2013 Beta 250RR 2-Stroke: A Dirt Bike That’s Lightweight And Ready To Go

Despite all of the time I spend on dirt bikes, I rarely come across the Beta brand of motorcycles. That all changed recently, as I got the chance to test out the 2013 Beta 250RR – and I left with a pretty distinct impression of the dirt bike. It’s the culmination of more than two years of development and planning, and the end result is a machine that is on the cutting edge of technology and design.

Two-Stroke Engine And Lightweight Frame

At the heart of the dirt bike is a two-stroke, liquid-cooled engine. The Beta machine is available with 250cc and 300cc displacements, so you can choose the level of power you’re looking for depending on your needs. No matter which model you go with, you can take advantage of the six-speed transmission to harness the energy and handle on any kind of terrain. While the output may not seem like much, the low weight of the machine – it has a dry weight of 223 pounds – means that you don’t need much power to really get moving when you’re on the trails.

The frame of the bike was created with off-roading in mind. Weight reduction was achieved thanks to new materials, such as a lighter steel chassis, special inner tubes and revamped wheels. It also was made to seamlessly work with the different qualities of the motorcycle, allowing you to get the most out of the 2-gallon gas tank. Like many Beta bikes, the 250RR is easy to control regardless of the terrain you’re crossing. With the help of the two-stroke engine, you’re also able to maximize torque without the threat of stalling, so it’s an ideal machine for beginners who want to get accustomed to riding before investing in more powerful dirt bikes.

Stable Ride

Although many aspects of the machine have changed drastically, some of the dirt bike parts are the same as Beta’s 4T range, including the swingarm, wheels, brakes and general bodywork. The suspensions were altered, however, to provide a more stable riding experience for motorists. A 48 mm Sachs USD fork controls the front, while the rear is an all-new aluminum body shock with an adjustable rebound.

Final Thoughts

Each model of the 2013 Beta 250RR is assembled and tested by the brand in-house, so you can be sure your bike is up to snuff. Just don your newest dirt bike gear and get ready to hit the trails.

2013 Beta 250RR 2-Stroke Image Gallery

(Click for full size images)

Donnie “Holeshot” Hansen will present the Legends and Heroes Award to Andrew Short at the Thunder Valley Lucas Oil Pro Motocross.

Andrew Short 2013 AMA Motocross Hangtown – Photo: Simon Cudby

Not only was Donnie Hansen a national Supercross, Motocross and MX des Nations champion, but an important part of our motocross DNA. After his lucrative racing career Donnie went on to become a coach and trainer, and has made an impact on countless competitors in our sport. This weekend, during the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in Thunder Valley, Colorado, Donnie Hansen will present the Legends and Heroes award to one of those he mentored, Andrew Short.

Short is a veteran top competitor in the Pro Motocross ranks, and throughout his racing career the Colorado native has demonstrated boundless talent and determination. His ability to persevere is evident by his actions this past year, regaining momentum as a fan favorite on his BTO KTM. Andrew, also known as “Shorty”, is recognized as one of the “good guys” of motocross, always willing to take time for his many appreciative fans and supporters. His humble demeanor is predominantly due to the fact that Shorty had to fight his way to the top, and he truly values everything that he’s accomplished.

Join The Legends and Heroes of Motocross Tour this Saturday, May 25 in Thunder Valley, Colorado where Donnie “Holeshot” Hansen, will present this notable award to Andrew Short.

About the Tour
The Legends and Heroes of Motocross Tour is a professional historical display and timeline of America’s greatest motorsport. The tour includes the machines and the champions of motocross. The project was conceived by a dedicated group of motocross enthusiasts who, over the years, have discovered the value of the rich 40+ years of motocross legacy and its impact on American motorsports. “The dedication and passion of the sport has brought the Legends and Heroes of Motocross Tour to the next level of sharing this legacy, the history of the machines and men and women of motocross.

Source: Legands And Heroes Of Motocross

2013 Honda CBR600RR: A Sportbike For Any Rider

Want to feel like you could be winning a professional motorsports race every time you hit the pavement? The need for speed can take over any well-meaning rider, and when it does, sometimes the only thing that can solve the problem is a sportbike. The 2013 Honda CBR600RR is one machine that can help satisfy that racing desire.

Engine And Chassis

The 2013 Honda CBR600RR has the potential to work up enough speed to dominate a racetrack or roadway – Photo: Fran Kuhn

Powered by a 600cc liquid-cooled, four-cylinder engine, the 2013 Honda CBR600RR has the potential to work up enough speed to dominate a racetrack or roadway. The motor generates even more power thanks to a redesigned ram-air intake system that gives you a little more oomph on the track, along with a better throttle response when you reach higher rpms.

The body of the bike was inspired by MotoGP machines, so you’ll definitely feel as if you should be on the racetrack. Aerodynamic bodywork reduces drag while increasing efficiency, which allows you to get better mileage and handling thanks to improved wind deflection.

Other Features

The 2013 Honda CBR600RR comes equipped with a few upgraded features that make for a significantly improved riding experience. You can enjoy a smoother ride with the help of a new 41mm big piston fork front suspension, which is more responsive to the machine and keeps the internal pressure down. New 12-spoke wheels, LED tail lights and an electric steering damper are included to help the rider stay safe on the pavement.

A 4.8-gallon engine with a 0.9-gallon fuel reserve provides an adequate amount of gas to keep the machine on the road, and even with a full tank it only weights about 410 pounds. As a bonus, the tank is quite centrally located, giving you easy access to the heart of the bike while also centering the weight.

Final Thoughts – Not Bad … For A Sportbike

The 2013 Honda CBR600RR is available, for the first time ever, in official Repsol racing colors – Photo: Mark McIntyre

I may have outgrown my affinity for sportbikes, but the 2013 Honda CBR600RR is sleek enough to at least have me considering a move back. If you’re into high speeds and stylish exteriors, this may be the machine for you. It’s available in solid red; red, white and blue; and, for the first time ever, official Repsol racing colors. There’s also an array of special racing accessories that can kick the bike up a notch, giving riders the chance to have racing kits, covers and motorcycle gear that they may not have been able to pull off on other sportbikes.

The 2013 Honda CBR600RR follows in the tradition of its predecessors and provides a championship-level sportbike with real-world capabilities. With a long life span, refined exterior and a lot of potential, this Honda motorcycle is a thrilling machine for any speed demon.

2013 Honda CBR600RR Image Gallery

(Click for full size images)

The Isle of Man TT is still several weeks away, but that hasn’t stopped people from prepping for the event in several different ways. Motorsports fans who want to stay close to all of the action on the storied course can download the new app for the race.

Designed by London company Agency Mobile, the app provides an event schedule, breaking news, rider profiles and more information about all of the happenings at the course. Fans who are heading out to check out the race in person can also benefit from local guides and weather updates, as well as insider knowledge about track conditions.

Once the Isle of Man TT gets underway, users will be able to access live updates and race results. There are also links to audio broadcasts, video clips and top social media profiles that offer insight on the famous race.

Users can download the most basic version of the app for free, but there’s also an enhanced program that includes live timing and racer updates. That deluxe app is available for $2.25 and can be accessed on iOS devices. It will be introduced to the Google Play store for Android devices shortly.

“Motorcyclists everywhere salute the sacrifices of America’s armed forces and the U.S. citizens who have perished in service to our country,” said Rob Dingman, president and CEO of the largest member-based motorcycling organization in the country. “We know that the very freedoms we enjoy, including the freedom to ride and travel freely throughout this great nation, are defended daily by Americans who have devoted their lives to protecting our principles, and many have made the ultimate sacrifice in that defense.”

The Memorial Day Weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and motorcyclists will be on the road as well, participating in AMA-sanctioned events, memorial parades, freedom rides and traveling to visit family and friends.

“We ask motorists everywhere to be aware of motorcycles when they are driving this weekend,” Dingman said. “Motorcycling is a mainstream activity enjoyed by millions of Americans.

“If you don’t ride, chances are very good that a friend, family member or co-worker you know will be riding this weekend, and we urge extra caution because so many people will be on our highways during this holiday period,” he said.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

Source: American Motorcyclist Association

Ride to Work Day began in July 1992, and from then on many motorcycle businesses started recognizing the effort. Since that time, the number of motorcycles and scooters in the U.S. has grown to more than 8 million, but only about 200,000 of those are used for everyday commuting. On Ride to Work Day, the number of riders taking these machines to work grows to an estimated 1 million.

Commuting via motorcycle or scooter can save individuals both time and money. It also gives them some more time on their beloved machines – a desire any motorist can appreciate once the warm summer weather rolls around. As long as riders are sure they have the best riding gear and reflective equipment before hopping on the back of their bikes, they can reap the benefits of this global event.

Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM and owner of Pierer Industrie AG

Husqvarna has a long and storied history in the motorsports world, but that doesn’t mean the manufacturer can’t hold out for some redesigns. That’s exactly what’s in store for the brand in 2013, as Husqvarna has joined forces with fellow Swedish company Husaberg with an eye on creating a comprehensive motorcycle. The two brands are teaming up after Husqvarna was acquired by Pierer Industrie AG, which is affiliated with Husaberg, earlier this year.

The new company, which will be called Husqvarna Sportmotorcycle GmbH, is expected to become fully operational in October 2013. It will be based in Austria and is set to debut with a new generation of Husqvarna motorcycles and dirt bike gear catered to motocross, enduro and sport riding. According to Motorcycle.com, the revitalized brand will continue to focus on off-road models while also working to develop a street-legal supermoto bikes and launching other projects as well.

Husaberg is set to bring an upgraded technology to the new line. After years of working with KTM, the Swedish brand is ready to expand its state-of-the-art features to Husqvarna. Even with all of the changes, however, riders who count Husky bikes among their collection can rest assured that the dirt bike parts or accessories they need to keep the machine in top condition will still be available, Auto Evolution reports.

Brycen Neal Takes Fourth XC2 Victory of the Season in Indiana

Walker Fowler secured his first victory of the season in Indiana – Photo: Ken Hill

Round 6 of the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series descended upon the Lawrence County Recreational Facility on Saturday for the second running of the Dunlop Limestone GNCC. AmPro Yamaha’s Walker Fowler broke defending champ Chris Borich’s five-race win streak this season by claiming his first victory of 2013, marking his second career win in the XC1 class. Additionally, Ohio’s Brycen Neal secured his fourth XC2 class win of the season in Indiana.

It was an exciting battle from start to finish in the two-hour Limestone GNCC as Fowler, Reliable Tool Supply/Maxxis’ Chris Bithell, Maxxis-backed Borich and Lonestar Racing/Precision/ITP’s Adam McGill challenged the race-win all afternoon. But it was Waynesburg Yamaha/GT Thunder’s Pickens who took the early lead, grabbing his second straight $250 Team Woodhead/DeRisi Racing XC1 Holeshot Award. It wasn’t long before Fowler jumped out front, with the trio of front-runners close behind.

Pickens dropped back to the sixth place position on the opening lap, just behind JB Racing/Can-Am’s Jarrod McClure, who maintained a solid fifth place position all afternoon. XC1 rookie Braden Henthorn didn’t get off to the best start but the Team Woodhead/DeRisi Racing rider pushed his way into the top five battle, where he eventually landed sixth place overall.

Jeff Pickens grabbed the $250 Team Woodhead/DeRisi Racing Holeshot Award – Photo: Ken Hill

HMF/GBC/Yamaha’s Johnny Gallagher latched onto Pickens early the race and the Yamaha-backed duo worked their way through the pack. Pickens held on to take seventh place overall, while Gallagher finished a close eighth. Waynesburg Yamaha’s Gabe Phillips and BNR’s Kevin Yoho rounded out the top ten overall for the day.

Borich continues to lead the overall standings after six rounds of racing, while Fowler sits in second place. Bithell is only 10 points behind for third and then it’s McGill and Yoho rounding out the top five overall in the overall National Championship standings.

In the XC2 division, it was once again the rookie Brycen Neal who came out victorious at Saturday’s Limestone 100 GNCC. Neal put himself out front early on and managed to put a comfortable gap on the rest of the field as the two-hour race wore on. Indiana’s very own Fred Marley put himself in podium contention early on, going back and forth with Neal and Honda rider Nathan Wallpe around the halfway mark. Marley eventually settled into the second place position, where he bested defending XC2 champ Patrick McGuire in the finishing order.

ATV XC2 podium: (left) Fred Marley, (center) Brycen Neal, (right) Patrick McGuire – Photo: Ken Hill

McGuire got off to a bad start but eventually worked his way into the front pack by Lap 3. McGuire was able to secure yet another podium finish for the season with a third place in the XC2 division. Neal holds the points lead over McGuire in the championship standings after six rounds of racing and rookie Landon Wolfe maintains the third place spot after failing to score points toward the championship.

Pennsylvania’s Cole Richardson claimed an impressive 11th place overall to earn his first Top Amateur award of the season. Richardson topped a highly competitive College A class, in addition to scoring higher than any XC2 Pro Am finisher in the time adjusted overall.

The 2013 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series continues June 1 and 2 with the Wiseco John Penton GNCC in Millfield, Ohio. For more information on the series, visit www.gnccracing.com.

About GNCC Racing
The AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country series is America’s premier off-road racing series. Founded in 1975, the 13-round championship is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The grueling three-hour GNCC races lead as many as 1,500 riders through tracks ranging in length from eight to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. The series draws talent from all over the U.S., Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised weekly on NBC Sports and RacerTV.com. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.

Source: GNCC Racing

Dunlop Limestone 100 GNCC ATV Overview And Point Standings

2013 GNCC ATV Series Dunlop Limestone 100 Image Gallery (Click for full size images)

Overall Results

Rider Point Standings – XC1 Pro Class ( Race 6 of 13 )

1. Chris Borich – 171
2. Walker Fowler – 123
3. Chris Bithell – 118
4. Adam McGill – 107
5. Jarrod McClure – 86
6. Jeff Pickens – 86
7. Kevin Yoho – 86
8. Braden Henthorn – 81
9. Johnny Gallagher – 80
10. Gabe Phillips – 71

Rider Point Standings – XC2 Pro Am Class ( Race 6 of 13 )

1. Brycen Neal – 149
2. Patrick McGuire – 134
3. Landon Wolfe – 98
4. Fred Marley – 95
5. Randy Hamilton – 88
6. Chad Jones – 81
7. Blake Kramer – 81
8. Josh Merritt – 74
9. Michael Lancaster – 74
10. Nathan Wallpe – 69

Overall ATV National Championship Standings
Overall ATV National Championship Standings will determine the 2013 National Champion.

1. Chris Borich – 171
2. Walker Fowler – 115
3. Chris Bithell – 105
4. Adam McGill – 96
5. Kevin Yoho – 80
6. Jeff Pickens – 79
7. Jarrod McClure – 74
8. Braden Henthorn – 68
9. Johnny Gallagher – 67
10. Brycen Neal – 59

2013 X Games Enduro X Barcelona Men’s Podium

Colton Haaker and Cody Webb round out an American sweep of the podium

FMF KTM’s Mike Brown won his second X Games Enduro X Gold medal in Barcelona, Spain. He led an American sweep of the podium as Colton Haaker took a close second on the Rockstar/Lucas oil backed JCR Honda and Cody Webb remounted from a big crash to take third on his Beta.

Taddy Blazusiak, the multi time GEICO AMA EnduroCross champion pressured Brown for the win until a spectacular crash on the last lap took him out of contention for the win. The Polish KTM rider remounted in third position but was passed before the finish by Webb, who had crashed on the same log double earlier in the race. Blazusiak finished fourth with Husqvarna’s Cory Graffunder close behind in fifth. Kyle Redmond, Gary Sutherlin, Bobby Prochnau, Alfredo Gomez and Taylor Robert rounded out the top ten.

In the Women’s Enduro X, Spain’s Laia Sanz thrilled her hometown crowd by coming back from a first turn crash to take the win. Maria Forsberg kept Sanz honest and took the silver medal on her KTM. Sandra Gomez Cantero made it two Spaniard’s on the podium by taking the bronze medal. Tarah Geiger finished fourth ahead of Kacy Martinez, who led in the early going.

2013 X Games Enduro X Barcelona Women’s Podium

The EnduroCross riders will now head back to the United States for round two of GEICO AMA EnduroCross Series, fueled by Monster Energy inside Sacramento, California’s Sleep Train Arena on Saturday, June 8th. You can get tickets at the following participating Kawasaki Dealers: Good Times Motorsports, PCP Motorsports, Roseville Cycle Kawasaki, Riverfront Kawasaki, Mikes Cycle or via Ticketmaster, http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C004A48A4E0645E?artistid=1305969&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=25

All of the 2013 GEICO AMA EnduroCross events will feature live online broadcast via the www.EnduroCross.com and www.DirtRider.com websites or the Motor Trend YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/motortrend). So if you can’t be there in person, you can follow it from your favorite online connection.

For more information, go to www.EnduroCross.com.

2013 X Games Enduro X, Barcelona, Men’s Final Results

1. Mike Brown
2. Colton Haaker
3. Cody Webb
4. Taddy Blazusiak
5. Cory Graffunder
6. Kyle Redmond
7. Gary Sutherlin
8. Bobby Prochnau
9. Alfredo Gomez
10. Taylor Robert

Watch the video of the Men’s final here:

2013 X Games Enduro X, Barcelona, Women’s Final Results

1. Lai Sanz
2. Maria Forsberg
3. Sandra Gomez Cantero
4. Tarah Geiger
5. Kacy Martinez
6. Chantelle Bykerk
7. Rachel Gutish
8. Jolene Van Vugt
9. Carmen Segura
10. Laia Mante Sola

Watch the video of the Women’s final here:

2013 X Games Enduro X Schedule

2013 GEICO AMA EnduroCross, Fueled by Monster Energy Schedule

EnduroCross tracks incorporate various elements of extreme off road racing into a Supercross-style setting, including rocks, boulders, logs, sand, mud, a water-hole…and even a few special obstacles like giant tires thrown in! Known as the “toughest racing on two wheels,” this indoor off road racing will certainly keep you on your feet. For the seven EnduroCross events, be sure to log-on to www.motorsportshour.com for local air dates/times for the Lucas Motorsports Hour on the Versus network.

ENDUROCROSS is a registered trademark of Source Interlink Magazines, LLC.
For rules and race information visit www.EnduroCross.com or email endurocross@sorc.com.

Source: EnduroCross

The campaign, known as ONE, aims to get drivers to look twice for motorcycles when at intersections and in traffic, Motorcycle.com reports. By installing warning signs in major cities around the U.S. and educating drivers about the measures they can take to keep everyone on the roads safe.

“It’s a known fact that motorcycle collisions with autos can have some of the most tragic consequences, and it’s been our goal to help ensure the roads are shared safely by all motorists and riders,” said Keith Rutman, vice president of Allstate’s Specialty Lines unit. “… We wanted to provide an outlet for people to share their stories, reach other riders and warn them on a peer level about the potential risks a rider can face.”

Of course, riders should make sure they are decked out in the most protective motorcycle apparel and accessories before they get on a bike. Reflective gear and other brightly colored items can help them to remain visible in any circumstance.