#WHIPITDEMECRES
Rider: Chad Reed
Course: 2014
Bicycle: TwoTwo Motorsport KX450F
career: Anaheim Supercross
FOUR TIME PROFECTOR | MATT WELLER’S BICYCLE PROJECT
“I wanted to share my latest project bike with you, this is a 2004 Honda CRF450. It’s something completely different from my normal 90’s two-stroke builds.
“I bought the bike in several boxes from a friend who had started working on it and had lost interest. My original idea for the build would be a tribute to Ricky Carmichael. While browsing eBay I came across a set of blue side panels and rear fenders, I immediately knew I had to switch gears and build a ’92 Peak Honda replica. The frame and swingarm were sent to Curry Custom Coatings for powder coating. Curry Custom Coatings also coated the engine covers black to match the look of the ’92 CR125 engine.
“KE3 Restorations Vapor Blast the engine housings, cylinder, all brake components, hubs and linkage for a better than new look. Bolt Motorcycle Hardware offers a complete engine bolt kit that makes it a breeze and affordable to build the engine with all new hardware.The engine was built with a Hot Rods crankshaft, Vertex piston and Hot Cams Stage 2 camshaft.
“I knew the graphics and seat cover would be a make or break deal for this build. Fortunately, Unbounded Designs was able to recreate the graphics from a few detailed images. CEET Racing who made the original seat covers agreed to make a unique seat cover, without these two companies the overall look of this bike would not have been possible.
“I would like to thank everyone who helped make this build possible.”—Matt Weller.
- Curry Custom Coatings – Cerakote/Powder Coat
- KE3 Restoration -Steam Blast
- Motorcycle Bolt Hardware – Engine Bolt Kit
- CEET Racing – Seat cover
- Garvis Honda – OEM Honda parts
Photo by Micah Thompson @gr82kr8
Editor’s note: Please keep these submissions going. If you would like your bike featured in the “Four Stroke Photo” please email me at [email protected]. All I ask is that you give a breakdown of your bike and a detailed description of the build. Also send a few photos of your horse. By submitting your bike for the “Four-Stroke Spotlight”, you agree to release all ownership rights in the images and copy to MXA.
INSTA PREVIEW OF THE MXA 450 SHOOTOUT
EVER WONDERED HOW THE OIL WASHED OUT OF YOUR THUMBER ENGINE?
In a four-stroke engine, oil plays a critical role in lubricating moving parts, reducing friction, and protecting against wear. Here’s a brief explanation of how oil breaks down in a four-stroke engine:
- Admission race: During the intake stroke, the piston moves downward, creating a vacuum that sucks in a mixture of fuel and air. At the same time, crankcase oil splashes onto the cylinder walls, piston rings and other moving parts, providing lubrication and reducing friction.
- Compression stroke: On the compression stroke, the piston moves upward, compressing the air-fuel mixture. This compression generates heat, which can cause the oil to chemically break down and lose its lubricating properties.
- Power: During the power stroke, the spark plug ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture, causing an explosion that lowers the piston. As the piston moves, it puts pressure on the oil film, which can further cut and break the oil.
- Exhaust stroke: On the exhaust stroke, the piston moves upward, pushing the exhaust gases out of the engine. At the same time, the oil that has been heated and torn by previous strokes begins to oxidize, forming sludge and varnish that can clog engine passages and reduce performance.
Over time, the high temperatures and pressures inside the engine can cause the oil to break down further, leading to decreased performance, increased wear, and even engine failure if left unchecked. That’s why it’s important to change your engine oil regularly and use the right type and viscosity for your engine.
FLASHBACK TO THE 2022 DAYTONA SUPERCROSS
SPRING COLLECTION THOR
Thor press release: Boundaries, real or implied, limit our experiences. As pilots, racers and explorers, it is our duty to push the limits and find new experiences. At THOR, our mission is to equip all pilots in this quest. For championship-proven performance on the track, look no further than our new Prime racing apparel and Sentinel LTD shin guards, a winning combination that ensures the best in lightweight, flexible and breathable technology. For riders looking for “the edge of the map”, our new Range collection is expertly designed to ensure durability, comfort and protection during long rides in all conditions. Whatever boundaries you want to push, you know we’re built for it.
SENTINEL LTD AND SENTINEL LTD RACE ROOST GUARD
In the heat of battle, roost deflection is the name of the game, and our new Sentinel LTD Roost Guard is all about player 1. This new low-profile, lightweight design features ample ventilation for maximum airflow, a molded comfort lining and a dynamic fit at the shoulders and waist for a secure, tailored fit. Designed to be worn under or over the shirt, the Sentinel LTD looks as good as it performs.
PRIME RUNNING CLOTHES
Top-level racing apparel has been at the forefront of Motocross and Supercross worldwide since 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down. After thousands of hours of testing and feedback from our elite athletes, we’ve increased the construction and flexibility of the Prime Collection.
GAMMA COLLECTION 
When your day-to-day life revolves around travel, it’s important to remove all limitations. Whether it’s for commuting or pure adventure, our new Range collection has been built from the ground up to ensure your journey continues beyond expectation all year round. From the all-day comfort of our flexible Dura-Motion material to the internal and external waterproofing, padded thermal liners, strategic ventilation system and D3O® impact padding throughout, Range really pushes performance long journey beyond expectations.
MOTORCYCLE | TRIVIA
Name the rider and year of the photo. Reply at the bottom of the page.
THE 8TH ANNUAL THOR PRO OPEN WILL BE ON THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023 AT NIGHT IN TAMPA MX
JUSTIN BRAYTON WILL BE THE FIRST GRAND MARSHAL FOR THE DAYTONA SUPERCROSS
A new tradition will begin at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night as Justin Brayton will become the first grand marshal in DAYTONA Supercross history on March 4th.th event, the track announced today.
DAYTONA Supercross is the longest continuous Supercross race in America, dating back to 1971, but it has never had a great marshal to start the race. In what is already one of the most electrifying pre-race ceremonies in sport, Brayton will give the order to drop the gate after the world-class pyrotechnics and dazzling light show.
Prior to the ceremonies, Brayton will also sign autographs and participate in courtside walks, giving fans in attendance a chance to meet and celebrate with the quarterback.
“The grand marshal position is one of the most celebrated in motorsports at DIS and it’s time we bring that tradition to the DAYTONA Supercross,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher. “Justin’s Supercross history is deeply rooted at Daytona through his emotional win in 2018 and we can’t wait for the biggest race on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross calendar to begin.”
Brayton is a two-time Australian Supercross SX1 Championship (2018, 2019) and took his only Monster Energy AMA Supercross win at Daytona in 2018. He retired from full-time racing after the 2022 season.
“I’m very excited to be the first grand marshal for DAYTONA Supercross, it’s an absolute honor,” said Brayton. “Daytona has always been a special place for me to race because of the history at the iconic speedway, but after winning in 2018 and becoming the oldest rider in Supercross history to win, s “it’s very special again. That day is one I’ll never forget and Daytona will always be a place I’ll love forever!”
LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN | 2013 ROCKSTAR SUZUKI RM-Z450 by DAVI MILLSAPS
MXA QUOTE OF THE WEEK: JUSTIN BARCIA AT ARLINGTON SUPERCROSS
“It was a disappointing night. I rode really well in the first race. The second race was a little average, and in the third race, I was near the front of the pack and I just had one big mistake. I just lost it , I had the crash and I went over the berm. Man, our speed is so good, and the bike is so good. My starts were solid tonight, so there are a lot of positives, but I have to improve “.
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2023 WITHIN THE PRO BIKES
CLASSIC PHOTO
Ken Roczen in 2010 during the Glen Helen USGP when he was still racing on the MXGP circuit.
Moto Trivia Answer: Zach Osborne in 2010 when he raced the MXGP series in Europe.
