say I’m not rooting for him to win 😂

1
3
sh274s
Posts
42
Joined
12/10/2024
Location
San Jose, CA, USA
12/11/2024 8:02pm

Unpopular opinion: KR557 is kind of a douchebag. Came off very cocky and arrogant. 

9
4
BoxcarWilly
Posts
1180
Joined
10/5/2023
Location
Thunder Bay, ON, CA
12/11/2024 9:55pm
sh274s wrote:

Unpopular opinion: KR557 is kind of a douchebag. Came off very cocky and arrogant. 

I wasn’t a big fan of the attitude either, but if he comes back and wins by 3 minutes…

t_baum88
Posts
221
Joined
1/29/2019
Location
Decatur, GA, USA
12/12/2024 5:18am
sh274s wrote:

Unpopular opinion: KR557 is kind of a douchebag. Came off very cocky and arrogant. 

I’d say his personality naturally gives that vibe and it’s easy to misconstrue if you want to. In reality the guy is just a dude that just really wants to fucking win. Reminds me of RC. 

Go up to him at a gncc randomly and he’d most likely turn you in to a fan.


 

7
1
AMetts
Posts
1179
Joined
6/15/2022
Location
Lincolnton, NC, USA
12/12/2024 7:34am
Swarty89 wrote:
Either I missed it but did he say if he had a choice to remain with KTM, Sipes just posted he was no longer with the...

Either I missed it but did he say if he had a choice to remain with KTM, Sipes just posted he was no longer with the group 

LungButter wrote:

Is Sipes gonna be Team Manager for Baylors Team? 

Yes, team manager also Grant Baylor will be on the team this year. 

3
SPYGUY
Posts
2169
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
USA
12/12/2024 1:27pm
Swarty89 wrote:
Either I missed it but did he say if he had a choice to remain with KTM, Sipes just posted he was no longer with the...

Either I missed it but did he say if he had a choice to remain with KTM, Sipes just posted he was no longer with the group 

I haven't listened to his Pulp Show interview but on one of his other recent interviews he said that KTM gave him the option to race but he'd have to continue to be the trainer for the other guys. He said he wasn't willing to do that because if he raced again, he wanted to be all in.

2
TAUTOG
Posts
1660
Joined
1/27/2023
Location
Mohrsville, PA, USA
12/12/2024 1:44pm
LungButter wrote:
It could also come down to Yamaha wanting the XC1 guys on 450s, they already pay guys to ride the 250 in XC2.  They need to...

It could also come down to Yamaha wanting the XC1 guys on 450s, they already pay guys to ride the 250 in XC2.  

They need to market the 450 as a viable option for off road too.

Side note...kinda related.... it was interesting to hear Cody Webb say that he will definitely be putting a big bore on his 250f for Endurocross.

All the videos and pic's and insta stuff show him on a 450. At least what I can see. Was the 250 thing just a rumor? 

kopfjaeger
Posts
984
Joined
3/9/2008
Location
Panther City, TX, USA
12/13/2024 9:34am
EAmato88 wrote:

At his level HP is definitely a deciding factor. If you think KR could go head to head against JG 250 vs 450, youre nuts

The XC2 guys have been steadily creeping into the top 3 overall. Josh Toth took an overall this year on a Honda CRF250RX. https://racerxonline.com/2024/03/11/josh-toth-makes-history-with-gncc-overall-win-from-xc2-250-class Let's not forget...

The XC2 guys have been steadily creeping into the top 3 overall. Josh Toth took an overall this year on a Honda CRF250RX. https://racerxonline.com/2024/03/11/josh-toth-makes-history-with-gncc-o…;

Let's not forget the enigma Shane Watts, although going back a few years, really drove the point home that it's more about the rider. "I rode five different models on the way to that GNCC title – the 125, 200, 250, 300 and 380cc two-strokes, and the 400cc four-stroke. The 520EXC was the only model I didn’t win on in 2000"

soggy wrote:
Shane watts is goated. I saw him when he raced southwick in 2000 (I think). He may have failed to qualify I can’t remember but he...

Shane watts is goated. I saw him when he raced southwick in 2000 (I think). He may have failed to qualify I can’t remember but he was just there pitting out of his van nothing around him. Hardly anyone knew who he was. Might have been the only one to ask for his autograph that weekend. Haha

He spends time in Utah now and I’d see him at the track every once in a while one a box stock 150 xc-w shredding the track.

If Wattsy wver has a Dirtwise school nearby, I suggest you attend. No matter your skill level. The drills he does with you over 2 days will elevate your game! Myself and both of my boys have taken the course. Debating doing it again if he is in the area again!

2
smedley43
Posts
4
Joined
3/26/2020
Location
East Providence, RI, USA
12/14/2024 11:03am Edited Date/Time 12/14/2024 11:05am

Jeff Russell 2I haven't seen anything posted on this feed (or any other in the form) but nobody is even mentioning that his father raced for Yamaha on the National Enduro circuit in 1990 as I was doing the reporting on the east coast rounds for Cycle News, the Racing Paper as well as the magazines back then. I think he was a factory rider as I remember he had a factory Yamaha  box van and mechanic, if my memory is correct. So it's basically full circle for Kailub...a generation removed!   

5
smedley43
Posts
4
Joined
3/26/2020
Location
East Providence, RI, USA
12/14/2024 11:10am

Here's a pic I shot at the start of the Rhody National that year of Jeff....Jeff Russell 2 0

6
JRCII
Posts
105
Joined
10/5/2006
Location
Meriden, CT, USA
12/15/2024 2:26pm
smedley43 wrote:
Here's a pic I shot at the start of the Rhody National that year of Jeff....

Here's a pic I shot at the start of the Rhody National that year of Jeff....Jeff Russell 2 0

Hey smedley43 are you by chance Mike S.? 

Post a reply to: Kailub Russell to Yamaha

The Latest