Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128384
Briefly..•. FIRST LOOK: 2006 Suzukis The 2006 RM·Z450 gets new graphics, and chassis and mator updates. The RM250 is significantly updated for 2006 and is available in this limited-edition Ricky Carmichael version. remains unchanged other than the graphics. The RM-Z4S0's motor gets a redesigned cylinder head with a new intake port shape for improved low-to-midrange power. The carburetor has revised jetting to match the cylinder-head design, and the ignition mapping was updated as well. New pistons with revised oilsealing rings were added and have a chrome-nitride coating for reduced friction. The transmission gets new shift fork guide pins to improve feel, while the final drive ratio is The GSX·R I 000 gets two new colors for 2006, including this red/black version. changed to a taller 14/48 setup. The hot-start lever has been relocated for easier access. The chassis has been updated as well and has a reinforced head tube for improved rigidity. The swingarm is brand new with increased main beam height for added stability and improved traction. The suspension has been T he Suzuki RM range of motocross models will receive significant upgrades for 2006, which should only add to Ricky Carmichael's success. The brandnew in 200S RM-Z4S0 that has already taken Carmichael to a four-for-four string of overall wins 50 far this season gets significant updates for 2006. Additionally, both of the two-strokes in the RM range, including the RM2S0 and RM 12S, receive updates for 2006, while the RM-Z250 updated with new settings front and rear for improved compliance. The rear brake was also updated and should have better power and feel. Last but not least, the RM-Z450 receives new graphics for 2006 and will retail for $6599. Despite the fourstroke revolution, Suzuki has significantly updated its Supercross title-winning RM250 for 2006. The RM2S0 is back with engine refinements that center around improved power/torque delivery and improved low rpm power, plus chassis updates aimed at better cornering and straight-line performance, according to Suzuki. Also new for 2006 is the RM250Z, a limited edition RM250 with special Team Makita Suzuki graphics, gold-colored AMA Pro Racing has announced that entries are now closed for the three AMA classes featured at the upcoming Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, July 8-10, Additionally, the accepted entry list for each class was expected to be released on Monday, June 20. The original entry deadline was June 24. "We announced on June 10 that we would be limiting entries due to much greater space constraints than anticipated at the Laguna Seca facility," said Ron Barrick, road race series manager for AMA Pro Racing. '~of today, we've received more entries than we can accommodate, so there's no sense in keeping it open." Barrick confir[Tled that the final entry for each class was determined by points standings for those riders who had had submitted entries for this event. Additional entry criteria was outlined on the event entry form. Barrick also stated that the final number per class has yet to be determined. "We are literally going to accept as many entries as space allows," Barrick said. "I have been working with laguna Seca and our logistics staff during the last week and will continue to finalize the entry list over the weekend." The number of entries has been limited at past AMA-sanctioned races at the Laguna Seca facility due to space, but the challenge this year is even greater, according to the AMA In addition to AMA riders and teams, the weekend's heavy schedule includes all participants competing in the MotoGP World Championship event, as well as the Yamaha and GE-sponsored Superstars of Super Karls race. wheels and a black seat similar to Ricky Carmichael's championship-winning bike. The motor has redesigned cylinder exhaust ports to improve roll-on acceleration at very low rpm, power output at low-to-mid rpm and torque in the mid-tohigh rpm range. The exhaust port timing is changed, as is the port shape for optimum flow. A new carbon-fiber reed valve was added to improve low rpm engine response. The clearance between the crankshaft and crankcase was changed to alter the primary compression ratio and improve midrange rpm torque and controllability. The clutch was updated as well for beller feel and durability with redesigned plates and more durable clutch housing. The chassis also features many updates, including a new frame with a reinforced tank rail and a reinforced lower engine bracket, plus the head pipe was relocated Smm rearward for increased straight-line stability. The swingarm is also new and features increased main beam height dimensions for more rigidity and improved straightline performance. A new front fork and new rear-shock settings were changed for improved compliance. Like the RM-Z4S0, the RM2S0 gets Renthal tapered aluminum handlebars. which are rubbermounted to reduce vibration. Suggested retail price on the RM-250 is $6099 for the standard version and $6399 for the limited-edition Carmichael version. Updates to the 2006 RM 125 engine emphasize improved power delivery and low rpm engine response, Suzuki says. Chassis modifications center on better cornering and straight-line performance to create a more balanced bike. according to Suzuki. In addition to the RM 12S's motor updates, the bike is filled with Renthal tapered aluminum handlebars, which are rubber-mounted to reduce vibration. Suggested retail price on the RM I2S is $5099. Suzuki has also announced it will rampup production on its popular GSX-R I000 for 2006. The bike is largely unchanged but receives a couple of new colors for 2006 - red/black and black/gray. The retail price will be $10,999. Rossi: Fast and Rich MXers for Muscle & Fitness Gauloises Yamaha's VaJentino Rossi made the Forbes Magazine top-paid athletes list last week, the Italian World Champion ranking 41 st in the Forbes "power ranking" with earnings of $28 million last year. According to Forbes, Rossi's 2004 World Championship, his first with Yamaha, triggered a $4-million bonus from his new employer. Rossi's other sponsors, such as Dainese leathers and Kera KolI, kicked in an estimated $8 million more, according to Forbes. Golfer Tiger Woods topped the list with $87 million in earnings in 2004. AMA motacrossers Ryan Hughes, Nathan Ramsey and Chad Reed are featured in an article scheduled to be published in the August issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine. Written by the magazine's features editor, Joe Wuebben, the story explores the training and fitness methods employed by these top racers. "When I did my research and got into the backgrounds of Ryan, Nate and Chad, I was blown away over the level of conditioning needed to compete at the top levels of motocross, Wuebben said in a release from AMA Pro Racing. "These guys are amazingly fit, and the preparation and commitmentthey put into their craft is imprestt sive. Their stories will definitely be of interest to our readers." The article highlights the connection between fitness and success in motocross racing as well as the unique demands that the sport places on the body. Wuebben also details how fitness training for motocross differs from that of other sports. Jeff Spencer. trainer for Ramsey and Reed. is interviewed and provides an overview of how he's developed fitness programs for his riders. Muscle & Fitness magazine is published by Weider Publications. The August issue will hit newsstands on July 5. Spectators attending the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, July 8-10, will get to hear the band Smash Mouth, presented by Yamaha and HSBC Retail Services. The Bay Area band, whose Billboard top-10 hits include ''l>J1 Star" and "Then the Morning Comes," will perform the free concert on a temporary stage constructed near the Mazda Raceway laguna Seca scoring tower overlooking turn 10. The band will play from approximately 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, following the on-track activities of the second day of the Red Bull U.S, Grand Prix. "Smash Mouth in concert is more entertainment value included in admission to the Red Bull U.S. Grand PriX," said Gill Campbell, CEO/general manager of Mazda Raceway laguna Seca. "Instead of rushing for the gates when the racing ends, fans can stick around and enjoy the concert before heading out for an evening down on the Wharf or Cannery Row." Several Smash Mouth members, including lead singer Steve Harwell, are avid motorsports fans, and the band has performed at races in the past. The band won't take the stage alone. Gauloises Yamaha teammates Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards will take time during the show to introduce the winner of Yamaha's charity auction benefiting Feed The Children. Both Edwards and Rossi are scheduled to present and autograph a set of their riding leathers, awarded as part of the auction packages. "This is just another event during this fantastic weekend that we're honored to be associated with," said Bob Starr, corporate communications manager for Yamaha Motor Company. ')\nd having our partner HSBC Retail Services help out is just another testimony to the overwhelming enthusiasm for this event." Continued on page 9 CYCLE NEWS • JUNE 29, 2005 7