Saturday, September 27, 2014

TICK TOCK TICK TOCK

To my knowledge, we will be the first team to attempt the Baja1000 on a KX500AF. As a reminder, a KX500AF consists of a race-proven, no longer made 500cc 2-stroke monster engine (the KX500) shoehorned into a modern Aluminum Motocross Frame (the AF). It is -fingers crossed- the perfect weapon for the desert.
Good news for us - the Sportsman MC class will no longer be split between "under 450cc" and "over 450cc". Everybody in the Sportsman class will battling no matter the size of their bike. I think that puts the 5hundo at an advantage.

Some progress updates:
The bike to this point has been an incredible amount of work, and an amazing testament to the talent of Ray Connolly of Gold Medal Welding - who actually has a GOLD MEDAL IN WELDING (no joke).

Post frame modification, The bike moved to Larry Curik of Lone Star Choppers & Allied Precision Arms for his special touch. He is the fab-master and his attention to detail is unmatched. I'm talking "carbon-fiber airbox adapter" and "precision-fit headlight mount" kind-of detail.

The engine has been handled by Justin Hauss of Route 15 Cycles and JH2. Since the moto-world has shifted towards the 4-stroke, Justin's days are spent working on much more-complicated machines. Justin could build this 2-stroke engine blindfolded.
Next- Justin gets to shift gears to work the suspension. He normally tunes for Motocross and Supercross, but I know he can make this bike ride like a recliner for the desert. All hail JH2.


The rig leaves Saint Louis on 11/8.
The bike has not yet been started, and I feel like I should be scared. Somehow, I am at ease and have no doubt this thing is going to be amazing. The pile of parts is pretty impressive. The fabrication and welding is better than factory.

On the to-do list is a harness, battery mount and a taillight mount. The rest is cleanup and final assembly.
More to come. Here is a mockup to show the vision:
This will be reality in less than 2 weeks.



Sponsors to Thank:
Route 15 Cycles • Gold Medal Welding • Allied Precision Arms • Lone Star Choppers • 
Rigid Industries • Lucas Oils • Warp 9 • Fly Racing • Top Secret Designs

Contact me if you're interested in sponsoring our effort in any way.

No comments:

Post a Comment