Product Reviews

KTMHutt.com

KTM Hutt - www.ktmhutt.com

The crew from KTM 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 wouldn’t be able to afford to race at the moment. Thanks KTM Hutt!!!

Maxxis Tires

Maxxis Tires - www.maxxis.com

Maxxis has a full selection of tires to choose from for any condition that we may face out on the trail. For the majority of conditions, from loam right through to hard pack, I have found that the SI compound works excellent. This is what I generally run on my bikes.

For sandy conditions such as we have in Florida where I live, I only use the SM compound tires. These tires work exceptionally well not only in the sand but also in the muddy muck that is so commonly found in Offroad racing. The only other Maxxis tire I use is the ST rear which comes into play when conditions make it difficult for me to decide between the SI and SM. Basically I’m saying when it’s perfect loam, I’ll go with the ST. As for out in California and the desert area I’m told the IT compound is the best tire to go with, but unfortunately I haven’t had the chance to experience that type of terrain with Maxxis yet.  However, I am using the Maxxis bicycle tires for my mountain bike and road bicycle, and they make them go really fast.

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. Every now and then Tim will come to the races to help me in the pits and he makes sure to bring along some awesome stories about some strange happening that have recently occurred in his life. One constant though is that you can count on Tim to provide the best deals and service on 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!!!

Stillwell Performance Ultimate Suspension

Stillwell Performance Ultimate Suspension – www.stillwellperformance.com
I really hate choppy ground and all of the small “trail junk” out there that makes your bike kick around and feel so unstable. Well, I can now say that I used to hate that because this is a thing of the past now that Alan has applied his knowledge, expertise, and Race Tech components to my suspension. Essentially the “trail junk” has disappeared due to being absorbed by the sweet, progressive action of my Stillwell Performance tuned suspension. No more deflection, no more skitter-skatter feeling, no more sore back and butt cheeks!

We have also been able to drag Alan away from the workshop for long enough for him to film four very informative suspension tuning segments with one to be featured in each of the four DVDs in our new series of DirtWise with Shane Watts Advanced Instructional DVDs. Plus all students who attend a DirtWise Academy of Offroad Riding school receive a free discount coupon for their suspension tuning needs. Thanks to Stillwell Performance for providing such awesome expertise and workmanship.

 

Ariete Goggles

Ariete Goggles – www.offroadchampions.com
Even though the Ariete brand of goggles may be unfamiliar to a lot of people in the US, it is a well recognized brand throughout Europe and the rest of the world. I am thoroughly impressed with the quality and performance of the Ariete goggles and associated products that I have been using. The anti-fog system, no-sweat foam, multiple use lenses, and the tear-off applications allows me to easy keep clear vision even in the gnarliest of trail conditions. Thanks Ariete for being the best!
 

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.