SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1535528
TUNING FOR BAJA Parts And Accessories Baja Racers Use To Prep Their Motorcycles By SCORE Staff While most off-road motorcycle racers agree that today’s off-road motorcycles are built so well, you could take a new factory bike and race it in SCORE. While this may be true, experience also dictates that some “precautions” should be made to prevent the many unexpected scenarios that can happen while racing or adventuring in Baja. This is one of the many reasons why SCORE moto racers get their bikes prepped by the best. Over the years, SCORE Journal has spoken to several racing bike builders, and we’ve come away with some of the basic modifications made to motorcycles competing or traveling off-road in Baja. Here’s some of the tips and upgrades we’ve learned from prep houses such as Champion Adventures on the 1x Honda of the H.E.R.O team Honda, and from bikes prepped by legendary racer Chris Haines of Haines Motorcycle Adventures. AVOIDING CHAIN ISSUES Champion Adventures reinforces the factory chain guide hanger with a TMD Designs chain guide and 51-tooth sprocket RADIATOR HOSE DIVERSION Champion Adventures has its own coolant outlet kit to keep coolant lines tucked-in and away from potential punctures from branches or debris. Coolant lines near the exhaust are also wrapped with gold heat tape RADIATOR HOSE PROTECTION The Haines team adds another layer of hose to protect the factory radiator hose from any accidental punctures RADIATOR SHIELDING Riding through brush and kicking up small rocks can puncture the factory radiator. It’s common to add a mesh wire across the factory radiator screen a to prevent any punctures UNDERSIDE PROTECTION Many teams use hard plastic skid pates which also provide linkage protection when running premium AHM Factory Linkage ADDED CAPACITY FUEL TANK The factory 2.5-gallon fuel tank on the right, compared to an aftermarket 3.5-gallon unit allows racers to go farther between pit-stops QUICK-FILL GAS CAP Most all race bikes will have an aftermarket racing quick-fill cap, that when used with a quick fill fuel jug, makes refilling safer and fast KEEPING MOISTURE OUT To prevent moisture from entering into the handlebar and causing issues later, the Haines team adds a piece of tape, or in this case a round sticker, to the end of the throttle grip opening NO SLIP GRIPS Most all moto prep houses wire-tie the grip handles in place to prevent them from slipping off RIDING COMFORTABLY Swapping from factory to aftermarket seats makes for a more comfortable ride, especially during longer distances ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS A variety of aftermarket manufactures make specialized off-road motorcycle accessories that can benefit adventure and race riders in any situation. TECH-AIR OFF-ROAD SYSTEM Alpinestars’ Tech-Air Off-Road System is an air bag system designed to provide upper body protection to riders in the toughest off-road environments. Developed to offer the most advanced active air bag technology for riders, with full coverage for the chest and back, as well as protection for the shoulders, neck, and collarbone in the event of a crash. The system can provide two air bag deployments with two replaceable, charged inflators. Available in black with red trim, in sizes Small through 2XL. MSRP is $999.95. IMS Core Enduro Footpeg The Enduro Footpeg is made from cast and heat-treated 17-14 stainless steel, it features a double tooth design that reduces boot wear, and an undercut that reduces weight. Slightly longer than factory footpegs, it allows for extra control over the bike and comes with a lifetime warranty against breakage. MSRP $137-$189 depending on bike make/model. Seal Savers Fork Seals These fork covers protect the seals and can be easily installed without ever having to be removed ever again. While riding, SealSavers wipe away any dirt, dust or mud that has accumulated on your forks, without damaging the stanchion. SealSavers are available in Short (6in, $29.95) and Long (11in, $39.95). SKF Wheel Kit Svenska Kullagerfabriken (SKF) was founded in 1907 after its founder invented the first double row self-aligning ball bearing and has been producing high quality bearings ever since. The new motorcycle Wheel Service Kit includes high quality bearings and seals compatible with your stock wheel spacers. Prices range from only $29.99 to $49.99 and are available for most all late model applications. Mr. Wolf Mousse Balls Mr. Wolf Mousse Balls address the shortcomings of a traditional mousse. Designed and manufactured in Italy, with a patented segmented structure, they allow the ability to customize the firmness according to terrain conditions and rider preference. They are also 15% lighter and the higher surface/volume ratio drops operating temperatures up to 33% which greatly improves durability. MSSRP $189.99 per wheel. SKF HD Fork Seal Kit SKF HD Fork Seals feature a double lip wiper and is made of a proprietary self-lubricating compound that offers excellent protection while maintaining low friction. Available from 45mm to 50mm, these kits keep the oil in and the dirt out. MSRP $39.99 SJ