OzVMX Forum

Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: Slakewell on February 09, 2011, 06:41:42 pm

Title: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Slakewell on February 09, 2011, 06:41:42 pm
If you could choose just one works bike to own and love forever which would it be?

for me it's a Honda RC 1982 to me this was Honda with no budget and the trickiest bike ever 

(http://www.vintageworksbikes.com/sitebuilder/images/Honda_RC_074-910x614.jpg)

(http://www.vintageworksbikes.com/sitebuilder/images/Honda_RC_055-910x617.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Hotelmoto on February 09, 2011, 07:19:59 pm


Boring I now, But that is the one I would would pick Slakewell,  The 1982 RC250 as pictured above.
 
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Rossvickicampbell on February 09, 2011, 07:23:47 pm
sorry don't have a photo handy but would have to be the RC400-500 series with the Pumpkin seed tanks - around 76-78!!!
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Curly3 on February 09, 2011, 07:25:26 pm
Jeff Smith's B44 Victor.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: suzuki43 on February 09, 2011, 07:27:14 pm
Tough decision but it would have to be Mark Barnetts 1982 RA82 125.

(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/bike1.jpg?t=1297239999)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: John Orchard on February 09, 2011, 07:29:19 pm
Maybe one of Roger's Ribi Link bikes?
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: suzuki43 on February 09, 2011, 07:33:17 pm
Maybe one of Roger's Ribi Link bikes?

(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/166590_182168228468888_100000271369351_615408_5299392_n.jpg?t=1297240367)
Who me?
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Hoony on February 09, 2011, 07:37:36 pm
Rick Johnsons 86' CR250.

(http://www.mxworksbike.com/1986_RC250_Rside_750.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: smed on February 09, 2011, 07:39:27 pm
David Baileys 1984 RC500 would look good in my collection ;D
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Graeme M on February 09, 2011, 07:42:31 pm
For me... Howerton's RH80 250
(http://www.mxworksbike.com/RH80_2_640.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: suzuki43 on February 09, 2011, 07:43:23 pm
Rick Johnsons 86' CR250.
How about his 1986 500 Hoony?
(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/rj86500.jpg?t=1297240932)

or Baileys?
(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/163178_187822494570128_100000271369351_657556_7331435_n.jpg?t=1297240932)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: suzuki43 on February 09, 2011, 07:49:44 pm
Hoony nice choice here it is back in 86.
(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/rj25086pits.jpg?t=1297241324)

(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/rjdaytona.jpg?t=1297242263)

But wait theres more...
(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/Bailey86250pits.jpg?t=1297242263)


(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/baileys86250.jpg?t=1297242263)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: suzuki43 on February 09, 2011, 07:57:13 pm
David Baileys 1984 RC500 would look good in my collection ;D
Here you go Smed:
(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/Bailey84RC500.jpg?t=1297241809)
Poor old Broc Glover had to try and compete against him on this old jigger....
(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/glover84yz.jpg?t=1297242159)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: mx250 on February 09, 2011, 08:06:14 pm
I'll take the first Japanese Works MX'er - Yumio's YD  ;D.

(http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn458/mx250syd/YDS5/fumio2aLarge.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: LWC82PE on February 09, 2011, 08:07:23 pm
1980 RH 250. Suzukis most advanced/last twinshock MXer
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Oldbiker on February 09, 2011, 08:09:11 pm
Mick Andrew's '75 TY250 Majesty!
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: LWC82PE on February 09, 2011, 08:14:05 pm
i dont mind most late 70's to mid 80's works bikes really. They all look really cool and are full of trick parts and covered in stickers.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: evo550 on February 09, 2011, 08:20:45 pm
To hell with your rules Slakewell, I'm going two.

Watercooled YZM500...not sure what year.....'80 odd.
Ron Lechein 1985 RC250...anyone got pics ??
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: huskibul on February 09, 2011, 08:21:48 pm
   I also like a lot of different works bike's from the 70's but would have to throw Gaston's RA-125 in  :D
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Slakewell on February 09, 2011, 08:31:21 pm
To hell with your rules Slakewell, I'm going two.

Watercooled YZM500...not sure what year.....'80 odd.
Ron Lechein 1985 RC250...anyone got pics ??

(http://www.robandrewsmx.com/uploads/images/full/Yamaha%20YZM500b.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: John Orchard on February 09, 2011, 08:37:30 pm
That YZM looks circa 85, bloody looovly
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: John Orchard on February 09, 2011, 08:39:50 pm
  I also like a lot of different works bike's from the 70's but would have to throw Gaston's RA-125 in  :D



I thought about his (and Akira's) RA, I had the RM125A and the Heckles at the time.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Hoony on February 09, 2011, 08:53:14 pm
Rick Johnsons 86' CR250.
How about his 1986 500 Hoony?
(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/rj86500.jpg?t=1297240932)

or Baileys?
(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/163178_187822494570128_100000271369351_657556_7331435_n.jpg?t=1297240932)

Yes either of them 2 will do, but i must admit to being a fan of the 250 as i have 2 of those.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: suzuki43 on February 09, 2011, 08:53:56 pm
To hell with your rules Slakewell, I'm going two.

Watercooled YZM500...not sure what year.....'80 odd.
Ron Lechein 1985 RC250...anyone got pics ??
Heres The Doggers 85 plus Buckwheat...
(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/leichen85RC250.jpg?t=1297245158)
(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/Hanah85RC250.jpg?t=1297245158)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: holeshot buddy on February 09, 2011, 08:55:28 pm
all of them ha

the yzm500 8)
and jobes 1986 sr500 mmmmmmmmmmmm nice :P
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: DR on February 09, 2011, 08:58:13 pm
Dave T's RN370 would do me me. Rideable, rare and a rocketship! 8)

(http://public.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p0H8dqXGqCMRkj0QLGEGzi6gyvrMgaiKsw6W0sKAl7XuOdnRCtWfqBc8iGvX4-x5v_cW0RhLbHbH5xSlejniADg/1975%20RN370%20%20Suzuki%20D.%20Tanner%20ex%20Geoff%20Worrell.jpg?psid=1)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: suzuki43 on February 09, 2011, 09:08:09 pm
Any of these yellow beauties would be nice...

(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/bomb2.jpg?t=1297245977)

(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/46339_432999707041_246994827041_4839971_1240989_n.jpg?t=1297245977img]

[img]http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/46339_432999707041_246994827041_4839971_1240989_n.jpg?t=1297245977)

(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/33449_146718382039684_100001045707172_269829_4139500_n.jpg?t=1297245977)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Hoony on February 09, 2011, 09:09:57 pm
all of them ha

the yzm500 8)
and jobes 1986 sr500 mmmmmmmmmmmm nice :P

Hey Rusty, do you have a pic of the Works YZM500 aircooled powervalved jobie ( cable driven i think) from around 1983 ( was a promo poster in yamaha shops back then) ?
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: SAABCOMBI on February 09, 2011, 09:35:51 pm
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad275/albrid3/1967_TM250-RH67_racert1_620.jpg)




(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad275/albrid3/SUZUKI67RH250.jpg)




I would be very happy with this baby, there are others,it is hard to choose, the RH 67 is the true factory bike that started it all for Suzuki
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Stan S on February 09, 2011, 09:36:16 pm
Georges Jobe's SR500

(http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af39/gf079/Kawasaki%20SRs%20and%20others/SR500GeorgesJobe.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: GMC on February 09, 2011, 09:37:59 pm
Ron Lechein 1985 RC250...anyone got pics ??

I never thought much about it before, but Lechien had 2 RC's for 85, a 250 for Supercross and a 125 for Motocross

(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a393/gmcloa/Hangtown/Lechien-1d.jpg)

All those photographers were lining up to take a photo of me but lechien got in the way ;D


Any of the mid 80's Honda's would do it for me, they all oozed trickness
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: JohnnyO on February 09, 2011, 09:48:02 pm
I'd be pretty happy with this one! :)
(http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc374/JohnnyO31/HannahOW40_disk_d.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: SAABCOMBI on February 09, 2011, 09:50:37 pm
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad275/albrid3/workskawasaki250.jpg)

This is also a favorite bike of mine too. Works Kawasaki 250 :P
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: GMC on February 09, 2011, 09:52:14 pm
[Poor old Broc Glover had to try and compete against him on this old jigger....

Comparing Brocs stocker to Baileys super trick RC you would think he would be outclassed but Broc & Bailey fought it out for most of the moto.
My memories fading but i think Broc may have even won that year?

(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a393/gmcloa/Hangtown/Bailey-Glover-2.jpg)


I had a sniff of an 84 SR once but couldn't wheel it away without being noticed ;D

(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a393/gmcloa/Misc%20bike%20stuff/Goats-SR-me.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: JohnnyO on February 09, 2011, 09:54:50 pm
[Poor old Broc Glover had to try and compete against him on this old jigger....

Comparing Brocs stocker to Baileys super trick RC you would think he would be outclassed but Broc & Bailey fought it out for most of the moto.
My memories fading but i think Broc may have even won that year?

(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a393/gmcloa/Hangtown/Bailey-Glover-2.jpg)

I think you're right Geoff about Glover winning the title that year.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: BAHNZY on February 09, 2011, 10:00:56 pm
Mine ;)


(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2008-1/1293707/SDC10489.JPG)

(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2008-1/1293707/SDC10488.JPG)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: mainline on February 09, 2011, 10:04:47 pm
Lechien's '85 RC125

(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn38/mainline_bucket/85RC125sm.jpg)

or Ward's '84 KX125 that I can't find a decent pic of ?


Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Lozza on February 09, 2011, 10:37:53 pm
Not an easy choice
Would like the rest of the bits that go with this engine
(http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s297/Lozza85_2007/IMG-3.jpg)

and one of these
(http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s297/Lozza85_2007/GP250Aoyama-1.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: evo550 on February 09, 2011, 10:50:34 pm
Looking back on this thread it has become evident that a really special era in motocross died with the ama's production rule.
What do we get nowdays....exactly the same bike wrapped in either blue, red, green or yellow plastic.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: jimg1au on February 09, 2011, 10:51:45 pm
any of the factory 500cc  4 cyl mv's the ones ago used to ride
kenny roberts tz750 flattacker
alf hagons jap dragster
also a britten
these are keep forever bikes just taken out on show rides.race the ones i have now
jim
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Nathan S on February 09, 2011, 11:19:46 pm
First response is "Hannah's OW27".
Then I start thinknig about all sorts of other cool bikes and am not so sure.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Davey Crocket on February 09, 2011, 11:33:43 pm
Your right Nathan...its too hard, I've been hanging back trying to decide.....flippen heck......isnt every "works" bike cool, I mean even the dud ones are cool....now someone will start putting up dodgy ones, but I dont care....I love the roadrace ones aswell....hey howsabout "works' enduro bikes....where do we stop....and your right evo...production rules did kill off the cool bikes....imagine how more advanced bikes would be if we still had them!!!!
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: 090 on February 10, 2011, 06:35:35 am
Looking back on this thread it has become evident that a really special era in motocross died with the ama's production rule.
What do we get nowdays....exactly the same bike wrapped in either blue, red, green or yellow plastic.
The Euro's still seem to have trick bikes. This is a Euro bike that was at MXDN.
(http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa474/090bvb/trip453.jpg)

(http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa474/090bvb/trip454.jpg)




Any of the mid 80's Honda's would do it for me, they all oozed trickness
My thoughts as well.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: mx250 on February 10, 2011, 06:38:12 am
Wow, custom decals. ::) ;D
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Davey Crocket on February 10, 2011, 07:50:37 am
 :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: GOOF on February 10, 2011, 08:14:29 am
   "SLAKEWELL"   you have killed em here,  that 82 RC250    was  pure filth !!!!
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Marc.com on February 10, 2011, 08:32:49 am
only one choice 3 valve HL ... defining moment in 4 stroke history

(http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp233/bigtrev46/guesstheyam500rider.jpg)

Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: firko on February 10, 2011, 09:27:13 am
I'm finding this a lot harder than I thought I would. I love those exotic works bikes from the 80's and if I'd have to pick from them I'd go for Carla's alloy framed YZ500 Yamaha. I'd also like to have one of the early RH or RN Suzukis but when it comes to crunch time I'd love to have Sten Lundins Lito more than any.....I guess it's my age coming through here but I reckon it's gorgeous.
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/lito2.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: vmx42 on February 10, 2011, 09:38:44 am
only one choice 3 valve HL ... defining moment in 4 stroke history

I don't even thing Bengt Aberg would agree with that…  ???
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: vmx42 on February 10, 2011, 09:50:35 am
Suzuki RA125  ;D

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s255/vmx42/Barnett.jpg)

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s255/vmx42/1980_RA125_2_640.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: NR555 on February 10, 2011, 10:01:07 am
Tricker than anything else.  Ever.

(http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/3/11/13/f_CR86Thorpem_bc73971.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: firko on February 10, 2011, 12:08:30 pm
Quote
I love those exotic works bikes from the 80's and if I'd have to pick from them I'd go for Carla's alloy framed YZM500 Yamaha.
The 1988 YZM500 Yamaha is as trick as it got before they changed the rules. I'd imagine if Yamaha had made a production version of this bike in 1990 motocross history would be very different.
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/YamahaYZM500cc.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: firko on February 10, 2011, 12:16:01 pm
.....and let's not forget Harry Everts unbelievably trick twin carbed Puch.
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/HarryEvertsPuch250cc.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: 211kawasaki on February 10, 2011, 03:04:17 pm
Gastons RA 75 for me - its gone forever though.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: 090 on February 10, 2011, 09:44:56 pm
Wow, custom decals. ::) ;D
:-\ Yeah okay. Suspension was trick, billet everywhere. Heaps of trick stuff all over it. I can't remember any more but when we spoke to the mechanic there was quite a bit of unobtanium on it. Makes you wonder how trick/ factory can you go after thirty odd years of development.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: JohnnyO on February 10, 2011, 09:52:01 pm
Wow, custom decals. ::) ;D
:-\ Yeah okay. Suspension was trick, billet everywhere. Heaps of trick stuff all over it. I can't remember any more but when we spoke to the mechanic there was quite a bit of unobtanium on it. Makes you wonder how trick/ factory can you go after thirty odd years of development.
Don't worry about it Brad..it's way over his head.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Tim754 on February 10, 2011, 09:55:08 pm
73/74 SPP Honda754 powered MX sidecar. Ok not technically a factory works bike as all sidecars were/are low number hand built specials, but the Haller brothers did win the European (read World ) title on the particular one I would love. Cheers Tim754
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: E74 on February 10, 2011, 11:07:33 pm
Tricker than anything else.  Ever.

(http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/3/11/13/f_CR86Thorpem_bc73971.jpg)

Yep, and Jonny O'Mara went past it on a production CR125 like it wasn't even there!
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: TM BILL on February 11, 2011, 05:57:45 am
Tricker than anything else.  Ever.

(http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/3/11/13/f_CR86Thorpem_bc73971.jpg)

Yep, and Jonny O'Mara went past it on a production CR125 like it wasn't even there!

Thorpe had no back brake when Omara passed him  ::) and on that track riding with no rear brake is some feat in itself (ever been to Maggiora it was a proper GP circuit with hills that would make your nose bleed just looking down them) . Great ride by the O show but his 125 wasn't exactly production ( des nations you didn't have to run to the bullshit Yank production rules )
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: E74 on February 11, 2011, 03:40:27 pm
Tricker than anything else.  Ever.

(http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/3/11/13/f_CR86Thorpem_bc73971.jpg)

Yep, and Jonny O'Mara went past it on a production CR125 like it wasn't even there!

Thorpe had no back brake when Omara passed him  ::) and on that track riding with no rear brake is some feat in itself (ever been to Maggiora it was a proper GP circuit with hills that would make your nose bleed just looking down them) . Great ride by the O show but his 125 wasn't exactly production ( des nations you didn't have to run to the bullshit Yank production rules )


No back brake?!, thats what i'd be saying too if I was the 500cc world champ that had just been flogged by a 125
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: mx250 on February 11, 2011, 04:06:57 pm

No back brake?!, thats what i'd be saying too if I was the 500cc world champ that had just been flogged by a 125
(http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn458/mx250syd/icons/Dancing_Grenade3.gif)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: AjayVMX on February 11, 2011, 04:09:15 pm
This one...

(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1052255/ThatBike_1.JPG)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: TM BILL on February 11, 2011, 06:23:21 pm
I dont believe DT ever stated it publicly  :P
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: vmx42 on February 11, 2011, 06:27:14 pm
I dont believe DT ever stated it publicly  :P

No I don't think he did… but the US Mags go on about it till this day and also neglect to mention the brake problem.

A great ride by O'Mara but don't forget that Lamson did it too [and no rear brake problems that day].
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: evo550 on February 11, 2011, 09:25:03 pm
What also gets missed at that event was Dacka's ride in the 500/250 race where he hounded Thorpe to the line for fourth behind Bailey and Johnson.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: suzuki43 on February 11, 2011, 10:32:27 pm
Guys I love the debate,but the facts are quite clear, that the O'Show was riding Micky Dymonds 1986 CR125 production based USA works modified bike
Please refer to the following:
http://www.racerxonline.com/2010/09/23/the-untouchables-the-86-mxdn
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: steveo247 on February 11, 2011, 11:05:52 pm
mmmmm....

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/works.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: TM BILL on February 12, 2011, 06:24:10 am
Guys I love the debate,but the facts are quite clear, that the O'Show was riding Micky Dymonds 1986 CR125 production based  USA works modified bike
Please refer to the following:
http://www.racerxonline.com/2010/09/23/the-untouchables-the-86-mxdn

But no you guys are right the 86 RC 500 was obviously a slow piece of shit , probably over developed  ::) couldn't even hold off a CR 125 the yanks picked up from the honda dealer in Milan on the way to the track

Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: suzuki43 on February 12, 2011, 07:28:26 am
Dont get all emotional William,Dave Thorpes legacy was not tarnished by his loss to O'mara.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: E74 on February 12, 2011, 09:39:55 am
Nothing to do with the bikes really, on that day iy was just shear determination on O'mara's behalf, similar to Hannah as he had only a little raw tralent but absolutley incredible determination.

Don't take offence bill I was only taking the piss.   ;)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: TM BILL on February 12, 2011, 09:48:30 am
Dont get all emotional William,Dave Thorpes legacy was not tarnished by his loss to O'mara.

Obviously  ::) 4 world titles says it all  ;)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: TM BILL on February 12, 2011, 09:59:38 am
Nothing to do with the bikes really, on that day iy was just shear determination on O'mara's behalf, similar to Hannah as he had only a little raw tralent but absolutley incredible determination.

Don't take offence bill I was only taking the piss.   ;)

None taken  :) i have huge respect for all the guys who raced in that era  :) Oshows ride that day was amazing  8)

DT is and always will be a true legend .
The Yanks have obivously been dominant at the des nations for a number of years now. I will be interested to see if that dominance continues once DeCoster says hes had enough and a new team manager is appointed.

I know the Seppos won it one year with a B team and a different manager (cant remember what year ? ) but i think the Euros will take back control of the nations in the next few years  ;)

Im quick to rubbish riders of today but Roczens ride in the first race at the des nations this year (250 / Open race ) was pretty spectacular on a 250F aganist the big bikes .

Now wasn't this thread about Works  bikes  :)

For me not supprisingly it would be Joels RH 72  8)

Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: TooFastTim on February 12, 2011, 10:20:36 am
I've been under the impression that the euro riders were a lot more calculating than the US. The latter being a bit "hormonal" about winning.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: mainline on February 12, 2011, 10:24:36 am
ward's 1984 sr125 I mentioned earlier.

It was in the Primm museum but the website is gone now. I wonder if the museum is still going?

(http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd82/WandellAsbell/SXcomPics7125s/1984SR125.jpg)




On the O'Mara/Thorpe thing, don't forget O'Mara beat absolutely everyone else on the planet as well, except Bailey, Johnson, and Malherbe (who wasn't there), and he was closing the gap on Bailey.

"My bike was as fast as anyone's on the downhills" said O'Mara. "Whatever I lost going up, I could more than make up for by outbraking into the corners and down the hills"

Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: TM BILL on February 12, 2011, 10:43:57 am
That bike of Wards paul is a thing of beauty and obviously function too  :)

I couldn't possibly choose a factory bike from the 80s era as they were all so bloody cool.

Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: sudman on February 12, 2011, 10:46:29 am
Shouldn't you be preping your works bike for next weekend Bill :D
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: TM BILL on February 12, 2011, 11:03:19 am
Tony thats what fri nights in motels are for  ;D
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: GMC on February 12, 2011, 11:07:44 am
Forget those Alluminium framed 500’s, they’re old school.
I would rather have something in Carbon Fibre
And built by an Aussie to boot

(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a393/gmcloa/CF-500-1B.jpg)

(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a393/gmcloa/CF-500-2B.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: sudman on February 12, 2011, 11:11:37 am
My one still a bit banged up from cartwheeling down the track at Woodville.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: bazza on February 12, 2011, 11:20:41 am
Mainline i believe the primm museum closed (still have the Tee shirt)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: bazza on February 12, 2011, 11:22:01 am
TM Bill we know what you do in motels on friday night and i have never heard it called"maintance"
Dont forget to send Taupo enties !!
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: monaro308 on February 12, 2011, 11:22:42 am
Since i have bugger all knowledge of the works bikes....these tickle my fancy
Gary Jones 73 CR250
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa250/hjcoupe/HondaCR250_60073garyjonesworks.jpg)
Schmits 90 RM250
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa250/hjcoupe/DonnySCHMIT1990rm250.jpg)
Decosters 79 RN400
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa250/hjcoupe/879SUZUDECOSTER1979_RN400.jpg)
Howertons 76 CR360
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa250/hjcoupe/76HSKYHWERTON360.jpg)
McGraths 95 CR250
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa250/hjcoupe/MGRTH250Honda-1995CR250.jpg)
Wards 85 KX250
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa250/hjcoupe/KAWWARD85kx250.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: suzuki43 on February 12, 2011, 11:38:50 am
ward's 1984 sr125 I mentioned earlier.

It was in the Primm museum but the website is gone now. I wonder if the museum is still going?



On the O'Mara/Thorpe thing, don't forget O'Mara beat absolutely everyone else on the planet as well, except Bailey, Johnson, and Malherbe (who wasn't there), and he was closing the gap on Bailey.

"My bike was as fast as anyone's on the downhills" said O'Mara. "Whatever I lost going up, I could more than make up for by outbraking into the corners and down the hills"


[/quote]Jeff Wards bikes are now in Troy Lees Museum,I suspect the Primm museum is no more.....
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: VMX247 on February 12, 2011, 11:43:50 am
I'm a bit like monaro308,only works bikes I really know about are Greeves which put them on the world title lists back in the 60's.
The birth era of all big works bikes  8), then of course the only other decent works bikes after this era would have to go to Suzuki  ;D
cheers A
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: TM BILL on February 12, 2011, 01:21:05 pm
I'm a bit like monaro308,only works bikes I really know about are Greeves which put them on the world title lists back in the 60's.
The birth era of all big works bikes  8), then of course the only other decent works bikes after this era would have to go to Suzuki  ;D
cheers A

Greeves won a world title  :o
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: VMX247 on February 12, 2011, 02:18:23 pm
oops should of read mx titles list and I forgot that there were others outside of UK  ;)  ;D
cheers A
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: huskibul on February 12, 2011, 02:30:33 pm
  Geez mario that pair of roger's RN-400 and kent's CR-360 how can you expect anybody to choose between them  :P
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: DR on February 12, 2011, 02:42:13 pm
This may surprise a few also but another of the 'trick' bikes I like is the T&M Honda CR125's of Ron Turner and Bruce McDougal 8) I have an orange 125 Suzuki based on these bikes in the pipeline..the very long pipeline ::) ;)

(http://public.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p0toSdoVcVFdbYTFIQRBisnem6w9YcZWMOCz90AEyPQQZA0D3Kp5I8MtaXezMhAZZTp14i0yA7bO1KtxKpGbC2Q/T%26M%20Engineering%20CR125M%20Bruce%20McDougal%20or%20Ron%20Turner.jpg?psid=1)


Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: JohnnyO on February 12, 2011, 03:15:03 pm
ward's 1984 sr125 I mentioned earlier.

It was in the Primm museum but the website is gone now. I wonder if the museum is still going?



On the O'Mara/Thorpe thing, don't forget O'Mara beat absolutely everyone else on the planet as well, except Bailey, Johnson, and Malherbe (who wasn't there), and he was closing the gap on Bailey.

"My bike was as fast as anyone's on the downhills" said O'Mara. "Whatever I lost going up, I could more than make up for by outbraking into the corners and down the hills"

Jeff Wards bikes are now in Troy Lees Museum,I suspect the Primm museum is no more.....
Yes i recently saw and took a few pics of Wardy's works bikes in Troy Lee's showroom, I believe the Primms fell on hard times and sold up.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: smed on February 12, 2011, 05:51:30 pm
The Primm collection was recentley sold to a U.S. fire arm company owner & the memorabilia was being sold by Rick Doughty of Vintage Iron,there is a thread about it on the Marks Vintage swap meet forum, Mario,looks like you have the book Motocross America by the photos you have posted,good book that one :)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: chrisdespo on February 12, 2011, 06:18:35 pm
Any works bike would do as long as it is air cooled and yellow with a big S on the left case.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: BAHNZY on February 12, 2011, 09:29:31 pm
Any works bike would do as long as it is air cooled and yellow with a big S on the left case.

Here, Here!!
The brotherhood is alive and well.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: GD66 on February 12, 2011, 09:33:13 pm
Speshly those early RN and RH factory lightweights with the spindly frames and the white guards...phwoooaarrr.... :o
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: reg on February 21, 2011, 05:00:11 pm
Appologies for the shitty pic, but since this is the only works bike i've ridden this would have
to be my favorite.
A mate of mine, Steve Archer owned this thing, ex Anthony Gunter, Jens Olsen prepared RH 250, christ this
thing was a weapon in its day.

(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e346/antax/stevesrh.jpg)

Reg
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: sudman on February 21, 2011, 05:03:55 pm
That is the coolest yellow ever 8)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Davey Crocket on February 21, 2011, 06:50:43 pm
It looks like he's cut the original down pipe up and re-hashed it to go up....tricky work.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Swiss on February 23, 2011, 05:03:34 am
OK, I was going to post the Marty Moates KSI bike which I consider a Factory bike of sorts, but that was trumped when Dick Tett brought out his "Factory" 2011 KSI version.  But going with a Factory bike I would have to pick the YZM 400F from Yamaha.  It was ultra trick, and started the resurrection of the Thumper Racer Revolution!
Great bike, shame that Yamaha cut the dollars back for the production models to come.

(http://i346.photobucket.com/albums/p438/sscf_2008/YZM400FYamaha1024.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: vmx42 on February 23, 2011, 07:51:19 am
OK, I was going to post the Marty Moates KSI bike which I consider a Factory bike of sorts, but that was trumped when Dick Tett brought out his "Factory" 2011 KSI version.  But going with a Factory bike I would have to pick the YZM 400F from Yamaha.  It was ultra trick, and started the resurrection of the Thumper Racer Revolution!
Great bike, shame that Yamaha cut the dollars back for the production models to come.

(http://i346.photobucket.com/albums/p438/sscf_2008/YZM400FYamaha1024.jpg)

It's a nice machine, but it will go down in history as the bike that killed motocross as we know it.  :(
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Swiss on February 23, 2011, 08:02:31 am
Well, I think that the 2-smokers had already introduced water cooling and everyone already had linkages and long travel suspension so how would it have killed MX as you knew it except for swapping from the smokers to the strokers?  I never liked the smokers personally regardless of their light weight advantage which I am all in favor of!!  However the early smokers made Ear Ringing noise that was far worse than an open megaphone!  But if that is/was your thing then yes it was the Watermark that set the change in course for the Motocross World! 
The biggest difference in MX from the Old School to the New School was not so much the bikes as the CASH $$$ that crowds brought in making the damed Stadiums the venue to run the big money makers.  Blame the USA for the way they reorganized MX, the rest of the World stuck with outdoor MX for much longer.  I do remember going to Unadilla and watching the Pros run there, and at Puyallup for the old TransAMA racing!  Still the same today with tracks like Glen Helen where you can walk out into the track and have bikes running all around you!!  Carlsbad and other long gone California tracks were great!  Fantastic to watch when you can stand right next to the track and get dirt kicked in your face as the riders and bikes Thunder past!  2-smokes or 4-strokes they were all great to watch outdoors.  And that is where this Yamaha was born, in Europe on the outdoor Tracks!!  I used to travel to CA to see the 4-Stroke National races back before the Nationals BECAME all 4-strokes!  HA!HA!  Yes, changes were made!
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: TM BILL on February 23, 2011, 08:51:33 am
Im with Jeff  ;) very cool bike but definetely the begining of the end  ::)

Cost of buying and maintaining these modern diesals is driving people away from the sport
Noise diesals it seems that they have to be exessively loud to produce power
Riders are not learning their skills properly , its to easy to ride a diesal . Bubba , Chad, Josh, Cairoli Ben etc all learnt their craft on 2 strokes and the new breed will gradually become more and more wobblers  ;)
Combine that with modern shit GP tracks built to suit the diesals and spectators will stop going  >:(

On the upside it looks good for Vintage racing  ;D Farleigh being an example of good racing on real bikes and plenty of enthusiastic spectators  ;)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: firko on February 23, 2011, 09:19:44 am
Quote
It's a nice machine, but it will go down in history as the bike that killed motocross as we know it. 
And it's the bike that introduced escalating maintenance costs, fragile engineering and progressive obsolesence. Yep, what a groundbreaking bike. And yes, I owned one.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Husky500evo on February 23, 2011, 10:37:24 am
A pic of the Works YZM500 aircooled powervalved jobie ( cable driven i think) from around 1983 ( was a promo poster in yamaha shops back then) ?
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-4/1252864/OW500%20air%20cooled.jpg)
Was this the one you were looking for , Hoony ?
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Swiss on February 23, 2011, 12:21:58 pm
Firco, I guess that you owned one of the production YZ400f models and not one of these YZM400F versions that were strictly Factory use? 

Bill, I don't think that the accelerated maintainance costs hurt the ones who knew HOW to work on their bikes, but I laughed at all of the fuss over broken kick starter levers because the 2-smoker riders thought they could fan the starter like a 125 2-smoke!  If you really look at the overall costs of racing from fuel costs to motor homes for transport and enclosed trailers and the cost of gear and parts in general, this is reason for the slowdown in racing.  Heck for top level tires you can pay $200 for a pair and wear them out in practice and a race weekend if you run more than one class.  I remember almost 20 years ago there was an article in Dirt Bike where it documented the cost of a father/family to keep their kid racing in Southern California.  Understand that the racing was so concentrated that a kid could run 5-7 times a week, including Night Races after dad got off of work.  And add in the cost for "practice" nights with track fees! 
The magazine totalled up the entry fees, the fuel costs, tires, riding gear, wear and tear on the bike and came up with a figure of over $1000/week!!!!  Tell me about costs?  That was about 20 years ago and gas and tires and EVERYTHING was less expensive!  And gentlemen, this was for a CR125 2-smoker!!! 
When is the last time that you guys priced out a factory Maico or KTM 2-smoke piston?  Those Euro parts are kickers when you open your wallet!  How much does it cost to have a Professional do your suspension these days?  How about some trick parts?  Handlebars $50-90?  Remember when we could buy Chrome-moly bars for $19.95?  Stupid Graphics kits for $50-100 and more?  Remember Paint and aftermarket stickers?  I don't think that the 4-strokers drove up those costs, I think that the market did!  New Honda CRF250R engine on EBay for $3500, new KTM 250 for $3300?  Used to be able to buy a complete Thumper engine from Honda for less than $1000 in the crate! 

Yea, times have changed and they are damned more expensive than when we started riding regardless is you are riding a Smoker or a Stroker!!

Still like the YZM400F Yamaha.  It was the answer to the Husaberg and about damned time that the Japanese came around to get it right!
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: vmx42 on February 23, 2011, 05:11:15 pm
It was the answer to the Husaberg and about damned time that the Japanese came around to get it right!

Funny, I thought Husaberg was a quirky, niche brand and a question that never needed to be answered.  ;D

If the current fourstrokes are that good, then level the playing field and let them compete directly with 2 strokes of the same capacity. But no, they are slower, heavier, more complicated, louder, more fragile and drastically more expensive to modify and maintain. Yep the benefits are just endless…
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: TooFastTim on February 23, 2011, 05:15:17 pm
Isn't that the bike that Carla tried to, literally, bury? In full view of the Yamaha mechanics.

(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-4/1252864/OW500%20air%20cooled.jpg)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Hoony on February 23, 2011, 07:34:53 pm
A pic of the Works YZM500 aircooled powervalved jobie ( cable driven i think) from around 1983 ( was a promo poster in yamaha shops back then) ?
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-4/1252864/OW500%20air%20cooled.jpg)
Was this the one you were looking for , Hoony ?

bloody close as its air cooled, the one i remember was a promo poster and i think the power valve was cable driven, it must have been 1981/2 era i think
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Swiss on February 24, 2011, 03:37:44 am
Quote
If the current fourstrokes are that good, then level the playing field and let them compete directly with 2 strokes of the same capacity. But no, they are slower, heavier, more complicated, louder, more fragile and drastically more expensive to modify and maintain. Yep the benefits are just endless…

Well, since the topic of the end of MX as we know it was brought up, lets look at that!  We had the same arguments brought out when the 2-smokers took over from the old 4-strokers!  Same thing was said in Baja racing when the 2-smokers took over and then again when the 4-strokers took it back? 

How does all of this stuff happen time after time?  Well I and probably a few of you remember when the 500cc class was the Premier Class of the World MX scene!  How did we get to the 250cc smoker being the "OPEN" class and the 125cc smokers the support class?  Seems that the 500cc engines from Honda, Kawasaki, Maico, Husky, Suzuki etc..  all got to be basically beyond "mere mortal" control.  Yes there were always a couple of brave young fools at each track that could give them a good run but only the Pros had a chance at really getting the most out of the bikes.  In fact, at many tracks, the 250cc bikes were turning lap times as fast or faster because their riders could actually hang onto them with the throttle wide open!!  HA!HA!
So the ranks of the Old Open Class 500cc bikes got smaller and smaller until suddenly someone got the idea to run an overbored 250 in the Open Class.  267cc and such were running with the big bikes because they were easier to ride and more riders could get the best out of them!  They even started winning on a regular basis in the Open Class against the 500s...  Now the sales of the 500cc bikes dropped further and many tracks actually made the big bore 250s Illegal to ride in the Open Class  "unfair advantage" it was called!  Who knew.  But since most tracks couldn't get a healthy start line full of 500cc bikes and the 250s were turning faster lap times and were more "affordable" than the big 500s a lot of the tracks dropped the 500cc class altogether!  The AMA certainly did in the USA.  World MX was a little different scene but for the USA the "Open Class 500cc bikes" were gone. 
Due to the lower power rating the AMA made an allowance for the the 4-strokers to run bigger engines, actually up to 550cc in order to allow them to try to compete with the lightweight and FAST 2-smokers.  Interesting concept and probably the ONLY bikes that might have been able to compete would have been those "quirky and unreliable" Husabergs which were the ony 4-strokers built to be competitive with the 250 2-smokers.  Can't really consider the likes of the VOR and other "specialty" bikes and certainly couldn't consider things like the old DR Suzukis or the XR Hondas as they weren't built for MX at all. 
So along comes Yamaha with their Custom Euro raced and proven YZM400F, which was probably not long a 400cc engine and certainly wasn't a production model!  But they did follow up with a heavier lower powered model for sale to the public and a number of riders found that it was easier to ride to its potential than a fast running 2-smoker.  Better low end power and you didn't have to keep it redlined as much around the track.  Torque I believe it was called and broad powerband which the 2-smoker MX bikes had tuned away from in order to get more Peak HP from their engines.  So suddenly the 4-strokers were close to being competitive, not quite there except for a few Factory bikes ridden by people like Doug Henry and a couple of well known Euro riders winning World Championships in their Open Class racing!  with several years of development and Honda and Suzuki and Kawasaki seeing some market potential for sales, the field expanded and the race bikes got better.  Good enough so that the fastest riders on the 450 4-strokers were making thefastesst lap timeswhen compared to the fastest riders on the 2-smokers.  Development surged on the strokers and lagged on the smokers.  Kind of a turn-around from the '70s when the smokers got all of the development and the 4-strokers lagged behind.
So, what killed off the smokers?  Fairly easy question, Sales!  Win on Sunday and sell on Monday is a nice saying but it doesn't cover everything involved, the 4-stroke engine makes more riders competitive because they are easier to ride to their potential and go fast on.  "Joe Average Racer" becomes "Joe Above average Racer"!  Maybe not expert or Pro Level but "better" on the track.  Do they cost more to race and repair?  Certainly and they also require a fair mechanic to keep them running their best.  Can't put them away wet and drag them out next Sunday!  Maybe some of our "mechanics“ got lazy working on simple 2-smokers and forgot or never really wanted to learn how to keep a fast running stroker running at its best!  That doesn't really matter, the current 450cc 4-strokers are the fastest on the track.  Maybe they should be given their own class, "Open Class“ and be allowed to run with 500cc 2-strokers?  Dosn't sound like a bad idea to me.  I also like the ides of running the 125cc smokers and the 250cc strokers separate!  Look how many classes used to be run for a race day?  Go back to 45minute motos and run outdoor natural terrain tracks!  I'll go and watch!
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Husky500evo on February 24, 2011, 03:21:05 pm
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-4/1252864/Honda%20HRC%20Eric%20Geboers.JPG)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Husky500evo on February 24, 2011, 09:02:09 pm
Maybe one of Roger's Ribi Link bikes?
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-4/1252864/Ribi%20front%20works%20Honda.JPG)
Each to their own, but I think that this is one of the ugliest works bikes ever made (probably one of the most expensive to build as well). Looks like something from the "Transformers" movie. But except for the Ribi bike , I like the look of any Honda big bore works bike from about 1977 to 1989.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: TooFastTim on February 24, 2011, 09:09:29 pm
Well, where's the rest of the article?

(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-4/1252864/Honda%20HRC%20Eric%20Geboers.JPG)
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: VMX247 on February 24, 2011, 09:17:51 pm
Maybe one of Roger's Ribi Link bikes?
Each to their own, but I think that this is one of the ugliest works bikes ever made (probably one of the most expensive to build as well). Looks like something from the "Transformers" movie. But except for the Ribi bike , I like the look of any Honda big bore works bike from about 1977 to 1989.

Did they seroiusly ever use it ... :o hate to do an endo and get wrapped up in that front end.  :'(
cheers A
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Husky500evo on February 24, 2011, 09:21:17 pm
Well, where's the rest of the article?

(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-4/1252864/Honda%20HRC%20Eric%20Geboers.JPG)
I don't know. I wouldn't mind reading it myself. I pinched this image from the CR500 rider's forum, but I think it originally came from an article in Motocross Action magazine .
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Husky500evo on February 24, 2011, 09:32:34 pm
Maybe one of Roger's Ribi Link bikes?
Each to their own, but I think that this is one of the ugliest works bikes ever made (probably one of the most expensive to build as well). Looks like something from the "Transformers" movie. But except for the Ribi bike , I like the look of any Honda big bore works bike from about 1977 to 1989.

Did they seroiusly ever use it ... :o hate to do an endo and get wrapped up in that front end.  :'(
cheers A
I am not sure if the Honda Ribi bike was used in competition (complicated looking isn't it ?). But I know that Roger DeCoster used what looked like a simpler version on his works Suzuki, before he moved to Honda (and maybe took the Ribi concept with him ?) Someone more knowlegeable than me might know the full story.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: DR on February 25, 2011, 08:19:38 am
Decoster definately used the Ribi front end on his RN Suzuki when he was runner up to Gerrit Wolsink at the Carlsbad USGP in 1979.

http://au.video.yahoo.com/watch/4344494/11666245 (http://au.video.yahoo.com/watch/4344494/11666245)

http://au.video.yahoo.com/watch/4344755/11666921 (http://au.video.yahoo.com/watch/4344755/11666921)

 
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: VMX247 on February 25, 2011, 10:07:56 am
Decoster definately used the Ribi front end on his RN Suzuki when he was runner up to Gerrit Wolsink at the Carlsbad USGP in 1979.
http://au.video.yahoo.com/watch/4344494/11666245 (http://au.video.yahoo.com/watch/4344494/11666245)
Thanks Doc..looks like they work too  :o  :o  what an enviroment  :o
Say's Decoster took a liking to them ,but they got shelved by Honda.
Good to see he didnt want to hurt anymore at 34,so retired from the big race's.
I had also seen similer on Greeves and sidecars,but not the ones above posted by Johnny89.
Interesting reading
http://www.allthingsmoto.com/forums/f-114/quiz-28005/
http://www.dirtbikeworld.net/forum/showthread.php?t=74017&page=3
cheers A
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: TooFastTim on February 25, 2011, 01:58:53 pm
I don't know. I wouldn't mind reading it myself. I pinched this image from the CR500 rider's forum, but I think it originally came from an article in Motocross Action magazine .

That's a pity. Thanks anyway.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: Husky500evo on March 02, 2011, 09:32:39 am
I googled "Who killed the 500 class?" and found that the MXA article is on twostrokemotocross.com.
Here is a link : http://twostrokemotocross.com/2009/11/who-killed-the-500-class-and-where-is-the-body-buried/ (http://twostrokemotocross.com/2009/11/who-killed-the-500-class-and-where-is-the-body-buried/).
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: TooFastTim on March 02, 2011, 09:43:23 am
Thanks
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: firko on March 02, 2011, 10:00:14 am
That's a really good article. As much as many folks think I'm buried in a pre 70 cocoon, I reckon the final serious era of the 500 class, the fabulous 80's was the golden era of motocross. To me and many of my comrades the sport has lost a lot of appeal since the 500 class was dropped and big bore 4 strokes were considered to be 250s. The flow on from that is the dumbing down of the World Motocross Championships, turning it into a second string series that nobody outside of Italy gives much of a shit about. If it wasn't on ESPN I wouldn't bother knowing who or what was winning.....come to think of it, I still don't give a toss. Twenty years ago I could rattle off the entire field of a 500GP, tell you what they rode and where they were from and even knew most of their mechanics names. Today I don't even know who the current champs are, let alone what they ride and I'm not alone.
While I think the day of the works bike is long gone and not feasible in todays financial climate, I'd like to see the traditional 125/250/500 divisions return and the GPs regain their status as our sports Holy Grail. Sadly, I don't think either of those dreams are ever going to happen.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: TooFastTim on March 02, 2011, 12:14:17 pm
That's a really good article. As much as many folks think I'm buried in a pre 70 cocoon, I reckon the final serious era of the 500 class, the fabulous 80's was the golden era of motocross. To me and many of my comrades the sport has lost a lot of appeal since the 500 class was dropped and big bore 4 strokes were considered to be 250s. The flow on from that is the dumbing down of the World Motocross Championships, turning it into a second string series that nobody outside of Italy gives much of a shit about. If it wasn't on ESPN I wouldn't bother knowing who or what was winning.....come to think of it, I still don't give a toss. Twenty years ago I could rattle off the entire field of a 500GP, tell you what they rode and where they were from and even knew most of their mechanics names. Today I don't even know who the current champs are, let alone what they ride and I'm not alone.
While I think the day of the works bike is long gone and not feasible in todays financial climate, I'd like to see the traditional 125/250/500 divisions return and the GPs regain their status as our sports Holy Grail. Sadly, I don't think either of those dreams are ever going to happen.

Agreed. IMO the days of the ""giants is gone. The last "giants" were Greg Albertyn and Joel Smets. But then I'm biased.
Title: Re: If you could choose just one works bike?
Post by: ola_martin on September 01, 2011, 12:16:29 am
Tough decision but it would have to be Mark Barnetts 1982 RA82 125.

(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/bike1.jpg?t=1297239999)

Offtopic, but can anyone tell me witch rearfender this is? Used on a lot of zuki factorybikes i think...