But Michael has a dream. A dream to compete in a few Supercross Races for 2010. Indy and St. Louis are currently on the schedule. The thing is, Michael will be racing an RM250 two-stroke.

Between his busy work day schedule where he was just promoted, the late nights with his baby, spending some quality time with his wife, he squeezes in time to work out and try to practice, even though the ground is hard and frozen.

While Michael may be plus-sized, he has Pro skills on a motocross machine!

He knows that he is overweight, but is on a training regimen that will get him down to a reasonable racing weight by Indy. (Ed. note.. Michael wrote to say “the only thing to change in the introduction would be the weight thing, lol, I will still be a giant tub of lard at Indy.”)

We though that we would check in and learn more about Michael and his goals for the Supercross Series.

Michael could you tell us how you got involved in racing motocross?
My dad has been racing Motocross for 40 years, and I got started that way, he was a pro for many years, and has owned his own small motorcycle shop for about 15 years.

Was your dad a big influence?
Yes he was the reason I started riding and racing, and I always looked up to him as a kid while he was still going fast and a stud, haha!

When did you start racing?
Actually 1986 I think my dad just found my first ever trophy from my first race but I actually stopped racing MX in about 1988 and started racing BMX till 1993 in 1991 I actually won a National title in BMX.

How did you do?
I sucked at Motocross till I was about 20 or 21 when a serious injury opened my eyes and kind of made something in me just snap.

Who was your biggest motocross hero?
Growing up I loved RJ, and Damon Bradshaw, more recently Ricky was the man of course.

What lead you to take the step to first earn your Pro license?
I had a major crash in 2001 where I dislocated and shattered my foot and ankle and I did not walk on it for 4 months and during that time I decided I wanted to take MX more serious and started losing weight and training, and I got my pro license the following year.

What were your finishes like in the Pro Class?
My first big Pro race was a regional Arenacross in Michigan I made the big bike main and got 6th place, ran 4th for most of it, I won tons of local and regional races and many big fair races in pro classes and my age classes, I have never really done to well on the Big pro level never made a night show or main.

What machines did you race in the Pro Class?
I started on a CRF450, and have raced many different bikes, mostly 2 strokes, Yamaha and Suzuki’s but I had a YZ450f for one year too.

Did you have sponsorship support when you raced Pro?
Yes but nothing major.

Who were you top sponsors?
My dad and his shop mostly, then Scott, ODI, Renegade Suspension.

Michael at Budds Creek. Photo courtesy Lukaitis Photo.com

Did you feel there was a great deal of “pressure” for you to do well when you were racing Professionally?
No it was always more for fun, its not like I was doing it for a living, the most pressured I ever felt was when I competed in Europe numerous times, because that was a free ride on great bikes, and I took that almost too seriously which lead me too lots of mistakes.

Did you feel that racing four-strokes was more suited to your style?
No I can ride the bikes equally, I am a smooth rider and I can ride both just fine, the only thing that a 450 has ever gained me is that little bit of extra power with my extra weight that I have.

Lot’s of racers talk about the high cost of racing, did you experience any problems when you were racing four-strokes?
You have no idea, first year I turned pro I had my CRF blow up 3 times in 9 months, I literally probably had $3000 in repairs on that bike during that time, just insane.

What prompted you to get back on a two-stroke?
For the cost of it mostly and I enjoy riding them so much more, they feel better, corner better, sound awesome, and to piss people off.

Michael Heingartner flying high on his trusty RM250.

Was there a feeling that if you wanted to compete in the Pro ranks that you needed to be racing a four-stroke?
Maybe now more then before but I am doing it for fun so I really dont care, if I was going to race the whole series and not have a job I would be more tempted to be on a 450, but I dont know if I had the unlimited resources I would just have a very tricked out 2 stroke.

What do you feel about that now?
I will be on a 2 stroke only from here on out, unless someone gives me a bike!

Tell us a little bit about your quest to race two Supercross Events this year.
I just wanted to do it, I just had a dream about it one night and said screw it I am going to race a few, of course I did not choose the best timing with our baby, etc. but hey I want it.

Getting it sideways.

How is your training going?
As good as I can make it go, I have only been training seriously since about Christmas time, but I am doing a little more each week, I got some new equipment for my house and have been hitting it every chance i get morning or night.

Are you feeling stronger and ready to race?
I am in so much better shape now then what I was a few months ago I cant even describe.

Have you lost weight yet?
Not enough to get pumped about, I weigh about 275 right now, and I was 280-285 after Xmas.

Can you tell us a bit about the bike that you’ll be racing?
It is just a pretty much bone stock 2006 RM 250, I got it a few months ago after I sold my previous RM, I got a killer deal on this bike and it only had about 6 hrs. on it.

What kind of modifications have you made to your RM250?
I have the suspension revalved for me for SX, by Renegade Suspension here in Indiana, I have a top triple clamp, and Twinwall bars, thats it, oh and a bigger back sprocket.

From some stories that I’ve heard you are a bit of a character, could you please tell us how that came to be?
Oh yeah my dad and most of his family are kind of a little nutty, and I just do not get embarrassed and enjoy being goofy and laughing.

There was mention of some… umm… interesting pants less riding, could you share that story?
Well several times actually, lol.

The guys at work bet me $20 that I wouldnt ride my bike in the snow across the major road in front of work shirtless and I did.
The best one is at a Arenacross last year in Chicago during the jump off I had nothing on but a open faced helmet, and my boots and a coat, I then stopped in front of catapult ripped my coat off and goon rode over it, I won the Jump off too!!

Getting prepped for some goon riding.

What other antics have you partaken in at the motocross tracks?
I am known as one of the or the best goon riders around, and when I frequent open ride days I tend to put on my open face helmet and have like my ass crack hanging out or something and let her rip!!!

What are your goals for Indy and St. Louis?
Honestly to just have a ball, get some big air, and maybe if lucky make the night shows.

As I understand, even though you’ve raced quite a bit in the Pro ranks, you have very few actual photos of you racing the Pro events. How can some of the fans of Two Stroke Motocross help out in that area?
Yes I have never had anyone that took photos of me in the SX and MX events I have done, I only have a few crappy photos here and there, I mean I went to Europe 5 times and have 30 crappy photos to show for it, it really sucks.

I would love it if someone was there and just went camera happy with a decent camera and had more than 2 photos of me, I would like to have some to look at when Im 90.

How can fans in the stands show their appreciation to you at these Supercross races?
How ever they want banners, yelling for me whatever!

Do you have any plans for some special way of showing your appreciation to those fans??
I havent really thought about it, I guess I will see how it goes, I will probably just thank eveyrone obviusly on forums, etc. but I guess just see what happens.

Are there any sponsors that you would like to thank for helping you out?
My dad and his shop – Powersport Specialists, Renegade Suspension, Scott Goggles, ODI grips, EVS, MSR, Gaerne thats most of it.

Any last parting words??
I just want to thank you for doing this interview with me, and giving me the opportunity to get my name out there, I really appreciate it.

Thank you so much for your time. We’ll look for you out on the track at Indy and St. Louis!!

Related posts:

1. Randall Everett – Interview
2. Cedric Soubeyras – TSM Interview
3. Cool Two Stroke Banner at Indy Supercross!

We contacted Cedric to ask him some questions and get to know him a bit better. Plus we wanted to find out what his plans are for the future.

Cedric Soubeyras

How long have you been in the pro ranks and how have you finished?

Last year was my first season in the GP’s. My best result is at the Brazilian GP, I finished 12th and 11th position. My goal was to finish in the top 20, I finished 25th. It was not so bad because I missed some races for many reasons. I changed team my team 3 times, I have been injured. It was a difficult first GP season for me.

In 2009 you competed in the AMA Supercross. What was that experience like?

Until Anaheim 2, I had a really good experience , but I finished my trip by a bad crash, which lead to a chest injury. In Anaheim 1 I finished 16th and I was really happy. After my 8th place in Phoenix, I felt like I had done a really good job. But I wanted to stay in that position so it would encourage my team to stay for the whole Supercross season. But I have been so euphoric.

Did you enjoy racing in the USA?

Yes, I enjoyed a lot riding in USA. That is my dream, riding on good and big tracks every week. Everything is bigger in USA, from the truck to the track, stadium, burgers !!!! EVERYTHING !

Were the fans good to you?

Fans were okay and some are really crazy. But the more difficult was the American riders, even when you go training or during the practice they T-bone you like you have done something wrong to them before.

Cedric berm blasting.

I would like to go again. It is one of my goals. I have raced over there but I want to do a complete season or more.

If so, what series would you like to compete in?

I would like to go and do a complete Supercross season in the Lites class.

Your name appeared on our site a because you are one of the few pro racers that has chosen to race a two-stroke. What prompted you to race it?

I rode with a 250 4stroke but I wanted to ride in SX1 in the German Championship. But I have never rode a 450 before, I thought the 450 was not a good choice for me, I wanted something different. In Germany the stadiums are small so the 250 2stroke was enough.

What do you feel are the big differences between the two-stroke and the four-stroke? Besides the displacement…

The four-stroke is heavy and you have to ride differently on it. When you make a mistake, it is easier to avoid it with the two-stroke.
When you crash and when your bike stalls its easier to restart a 2stroke than a 4stroke.

Checking out the competition....

How have the fans and other racers reacted to you choosing the two-stroke?

When the other people saw me riding a 250 2stroke in the SX of Genova, they said to me, “your completely crazy,” but they liked it and at the end of the week end when I won; all my friends and family were proud of me. At the beginning no one believed I had a chance at winning and for the last race I couldn’t believe it, but they were 100% behind me and pushing me all the way to win.

Do you feel that you are at an advantage or disadvantage racing the two-stroke?

Did you see my holeshot in Genova the first day? That is the answer

Who are your sponsors?

Shoei, First Racing, Spy, Solid, Gaerne, Vans, skull candy,

Cedric #10 start...

Are they supportive of your machine choice?

They are fully behind me.

What are your plans for the 2010 racing season?

I am going to do the first two races in the French Championship, then after that I’ll be racing the ADAC Championship in Germany and then the MX1 World Championship. At the end of the season I am going to race the French and German Supercross championship’s.

Cable Strecher asks – One of the biggest arguments I’ve heard is, on a rough track, the four-stroke gets an edge over the two-stroke? Do you feel that later in the moto or in the second moto that you have to push harder to beat the four-strokes that your rivals are using?

At the moment I haven’t ridden very much in motocross. I don’t think so. I think when the others riders are going to be tired after 10 laps I am going to be better physically.

The 250 two-stroke gives up little to the 450F's.

KXwestYZ asks – If you were allowed to compete with a 250cc two-stroke vs. a 250cc four-stroke – do you feel you would have a better chance of winning, instead of competing against racers on Double displacement bikes?

Yes of course, I think it will be much better to have a 250 2stroke. They currently put the 450 4stroke with the 250 2 stroke but it’s almost 2 times bigger. Put a 450 2Stroke with a 450 4stroke and we will see which one is faster..

hondacrrider – Are you pressured by your sponsors, supporters or other companies not to race with a two-stroke.?

Not really, many of them were interested in the idea.

Thanks !!

All photos courtesy of Allo MX.

Related posts:

1. Strong Results for Two-Strokes in MX-GP’s
2. Cedric Soubeyras is the King of Geneva !
3. Cedric Soubeyras will race the MX1 GPs on a 250 two-stroke KTM !

Local Pennsylvania MX hero Brian Shuckhart piloted his Suzuki RM250 onto the track and made quite a few two-stroke fans happy. He finished in 25th position during the first moto and in 28th the second moto for a 28th overall. Is this the highest finishing two-stroke for 2009 in the Pro Class? I think so!

It took a little time, but we tracked down Brian to ask some questions about the day and his experience.

Brian getting ready for the start. Photo by Vurb Moto

What made you decide to race the nationals on a two stroke?
I just wanted to get into a main real bad because nobody else is out there riding them that much anymore, so I thought it would be a pretty cool thing to do.

What were some of the other racers reactions to you showing up on the two-stroke?
I don’t know. I didn’t really hear too much except for few people, but they were pumped about it.

Trying to cool off.

Did you feel like you were at a disadvantage on the start or during the motos?
Yeah, a little bit I think if I would of had a better gate pick I would have had a little better of a start. I was just way too far outside.

Were there any places on the track where you had an advantage and if so where and did you capitalize?
I think the advantage I had was that I get to race on that track during local race days, so I knew the lines and how the dirt was gonna get.

How did the motos go for you? Starts? Any great dices with others?
The motos for me were just super fun. Even at the end, I didn’t want to stop because I was having so much fun.. My starts weren’t too great, but I had some cool little battles with some guys coming up through the pack.

Were you excited or happy about where you finished?
I was OK with it, but I would of liked to have done better.

How do you think you would have done if you were allowed to race your RM250 two-stroke in the 250F National class?
I don’t know. I really would like to see how I would do in that class. I think I would do a little better. I know my starts would be better, then I wouldn’t have to start from the back and work my way up.

Did you hear/see a great deal of crowd support?
Oh yeah, every lap I heard people yelling. It was one of the coolest things ever.

Dicing with Travis Pastrana.

Do you have plans to compete at future Pro events on your two-stroke?
I just do the races that are close to where I live. It’s too hard to travel to the other races in the series if you don’t have a ride. I just like doing them for fun.

When and where will we see you racing in the Pro Class?
High Point and Steel City are the races I do every year.

I’m sure a bunch of two-stroke fans would love to cheer you on!
I love hearing all the people waving and shouting, it really makes it fun.

Sliding the RM 250.

Can you tell us about your bike?
It’s pretty much just your normal RM 250, nothing super crazy done to it.

What year is your bike?
It’s a 2008.

What modifications have you done to it?
Just a pipe and some work my dad does to the motor.

Thanks for your time.
Thanks for the interview, it was pretty pretty cool.

Brian would like to thank his sponsors.
Ghost Inc. Online , Clark Motorsports, PR2, Creekside, Ten Graphix, & Mom and Dad.

Small clip of Brian racing at Steel City.

Related posts:

1. YZ125 Two-Stroke beats a field of 2010 YZ250F Yamaha’s at REM at Glen Helen
2. Canadian MX Nationals – JSR races a YZ250 two stroke!
3. Jim Davies crowned 2009 British 125 Two Stroke Champion

In this edition we introduce Randall Everett. If you have been a reader of the site you may have watched Randall pounding out some laps on his YZ250 in the feature video. It was so amazing hearing the way Randall rides that bike that we figured we’d get in touch with him and ask some questions.

Randall keeping his bike low over a jump.

When did you first get started in motorcycles?
My dad introduced me to riding when I was 7 yrs. old.

Do you remember your first bike?
My first bike was a PW50 that I mostly just rode through the trails at an old house we had.

How did you get involved in motocross racing?
I only rode for fun when I was small.. I didn’t even think about racing till I moved up to a KX100 and did my first race at Budds Creek when I was 13.

Have you competed in high profile Amateur Events?
I made it to Loretta’s my first year of racing in Supermini and then made it again a few years later in 250A and 250A pro sport. Since then we have just stuck with racing the pro nationals.

What were your results in these events?
I never did well at Loretta’s. I never prepared myself right for those long motos back then.

I understand that you have traveled to Germany for racing, can you tell us about that?
The only racing so far I got to do was the German Supercross series in 2008. I was planning on racing the outdoors on a Kawi in 2007 but got hurt so that ruined the plan. I have some family in Germany and speak some German so I think I adapt to the culture over there alot easier then most U.S. riders do. I’m studying German right now and hoping my visits are going to be a regular soon.

The KTM Sarholz Racing Team fan poster.

You were part of the KTM Sarholz Racing Team along with Mike Brown and Stephen Mock, can you tell us about that experience?
Sarholz was the first team I had been signed for and at first it didn’t seem real. Especially with Mike Brown for a teammate. I always had the impression Mike was going to be arrogant or wouldn’t really want to talk to me.. But he was the total opposite. The guy is really down to earth and gave me tips at all the races we went to. I’d say he’s probably my favorite pro rider now!

Randall and Mike Brown

What were your race results while racing in Europe?
BAD. this year was the first time I had seen supercross or any type of indoor track. I did decent in the qualifiers but never qualified for the main event. I’m preparing myself for this year though.. I’ve gotta redeem myself.

Were you treated as a Factory Racer?
From being paid, wearing unlimited gear, factory bikes, personal mechanic and place to stay.. I definitely was treated like a Factory rider.

Asked to sign autographs?
Yea! The European fans are really cool.. we always had an autographing session between races and it was really fun.

Did you enjoy racing in Europe?
Besides me wanting some better results.. The racing atmosphere is better in Europe to me. There’s a lot of Hollywood over here and riders who are racing for other reasons. Over there they seem to get past the show.. It makes the racing more fun.

Do you have plans to race in Europe next season?
I’m always planning for it! But whether it happens or not I don’t know. Its way to hard to race over there without team support.

You came to many peoples attention because of the MXPTV video that Matt Wozney shot at Blue Diamond MX Park. What were your reasons for using a YZ250 two stroke?
I love the 2stroke..I race that at most of the local races because you can ride it in both classes and its basically been my main bike lately. You will never get that kind of hit out of a 4stroke. 4strokes suck! but It is the only way to be competitive these days in the pro ranks.

From the input and buzz about this video, the part that was enjoyed most was the sound of the bike as you raced around the track. Could you tell us about the set up on that Bike?
That bike in the video was bone stock!

Matt mentioned that you were planning on competing in a few east coast Nationals this year and that you were considering to race a two stroke 250 in the 450 class. Have you made definite plans for the nationals yet?
We were thinking about doing that but I think we are planning on racing the lights (250) class. Like I said it is hard to be competitive on the outdoor tracks with that 2 stroke.

Autographed dramatic poster.

What do you mean when you say, it’s hard to be competitive on the two-stroke? Is it because of the displacement advantage of the four-stroke?
Well sort of.. Even when I ride the 250 against the 250fs at the local races and some of the tracks start to get dry or rough and slick.. The 2stroke really struggles. The 4stroke chassis and power delivery really make a smoother ride when the tracks get eaten up. But when the tracks have moisture in it I think the 2stroke is the better bike!

The rumor is that in 2010 both two and four stroke machines of 250cc displacement will be able to compete against each other. If this rule does pass, would that change your mind about racing a two stroke at the National level?
I think so. I would definitely choose the 250 over the 250f.

As a racer that has competed on both the two-stroke and four-stroke machines, what are your thoughts about competing with equal displacement machines?
I think that if a factory team takes up the opportunity of running a 2stroke it almost wouldn’t be fair! But for a privateer I think running the 2stroke would only help get closer to what they have. But with the 4strokes improving every year I think the two bikes are getting to where they are pretty equal.

Who are your sponsors?
No Fear, Site Whirks, Blalock Cycles, HDR, Scott, Renthal, Ready Filter, MGX, FMF, Dunlop

What is 454 Factory.com all about?
I also have dreams in personal training and MX training. I started teaching lessons last year and I am working towards training riders off the bike as well. The website will have all the info and pricing for my schools soon on 454Factory.com

Good luck with your racing career.

Related posts:

1. Cedric Soubeyras – TSM Interview
2. 2 Stroke World Championships – Glen Helen April 11, 2010
3. FIM UEM 125 2t European Championship News

Service Honda 500AF Bailey Replica.

The summer of 1997 marks the first time that Service Honda modified a CR250 frame to accept a CR500 motor which was done for a personal project. As we all know, the addition of a new generation frame to the potent CR500 motor was a match made in heaven. The first bike was created by combining parts from two used machines. This turned out to be a very expensive way to build a single bike.

In 1998, the Service Honda 500AF was created as a model. No used parts were utilized in the build, which resulted in improved consistency and quality. Other improvements were made in the finish and durability which brought the bike to showroom quality.

Demand for these hand-built bikes grew quickly, outstripping Service Honda’s supply at the time.

In the years that followed, Service Honda refined the processes used to build these bikes and through an unique agreement with American Honda assembled brand new CR500 motors to exacting Honda standards. These refinements have continued for nearly a dozen years. Service Honda 500AF bikes are renown and coveted the world over.

2009 Service Honda 250AF

Fast forward to 2009 and the Service Honda folks are at it again. The result is a bike designated the 250AF. This new model consists of a 2009 CRF250R chassis mated up to the potent 2001 CR250 two stroke motor.

In order to get more information about this awesome new machine, we went to the man that has spearheaded the AF project bikes since the beginning, AJ Waggoner.

AJ could you please tell us about your role in the Service Honda 500AF project?

I am operations manager of Service Powersports and my main duties are as project leader of  the various models, in charge of designing, fabrication, promotion, scheduling and general oversight of the many projects.

The first 500AF bike that we built as a completely new Service Honda, was my personal bike. It was in late august 1997 and was a 1998 model we had just got in. Another Service Honda employee and long time racing buddy of mine Scott Miller had built one from combining his 1997 CR250 and 1995 CR500. I was racing  a 1997 CR500 at the time and had the idea to build a brand new
one from the ground up and along with that thought to produce it as a model available from Service Honda.

It took off far more than I could have imagined and the level of interest a decade later still continues to keep growing. It was started as a fun project for a class of bikes that I have a passion for and turned into a full production motorcycle that has sold to many different countries and riders around the world.

I feel incredibly fortunate that the interest has been so great in these bikes, and that gives me the opportunity to work at something I enjoy, believe in, and am passionate about.

Just how does a multi-line motorcycle dealership leapfrog some very well-funded factories and become as well known and respected as Service Honda has managed?

I think at its root, it may be because we are riders and full time enthusiasts that really enjoy what we do and that reflects in our customer service and in the final products. It helps in recognizing the wants and needs of riders, perhaps seeing markets that the larger OEM’s do not address.

In addition to the 500AF, please give us a run down of the other two stroke models that are currently available from Service Honda?

2009 Service Yamaha YZ300

For 2009 we are  offering the following models:

500AF
500AFX (off road version)
250AF
250AFX

KX500AF
KX500AFX
KX250AF

YZ300

Junior-R ( CRF150RB chassis /CRF250R 4stroke engine)
Junior X (CRF150RB chassis / CRF250X engine lights and e- start)

Also an ATV, the SRX250R
(400EX chassis/ 2001 CR250 engine in essence a lighter more powerful and better handling version of the famous Honda TRX250R )

The 250AF’s are new to our model  lineup for this year.

How do you come up with ideas for these new models?

Often from models or features I would personally like to see or think would be a great overall bike or ATV when completed,  but that are not available at that moment. Or when I notice a group of riders with particular needs for a motorcycle or ATV that are not addressed.

The stroker JR-X fills a need for smaller bikes for those of short stature.

For example the Junior X’s (and JR-R’s) inspiration came from the growing number of serious women riders or any rider that the modern performance off road or MX bikes weights or seat heights are not comfortable for. They had the choice of riding machines whose ergonomics did not fit them well.. or bikes designed for a less serious off road enthusiast or beginning rider.

So I had the idea brewing for many years to incorporate a great all around and light weight engine, into a high performance chassis with mid-sized ergos. The bike is the perfect size for a particular group of serious riders, is incredibly light and powerful (and the X retains the E start and lights).

Larger riders still can’t get the smile off their face after riding it.. and ultimately, much like the 500AF’s, that is the reason and inspiration for all of the various models. To put the largest fun factor into riding.
Please tell us more about the new 2009 Service Honda 250AF.

I’m definitely excited about  the new 250AF. it is a 2009 CRF250R with a new 2001 CR250 engine.

I’m also offering a 250AFX, an off road version, that is a 2009 CRF250X chassis with a 2001 CR250 engine. This is a bike the off road community has been asking for what seems like decades.

The potent 2001 CR250 engine.

Why did you decide to use the 2001 Honda CR250 motor and not the 2002 – 2007 motor?

Since we build the engines in house, from all new OEM parts, we can choose any engine style and I was never really inspired by the case reed inducted, servo powervalved, CR250 engines from 2002-2007.

The 2001 Honda CR250 engine was just a great all around 250 2 stroke power plant. Many riders, myself included, felt this was one of, if not Honda’s best 250cc effort!

Have you tested the bike yet? What do you think of the handling and power as compared to the 2007 CR250?

The power I feel when compared to the 02 and up engines, is a bit more what a 250 2 stroke rider expects, fun manageable and yet explosive enough when you need it. It  has good low end, hits solid in the middle and revs out incredibly well.

The handling is improved for sure! Honda had kept the CR250 chassis fundamentally unchanged from 2002 to 2007 when they dropped the model altogether. They had no reason to put any R&D into a model they planned to drop.

In the meantime the 4 stroke line up got all the R&D dollars and major changes to the frame and chassis, as well as 4 or 5 years of steady refinement.

The 2007 CR250 is a 7 year old design at this point and is dated, and when ridden back to back, its a difference easily felt. The newer 09 CRF250 chassis just does everything better, feels lighter and more responsive which really instills even more confidence when riding.

Much like the inspiration for building a 500AF, which was and is, to get a fantastic engine into a modern great handling chassis!

2009 Monster Energy KX500AF

There is talk about 250cc two-strokes being able to compete head-to-head against 250cc four-strokes at the Pro Level. If the rule is approved, would the CR250AF be AMA legal to race in the Nationals?

I feel it would meet the AMA’s homologazation rules. The 500AF has gone through that process and has been approved in the past for various AMA Pro racing disciplines, that have classes in which  2 stroke 500cc motorcycles were eligible for. (and holds a few AMA National titles in those disciplines)

So I can’t see why the 250AF would not also be. The rules intent is to insure availability of the model and its parts to competitors. We produce the bike in quantity, and any rider would have the availability to all parts according to the rules intent and guidelines.

That said, before lining up a the gate of an AMA Pro racing event, the proper  paperwork and approval of the model would need to be made by the AMA. In the past this has never been a problem with models we have had them look into for approval.

Do you think the bike would be legal in AMA amateur racing?

The 500AF is legal and yes the 2009 250AF would be currently legal in AMA amateur racing. (in classes the rider or machine fit)

Who do you see as being the ideal rider for the Service Honda 250AF?

Anyone who likes the ease of maintenance, the light weight, and the fun style of power a 2 stroke delivers.

While there is still debate and indecision on the rules for 2009 in AMA Pro racing, in AMA amateur racing the classes are by rider class and by displacement. A 250 is a 250 regardless of engine configuration.

A 250 2 stroke or 4 stroke, will have certain distinct characteristics. In different track conditions one may or may not have advantages.. but it’s good to be able to simply have choices, and to be able to choose which machine fits your riding style, tastes and track conditions.

I hope to provide that choice, and the fun factor that comes with it!

2009 Monster Energy KX500AF close up.

What new bike ideas are on the drawing board?

=)  well….

I have just released a KX250AF.. a 2009 KX250F chassis with a new 07 KX250 engine. I plan to build an off road version of it as well!

We have the YZ300 out now and as a multi line dealership it is likely easy to guess the direction of a few more AF bikes.. in other  color schemes.

I would also envision some Service Powersports 125cc displacement bikes of various colors as well.. so stay tuned! We will see what the future brings!

I know I’m stoked and excited about it!

There are still a good many riders who really appreciate the performance, light weight, simplicity and lower operating costs of a 2 stroke engine…. I think I’ll be busy!!  And hope we can put a few smiles on a great many riders faces!

Do you have any parting words for the readers of our site?

John, I would like to thank you and them, for the continued interest in our bikes and the opportunity to provide them that choice we spoke of earlier!

It’s a dedicated and passionate group of enthusiasts, many who have contacted me and thanked me for continuing the 2 stroke models.

I feel privileged to be in that position, and those encouraging emails and calls really make all the effort worthwhile. It really means a lot to me and makes a huge difference and is amazing.

So to both you and your readership, Thank you!

As it’s sites like this and riders like yourselves, that keep me inspired and excited about developing and building each new years 2 stroke models!

Sincerely,
AJ Waggoner

www.servicehonda.com

UPDATE!!

Shortly after going to press with this interview, AJ provided us with some photos and infor on the 250AFX.

Starts life as a new CRF250X and gets a heart transplant in the form of a new 01 CR250R engine with added 60watt lighting stator.

Its available now, and pricing well be identical to the 2009 500AF..  $9,999  (USD)
(the 250 engine costs the same or more than a 500 engine to build new)

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1. Service Honda is going BIG At Intermot Cologne Tradeshow in Germany!
2. Service Kawasaki KX 500AF – MXA Test
3. Chuck Sun – Service Kawasaki 500AF Adventure