I always thought it would be cool to share the notes that I create after a race with the reader. 98% of the time I will input notes about each test bike/part I decide to race any given weekend. The part as well as the bikes change from time to time, but I always like to have a log of what I ran as well as the conditions of each race. Below is a brief breakdown on the bikes, parts as well as notes on how each performed or felt. Last weekend we brought two bikes to race (Yamaha YZ450F and KTM 250 SX-F). Below are two breakdowns of what was on each machine and how each machine fared in race conditions. Each time my son and I race, you can check back here to keeferinctesting.com every Tuesday (when we race the previous weekend) for “The Weekend Race Set Up”.
Track: Glen Helen Raceway
Kris Keefer
Terrain: Sandy top soil AM with hard pack in PM
Start: Dirt
Avg Lap Time: 2:20
Total Number Of Motos: 5 motos (Three 20 minute plus 1 lap motos and 2 15 minute motos)
Weight At Time Of Race: 170 pounds w/o gear
2021 Yamaha YZ450F:
Engine Hours 45.6
Mods/Parts:
Tires: Dunlop MX3S/MX33 13.5/12.5 PSI
Bars: Pro Taper SX Race Evo
Grips: Renthal Half Waffle Soft
Levers: ARC RC-8 Perch/Lever
Throttle: ZRT
Rider Triangle: -5mm down and back peg position/stock bar height/rear hole
Gearing: 13/49 Renthal Sprockets/DID ERT3 Chain
Engine Mods: Vortex ECU Mapped By XPR/FMF 4.1 Full System
Engine Oil: Blud Racing 10/40 Pro Series
Fuel: VP T4
Holeshot Device: WC
Graphics/Seat: Era Moto Co
Suspension: Enzo Racing Test Fork/Shock Spec #KK145
Air Filter: Twin Air Power Flow Kit
Plastic: Cycra Power Flow Kit
Results: 1st 40A (1-1-1), 1st Support Expert (1-1)
Notes:
• GH World Vet ECU setting allowed third gear corners without on/off area 2 feel. Power was controlled and easy to manage late in motos.
• YZ450F feels slightly heavy on entry of shallow ruts.
• Fork has better comfort when ridden at race pace. Not too much comfort on initial stroke (light bump).
• Shock sag at 105mm made for acceptable balance, but sped up rebound +1 click to compensate for choppy conditions so rear can follow ground more.
• WC start device was better off the gate when set at 120mm for dirt start.
• Updated rider triangle (-5mm/-10 back pegs) allows for less leg fatigue. Legs were fresher at end of motos.
• GUTS standard seat foam is firmer than stock OEM foam and last longer. (12.1 hours on foam and density still holding up).
Suspension Setting:
Fork: (Spec #KK145F)
C: 10
R: 10
Height: 3mm
Shock: (Spec #KK144S)
LSC: 10
HSC: 1.25
R: 9
Sag: 105mm
Track: Glen Helen Raceway
Aden Keefer
Terrain: Sandy top soil AM with hard pack in PM
Start: Dirt
Avg Lap Time: 2:24
Total Number Of Motos: 2 motos (Two 15 minute plus 1 lap motos)
Weight At Time Of Race: 130 pounds w/o gear
2021 KTM 250 SX-F:
Engine Hours 7.8
Mods/Parts:
Tires: Dunlop MX3S/MX33 13.5/12.5 PSI
Bars: Pro Taper Evo Suzuki Race Team
Grips: Pro Taper 1/3 Waffle Race Cut
Levers: Stock
Throttle: ZRT Grey Cam
Rider Triangle: Stock
Gearing: 14/51 Sunstar Sprockets/DID ERT3 Chain
Engine Mods: Head Mod XPR Motorsports, Custom HC Piston, Vortex ECU Mapped By XPR/Akrapovic Slip On
Engine Oil: Blud Racing 10/40 Pro Series
Fuel: VP MR Pro 6
Holeshot Device: WC
Graphics/Seat: Throttle Syndicate
Suspension: REP Racing Test Fork/Shock Spec #AK3
Air Filter: Twin Air Power Flow Kit
Results: 1st Intermediate Support
Notes:
• REP AER setting was set at 9.90 bar but we increased to 9.92 bar for hold up on hills.
• Fork comfort on bigger braking bump was better than stock setting and fork mid stroke improved with air at 9.92.
• Fork comfort on small/light bump/accel was better with Pro Taper Evo bar versus Fuzion.
• Shock felt low on accel. Turned HSC in 1/4 turn. Helped balance
• Aden wants more low end hit so we will try FMF 4.1 system instead of Akrapovic slip on.
• 120mm holeshot device setting was better for light rider off dirt start.
Suspension Setting:
Fork: (Spec #AK3F)
C: 13
R: 11
Height: 5mm
Air: 9.90-9.92 Bar
Shock: (Spec #AK3S)
LSC: 14
HSC: 1.5
R: 12
Sag: 105mm