Friday, December 16, 2016

Melting Myths about Snowmobiles and Ethanol

With snowmobile season kicking into high gear across many parts of the country, those who enjoy the outdoors are pulling their machines out of storage and getting them ready for another season of exploring. Unfortunately, there are persistent rumors that could mislead snowmobilers about fuel issues related to ethanol. Knowledge is power, so let’s examine a few of the more glaring myths around ethanol use with facts that explain why ethanol is safe to use in your small engine.


Myth: Any level of ethanol blended into gasoline is harmful to small engines.
Fact: Leading snowmobile manufactures such as Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo, Yamaha and Polaris all approve the use of fuel containing ethanol in their engines. An extensive amount of study has determined that E10, or fuel containing 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline, is suitable for use in small engines such as those found in snowmobiles and outboard boat motors. After all, ethanol is already in 97 percent of gas sold in the United States, so most outdoor enthusiasts are already using it and not experiencing issues.
Myth: Ethanol causes fuel to separate if it sits for an extended period of time.
Fact: Due to the fact that ethanol is water-soluble, it actually helps prevent phase separation. If a small amount of water finds its way into the fuel tank, as is common in small engines, ethanol allows it to be absorbed into the fuel mixture and pass harmlessly through the engine. West Marine states that this is actually a benefit of ethanol, not a drawback, as ethanol “…tends to keep low levels of water moving through the fuel system, keeping the system ‘dry.’” If a more significant amount of water is introduced into the fuel tank, inevitably problems will occur regardless of ethanol content. This is why outdoor enthusiasts should top off their tanks before use to prevent condensation and ensure tanks are empty before storing vehicles for an extended period of time.
Myth: Ethanol is more corrosive than gasoline.
Fact: Testing done by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers determined that fuel containing ethanol is not any more corrosive than non-ethanol fuel. In fact, the issue related to damage of small engines comes from the aromatics, which cause damage to the lines and fuel seals. Any fuel can be corrosive given the right conditions, so users should always follow manuals and practice proper storage procedures.
Myth: Ethanol provides less power than pure gasoline.
Fact: Ethanol is a high-octane biofuel that provides engines with more horsepower than regular gasoline. Pure ethanol has an octane rating of 113 (or higher), while most regular gasoline is 87. Ethanol is added to fuel to raise the octane level and prevent engine knocking. Previous fuel additives such as MTBE were polluting the air and waterways, and were significantly more expensive than ethanol. By switching to ethanol, our environment is cleaner and fuel is cheaper without any loss in power.
Myth: The numerous products sold claiming to cure ethanol-related issues are proof problems exist.
Fact: Any golfer or fishing enthusiast knows that just because a product is marketed as a miracle answer for improved results does not mean the product actually works as advertised. Engine issues can be hard to explain and even more annoying to fix, so it should be no surprise that products are sold claiming to be an easy fix. In reality, E10 fuel can actually reduce the need for fuel additives, since it prevents fuel line freeze, as noted by the Travelers Motor Club. That is why the snowmobile owner’s manual for Polaris recommends that those using non-ethanol fuel add another alcohol-based additive to their gas tank to prevent damage resulting from fuel system icing.
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About American Ethanol
Representing a wide array of ethanol supporters, from farmers to bio-engineering firms, American Ethanol was established by Growth Energy, in partnership with the National Corn Growers Association and others. By establishing a marketing partnership with NASCAR starting with the 2011 racing season, the same year that NASCAR switched its fuel to Sunoco Green E15, American Ethanol aims to educate and inform the broader American public about the benefits of U.S.-made ethanol. For more information, visit www.AmericanEthanolRacing.com, follow us on Twitter @AmericanEthanol or connect with us on Facebook


Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Local Racers and Promoters Nominated For AMA Awards

Dec. 13, 2016     
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: 
jholter@ama-cycle.org

Click here for photos from the 2015 AMA Championship Banquet: http://gallery. americanmotorcyclist.com/AMA- Racing/AMA-Championship- Banquet/ 


Racing award nominees for 2016 AMA Championship Banquet announced
 
AMA members to vote on winners


PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association has announced the nominees for the 2016 AMA Championship Banquet awards. The awards recognize individuals and organizations that excelled in AMA-sanctioned competition and recreational activity in 2016. 

AMA members help select the winners of the competition categories with their votes, including the prestigious AMA Athlete of the Year honors. AMA members can vote at https://www.surveymonkey.com/ r/2016AMAAwards through Sunday, Dec. 18, at midnight Eastern Time. All AMA members who vote will be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to AMAGear.com. 

Award winners will be announced at the 2016 AMA Championship Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Hilton Downtown Columbus in Columbus, Ohio. Class champions from national and regional motorcycle and ATV championships also will be honored with No. 1 plates. Second- and third-place finishers will receive awards, as well. 

"The AMA Championship Banquet is one of the most diverse celebrations in motorsports," said AMA Director of Racing Kevin Crowther. "Each year, we spotlight racers from all areas of motorcycle and ATV competition in what is always an amazing showcase for AMA racing. We honor everyone from youth champions to vintage racers and, of course, the country's top talent in several disciplines." 

The AMA also will recognize AMA-chartered clubs and promoters that raised the bar for AMA-sanctioned activity in 2016. 

The AMA Championship Banquet -- which includes dinner, door prizes and a bike show -- will recognize hundreds of top competitors from across the country in disciplines ranging from dirt track racing to motocross to woods racing and everything in between. 

Tickets for the AMA Championship Banquet are $75 each. AMA Life Members receive a $10 discount. Register here: https://events.r20. constantcontact.com/register/ eventReg?oeidk= a07ecyqnjqo92aebedb&oseq=&c=& ch= 

A free open house will be held at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, on Jan. 20. Attendees are encouraged to attend to see the historic bikes and memorabilia on display, featuring the 2016 inductees: motorcycling pioneer Gloria Tramontin-Struck, desert racing champion and tuner Chris Haines, the late motorcycle designer and engineer Charles Franklin, race frame builder Jeff Cole, road racing champion Miguel Duhamel, dirt track racer Ronnie Jones, desert racing champion Jack Johnson and engine builder and tuner Dennis Mahan. 

The Hilton Downtown Columbus is located in the heart of downtown Columbus and less than 25 minutes from AMA headquarters and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, with easy access to the interstate and Port Columbus International Airport. Special room rates at the hotel are available through Dec. 20 by calling (614) 384-8600 and using group code AMA17 or by reserving online at https://aws.passkey.com/event/ 15881428/owner/9521521/home

2016 AMA Racer of the Year Nominees 

AMA Athlete of the Year: National Championship Series 

Russell Bobbitt, Champion, AMA National Enduro Championship Series
Ricky Brabec, Champion, AMA National Hare & Hound Championship Series
Gavin Faith, Champion, AMA Arenacross National Championship Series
Marc Freixa, Champion, AMA/NATC MotoTrials National Championship Series
Colton Haaker, Champion, AMA EnduroCross National Championship Series; Champion, FIM Super Enduro World Championship
Billy Janniro, Champion, AMA Speedway National Championship Series
Gage McAllister, Champion, AMA Supermoto National Championship Series
Brandon Paasch, Champion, AMA/FIM North America MotoAmerica KTM RC390 Cup 
Taylor Robert, Overall Winner and member of Championship World Trophy Team, International Six Days Enduro
Kailub Russell, Overall Champion, AMA Grand National Cross Country Series 

AMA Athlete of the Year: Grand Championships 

Jody Barry, AMA Road Race Horizon Award Winner, AMA Road Race Grand Championship
Jarred Brook, AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award Winner, AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship
Eva Hakansson, Land Speed Record Setter, AMA Land Speed Grand Championship
Ben Kelly, Top Amateur, AMA Tennessee Knockout Enduro Grand Championship 
Trevor Kline, AMA Vintage Off-Road Grand Champion, AMA Vintage Grand Championship
Nathan Prebe, AMA Hillclimb Racer of the Year, AMA Hillclimb Grand Championship
Chase Sexton, AMA Motocross Horizon Award Winner, AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship 

AMA ATV Athlete of the Year 

Colt Brinkerhoff, Pro ATV Champion, AMA National Hare and Hound Championship Series; Pro ATV Champion, AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship Series
Walker Fowler, Overall ATV Champion, AMA Grand National Cross Country Series
Alan Myers, 450 A Champion and Production A Champion, AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series 

AMA Female Racer of the Year 

Nicole Bradford, Women's Champion, AMA National Hare and Hound Championship Series
Eva Hakansson, Land Speed Record Setter, AMA Land Speed Grand Championship 
Jordan Jarvis, Girls Sr. (12-16) and Women (14+) Amateur Champion, AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship
Alicia McCormick, WXC ATV Champion, AMA Grand National Cross Country Series 
Becca Sheets, WXC Champion, AMA Grand National Cross Country Series 

AMA Vet/Senior Racer of the Year 

Bart Bast, Track Champion, Fast Fridays Motorcycle Speedway
Steve Bromley, 1970s 250cc and 1970s 750cc Champion, AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series
John Grewe, Masters 50+ Champion, AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship 
Fred Hoess, FIM ISDE Vintage Class Champion
Gary Roach, AMA Vintage Off-Road Senior Grand Champion, AMA Vintage Grand Championship
Billy Schlag, Senior A Champion, AMA Grand National Cross Country Series; Open A Champion, AMA Full Gas Sprint Enduro Championship Series 

AMA Youth Racer of the Year 

Micah Hertrich, 125cc Expert Champion, AMA/NATC MotoTrials National Championship Series
Troy Hill, Youth All-Star (13-15) and Schoolboy Sr. (14-17) Champion, AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series
Sterling Martin, 150cc Youth Champion, AMA Youth Speedway National Championship
Mason Matthies, Big Wheel (12-15) Champion, AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship Series
Jett Reynolds, 85cc (9-11) Limited and 85cc (9-12) Champion, AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship
Hunter Riemer, Super Mini Sr. (14-15), AMA Grand National Cross Country Series
Tyler Scott, AMA Youth Dirt Track Racer of the Year, AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships 

2016 AMA Organizer of the Year Nominees 

AMA Motocross Organizer of the Year 

2x Promotions; Porterville, Calif.
Feld Entertainment Inc.; Palmetto, Fla.
MX Sports Inc.; Morgantown, W.Va. 

AMA Off-Road Organizer of the Year 

Full Gas Sprint Enduro Championship Series; Hickory, N.C.
Racer Productions Inc.; Morgantown, W.Va.
National Hare & Hound Association; Los Angeles, Calif. 

AMA Track Racing Organizer of the Year 

Fast Fridays Motorcycle Speedway; Auburn, Calif.
Steve Nace Racing Promotions; Paducah, Ky.
California Flat Track Association; San Francisco, Calif. 

AMA ATV Organizer of the Year 

National Hare and Hound Association; Los Angeles, Calif.
Racer Productions Inc.; Morgantown, W.Va.
Western New York Offroad Association; Newfield, N.Y. 

AMA Recreational Road Riding Organizer of the Year 

Roar on the Shore; Erie, Pa.
Schuylkill County Motorcycle Club; Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
Midwest Motorcycle Club; Indianapolis, Ind. 

AMA Recreational Off-Road Riding Organizer of the Year 

Knapp Creek Fire Department; Knapp Creek, N.Y.
Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders; Neenah, Wis.
Touratech USA; Seattle, Wash. 

AMA Club of the Year 

Trials Inc.; Louisville, Ky. 
Polka Dots M/C (CA); Fair Oaks, Calif. 
Ramapo Motorcycle Club; Congers, N.Y. 

AMA Media Award 

Racer TV; Morgantown, W.Va.
On The Pegs; Sapulpa, Okla.
Cycle USA; Franksville, Wis. 

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ membership/join 

Thursday, December 8, 2016

27th Annual East Coast Indoor Nationals Car and Bike Show

In early December we attended the 27th Annual East Coast Nationals at the Cow Palace in Timonium, Md. For me it was a flash back to my teenage years and all of the hot American muscle cars that I grew up ever so fond of.


This event is one of the largest on the east coast and it featured cars from the 1920's right up to the present day Chevrolet Corvette Z06 which in many peoples opinion is still the best bang for the buck from any day and age when it comes to value to performance in a sports car.



The show also featured vendors from the industry along with hot dog eating contests, a large slot car track, a visit from Santa Claus and was a fundraiser for the MD Toy for Tots. At the end of the day the 50/50 fundraiser winner also donated back to charity the $7000 he could have put in his pocket. 


One of our favorites ended up being a 1920 Ford Model T Speedster #5 Race Car that ended up winning the outstanding vehicle and display award. It reminded my son and I of the car from the popular Disney Film - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.




In talking with the owners Karen and Joey we got some background on this car and found it was the same year and model as the car used in the film. The car was originally hand built by George Navaro of Fremont CA over 25 years ago. Starting with a stock 1920 Ford Model T with its original Ford Flat Head 4 cylinder engine Mr. Navaro set out to build one of the finest cars representing the golden age of racing.

With a number of upgrades to make the car ready for racing it was first entered into the 200 mile Santa Clara California Endurance Run having a top speed of over 68 mph. The car was then entered in shows winning numerous awards and ended up changing hands several times and eventually was found in a barn in Virginia in the fall of 2013.

The current owners purchased the car at a Harrisburg Pa auction in 2014 and after a mild eight month restoration began to enter her in car shows both locally and nationally. After winning numerous awards the car won top "Show Class Race Car" in Washington DC at the National Armory this past March and was also selected as 1 of 12 to be displayed at the 2016 Carlisle Ford Nationals out of 5400 applicants.

See a You Tube video about this great car and its owners byClicking Here



This weekends show featured cars from every era and there was something for everyone to see. Props to the promoters of the show for wanting to keep the dream alive. In its 27th year the show was taken over two years ago by the Trail Way Sport Club, the same folks who also promote the Motorama Show coming up in February in Harrisburg, Pa. Their mission is to keep sharing this great part of our American heritage for years to come. Co promoter Andy Goodman has been around the car show scene globally for 20 years now and he said this show featured the best collection hes maybe ever seen in one place. 

Check out a video from the show by: Clicking Here


To get info or to register for the upcoming Motorama Show - Click Here









Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Area and Regional Qualifier Dates Released

Dec. 7, 2016     
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: 
jholter@ama-cycle.org

Click here for an action photo of a 2016 event: http://gallery. americanmotorcyclist.com/ AMAMedia/Racing/n-gvHTH/i- hFGgKCH/A 


2017 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship announces dates for Area Qualifiers and Regional Championships
 
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association is pleased to announce the AMA Area Qualifier and Regional Championship schedule for the 2017 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, presented by AMSOIL.
 
The qualifying program takes place in 33 states, starting with the 55 Area Qualifiers that begin in February and run through the end of May. The 13 Regional Championships will run in eight major geographical regions throughout the United States, taking place from late May through June.
 
"The AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship program has become the most prestigious amateur motocross competition in history, and the 2017 program will live up to that legacy," said AMA Motocross Manager Kip Bigelow. "The AMA along with the program's organizer, MX Sports, has worked diligently to create an Area Qualifier and Regional Championship schedule that has calendar balance, geographic balance and features some of the country's best tracks and facilities. We're very pleased to be involved and provide AMA members and their families with the exclusive opportunity to race for an AMA National Motocross Championship."
 
The AMA Area Qualifiers serve as the first step in qualifying for the world's largest and most celebrated amateur motocross championship. The AMA Regional Championships then serve as the next step to seed riders into the annual AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship. Only riders who finish in a qualifying position at a Regional Championship are eligible to race the amateur national event in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.
 
"The logistics of scheduling venues and organizers, at the same time being sensitive to the local race community and longstanding events, makes the scheduling process very difficult," said MX Sports Director Tim Cotter. "In addition, the AMA has done a great job cultivating race tracks across the country. There are more racetracks in America that are capable of hosting an Area Qualifier or Regional Championship than ever before, making the process very competitive."
 
This year's lineup includes many historic tracks, such as Unadilla MX and High Point Raceway in the Northeast. The tour also returns to other favorites, such as the Southeast's Muddy Creek Raceway, RedBud MX in the Mid-East and Thunder Valley MX Park in the South Central region.
 
To view the 2017 AMA Area Qualifier and AMA Regional Championship schedule, see www.mxsports.com/events.
 
For additional information, visit the series official website at www.mxsports.com or call (304) 284-0101. Also follow the official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for exclusive content and to catch the latest news.
 
About the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship
The Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship is the world's largest and most prestigious amateur motocross racing program. The national qualifying program consists of AMA Area Qualifiers (February through May) and AMA Regional Championships (May through June), hosted at select motocross facilities across the country. The qualifying system culminates in the AMA National Championship (the first week in August) hosted annually since 1982 at the home of country music star Loretta Lynn in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. Nearly 22,000 racers attempt to qualify in 38 classes for the 1,482 available positions at the national event. Christened "The World's Greatest Motocross Vacation," the AMA National Championship has launched some of the biggest names in professional motocross and Supercross competition, including Ricky Carmichael, Ryan Dungey, James Stewart and Ryan Villopoto. The national program is produced by MX Sports Inc., a West Virginia-based race production company, and sanctioned by AMA. For more information, please visit www.mxsports.com.

American Motorcyclist Association Sanctions Snow Bike Racing


Dec. 2, 2016     
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org



Click here for a photo of snow bike racing (source: Big Nasty Hillclimb LLC): http://tinyurl.com/snowbikeracing 

 
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- This winter, the American Motorcyclist Association will begin sanctioning the relatively new sport of snow bike racing, which features competition off-road motorcycles modified for snowy terrain.

"The AMA is excited to be getting involved in the new and innovative sport of snow bike racing," said AMA Motocross Manager Kip Bigelow. "We have been watching it with interest for several years and decided that it makes sense to embrace this interesting new competition segment."

The inaugural series sanctioned by the AMA will be the AMA Championship Snow Bike Series, promoted by Big Nasty Hillclimb LLC, an AMA-chartered promoter out of Boise, Idaho, that has experience promoting hillclimb and hare and hound events.

The first round of the AMA Championship Snow Bike Series will be held at ERX Motorpark near Minneapolis, Minn., on Dec. 18.

The snow bikes, which swap out wheels and knobby tires for a ski up front for steering and a high-performance snowmobile-style track in the rear for traction, will compete on a motocross-inspired half-mile track of jumps, banks, right and left hand turns, and whoops and dips.

"We have learned from past snow-bike events that when dirt, dust and rocks are eliminated, racing gets closer," said Ron Dillon, the principal of Big Nasty Hillclimb LLC and the series director for the promoter. "Racers will be riding inches from each other, fighting for a spot in our main events, and it is an absolute blast to watch them go at it."

Spectator admission is $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for kids 6-12 and free to those 5 and under. Veterans and active military members will be offered free admission with military identification or if wearing full uniform. Practice begins at 9 a.m., with racing starting at 11 a.m.

For more information about the Dec. 18 event and the AMA Championship Snow Bike Series, contact Ron Dillon at (208) 573-4255, or visit the series' website.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join 

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Damien Plotts MX Academy - Now Open

Our good friend and former pro racer Damien Plotts opens his new MX Training Academy at 
Moto-Vip in Adrian, Ga.


Click Here to go to Plotts MX

Selingsgrove, Pa native Damien Plotts began his racing career in 1983. He and his dad would travel to races all over the country, working hard and gaining experience and improving along the way. By 1992 Damien had achieved a Loretta Lynn Amateur National Title then came back in 1999 after a four year break to win a second title in the Pro Sport class.

Damien's first pro race was at Broome Tioga in 1993 -  he told me he finished second in his heat race that day and actually held sixth place in one of his motos for 20 minutes before hitting a wall and fading. He did however manage a top 20 overall to launch his pro career.

Over the years  Damien went on to race all over Europe, has had many top Arenacross finshes and has held two digit AMA Pro numbers for seven seasons with his best being #44 in 2000.

In 2009 Damien hung up his helmet so to speak and committed himself to his business and raising his family. He ran a successful courier business for many years and introduced his two young sons to riding motorcycles and the sport of BMX which Damien did as a hobby while racing motocross.

I ran into Damien last fall and he was back on the bike competing for the first time in years. (yes the bug had struck) I hung out with him and his family for a while that day and he told me he had been doing some one on one training  and he was really feeling the draw to get back in the sport to share his talents. Most recently Damien and his family participated in one of our Motocross for Christ Camps where he was head trainer for a full week.

Since then big things have been happening for the former pro and his family. His dream of becoming a full time trainer and role model are beginning to come to fruition. In Damien s words:

"Feeling so blessed to be around the sport I love, living my dream, sharing knowledge with passionate individuals with their own dreams is such a gift ...I don't take it lightly. What a humbling feeling. Following the Lord Jesus has brought many amazing people into my life. I'm just thrilled to meet the next family or rider that I can be a positive influence on. Come join us with a sheet full of goals or a head full of dreams and we WILL set you on the fast track forward. 
Demand more for yourself than anyone could ever expect!"


Click Here to go to Moto-Vip website

As you can see from the ad above, Damien is open for business and looking to help train the next generation of champions. You can get all the details above by following the links or better yet just give him a call at: 570.490.5892 or email to: plottsmx@gmail.com


Be sure to tell them that Brapp Mag sent you








Tuesday, November 22, 2016

We won! ISDE trophy comes to America!

Two-Minute Warning

By Erek Kudla


If you’ve been living under a rock for the last couple of weeks, I’m proud to break the news that the U.S. International Six Days Enduro World Trophy Team won the ISDE for the first time since the event was founded in 1913! If you’re not sure what this means, I can tell you it’s a big deal. We essentially just won the Olympic equivalent of off-road motorcycle racing. Google it now because it is very important.


AMA Off-Road Manager Erek Kudla reps America at the 2016 ISDE. (Photo: Mark Kariya)
Personally, I have followed the ISDE for most of my life. My dad followed it for most of his life. My brother was fast enough to actually qualify twice -- for Italy 2013 and Slovakia 2015. I tried to qualify but am not fast enough. This is the source of the joke, "I see why you got the job at the AMA now! So you could actually make it to ISDE." Hardy har har, guys. Thanks.

Nonetheless, the skunk stripes (that's a reference to the helmet design that has been used by U.S. team riders since before I was born) really, really mean something to my family. The skunk stripes are not something easy to earn, and those who have earned them run them for their entire life from then on. So being able to go this year was a great honor and being able to watch the team win it was beyond explanation. Just writing about it brings a tear to the eye, and I can tell you there were very few dry ones on any of the American faces I saw at the event.

But, lets back up a little bit… I want to talk about the real backbone of the U.S. ISDE Team. Let me preface this by stating that our entire ISDE program was set into motion long before I started at the AMA. My only real input was helping with some paperwork at the office, facilitating a few other FIM-related things and recording history as it unfolded. The reason this achievement was  possible -- and the glue that held the entire thing together -- was the U.S. ISDE crew. When everything was being organized to head out to Spain, we were short on volunteers. When I asked, "well, how many do we have?" they replied, "only 113." Only 113! That’s more people than put on an entire race here in the States! I would have never guessed that it took that many people on the back end to help our 28 riders chase gold. Most, if not all, were past ISDE competitors, winners, friends, family and fans alike. AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Fredette, for instance, was one of the many heading-up operations, and Jeff has competed in 34 ISDEs himself!

Once I got to the paddock, I saw what this meant. The pits were pumping with “USA” shirts and work gloves putting together Rabaconda tire changers, setting up tool boards, breaking down boxes, getting our mobile kitchen set up, helping riders with whatever they needed… This was before anything actually happened. Most of them were there for as long as 10 days before I arrived myself. Unloading our two crates that were shipped a full month before the event even started. This was like an ant farm of people working away to get ready for the start of the event.

Once the event actually began, there had already been months and months of work hours logged by many of the workers. With all of the preparation it was almost on auto-pilot after the first riders left the impound. We had people everywhere -- in the morning work station, at every check with a work area set up, at every test on both the “In” and the “out” to take tool packs and jackets, record times and then pass back everything to the riders. We had gofers for everything we needed. Then we had our kitchen crews and chase crews with factory KTM mechanics to help diagnose things in the work areas. At the end of each day, it kicked into overdrive for the next crew (made up of many from the day crew) who took on all the administrative responsibilities and getting the pits set up for the next day. It was pretty amazing to see all of the effort that went into the program. There were so many moving parts, so many people working so hard I know I’m going to forget someone and some process, but I can tell you it was amazing to watch!

With the help of the stellar crew we had one of the most dominant runs in the history of the event. We started last, had one of the smallest work areas possible on top of having lost one of our lead riders the day before he planned to fly out. From there, our World Trophy Team was first overall at the end of Day 1. No complaints, no excuses. At the end of the event, we had more notches on the belt than anything else. First overall individual. First and second overall in E2. First overall team. First overall World Trophy Team. Second overall Jr. Trophy Team. Fourth overall Women’s Trophy Team. First overall Club individual. First E1 Club individual. First E2 Club individual. Third E3 Club individual. Second, third, fifth, ninth, 18th and 21st Club teams -- out of 123 teams in the Club division. This was the first year for the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy. We won that, too. American Fred Hoess, competing on a 1986 WR250 Husqvarna, was the winner.

By the end of the day, the announcer just said “and once again, no surprise, America is coming to the stage.” I would say that is a great analogy for how this past week went. In true American spirit, taking the worst circumstances and making the absolute best of them, the U.S. ISDE Team proved that it was the best in the world.

I am very proud of the job that they did representing the United States and I am sure you are too.

Erek Kudla is the AMA off-road manager.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Brapp Mag Tests - European Made AJP Motorcycles

AJP Motorcyles America - Lightweight, Affordable, Dependable

Get yours at Keystone Trailers / Moto Depot in Lancaster, Pa



PR3 Enduro 240 - MSRP $4799

Yes - believe it or not the @Brapp_Captain does some riding of his own. Not like in years gone by but I still enjoy a great trail ride now and then. 

There are a number of reasons why I don't spend as much time in the saddle anymore, with one of them being the tall stature of the bikes these days. My 5' 8" frame coupled with my 50 plus years of abuse on this planet sometimes makes it difficult or lets say un-enjoyable to mount up and go like I used too.

That's OK - laugh if you will. But I'd bet there are a number of you out there that may have the same problem. Another big struggle and this one will get me in trouble I'm sure, is the cost of some of the new machinery these days. I believe the manufactures in trying to always create a better product have sometimes priced themselves right out of the market.

Enter the made in Europe AJP PR3 - a 240cc air cooled powerhouse that sits low to the ground while still offering optimal suspension travel and ground clearance with a price that a grandpa like me can afford.


The under the seat fuel tank along with the smaller wheel size and included lowering link make this machine a great choice for an old guy like me or even a youth rider looking for his or her first shot at a full chassis bike.

NEW 16” Rear Wheel – Down in size by 1 inch from our older 17” rear wheel, this new 16” wheel allows for a larger selection of tire choices, plus lowers our seat height slightly as well!
NEW Michelin Tires – Now installed at the factory are Michelin Starcross MS3 tires front & rear – a matched set for best traction and performance.
Lowering Link – A special link for the rear suspension is included with every PR3 in the crate – this allows for the owner to lower the PR3 seat height by 1 full inch!


All AJP's can be tagged for street and Enduro use

We rode this bike in late October at a super secret testing facility in Lancaster, Pa. A big thanks to the property owner for providing the perfect testing grounds and to Keystone Trailers / Moto Depot for supplying the ride.


This bike powered up hills and handled great

I loved this bike as it made plenty of power to make it fun to ride while being able to pull the hills and work its way thru the tight stuff. I never once struggled with the bike being top heavy or too tall when having to come to an abrupt stop on the side of a hill or in a gully and the brakes worked fantastic, lets just say, who knew that big creek was there as I was powering out of the woods. The strong disc brakes both front and rear stopped me on a dime and kept me high and dry all day. The electric start was a bonus and I really enjoyed riding this bike.

More good news - the lineup doesn't stop with the PR 3. If you are taller in stature or like riding the taller frame for just a few hundred dollars more you can get the PR 4. The main difference is going to an 18" rear with a 21" front wheel set up.

Even better news - if you're into competition or just want more power from your ride, then the AJP PR 5 is the bike you're looking for. Adding fuel injection and a liquid cooled motor with a 4 valve head. This baby pumps out an additional 10 horsepower and you can really feel the difference in power. It also rides on the taller wheels and offers a 6 speed transmission. 

Conveniently located at Keystone Trailers / Moto Depot: Click Here for website or give them a call at 717. 581.9020 - please make sure you tell them that Brapp Mag sent you.


Specs PR 3

ENGINE / COOLING
Zongshen 233cc, 4 Stroke, SOHC, 2 Valve / air cooled with remote oil cooler

POWER / TORQUE
20 hp @ 8000 rpm / 13 ft-lbs @ 7000 rpm

CARBURETOR / INTAKE
Keihin/Deni PZ30 w/accelerator pump / Twin Air high-mounted filter

ENGINE START / GEARING
Electric / 5 speed, 520 O-Ring chain, 39T rear, 13T front

FRONT SUSPENSION
AJP USD 38mm – 10 inches travel – compression & rebound adjustable

REAR SUSPENSION
Sachs with remote reservoir, linkage type, 11 inches travel (stock link) – Compression, rebound, & preload adjustable

FRONT / REAR TIRES
Michelin Starcross MS3 70/100 – 19″ / Michelin Starcross MS3 100/100 – 16″

FRONT / REAR BRAKE
BrakTec hydraulics -260mm Disc / BrakTec hydraulics – 220mm disc

WHEELBASE
52 inches

GROUND CLEARANCE
11.5 inches (with stock link)

SEAT HEIGHT
33.3 inches (w/lowering link), 34.3 inches stock

WET WEIGHT (no fuel)
221 lbs

FUEL TANK
Translucent, 1.8 US gallon

FUEL RANGE
100 miles approximate



Click Here to go to website






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