Old guys can go fast too!

[Walker Sky Ranch]

Hey all,
Just wanted to give you an update on what I have been doing on the course for the year. I race in the 40 over class in the District 38 area of the AMA. For you who dont know where that is, it is just above Baja in Southern California. Awesome area for desert racing and a very similar terrain to train in, if your racing Baja!
Well, my season has been a very good one, I had to start in the Nov class of the 40+ division because I had no points or history with their org. I was ok with that, it gave me a chance to get a feel for how they run their races!
Well, I knocked down 5 wins pretty fast " and Two night race wins too" and moved up to the AM level where I have taken two wins in my first two AM races, finishing just behind the 1st and 2nd 40+plus pro/exp. So I am looking to start as the #1 Am for 2009 and run the #3s plate for the whole 40 plus class! .. So I am pretty stoked for starting way down with the NOV's to make it to number 3 overall and not even be in the EXP division!! so all in all.. a good year..so far.. 3 races left!!
here are a few pics from the past year, I hope you enjoy.. and I now need to make more room for some trophies!!:thumb

I would like to point out that this season took it's toll on my KTM and I had to borrow a bike for two races, Thanks BajaBound Tim and Antonio Narino for letting me flog their bikes until my Honda was ready!! Now my Honda.. is a whole other story!! I am in love!!


I would like to thank all the D-38 photographers..there logos are on the images.
http://candcracephotos.com/DoubleNightVision91308/doublenightvision91308127.jpg
http://candcracephotos.com/FullThrottle1002008Mcycles/fullthrottle1002008a061.jpg
http://candcracephotos.com/RocknRooster3908B/cbrocknrooster3908b019.jpg
http://www.friedneckbonesracing.com/rr1.jpg
http://www.friedneckbonesracing.com/rr2.jpg

[Tatonka]

Les - that's a pretty strong showing for a Novice! LOL Way to go buddy!!

[fastlearner]

Nice job Les. How'bout some feedback as to what you like better about the Honda over the Katoom.

[Walker Sky Ranch]

Nice job Les. How'bout some feedback as to what you like better about the Honda over the Katoom.

Well, I must admit I had a Lemon of a KTM 530 XCRW.. It blew up tice in 3 months of the show room floor.. First was a head gasket, and when it went, it took out the top end!! 1200 $$$ two days out of warranty.. KTM North America paid for it! Then 3 hours after that repair, the lower gear that spins the oil pump broke and stopped feeding oil ..that cooked the motor!! So.. KTM fixed it again, and put in the wrong length cylinder Bolts "keep in mind this was a KTM Mechanic * Orange Level* so it blew the cylinder clean off the case and shattering it.. Now keep in mind, that KTM North America pulled their 530 Baja team and Best In The desert Team because they where having the same issues.They could not get a bike to finish!. The wrong bolt issue was the factories fault having the wrong part listed.. so..
I had F2 Racing built me a Baja race bike made exactly for Desert Racing, so it is the best bike I have ever ridden!

[Walker Sky Ranch]

check out this thread about my Honda
http://www.riderdown.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1268

[fastlearner]

WOW. What a mess that was, Les.

I was disappointed to see KTM go away from the RFS motor layout. Maybe not the best high-revver for your kind of riding, but around here it's the cat's whiskers. I plan on giving my '05 450 its first top end ever this winter, just because I think I should. Compression is still within spec after 3 enduro seasons. Change the fluids, the air filter, and check the valves once a year. Can't beat it.

Excuse me while I go knock on wood.

[Walker Sky Ranch]

Big T
I had a 525 RFS and I loved it, I went through 3 desert seasons with it and it was flawless. I have always thought that the 450 was the perfect CC for the RFS config!!
For desert racing we dont really need a high rev motor, a Tractor works best.. Higher gear riding ect!! So that RFS was the best.. I have my Honda set up that way.. and it reminds me of my 525

[fastlearner]

Best thing about the RFS are the screw-type valve adjusters. Pop the valve covers, grab a flat-head, a wrench, and a feeler gauge and you're done.

Best of luck with the Honda, Les. It was cool to see them put the stock steering dampers on them this year's X model.

[Walker Sky Ranch]

T. I have the Honda set up to be bullet proof.. so I am confident that is will last as long as my RFS. so far.. 500 race miles on it, and the valves are still in spec, compression still great, just changed oil and tires.. running strong..