Product Reviews
cyclehutt.com
Cycle Hutt - www.cyclehutt.com
The crew from Cycle Hutt are definitely the leaders in online ordering of KTM OEM parts and accessories. Their quick and efficient handling of orders and shipping mark them as one of the leader’s in the industry. At the start of 2005 I was lucky enough that Justin and Tammy decided to support my racing efforts. At a time when I needed support the most, KTM Hutt stepped in, so without their help I certainly would have found it a lot harder to progress to this point in our establishment of the DirtWise Academy as the most effective, and most popular Riding school in the USA. Thanks CycleHutt!!
IMS Fuel Tanks and Footpegs
IMS Fuel tanks and Footpegs – www.imsproducts.com
I utilize the IMS Fuel tank, with dry brake receiver, because it allows for the quickest pit stop possible during the multi-lap Cross Country events that I compete in. An added bonus is that the IMS tank is slightly larger than the stock KTM Offroad fuel tank which obviously allows you to go further before running out of gas. As we all know, pushing a motorcycle is no where near as fun as riding one! Their footpegs are the best quality available because the sharp ridge design of the teeth provide maximum sticking power for the difficult terrain we encounter in off road riding. Also, because of their design, mud doesn’t seem to build up on the pegs which alone will increase grip during those wet rides.
GPR Stabilizers
GPR Stabilizers – www.gprstabilizer.com
The GPR Stabilizer has been a valued part of my race program for several years. The GPR certainly makes riding a lot more easy physically. The additional stability that it gives the motorcycle in all types of terrain is exceptional. Your bike tracks a lot straighter and for sure handles better. This stabilizer allows you to not have to hang on as tight with a death grip, which helps to eliminate arm pump. Plus the variable dampening of this product makes it applicable for all riders in all types of riding, from tight East coast trails to wide open West coast bomb runs in the desert.
No-Toil Airfilters
No-Toil Airfilters – www.no-toil.com
You know, there are those times in life when you regret not trying something out earlier in life, because it’s only once you start using the certain thing that you actually realize what you have been missing out on, and how much easy it makes your life. Well, No-Toil’s air filters and cleaning system fall into that category. For 20 years I have spent hours cleaning filters by hand but that’s now a thing of the past. With No-Toil’s bio-degradable oil all you need to do is throw the dirty filters into the washing maching with a cup of the cleaning powder, and a little washing detergent, and your filters will come out virtually cleaner than new. I was a little skeptical as to whether it was safe for the washing machine and would some kind of oily residue, but we’ve had no problems like that at all with our casual clothes being affected in any way following a batch of filters.
I think probably the best way to go about getting yourself fully prepped with airfilters is to buy four of No-Toil’s inexpensive pre-oiled “Ready Race” filters, use them until they’re all dirty and then wack them in the washer. Once the filters have dried it’s only five minutes to oil them and you’re all ready for a few weeks of good clean roosting.
Funmart Cycle Center
Fun Mart Cycles – www.funmartcycle.net
Tim from Fun Mart is one hell of a funny guy. I’ve known Tim for quite a few years now and he just continues to turn into more of a classic as the days go by - he's always got an awesome story about what is going on in his world. Things get pretty crazy there at FunMart seeing as they are the largest KTM selling dealer in the world. There is a reason for that and it is because you can always count on Tim to provide the best pricing and service for new KTM motorcycles.
Dirt Tricks
Dirt Tricks – www.dirttricks.com
Without a doubt the Dirt Tricks sprockets are the best available sprocket on the market. You just can not find anything better. Their one year guarantee policy will see that your sprocket is replaced if you are able to wear all of the teeth off it within one year of purchase. Good luck with achieving that!!! The type of material and process they use in manufacturing also sees that their Ironman sprocket is 3 times stronger than the equivalent 7075 aluminum sprocket, yet only 4 ounces heavier. Plus it looks very snazzy in appearance. Let me know if you ever can one of these rear sprockets out! I will be impressed!!!
Domino Grips
Domino Grips – www.offroadchampions.com
When conditions get difficult it is imperative to have great control over your machine, and the first step to achieving this is making sure you have the best grips available so as you can hang onto your ride. Domino is where it is at for a full range of quality, high performance grips that can accommodate any personal preference.
Offroad Champions
Offroad Champions – www.offroadchampions.com
Not only do the guys over at Offroad Champions sell the Ariete and Domino products, along with quite a few other essential items, they also have probably the best worldwide Offroad specific news, views, and race result coverage that you can find on the web. Old mate Erik is a true hard core enthusiast who has a love and passion for the sport of Enduro and Cross Country racing that is undeniable. Bravo Erik for continuing to deliver the news!!!
Fasst Co. Flexx Handlebars
Fasst Co. Flexx Handlebars – www.fasstco.com
Without Fasst Flexx handlebars there is no way that I could compete in 3 hour Cross Country events, or go on a decent length trail ride with my mates. My wrist is so shot that it just can’t handle the constant jarring it receives from the shock transmitted through a standard handlebar. The Flexx bars have four different compounds of rubber to choose from, and I use the softest compound, the blue rubber. Apparently I seem to be a bit of a freak because no one else seems to use this color because it is too soft, instead the majority of riders choose the yellow or red compound. These two colors are the middle of the road in cushioning, whilst the white compound is the stiffest. I use the new 10 degree bend bar because I like my bars fairly straight, where as some people may feel more comfortable with the extra sweep of the 12 or 14 degree bend.
DeCal Works
I’ve used several other brands of graphics kits in the past and without doubt the quality and durability of the DeCal Works graphics are the best. They are very easy to apply, are made from the highest quality thick material, and always look sick by adding that “bling” factor to your machine!
Synergy Seals
It is always a pain in the butt when your fork seals start leaking – it’s an easy way to mess up a great day of roosting the trails. Their rigid Dual Lip Fork Seal is one of a kind and the custom design creates a seal that out performs any seal on the market. The seal also provides action that is silky smooth, does not have drag, will not suck air, will not allow water or dirt past the pre-wiper lip and with stout features for durability. They also have “top of the line” replacement bushings and bearing replacement kits for all components of your suspension.
dB Snorkel
In a world where there are becoming less spots to ride, a lot of the time due to excessive noise from previous offroad enthusiasts, the dBSnorkel provides a significant noise reduction to a two stroke exhaust system WITHOUT ANY resulting loss of power at all. Sure now it looks a little funky, but when it allows you to ride in certain locations where noise is a real concern yet your mates can’t because of their loud “hot doggy” silencers, well I think it’s well worth the price of looking a little goofy!
Klim - www.klim.com
Throughout the last few years of conducting our DirtWise Riding schools I have had plenty of students participate who were decked out in a full set of KLIM riding apparel. The gear seemed to be a very durable and practical design, which is exactly the type of person/rider that I am, and during casual conversation with these students they all totally raved about their investment. I want riding gear that will last a long time and that is very functional in its design. After having used the KLIM riding gear for a few weeks I'm now so impressed by how I can be warm and cozy, yet not restricted, while riding in the morning at 30 degrees but then thanks to a quick pull on a few strategically placed zippers I'll also be cool and comfortable later that day when the weather hits the high 70's! I can't wait for summer to get here so as I can make the most of their large range of vented gear.
Maxxis - www.maxxis.com
When you're stuck half way that gnarly hill and need your rear tire to bite in and get you going again towards the top, well this is where you'll notice the awesome performance of Maxxis tires. Or maybe you're on a tight budget and you're trying to decide which brand of tire to purchase that will provide excellent performance and durability but at a cost effective price, well again Maxxis should be your choice.
FMF - www.fmfracing.com
The name says it all..... or does it? Yes, the Flying Machine Factory (FMF) indeed produces some of the best performance exhaust systems available but what is more important to me is the fact that they are big on making a range of very quiet exhaust systems that are far more durable than the exhaust that comes on your bike. Noise is a huge issues now-a-days, and so is trying to save $$$$ by using products that will last for ages.
TCX Boots - www.tcxboots.com
Having to stand for many hours on my feet at our DirtWise Riding schools means that I need to have boots that will fit comfortably but also provide superior protection for when I need to go and rip a skills demonstration - there's nothing worse than tweaking an ankle in front of a bunch of students! The TCX boots provide the necessary support to essentially stop this from ever happening again.
Motorex - www.motorexusa.com
Motorex has a comprehensive range of lubricant products to satisfy all of your needs for your motorcycle and other power equipment. From engine oils right on through to high performance detergent to wash your machine after that next roost session, Motorex has it all.