An offhand comment made to me by a buddy about doing the famous Vegas to Reno race next year led me down a rabbit hole I have yet to escape from. After reading everything I could find on the race and desert racing in general, I knew that my next mission in life was to experience long distance desert racing. As I started talking to my friends about it, I discovered I wasn’t the only one. Even though it isn’t something I had given much thought to, most everyone mentioned having a goal of doing the Baja 1000 one day. After researching what bikes people were using for the race I saw that Point View Cycle had a lightly used `22 Gas Gas MC450 Factory Edition available at a very good price. My hold up on the bike is that because it is the MX version of the 450, it didn’t have a 6th gear. This seemed like it would be pretty desirable in a wide open desert environment. After doing more research and consulting with Jason at Point View, we determined a 6th gear could be scavenged from the KTM 500 if so desired. I’m still not sure if it will even be needed as we can adjust the gear ratio via sprockets.
So now I have a new winter project: getting the MC450 setup for the desert and getting a team together for at least one and maybe more races out west next year.
The CHANGES
As it stands now I’m planning the following updates to the bike:
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- Steering stabilizer – With so many fast, wide open stretches a stabilizer seems like both a necessary safety item and something to reduce the fatigue of always trying to keep the bike in line.
- Tire mousse – After spending the money to travel out west and enter a race, the last thing we want is a flat tire to make it all for naught. While the feel may be a little different, I think the benefit of not have to worry about a flat is worth it.
- Tires – I’m still exploring options but the tires I use for hare scrambles here on the east coast are not going to be appropriate for the desert. Current options include the Kenda K270 dualsport and MAXXCROSS DESERT IT tires. Maxxis offers contingency on the BITD races which is a small consideration.
- Expanded fuel tank – The stock fuel tank only holds 1.8 gallons. In order to go 100-150 miles on a tank of fuel and have some reserve we will need to opt for a larger fuel tank. I’m currently looking the IMS tank (2.9 gal) or the Acerbis 3.1 gallon tank.
- Skid plate – The bike does come with a skid plate but for the type of abuse that can be expected in the desert with rocks, a more robust option is probably in order. Acerbis does offer one option but I’m still looking at what else is out there.
- Comfortable seat – 500 miles or more on a stock motocross seat. Enough said.
- Flex bar mounts or bars – I would like to add something to reduce the vibrations in the handlebars. Mako bar mounts are the first pick but have but have also looked at Flexx bars.
- Steg Pegz – I don’t usually ride with these but my buddy who will be joining this adventure swears by them so we will add them to the bike. I plan to put a set on my Beta or Husky so I can get use to them. I do think I could benefit from them.
- Suspension changes – This is open ended. We will need to find a good spring rate that suits all of the riders, plus make some valving changes. TBD
- 6th gear – As mentioned above, adding a 6th gear is an option. We plan to ride it for a bit first and see if it is even needed, or if we can just tweak the gear ratio.
- GPS – Not required and may be more of distraction as the course is well marked, but I would feel better having something on the bike.
- RacingTrax – We are required to mount a RacingTrax tracking unit which is satellite base. Ideally I can have the mount installed ahead of time and ready for the unit.
I’m sure there will be more as we get into it. The winter really isn’t that long; realistically we have about 4 months. My next post will probably wrap up the racing season, then hopefully I can provide updates over the winter as our plans come together.