Desert Racing

JBlain619
Posts
1712
Joined
6/10/2010
Location
Severna Park, MD US
12/4/2018 10:07am Edited Date/Time 12/27/2018 5:43am
Technically not moto or supercross but are any members desert racers? Looking at possibly knocking off a bucket list item...Baja 500

What bikes are recommended? What mods or products are absolutely necessary? Just looking for a little direction.

Thanks!

Johnathon Blain
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Titan1
Posts
8592
Joined
2/3/2010
Location
Lehi, UT US
12/4/2018 10:14am
I'm a hare and hound racer...never been to baja though. So I can't help you there.

But I know a lot of guys that use the NHHA series and some BITD rounds as a warm up/training for baja.

Most guys are on 450's these days.

Bib's
Skid plates
Hand guards
rotor guards
Caliper guards
pipe guards
radiator braces
IMS Tank
Stabilizer
Revalve Suspension (specifically for baja...high speeds and big whoops...thats a different set up than just "off road")
Smaller Rear sprocket (for higher speeds)
I'm not sure about the 500...but you may need headlights...and depending on your bike you may need an after market stator to accomodate the lights

That would get you started...But I'm sure TeamGreen and a couple of others can give you way better info on Baja than I can.

4
mattyhamz2
Posts
10850
Joined
7/6/2015
Location
So Cal, CA US
Fantasy
760th
12/4/2018 10:14am
YzEd is. I'm sure he will be here soon! There's quite a few guys here.
AbouttheRide
Posts
240
Joined
5/6/2009
Location
Fullerton, CA US
Fantasy
2890th
12/4/2018 10:25am
Baja Recipe =

But a 450x, bigger tank, lots of protection, send it to AHM or Precision Concepts, find a few buddies to chase you through the desert while drinking beer and looking for booby traps, hold it wide open, dont die.
bh84
Posts
1651
Joined
8/20/2012
Location
Peterborough , ON CA
Fantasy
1853rd
12/4/2018 10:40am
I raced Baja in '14. It's an incredible race! A few things off the top of my head that you should absolutely be bringing with you:

Satellite Phone- we rented these and it saved my life, literally, after i broke down.

SPOT Device - mandatory equipment

Camelbak - biggest you can find, mine was 3 litres and I ran out after about 100 miles

Tool kit - something will go wrong, be ready

Helmet cam - gotta have it, you won't be able to describe the sights out there, especially the area between Rancho Coyote and Rancho Mike, just incredible.

Tire sealant - again, gotta have it, just in case






Do not try to take on this race without some sort of help. Most people will team up with some friends, for us running in the amateur class we had about 20 people and 5 riders.

A couple tips for when you are out there:

1. If you see people, slow down, there's a decent chance they've set up something to make you crash so they can watch it.

2. Watch for cows, no, seriously, watch for them.

3. Always be listening, the trophy trucks will catch you around mile 250-300, your warning will be a helicopter flying over you. Time to get out of the way.

4. don't sprint, you'd be amazed how quickly you can tire yourself out, just try to be smooth and conserve energy, its a long race.

5. Air filters, we tried to stretch a filter by 100 miles because it didnt look too bad, I ended up nearly dying out there because it got too filled up and I broke down in a very inconvenient spot.
4

The Shop

Xeno
Posts
3630
Joined
12/30/2010
Location
San Clemente, CA US
12/4/2018 10:45am
We build Baja bikes for riders and racers. Without question, the best motorcycle in Baja is the Honda CRF450X. Over the last 12 years, the CRF450X has won the Baja 1000 11 times. We expect the new 2019 CRF450X (Gen 2) to be just as capable for desert and rally racing.

For more info or pricing please contact us at www.jcrspeedshop.com

Another option: If this is a one-time bucket list adventure, contact Tim Morton at BajaBoundMoto.com They will rent you a bike and provide support for prerunning and racing. Tim is very, very experienced with Baja racing.

Warning: Baja is a hard (but good) habit to break. I've been riding in Baja for over 30 years and it never gets old.

-Joe
Donovan759
Posts
2083
Joined
10/12/2017
Location
Pittsburgh, PA US
12/4/2018 10:57am
Baja 500 is something that was always on my bucket list. At this point in my life, I don't see it happening. But if I ever get the opportunity, I'm going to do it.
4
GPrider
Posts
513
Joined
4/10/2014
Location
La Mesa, CA US
12/4/2018 10:58am Edited Date/Time 12/4/2018 11:15am
leaving to Baja this Thursday on a four day trip. Raced many Baja races and won a championship back in I think 1997. As noted, 450X is the bike to race. Although my KX450 is going this weekend as my 19 450x is still MIA at the dealer! Not sure what the deal is? Anyone know when the new X will be available? My dealer does not know.
1
JBlain619
Posts
1712
Joined
6/10/2010
Location
Severna Park, MD US
12/4/2018 12:24pm
Thanks for all they info guys!

Xeno- I'll definitely be reaching out soon!

Thanks again!
jankymike
Posts
87
Joined
4/3/2018
Location
Riverside, CA US
12/4/2018 1:01pm
Raced the NHHA series for a few years from 2011-2015, and a lot of other off-road stuff. BIBs and a large tank and your in business.
Xeno
Posts
3630
Joined
12/30/2010
Location
San Clemente, CA US
12/4/2018 1:59pm
GPrider wrote:
leaving to Baja this Thursday on a four day trip. Raced many Baja races and won a championship back in I think 1997. As noted, 450X...
leaving to Baja this Thursday on a four day trip. Raced many Baja races and won a championship back in I think 1997. As noted, 450X is the bike to race. Although my KX450 is going this weekend as my 19 450x is still MIA at the dealer! Not sure what the deal is? Anyone know when the new X will be available? My dealer does not know.
The new X has a minor production delay. But I don't know the ETA, either. Can't wait to ride it back-to-back with Gen 1 450X.
GPrider
Posts
513
Joined
4/10/2014
Location
La Mesa, CA US
12/4/2018 2:49pm
GPrider wrote:
leaving to Baja this Thursday on a four day trip. Raced many Baja races and won a championship back in I think 1997. As noted, 450X...
leaving to Baja this Thursday on a four day trip. Raced many Baja races and won a championship back in I think 1997. As noted, 450X is the bike to race. Although my KX450 is going this weekend as my 19 450x is still MIA at the dealer! Not sure what the deal is? Anyone know when the new X will be available? My dealer does not know.
Xeno wrote:
The new X has a minor production delay. But I don't know the ETA, either. Can't wait to ride it back-to-back with Gen 1 450X.
that explains it, thanks!
peelout
Posts
17859
Joined
1/6/2011
Location
Ogden, UT US
12/4/2018 3:52pm
i've ridden from Tecate to LaPaz and a few other 500 mile trips, but i've never raced it.

for a long time i always wanted to race it. after doing the riding i've done down there, i'd much rather go down and spend a few days to a week riding with my buds and pounding tequila every night.

Abouttheride and Xeno are on the money, get a CRF450X and a 4 gallon tank and have fun
4
jankymike
Posts
87
Joined
4/3/2018
Location
Riverside, CA US
12/4/2018 3:56pm
GPrider wrote:
leaving to Baja this Thursday on a four day trip. Raced many Baja races and won a championship back in I think 1997. As noted, 450X...
leaving to Baja this Thursday on a four day trip. Raced many Baja races and won a championship back in I think 1997. As noted, 450X is the bike to race. Although my KX450 is going this weekend as my 19 450x is still MIA at the dealer! Not sure what the deal is? Anyone know when the new X will be available? My dealer does not know.
Xeno wrote:
The new X has a minor production delay. But I don't know the ETA, either. Can't wait to ride it back-to-back with Gen 1 450X.
The new X stock is like the old X with a well tuned carb and better suspension. Super fun to ride in the desert.
Stuntman949
Posts
2849
Joined
11/10/2015
Location
San Clemente, CA US
12/4/2018 4:12pm
How tough is it to swap an IMS tank on to the new fuel injected bikes? That new 450x has me intrigued..
endurox
Posts
1873
Joined
3/22/2014
Location
Garden City, ID US
12/4/2018 4:22pm
Have Johnny Cambell Racing build up a Baja bike for you. They own Baja the way KTM dominates in Eurooe, I believe you can pay them to pit for you. The logistics are enormous to race in Baja.
1
GPrider
Posts
513
Joined
4/10/2014
Location
La Mesa, CA US
12/4/2018 4:58pm
How tough is it to swap an IMS tank on to the new fuel injected bikes? That new 450x has me intrigued..
not a problem at all. Just unbolt the fuel pump from the bottom of the tank and it will slide right in the IMS, easy
mwssquad827
Posts
1463
Joined
8/4/2016
Location
Twin Falls, ID US
12/4/2018 6:07pm Edited Date/Time 12/4/2018 6:10pm
Baja recipe2-
This and ride it like Danny hamel.. nuff said ???
6
TeamGreen
Posts
28676
Joined
11/25/2008
Location
Thru-out, CA US
12/4/2018 6:12pm
I’m not sure the X has the same fuel pump as the R & RX. It and the L have a different tank, plumbing and harness.
mwssquad827
Posts
1463
Joined
8/4/2016
Location
Twin Falls, ID US
12/4/2018 6:22pm
Team greens pic!! He has the hamel over the bars style!! Looks so cool in the desert when dudes are hauling the mail over the front of the bike like that??????
1
TeamGreen
Posts
28676
Joined
11/25/2008
Location
Thru-out, CA US
12/4/2018 6:34pm
Team greens pic!! He has the hamel over the bars style!! Looks so cool in the desert when dudes are hauling the mail over the front...
Team greens pic!! He has the hamel over the bars style!! Looks so cool in the desert when dudes are hauling the mail over the front of the bike like that??????
Thanks!

Rip to Cabo probably 2012...?
1
ktmfun219
Posts
246
Joined
11/24/2017
Location
Rydal, GA US
Fantasy
486th
12/4/2018 7:18pm
endurox wrote:
Have Johnny Cambell Racing build up a Baja bike for you. They own Baja the way KTM dominates in Eurooe, I believe you can pay them...
Have Johnny Cambell Racing build up a Baja bike for you. They own Baja the way KTM dominates in Eurooe, I believe you can pay them to pit for you. The logistics are enormous to race in Baja.
This entire thread is great as the off - roaders with experience are contributing with great comments!
Follows suit with HS & GNCC. Kudos to all.
#RZRNick
Posts
71
Joined
6/26/2016
Location
Peoria, AZ US
12/4/2018 7:54pm
Xeno wrote:
We build Baja bikes for riders and racers. Without question, the best motorcycle in Baja is the Honda CRF450X. Over the last 12 years, the CRF450X...
We build Baja bikes for riders and racers. Without question, the best motorcycle in Baja is the Honda CRF450X. Over the last 12 years, the CRF450X has won the Baja 1000 11 times. We expect the new 2019 CRF450X (Gen 2) to be just as capable for desert and rally racing.

For more info or pricing please contact us at www.jcrspeedshop.com

Another option: If this is a one-time bucket list adventure, contact Tim Morton at BajaBoundMoto.com They will rent you a bike and provide support for prerunning and racing. Tim is very, very experienced with Baja racing.

Warning: Baja is a hard (but good) habit to break. I've been riding in Baja for over 30 years and it never gets old.

-Joe
x2 on Tim Morton, he is as Baja as it gets, hum and his wife are awesome and know every twist and turn.
2
LungButter
Posts
5563
Joined
1/9/2016
Location
Yellow Pine, ID US
12/4/2018 8:05pm
Damn Xeno, those race ready Baja bikes are bad ass. I kinda knew you guys did that but I'd never checked them out before.

Nice work!
FWYT
Posts
3305
Joined
5/25/2014
Location
San Diego, CA US
12/4/2018 9:04pm
Xeno wrote:
We build Baja bikes for riders and racers. Without question, the best motorcycle in Baja is the Honda CRF450X. Over the last 12 years, the CRF450X...
We build Baja bikes for riders and racers. Without question, the best motorcycle in Baja is the Honda CRF450X. Over the last 12 years, the CRF450X has won the Baja 1000 11 times. We expect the new 2019 CRF450X (Gen 2) to be just as capable for desert and rally racing.

For more info or pricing please contact us at www.jcrspeedshop.com

Another option: If this is a one-time bucket list adventure, contact Tim Morton at BajaBoundMoto.com They will rent you a bike and provide support for prerunning and racing. Tim is very, very experienced with Baja racing.

Warning: Baja is a hard (but good) habit to break. I've been riding in Baja for over 30 years and it never gets old.

-Joe
#RZRNick wrote:
x2 on Tim Morton, he is as Baja as it gets, hum and his wife are awesome and know every twist and turn.
Tim knows his stuff! He's raced the Baja 1,000 something like 22 times, was class champ (250cc) a couple
times and headed up the Honda B team a couple times. He puts together packages with a prepped race bike, takes them pre-running and teaches them how to THINK in that race.
1
CSAR FE
Posts
641
Joined
5/30/2017
Location
Tucson, AZ US
12/4/2018 9:47pm Edited Date/Time 12/4/2018 9:48pm
Building an X up myself, to hopefully take down to Baja one day. I just ordered up a new head with SS valves and a JCR replica cam from Xeno (Joe) yesterday. He has been great to work with.


3
jbrownmxr
Posts
53
Joined
11/17/2017
Location
Santa Ana, CA US
12/6/2018 6:39am
Great comments here. I agree that Tim with Baja Bound is the way to go. I’ve raced SCORE, the NORRA rally, and taken a week ripping good trails down to Cabo with friends and family.

I’d suggest first renting and riding with Tim on a tour. This is a low stress low commitment introduction. Soak it all in and pick Tim’s and his crews brain. After that experience you’ll know the right course to follow.

Bien Viaje
1
2stroked
Posts
185
Joined
10/15/2013
Location
Ontario, CA US
12/6/2018 10:19am


Been racing national hare and hound's, District 37 Desert, and the Big 6 series for most of the last decade.

Desert racing is very unique, and Baja is an animal all on its own. Do you have any desert racing experience, or desert riding experience in general? A lot of guys want to go down to baja and race, but are unfamiliar with the speeds and terrains. Its a serious commitment. A lot of the baja guys race NHHA/D37/UDRA/SIDRA/MRAN/BITD for years before attempting baja.

Like Titan1 and Xeno said the CRF450X is an amazing bike. The 06-08x is hands down one of the best bikes ever made, and its amazing with a R top end. I havent rode one of the new ones yet.

The KTM/Husky XC-F/TCW are great 450's with wide ratio transmissions.

The Yamaha WR450F is the bike to have for baja in lieu of the 450FX. Lots of guys been racing and winning in baja with that bike the last few years.

Overall setup should include what Titan1 said, but also make sure you have a fully stocked toolkit, Hydration system, knee braces, chest protector, riding jacket, carry a space blanket, lighter, protein bars, cash, SPOT tracker, stuff like that. If you ever breakdown in baja or the desert you'll be glad you have that stuff.
2
Potts
Posts
188
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
12/6/2018 10:38am
JBlain619 wrote:
Technically not moto or supercross but are any members desert racers? Looking at possibly knocking off a bucket list item...Baja 500 What bikes are recommended? What...
Technically not moto or supercross but are any members desert racers? Looking at possibly knocking off a bucket list item...Baja 500

What bikes are recommended? What mods or products are absolutely necessary? Just looking for a little direction.

Thanks!

Johnathon Blain
Depending on what your expectations are and what class you are in this will have an impact on recommendations.

A rock solid foundation is:

Honda CRF450X
Completely fresh engine and everything else in perfect shape and perfectly maintained
Opened up air box
Pipe (Yosh stainless is rock solid)
15/47 gearing if you have porting done 15/48 if you don't
The gold standard in suspension is Precision Concepts.
Lately they have been starting the bikes at 3:30am so you will need lights - Baja Designs stator and XL Pro Dual lights with amber lens on the flood side (for dust).
Nitro Mousse inserts front and rear (no flats)
Tires (always personal) Pirelli XC Mid Hard for the front / Kenda Parker DT for the rear

Spare wheels (plan on changing the rear)
plan on changing the air cleaner.

For pit support (gas) Baja Pits is dependable.

Be safe and have fun!



1
mattyhamz2
Posts
10850
Joined
7/6/2015
Location
So Cal, CA US
Fantasy
760th
12/6/2018 10:41am
2stroked wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/12/06/307879/s1200_2019_Bike_2.jpg[/img] Been racing national hare and hound's, District 37 Desert, and the Big 6 series for most of the last decade. Desert racing is very unique...


Been racing national hare and hound's, District 37 Desert, and the Big 6 series for most of the last decade.

Desert racing is very unique, and Baja is an animal all on its own. Do you have any desert racing experience, or desert riding experience in general? A lot of guys want to go down to baja and race, but are unfamiliar with the speeds and terrains. Its a serious commitment. A lot of the baja guys race NHHA/D37/UDRA/SIDRA/MRAN/BITD for years before attempting baja.

Like Titan1 and Xeno said the CRF450X is an amazing bike. The 06-08x is hands down one of the best bikes ever made, and its amazing with a R top end. I havent rode one of the new ones yet.

The KTM/Husky XC-F/TCW are great 450's with wide ratio transmissions.

The Yamaha WR450F is the bike to have for baja in lieu of the 450FX. Lots of guys been racing and winning in baja with that bike the last few years.

Overall setup should include what Titan1 said, but also make sure you have a fully stocked toolkit, Hydration system, knee braces, chest protector, riding jacket, carry a space blanket, lighter, protein bars, cash, SPOT tracker, stuff like that. If you ever breakdown in baja or the desert you'll be glad you have that stuff.
Is that Lucerne?

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