Motorcycle road racer - wanting to desert race; input on race orgs & bike prep

[random hero]

Hey fellas, I'm an expert licensed motorcycle road racer from Colorado, been doing it for few years and have gotten a bit burned out, especially the costs involved. Always been a fan of endurance style races, and big desert racing fan, so I'm looking to make the switch. Finally got to ride some desert style terrain yesterday and probably had more fun than I've had in years on 2-wheels.

Guess my first question is, what are some good org's or races for a newb to the desert/endurance style racing for me to cut my teeth in and get some experience. I've done some MX racing in the past, just not my thing, also have done some XC style riding up in the hills, but really prefer more open-fast type terrain. Always wanted to get down to Baja, and that's my main goal .. but being realistic I need some real practice before that's something attainable. I live in very southern Colorado, have no issue traveling to UT, NM, AZ, TX to do some racing.

Second; bike prep. Have a 2009 KX450F w/under 50 hours, best mx bike i've ever owned and would likely want to stick with this bike. I've looking at picking up a 450x, but for now would rather give the KX a go. So far, pretty basic, bike has full cycra gaurds, suspension all reworked, leo vince full system. Still need a stabilizer, larger gas tank (what size, 2.6, 2.8, 3.2???) . Lighting system is a pain in the ass, because of the tiny stator, but I think I have that sorted for night races.

Big questions for bike:
What tubes to run? I've asked 10 people, and gotten 10 different answers. I'm wanting NO flats, opposed to save minimal weight
Seat... see a lot of bike running a tall seat, not sure why? I'm 6'2" and the bikes ergo's feel great w/my whindam pro tapers
Is 18" rear wheel a "Must" .... and why?

Lastly: Gear?
I have leatte brace, typical stuff... but what do you guys recommend. I see some desert guys wearing heavier style jackets, made by alpinestars and other brands.
Camelback.. certain setup works best?
Boots?
"Under"wear? Did notice my ass was a bit sore after 50 or so miles yesterday, maybe I should invest in some shorts w/padding

Anything else I've missed, fire away ... looking for all info possible! Thanks

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[trentk]

Welcome to the sport, I am not a bike racer because I need training wheels but I can comment on racing organizations and other stuff. The races put on by the arizona off road promotion guys are great, they run on time, there cheap, results are posted quickly and they listen to racers. They have a GP series and a desert series: arizonaoffroadpromotions.com

A GP race is a combo of desert with some motocross mixed in. The #1 GP series would be WORCS, they are also a great organization, worcsracing.com

I just did a race with the new mexico off road series and it was fun, good technical 25 mile loop, check them out. http://nmors.com/ I also did a race with the dezert rivals group out of texas 2 weeks ago, it was very well run and the loop had a mix of everything. desertrivals.com

whiplash racing puts on races all over AZ and they do a few that are in northern AZ you could check out easily.

The two biggest and well known series are Best in the desert and SCORE. The entry fees are quite a bit higher but everything is done well. I'd recommend doing a lot of smaller races before jumping up to the more expensive and longer races. Especially because in those series you usually race with trucks and buggies. They start 3-4 hours behind you but if you have any problems they will catch you and you need to know what you are doing and have confidence and smarts so you don't get hurt. The BITD parker 250 is awesome (january) I also really like the Silver State 300, but it is mostly high speed with sweeping corners, might be boring on a bike, I dunno.

Any good size camelpack that comfortably fits with your chest protector is fine. I use a big 3.0L bladder just in case I get stranded. I don't use a Leatt but most people do and I think they are worth using, the sooner you start wearing one the sooner you will adapt to it. For desert racing you will want a collction of tools and flat repair in your pack so don't get a tiny camelpack that just holds a bladder.

[dbedy]

If you want zero flats run a bib front and rear. If you are not into the bib thing your best option is an 18" rear with Bridgestone Extra HD tubes. The 18" gives you extra protection from tube being pinched between the lip of the rim and rocks you will inevitability hit. It is not a necessity, but if you run the 19 you might want to run a few extra psi for extra protection.
As far as tanks go, it will depend on the events you do. I personally trade back and forth between a 3.2IMS and an OEM 450x tank depending on the size of loop, pit options, etc.

[motoman29]

Have a 2009 KX450F w/under 50 hours, best mx bike i've ever owned and would likely want to stick with this bike.

It is a fine mount, and probably the best MX bike to make into a desert bike.

Still need a stabilizer SCOTTS

larger gas tank (what size, 2.6, 2.8, 3.2???) IMS 3.2


Lighting system is a pain in the ass, because of the tiny stator, but I think I have that sorted for night races.

Diego at Baja Designs can get you setup


Ultra/Extra Heavy Duty Tubes. (mousse are nice, but $$ and don't last forever)

18" rear, not a necessity, but is much better due to more sidewall and tire selection

I see some desert guys wearing heavier style jackets, made by alpinestars and other brands.

Personal preference. Zip off sleeves are nice


Camelback Personal Preference. I like OGIO Vest for long rides. Small pack for short races.


Boots. Gaerne

"Under"wear? Did notice my ass was a bit sore after 50 or so miles yesterday. STAND UP!! Ha ha.

Bob (and Diane) Bell at Precision Concepts can get your bike dialed in, as he has lots of KX and desert experience. Give them a call, they are great people and can answer specific questions.

[rustyb]

A great race organization is BOR (http://www.borracing.org/) in Utah. I drove out from Colorado to do a couple of races in 2010 (Quad) and had a blast, especially the Wendover race (coming up Sept 15). Fun terrain, well-marked, not all whooped-out, and the organizers really seem to care about everybody having a good time. Check them out.

[trentk]

when i first started I got monkey butt pretty bad and the padded shorts seemed to help but nowadays I don't like wearing any under shorts. if you want to try something look up evs sports. they sell lots of good gear like that.

I second the precision concepts recommendation. best thing you can do is get the suspension dialed in, it makes every other aspect of racing 100% better and easier.

[Oscar Fazz]

Random Hero, What up, finally someone who likes the color Green!! he,he,he... If you are interested in desert racing and are thinking of doing some pre-running or racing let me know! Go no further. Go to www.shocracing.com and this will give you some insight in what we do and this sounds like it is up your alley! We are running the Baja 1000 this year in the Pro 40 class and run the KX450F bike. We have run the 09,10,and are now running the 12 bike and have figured out lots of mods that work and are not pocket hurting. Email me at [email protected] and i can give you more information. Also we are just getting all our planning in order for the upcoming Baja 1000 and i have a few spots open if you are interested in pre-running with Team and getting a taste for Baja. Let me know and i can give you some feed back about bike, suspension, motor, gearing, lights,etc....

[random hero]

Thanks Oscar, I actually have emailed a bit with you about your lighting setup! But be on the lookout for another email shortly!

[random hero]

For the 18" rear wheel setup, what's the best route to go? Find a stock hub, and have it laced, or do people sell complete setups? I'd like to keep my 19" wheel intact and not separate the hub.. thanks for all the info

[motoman29]

for wheels, look on eBay.

and BTW, check out the new skatepark we just finished in Alamosa.