The Honda / Moriwaki Engineering MD250H. US$11,699 and you have to paint it yourself

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and Moriwaki Engineering of Japan have announced that a limited number of MD250H “Powered by Honda” race bikes will be offered for sale to riders eligible for the youth-oriented USGPRU road racing series.

The MD250H is basically a race bike similar in size and feel to an RS125, but powered by a 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke Unicam engine from Honda’s popular CRF250X. The MD250H has been race tuned by Moriwaki Engineering. The purpose-built twin spar aluminum-framed road racer is ready-to-race from the ground up, complete with a single radial-mount front disc brake, inverted fork, Pro-Link single-shock rear suspension, lightweight wheels and tires, works-style welded aluminum fuel tank and race-ready bodywork. Riders only need to apply their own paint and graphics.

“Our goal in releasing the MD250H is to help develop youth and entry-level racing in America by providing high-quality, affordable entry-level machines that are fun to ride and easy to maintain,” said Honda Press Manager Jon Row. “To build enthusiasm for the USGPRU MD250H series, American Honda will be offering a corresponding contingency program worth US$110,000″. Qualified racers may be given the opportunity to receive a Pro Honda Pit Kit consisting of US$890 worth of oils and chemicals. Riders with existing oil and chemicals sponsors can decline this option. For contingency details, visit hondaredriders.com.

Suggested retail price for the MD250H is US$11,699. It will be sold exclusively through select Honda dealers. For more information about availability, contact your local Honda dealer, and for information about the race series, visit www.usgpru.net.

MSRP: $11,699
Engine: 249.4cc Liquid Cooled 4-stroke single (CRF250X based)
Chassis: Moriwaki Twin Spar Aluminum
Suspension FR: Inverted Telescopic
Suspension RR: Pro-Link
Front Brakes: Radial Mounted Single Disk
Rear Brakes: Hydraulic Single Disk
Wheel FR: Lightweight 95/70/R17
Wheel RR: Lightweight 115/70/R17
Starter Type: Electric Pushbutton
Warranty: None

Each MD250H will come with the following:
- Complimentary 1-year HRCA membership
- Pro Honda Oils and Chemicals “Honda Pro Pit Kit”

The Honda Pro Pit Kit consists of the following:
* 2 cases (24 qts) HP4 (with moly) 10w40 oil
* 2 cases (24 qts) HP4 (non-moly) 10w40 oil
* 1 case (12 cans) Spray Cleaner / Polish
* 1 case (12 cans) Contact Cleaner
* 1 case (12 cans) Hondalube
* 1 case (12 cans) White Graphite Chainlube
* 1 case (12 20oz bottles) Hondabrite
* 1 case (12 quarts) HP Coolant
* 1 case DOT4 Brake Fluid

Riders with existing sponsors may decline this offer. If you’re interested in racing an MD250H in the USGPRU, you can contact their local Honda motorcycle dealership. You’ll have to provide a race resume with applicable race experience from other 2-wheel racing disciplines. Customers will also be required to be USGPRU licensed racers.

SOURCE: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

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Tommy Searle starts MX season with a flourish in Mantova

Tyla Rattray and Tommy Searle Ready to Race in Mantova

KTM Red Bull MX2 factory rider Tommy Searle sent a strong signal to his opponents this weekend when he won the overall class of MX 2 at the pre-season Starcross event in Mantova Italy. The young British rider, who is among the title favourites for the MX2 world championship title in 2008 did his winter training in the USA where he has signed to race for KTM in 2009.

Thumbs up for new KTM bike
“I am very happy to win today. My speed was good and I like the new frame of the bike a lot. This was very important race for me but I know everyone is going to improve between now and when the Grand Prix season starts in March,” Tommy said. He will now return home to the UK where he will train five days a week in preparation for the opening of the season.

New boy Goncalves happy with KTM factory team
The latest recruit to the MX2 KTM Red Bull Factory Team Rui Goncalves of Portugal finished third overall and was also satisfied with the weekend’s result in Italy. “The new chassis is very good and it is a powerful bike,” he said. “Like everyone here I wanted to show what I could do but I know I have to improve and I didn’t want to push too much. It was a good result for me, the speed was good and I know I am going to improve a lot by the time the season starts.” Goncalves said he was happy with the feeling and cooperation in his new team. He now plans to go the Belgium to train on the sand together with KTM MX team boss Stefan Everts. “Now we need the sand practice,” he said. “I will also ride with others because it is also important to get the comparison between me and the other guys.”

Rattray fit again and “Ready to Race” for KTM
Tyla Rattray, fit and raring to go after major knee reconstruction surgery last November and a period of convalescence at home in South Africa said he too was happy and satisfied with his first ride on the KTM for six months. “I like the new bike very much. It is much better in the corners,” he said. This was a warm-up race for me and I didn’t expect to win but it was a good test of my fitness. I know I will be 100% for the first race of the season and in the meantime I will go to train in Belgium and will also race the international in Valence, France.”

Results
Overall MX2
1. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM
2. Paulin
3. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM
4. Simpson
5. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM

Race One
1. Jonathan Barragan Spain KTM (MX1)
2. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha (MX1)
3. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM (MX1)
4. Marc De Reuver, Netherland, Honda (MX1)
5. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM (MX2)

Race Two
1. Philippaerts (MX1)
2. De Reuver (MX1)
3. Pourcel (MX1)
4. Coppins (MX1)
5. Ramon (MX1)
6. Nagl, KTM (MX1)
7. Leok, (MX1)
8. Searle, KTM (MX2)

Race Three
1. Barragan, KTM (MX1)
2. Leok, (MX1)
3. Philippaerts (MX1)
4. Coppins (MX1)
5. Searle KTM, (MX2)
9. Nagl, KTM (MX1)
10. Gonvalves, KTM (MX2)
Rattray, KTM, DNF

SOURCE: KTM SPORTMOTORCYCLE AG

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On the 22nd of January I reported on Rossi’s spectacular crash at Sepang International Circuit, as seen in the original pics shown here. It looks like people have been having some fun at Rossi’s expense using these images.

http://motogp.hu/index.php/2008/02/09/valentino-rossi-the-victim-of-photoshop/

SOURCE

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Surely this is sponsorship taken too far? You may have seen this before but here it is again. It’s just hilarious!

Ciggy rolling paper company Rizla sponsors the Suzuki MotoGP team. But how can a company like Rizla ‘connect’ with the MotoGP team members? Entre Rob Fuller and Mike Harris, from ‘Rizla Marketing‘. Watch their ‘The Office‘ style efforts in getting Team Rizla Suzuki members connected to the product.

An ingeniuous and humorous example of viral marketing at work. There are 5 more videos to watch. Brought to you by Rizla … “CAN ALSO BE USED FOR ROLLING”.

More at The More Rizla Project

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Suzuki GB has announced a six-month parts warranty on all new 2008 official off-road machines, purchased from any authorised Suzuki dealer.

Applicable on all 2008 model year RM, RM-Z and DR-Z machines, the warranty covers all non-consumable items for a six-month period from the point of purchase, adding yet even more value to Suzuki’s. The longer warranty may also help resale values, indirectly.

Speaking about the new initiative, Suzuki GB’s Paul de Lusignan commented, “We are delighted to be able to offer warranty on our entire off-road range for 2008. Clearly it’s an important consideration for buyers, and now our competitive pricing is backed up with peace of mind too”.

For further information visit your local authorised dealer or visit www.suzuki.co.uk

Note: This is expressly a parts-only warranty intended to cover only manufacturing defects for a period of six months from sale to the first owner/user. Wear and tear items are NOT covered. This means you can’t walk in with worn brake pads and make a warranty claim! The warranty is provided on condition that the motorcycle must be serviced by an authorised Suzuki off-road dealer in accordance with the maintenance schedule. Cover does not include damage or loss caused by racing or competition use (Yikes!).

SOURCE: SUZUKI GB

バイカーブードゥー

The Honda / Moriwaki Engineering MD250H. US$11,699 and you have to paint it yourself American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and Moriwaki Engineering of Japan have announced that a limited number of MD250H “Powered by Honda” race bikes will be offered for sale to riders eligible for the youth-oriented USGPRU road racing series. The MD250H is [...]

read full story of "HONDA & MORIWAKI ENGINEERING ANNOUNCE LIMITED EDITION MD250H USGPRU BIKES"

Tommy Searle starts MX season with a flourish in Mantova Tyla Rattray and Tommy Searle Ready to Race in Mantova KTM Red Bull MX2 factory rider Tommy Searle sent a strong signal to his opponents this weekend when he won the overall class of MX 2 at the pre-season Starcross event in Mantova Italy. The [...]

read full story of "KTM RED BULL’S TOMMY SEARLE TRIUMPHS AT MANTOVA"

On the 22nd of January I reported on Rossi’s spectacular crash at Sepang International Circuit, as seen in the original pics shown here. It looks like people have been having some fun at Rossi’s expense using these images. http://motogp.hu/index.php/2008/02/09/valentino-rossi-the-victim-of-photoshop/ SOURCE バイカーブードゥー

read full story of "VALENTINO ROSSI, VICTIMISED BY PHOTOSHOP"

Surely this is sponsorship taken too far? You may have seen this before but here it is again. It’s just hilarious! Ciggy rolling paper company Rizla sponsors the Suzuki MotoGP team. But how can a company like Rizla ‘connect’ with the MotoGP team members? Entre Rob Fuller and Mike Harris, from ‘Rizla Marketing‘. Watch their [...]

read full story of "THE MORE RIZLA PROJECT #1 – “THE MEETING”"

Suzuki GB has announced a six-month parts warranty on all new 2008 official off-road machines, purchased from any authorised Suzuki dealer. Applicable on all 2008 model year RM, RM-Z and DR-Z machines, the warranty covers all non-consumable items for a six-month period from the point of purchase, adding yet even more value to Suzuki’s. The [...]

read full story of "SUZUKI UK’S OFF-ROAD RANGE – NOW WITH ADDED WARRANTY"