Brapp Magazine Weekend Race Report - MAMA at VMP

Wow what a weekend - great temps for racing, rebuilt track, good crowd on hand, two days of motocross. Get the scoop in the video below:

What more can I say - check out some action below then log on to our photo site to see images from all classes by: Clicking Here

Please remember the next round on Sept. 9-10 has been moved to the new Middleford MX

See more racing action at Brapp Magazine by: Clicking Here

See More pictures from VMP by Carlton by: Clicking Here

Velocity Cycle Bike Review - Honda Rebel 500

Ride Review

The Honda Rebel 500

Courtesy of Velocity Cycles

Mechanicsburg, Pa

By: Jim Bull

Well this month I got my wish – yes that ride on Hondas Street Retro the Rebel 500. If you read last months article we tested the 300cc series of bikes from Honda. The 500’s like the 300’s offer different model configurations based on your riding style and preference only with a larger powerplant.

Check out Velocity Cycles in Mechanicsburg, Pa

The last time the staff at Velocity Cycles put me out on the CB300 F or standard as I like to say. That bike shares the same geometry as its cousin the R series but the Rebel understand is a different animal all its own. Honda also offers an Adventure model in this 500 series but that’s a story for a different day.

I started out working in this industry way back in the early 1980’s at a Honda dealership and stayed there for 10 years. During that time Honda introduced the CMX250 or what would become known as the Honda Rebel. I’m not going to tell you what that bike retailed for but let me say this. We sold them by the tractor trailer loads. Honda hit the mark way back then, and after my ride last month I'm here to tell you that they did it again.

The Honda Rebel loved the open roads in the foothills of Pa

Below find some commentary from Honda's website:

THE ALL-NEW 2017 REBEL 500

YOU DON’T BUY THIS BIKE. YOU MAKE IT YOURS.

The Rebel 500 is a true triple threat: part impressive performance, part minimalist good looks and completely fun to ride. The first thing you’ll notice is its subtle, blacked-out looks. From the compact frame to its low-slung seat, it’s just cool. Once you get on, you’ll know immediately that this bike was meant to be ridden, thanks to an impressive lean angle, and a 471cc parallel-twin engine tuned for middle and upper-rpms. Ride it stock. Trick it out. Either way, this bike just feels right.

I’d have to concur with everything Honda says above. When you swing your leg over this half liter cruiser you can just begin to feel the cool creep through your body. The bike looks great, sits low to the ground and has a just right riding geometry.

Pulling out onto the highway I could immediately notice the difference in power and torque over the 300 series bikes.  As I headed out of Mechanicsburg and up into the foothills I was even more impressed as this cruiser handled the twisty roads very nicely. I wasn’t sure what to expect given the cruiser style frame geometry and different tire and wheel configurations but this half pint cruiser got the job done. It was also a breeze to ride as I worked my way down into the city traffic of Carlisle and made my way back to the shop.

The Rebel was right at home tooling around the city streets

This bike hits the mark. It looks great, is super lightweight and easy to balance. It has nice big disc brakes, electronic fuel injection, a user-friendly gauge package and best of all – it is highly customizable. Both Honda and the aftermarket companies have set their sights on how much we crazy Americans love to make things are own.

If you’re looking for a great bike to get out and cruise I would definitely give this ride a look. Whether you’re an entry level rider looking for your first bike or an experienced veteran looking for a fun and versatile machine. The Honda rebel just might be your best pick.

Read more at:

 https://powersports.honda.com/2017/rebel-500.aspx?&cid=main_reprise/google/Brand_Motorcycle_Cruiser_Exact/Rebel+500/honda%20rebel%20500&mkwid=szYM16mDx|dc_pcrid_193275585519_pkw_honda%20rebel%20500_pmt_e#3MDAeMCo1Z7CzBof.99

Check out Velocity Cycles for all your Honda, BMW and Genuine Scooter needs

by: Clicking Here

If you live in central Pa and I would give Velocity Cycles a yell at: 717.766.2523 and please tell them that Brapp Mag sent you.

Team Perfect Storm July and August Race Reports

·         Shotgun Sprint Jr Enduro

·         AMA East HS Battle Creek - D6 Hurricane Hills HS

·         MDRA MX Sleepy Hollow

How do you go from watching your child learn to ride a dirt bike on your front lawn to driving him all over the East Coast? Simple, buy them a dirt bike.  When they tell you they want to try a race, hang on cause it will suck the entire family in. 

This report covers a wide array of locations, disciplines and dedication.  This cannot occur without the assistance from our sponsors and parents.  So here we go: Starting with the Shotgun Sprint JR Enduro. I have to say many parents like this format.  After each lap they can take a moment to check on their riders and prep them for their next lap.  They can have a drink, a quick bite or give you thumbs up and continue on. In Catawissa, PA four out of 6 TPS members represented. 

     Smiling Cate Nash put her RM 85 on the center box taking 1^st. place for JR Girls. Caleb Baltimore took 3^rd place in 7-11 85cc. Julian Wojick suffered a foot injury which side lined him for a bit and then before we knew it he was back out to finish but nowhere near his usual finish.  This will be a throw away.  Vince Caramanna started in 4th and kept it there till the end. 

     One Week later found a last minute decision for a few members to head to Battle Creek, Michigan where round 7 of the AMA East National HS was being held.  Most were skeptical of going that distance but as they sometimes say, “a last minute choice is the right choice”.  Once the 3 members of TPS arrived a day ahead of time and practiced at a local MX track down the road and hammered out some laps. The practice on foreign soil paid off.  Ricky Anewalt Jr. 1st place 14-16 SM, Kenito Held 1st place 7-11 85 and "Spicy Meatball" Vincent Caramanna 1st 10-11 65.  Kenito and Vince taking class hole shots and overtaking the local favorites by several minutes by races end.  The locals perceived these boys a national caliber riders with many questions of how and what we do to train.  

     As if we didn't drive far enough, as soon as the youth class ended, Vincent along with Mom, Dad Sigety and Ryder Sigety, drove right to Hurricane Hills MX in PA (400 Miles) arriving at midnight for a Sunday rock fest.  With northern PA receiving loads of rain during the week and humidity the rocks were SLICK! Vincent Caramanna left the line in 4th once again not giving up the spot, even after a get off on the MX section and finishing for the day right there! We’ll take it. 

    The following weekend, some D6 HS kids decided to try out an MX at Sleepy Hollow hosted by MDRA.  Kenito representing, gave it a try and took 4^th place out of 17 in the 7-11 85cc.  Not bad for a Bark Buster.  

     Caleb Baltimore has been knocking them silly up at WNYOA and some D4 Jr Enduros during the off weekends.  He has been banging 1^st and 2^nd ’s at these events and taking home some splinter.  Bike maintenance during the week as well as parental recovery is scarce these days so we are extremely grateful to the Suzuki Motorcycle Company for building these incredibly reliable low maintenance machines. A big shout out to all who make this possible, Parents, Sponsors, Mike Sigety Shuttle Services and the above all - GOT MILK?