Podium

Cole says he figures everyone in the US hates him right now. I'd like to state that I appreciate him stepping up and going to represent us on the world stage. The only hate I have over the deal is towards the top guys that didn't want to go and the crappy Honda he rode.

I think he's tired of being the only guy who gives a crap about Team USA, and he's from Belgium! I don't blame him.

Epic weekend at one of the greatest places on earth. At least the earth I'm able to ride on. If you know the spot your lucky to have gone, little gem up in granite country. We always start the ride clearing one trail of the system. I'm lucky enough to get guided tours from one of the legends of the area. 72 year old that can kick ass on a dirt bike still. He clears trails faster than me half the time too. You gotta put in work to ride areas like this, I just appreciate the opportunity. After some trail maintenance guaranteed 50+ miles of epic trails. Heres some pics from last weekends 120 miles/2days. Top of Butt Rock camp jose The Legend Himself All the debris from this winter clogged up the tunnel.

They were talking to Broc Glover on the tv at the weekend. He said that for him the MXON was always the most important race of the year. It was like the Olympics of MX in that you spend all season battling your closest rivals and then get to team up with them for one race meeting. Not sure how representing your country can ever be meaningless, unless the only meaning to your life is making money ?

The race is at Red Bud next year Any pussy that decides to sit out should be banned from ever racing that track again

Boys, you sound like Canadians wringing their hands over "the state of hockey". You guys are the dominating nation in MX, but you'll never be always at the top. Perhaps you can't quite see it like an outsider can (I'm proud of the Canadian effort but let's face it we suck at mx), part of your issues with this particular race is the very fact that you are the dominate nation. The race has become an afterthought to the current generation of athletes. They don't need to prove themselves, it's already ingrained in them. Compare that to the 80s when you put a truly remarkable sting of wins together... That generation wasn't doing it on patriotic pride, they were doing it to prove to the world "We are the best". They were doing it to give themselves AND the series they were involved in legitimacy. They were extremely successful and American MX went from the snotty kid to the masters of all things MX related. Your current crop no longer needs to claim that legitimacy, rather the shoe is on the other foot... The Herlings and Cairolis need to prove they are legitimate, that their series and styles belong in the same category as the American ones. Don't get me wrong, the hand wringing is valuable, because it gets to the riders, the guys coming up will have that doubt. "Maybe we arnt the best" then they will go out and prove that they are, and you'll be able to spill your beer on your naked gut while you prance naked sing your anthem. Just one thing though.... There will never be another performance like Johnny Os. You should celebrate that friggin one!!!

Buuut, it's such a long season, and they're not getting paid, and they don't want to get injured for an unimportant race, and waaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Agree. Show some pride for country and man up, bunch of pussies.

Saw this at work this morning...

Answered the call, honest, etc.... he tried. Nothing to be ashamed of at all.

I'd say watching RV destroy EVERYONE at Budds Creek MX des Nation's was an equal performance to Johnny O's. So I'm going to celebrate that one!!!

A brief overview of the 2018 thumpers with a pile of changes that are quite noticeable when riding the Italian beasts. Interested to hear of known issues from anyone with a new bike to add to the list below for prospective new buyers or existing owners. THE CHANGES FOR 2018 All the four stroke RR350 RR390 RR430 and RR480 have a weight reduction of 5.3kg, mainly through a lighter engine, redesigned frame and lithium battery. Personally I've never worried about weight too much but all the bikes feel considerably lighter in harder terrain, and feel more flickable in cornering. Beta clutches have traditionally been heavier than other brands and they've finally opted for a new lighter clutch in 2018. I do a lot of clutch slipping and these middle aged fingers would ache after an hour or two with a stock Beta clutch, but the 2018 one has a much easier pull. The Beta four stroke engines have all been tweaked, with probably the biggest change being a dual fuel injector system. Apparently it's increased power across the rev range but I mainly noticed there was some extra lowdown grunt on all the models, which has in effect made the power even more linear than it was. It will be interesting to see if it increases fuel range as Beta claims. The snappy response from idle (especially the RR430 and RR480) with the fuel injection also seems to have mellowed a lot. I remember buying a G2 throttle tamer for my RR480 a few years back but I doubt it's needed now. For me the biggest change in engine characteristics compared to earlier years is the mapping switch. In the past I've found most mapping switches don't make much difference but throw it into rain mode and all the engines become very docile and tractable at lower revs. All the bikes will still wheelie like mad once you wind the revs up though, which is handy if you are riding in mud but occasionally get some good grip. To me those were the differences that stood out. Beta say the new frame has less flexing but I can't ride hard or well enough to tell lol. Ditto with the suspension upgrades, there are minor changes but think Beta dialed in the Sachs suspension well for gumbies since 2015 and it's all been good since then - aggressive riders may beg to differ. There's a new gear shift selector, I've occasionally hit false neutrals on earlier models so maybe they've cured that. What else? The Beta 2018 models get a new airbox, skidplate and Takasago wheels. The Japanese rims have a good reputation so that can't hurt. 2018 BETA RR350 So let's look at the individual models, starting with the 2018 RR350. While it is lighter and has more low end power, it has the same characteristics as last year's RR350. It is essentially the same weight as its bigger brothers, but less reciprocating mass does mean you can throw it around in corners more. Surprising grunt but it really comes alive the more you rev it. For more details, see our old RR350 review here. 2018 BETA RR390 The 2018 RR390 has really changed. The longer stroke engine always made the 390 an extremely tractable bike with very predictable power, but I suspect that dual fuel injection has really woken her up. I found the 2018 model revved up much faster and was keen to spin up if I applied too much throttle. Then I put her on the rain map and she was back to the thumper that could lug up hills so easily. More than any other model this felt like two completely different beasts with the mapping switch. See our RR390 review. 2018 BETA RR430 This review found the 2018 RR430 is a real weapon if you hit that throttle too hard. Surprisingly the new engine has almost the same lowdown grunt of the old 480 and is tractable if you are easy on the throttle, but spins up faster if you crack the throttle. See the RR430 review here. 2018 BETA RR480 The 2018 RR480 felt the least changed. The lighter weight is noticable in slower terrain, but the beast makes so much power already that it's hard to feel the increase this year. It's still the gentle giant and won't give any nasty surprises unless you are ham-fisted on the throttle. Personally I'd like to see Beta develop this into more of a dual sport or light adventure bike mode, it's such a good engine for dirt and road work. Our RR480 review. POTENTIAL ISSUES What's not to like with the 2018 Betas? The good news in this review is the Beta crew haven't been resting on their laurels and have fixed niggling issues over the years. What haven't they fixed yet? That Beta pointy ended sidestand. It's always funny watching parked Betas topple one by one in soft soil. Most of us screw a little baseplate on to fix it. The shape of 2018 Beta fenders mean they tend to break instead of bending. The only good news is that as with most parts, Beta plastics are incredibly cheap compared to most other manufacturers. Some will still want a kickstarter and you can order this. Personally I think the starter motors are so reliable now, and there's always bump starting or other techniques if you are stranded in the bottom of a gully. The Beta oil pump gears are still made of plastic and need replacing at 100 hours. You normally should be checking your clutch around this point so it's an easy job, but some owners put in the steel replacements made by Boano so they can forget about it. So there you have it, a review of the 2018 RR350 RR390 RR430 and RR480. As with any bike, get a test ride if you can. Sometimes you can watch a pile of reviews and think you've found your perfect bike, but then go for a ride and not gel with the bike at all. But I think these latest Italian beasts tick the boxes for a lot of guys, judging by the comments that were flying around on this Beta Ride Day.

Just wait..... It will get moved to Italy.

Seely is a stud. Stepped up like a man. Covington is a man too....raced with a torn ACL. Osborne beat every 450 but two in his second moto....talent overcomes horse power. #realchamp Tomac is bird egg who cracks under pressure.

If 2018 at Red Bud does not draw our best riders as well as fans, etc, then it is the end times of mx in this country.

Probably because nobody else in the world plays Baseball ?

Redbuuuuuuuuuuuuddddddddddddddd!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so going.

No! I'd ride it too! It's not wrong at all! LoL there is another bike I'd like to get my hands on and braaap on a little......]

The off-road guys never seem to turn down a chance to represent the USA at the ISDE where they race 6 days in a row with no outside mechanical help. I wonder how many of the top MX racers can keep their own bikes going six races in six days? The O'Show was great but don't forget when Danny"Magoo" Chandler won all four motos of the old format Trophy/MxDN and in one moto dry heaving in his helmet from being in anaphylactic shock from a bee sting.

I think it was 1986......maybe 1987. I watched Rickey Johnson sign his autograph on a bunch titties. Those were the days! Edit..... No, not my titties!

I also have Jeff Ward, Ricky Johnson, Ron Lechein, Micky Dymond, Johnny O'Mara, David Baily, Danny "Magoo" Chandler, Erik Kehoe, Jeff Stanton, Mike LaRacco............. You know....MEN!

I have nothing but great respect for a guy to go and represent for us when others turned it down. This use to be a race of pride for your country and he did just that. He took what was given to him and did the best he could. People can say what they want but he took on the challenge and that shows just how much heart and pride he has. Cudos to Cole seely!!

So I'll probably be there!

Supercross is a show, most of the people who watch it havehe exact same thought process about starting to ride dirt bikes as they do purchasing a race car when they watch NASCAR. 0 intentions

I like his honesty in admitting that the MXGP guys were going a LOT faster than he was capable of going. He also mentioned several times how different and unfamiliar the track was. Is that really a major disadvantage for the top pros? You'd think after a few practice and qualifying sessions at a new track that they'd be good to go, but I'm sure some are better than others at this. Heck - Herlings came to a new track on a different bike and went 1-1, but he's definitely an alien.

Helping pit for my buddies racing at Grangé.

Then proposal #2..... -Drop 2 rounds of stupidcross and bring the Nationals starting date in 1 week. -Drop that &%$#@!ing clown show called Monster Cup. Problem solved

NO...It's the Olympics of motocross and an American should ALWAYS kick ass at the event

Nothing but Respect for him and everyone involved!!

Actual go pro of the "punisher" clearing little bean at 13 years old. Wish I could clean it that good

Apparently forever. I'm riding a 2003 XR250R purchased new in June 2003.

http://amp.mxvice.com/71179/chatter-box-cole-seely-2 What say you ?

Yep. RV on a 250F in 2007, 1-1 at MXdN. Smoked all of the 450Fs. Full compaction. Herlings would have been barfing up his own shit had he been there due to RV pushing it all the way in.

I like to see Seely get a standing ovation and Tomac get booed when they're introduced in the opening ceremony at the MEC.

Magoo=Legend

Wonder how much RC got paid to do a "parade lap" at matterley last week? He still looks fast! ??

I think I need to go check my sag now

IMHO Hurricane's Swan Song ride of 1987 was one of the sports greatest moments.

Cole went to get beat up by the lag food fans weather track and schedule and then got dropped kicked by Honda. Then made no bullshit excuses to the press and easily stated he got beat. Dude is a &%$#@!ing stud.

That is why Mitch hires anyone. They were about 1 corner away from a East title last year. Then a Husky rider happened. So might as well hire one.

Have to wonder about the mental process of someone blaming a rider for a susp/mech failure. 👎 Seely deserves a lot of credit just for showing up and attempting to help the team.

Canada isn't a nation? You're a dolt and not worth my time

The orphan said he needs to buy her a bigger helmet after each ride

I like you. I like my Rekluse. But you are so full of shit! 🤣

It's been running for a very long time with no one getting paid , the only riders asking to be paid is the USA , maybe think it's time for a attitude change ? RC didn't moan , RV didn't moan they had class

Ordered a flex fuel screw and some adapters to get my FCR fitted up. Also bought a set of Tractionators, IT front and HT rear.

yeah sure.... such a gimmick. 1987... gimmick, 86...pfft, the B team that won, meh.... oh wait, just modern times or some other stupid reason. maybe the monster supercross is better? not gimmicky at all... or stupidcross in general.

Why does Lamson's epic ride get over looked so often???

Seems you should he angry at top riders who would not go , rather than ones that did ?