Ask Ping!
November 6, 2009 6:11pm | by: David Pingree
Ping,
Saying Tyler Bowers is Amish is ridiculous! He is clearly a NASA Trained Space Chimp.
Itchy
Dear Itchy,
That photo makes a good argument.
PING
Ping,
I've been riding/racing dirt bikes my entire life. I've always wanted to try my hand in road racing also and just recently have finally been able to afford it, or so I thought! (Turns out every single aspect of road racing are twice as expensive as MX). I'm coming off a broken ankle right now and it's still a little too weak to be taking the abuse that comes with riding dirt bikes.So, since I've been going to these "road circuits", (is that what they're called?) I've seen several DR's and WR's motard-out to the max with a rider mounted that any old washed up MXer could run circles around. I want to get my 450 out there! My question is…Can I just slap the smaller wheels with slicks on there, squeeze an overflow catch can in there somewhere and hit the track? Or is there more of an Obama-ish-ness to it, where I think I know what I'm doing but I really don't and instead I end up just dumping butt-loads of cash into the thing until its no longer recognized as a dirt bike?
Thanks,
Brandon
P.S. Feel free to ignore the political metaphor; I know you get in trouble for that sorta thing.
Dear Brandon,
Here’s what you’ll need: Wheels, tires, hand guards and a front brake system. It isn’t super-complicated and you will have a blast, especially if you have a couple good tracks that you can ride. Sadly, the sport of Supermoto just can’t get it’s footing. After blowing up six or seven years ago it has steadily declined in rider turnout and fan interest. The pro series looks more like a small amateur event than a pro racing series and I’ve heard that Supermoto will not be included in the X Games in 2010, which may be the death knell for the sport altogether. If you’ve got any skills on a dirt bike you will indeed be able to run circles around those kooks on DR’s. And they hate getting passed by a guy in motocross gear. Have fun.
P.S.- I have SM parts for sale if you are interested. (dpingree@troyleedesigns.com)
PING
Ping,
I can’t stand to hear one more thing about how bad this economy is. I turn on the news and that’s all I hear about. When I read the paper it’s all their talking about. And the motocross industry has been in economic freefall lately with no end in sight. Can we just get some good news? Come on, Ping… tell me some good news.
Craig G.
Dear Craig,
Hmmmm, you want good news about the economy, huh? I hate to sound like Debbie Downer over here but there isn’t a lot to be stoked about right now. The national debt is climbing like a Tibetan Sherpa on methamphetamines and the jobless rate has gotten so bad recently that truckloads of Americans have been caught sneaking into Mexico. Sorry, but if I don’t make jokes about it I’ll just start crying. How bad is it? Jury duty is now a desirable, well-paying job. CEO's are now playing miniature golf. If the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them. Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM. Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore. Feel better, Craig?
PING
Saying Tyler Bowers is Amish is ridiculous! He is clearly a NASA Trained Space Chimp.
Itchy
Dear Itchy,
That photo makes a good argument.
PING
Ping,
I've been riding/racing dirt bikes my entire life. I've always wanted to try my hand in road racing also and just recently have finally been able to afford it, or so I thought! (Turns out every single aspect of road racing are twice as expensive as MX). I'm coming off a broken ankle right now and it's still a little too weak to be taking the abuse that comes with riding dirt bikes.So, since I've been going to these "road circuits", (is that what they're called?) I've seen several DR's and WR's motard-out to the max with a rider mounted that any old washed up MXer could run circles around. I want to get my 450 out there! My question is…Can I just slap the smaller wheels with slicks on there, squeeze an overflow catch can in there somewhere and hit the track? Or is there more of an Obama-ish-ness to it, where I think I know what I'm doing but I really don't and instead I end up just dumping butt-loads of cash into the thing until its no longer recognized as a dirt bike?
Thanks,
Brandon
P.S. Feel free to ignore the political metaphor; I know you get in trouble for that sorta thing.
Dear Brandon,
Here’s what you’ll need: Wheels, tires, hand guards and a front brake system. It isn’t super-complicated and you will have a blast, especially if you have a couple good tracks that you can ride. Sadly, the sport of Supermoto just can’t get it’s footing. After blowing up six or seven years ago it has steadily declined in rider turnout and fan interest. The pro series looks more like a small amateur event than a pro racing series and I’ve heard that Supermoto will not be included in the X Games in 2010, which may be the death knell for the sport altogether. If you’ve got any skills on a dirt bike you will indeed be able to run circles around those kooks on DR’s. And they hate getting passed by a guy in motocross gear. Have fun.
P.S.- I have SM parts for sale if you are interested. (dpingree@troyleedesigns.com)
PING
Ping,
I can’t stand to hear one more thing about how bad this economy is. I turn on the news and that’s all I hear about. When I read the paper it’s all their talking about. And the motocross industry has been in economic freefall lately with no end in sight. Can we just get some good news? Come on, Ping… tell me some good news.
Craig G.
Dear Craig,
Hmmmm, you want good news about the economy, huh? I hate to sound like Debbie Downer over here but there isn’t a lot to be stoked about right now. The national debt is climbing like a Tibetan Sherpa on methamphetamines and the jobless rate has gotten so bad recently that truckloads of Americans have been caught sneaking into Mexico. Sorry, but if I don’t make jokes about it I’ll just start crying. How bad is it? Jury duty is now a desirable, well-paying job. CEO's are now playing miniature golf. If the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them. Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM. Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore. Feel better, Craig?
PING
