SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/501768
TWO BAJA DESIGNS LIGHTS ARE MOUNTED TO THE FRONT OF THE 400X BIKE TO PROVIDE GREAT NIGHT VISION. shows the attention to detail and small improvements to handle the rigors of desert racing. Even so, much of the consistency comes from the 400x's engine, which features an HRC Kit that is made up of a racing profile camshaft, three-row timing chain with new tensioner and guides, and a high compression piston. "The crankshaft was trued to achieve a zero run-out tolerance and then balanced and welded so it won't twist," said Dunlavey. The cylinder head is also ported and features a race valve job to improve airflow. The clutch hub is also hard anodized and features HRC springs with an improved clutch pack. According to Dunlavey, there was a slight bit of machining done to the center cases to fix some OEM problem areas, but other than that, everything else is directly from Honda. Other features include TCR hubs for added strength, a Hybrid rear shock that consists of a CR500 body with 125 XR650 internal parts by Precision Concepts. The 400x also has a 3.2 gallon IMS gas tank with a quick fill gas cap, IMS foot pegs, Galfer Rotors, BRP triple clamps, a Scotts steering dampener, and highly modified nitrate coated forks by Precision Concepts. The bike has a few special parts made by SDR, Dunleavey's race component manufacturing company. All of the suspension work on the motorcycle was done by Precision Concepts, which involved properly tuning the bike for the rigors of desert racing. In addition, the motorcycle has had many sponsors and products that included, IMS, Works Connection, FROM 2004 THROUGH 2006 O'NEALS 400X BIKE EARNED A TOTAL OF THREE CLASS 40 CHAMPIONSHIPS, NINE STRAIGHT CLASS 40 WINS, AND SEVERAL TOP THREE OVERALL WINS BRP, Pro Circuit, SDR, RK Excell, Renthal, E-Line, and Baja Designs. While the Honda 400x is retired from racing, it's still busy being displayed at various shows and events. It's most recent appearance was at the Petersen Automotive Museum, "Braving Baja: 1000 Miles To Glory" which ran from May to September 2013. The bike has also had some appearance at numerous shows including the Baja 50th anniversary, and is now currently on display in the O'Neal Motorsports apparel showroom in Moorpark, California. When the new 450x came along, the 400x was retired from competition. " I told the owners I would sell the bike and we would split up the proceeds," said O'Neal. "They all decided against that and wanted to put it in our showroom. I never expected there would be so much interest in the bike, but I am very happy that we did not sell it." Despite the amount of wins and durability of the bike, it's clear that it represents much more than the right combination of parts. This 400x bike symbolizes the perseverance and teamwork from a group of middle-aged motorcycle riders that, despite their lack of youthful agility, exemplify the true spirit of the sport of desert racing that runs through their blood and can't be deterred. "Keep in mind that the average age for the team riders on this bike was about 45 years old," says O'Neal. SJ 036 SCORE JOURNAL