The prospects of the 2009 open class dirtbikes

All businesses are becoming more innovative due to the high demands for open class race bikes. The top brands in off road culture has recently extracted revolutionary dirt bikes for which takes motocross performance to whole new level. The exciting dominance of high performance vehicles have attracted so much attention in the world of racing that those trying to replicate it fail to do so. An overview and model description of these top qualifiers; Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and KTM, will inspire and awe prospective riders with their new 2009 line of aggressive, top-notch quality and service break through technologies. Here are their stories....

Yamaha just came out with their 2009 YZ 450F dirt bike. Subtle but fierce changes have created so much attention that this vehicle continues to maintain its top seating in the open class. Yamaha's 2008 model had stamped their approval of quality by winning the Supercross title and AMA motocross championship. This brand strategy provides an assurance to buyers that Yamaha is the best brand out on the market as well as standing firm behind their legacy of great bikes. The 2009 YZ 450F dirt bike has key features that allow to rider to take more control through confident handling at high speeds and providing more flexibility without deterring the top end speed. The new technology set forth for these vehicles are maintaining power but able to adjust increments of design through height restrictions made by the bike. Adjustments are made on the handle bar positions, lighter balance and contour of turning in changing terrains, adjusting gear ratios for quick transitioning of speeds, and drive train compression ratios for altering revolution ranges. The ability of creating a vehicle that meets high standards and gives a universal accommodation to any rider shows why Yamaha is one of the better brands in the world of racing.

Honda's innovative creation of the new 2009 XR 650L has many people talking about its superb ability to keep up and have intentions of being the best bike out on the market. A hybrid between the Honda power plant motor and intrinsic fine tuning details uses the radial four-valve combustion chamber to create unstoppable massive power output and torque. However, due to this large capacity of force, buyers have to keep in mind the offsetting balances created by vibrations and faulty pieces of the bike. Therefore, Honda has been creating ways to minimize these nuisances by adapting to a lighter, rigid chassis and adding long travel suspensions to absorb unwanted obstacles in its path. Honda's prospects look very good.

Kawasaki declared their competition 2009 KLX 450 bike to be on the verge of creating the most comfortable bike all around concentrating their handling on comfortable ergonomics. A technique used as a branding strategy to inspire riders who enjoy aggressive racing but having intentions safety and balance has won the votes of many people in the market. The longevity of racers and long term effects on their body has been a life long concern for serious riders. Kawasaki's approach has proved to be a positive idea because a surplus of responses have been tracked down by the number of consumers demanding their product. The highlights of the KLX 450 are the superior throttle control, lightweight engine and shock absorbing chassis that gives all around riders a luxury ride on the rough roads ahead of them.

Make no negative assumptions about Suzuki's 2009 RM-Z450. The yellow bike trailing from behind usually ends up in first place finish line winning by a large margin. How is this possible? The all new RM-Z450 glorifies itself by attesting to all other competitors with its fuel injection design. No other competitors have made a mass produced fuel injected motocross bike that sustains even more sharper handling and mind-blowing braking abilities than the RM-Z450. Maybe known as the lesser of two evils, Suzuki's patented electronic fuel injection provides riders with the ability to control mid to low range power better than the other leading vehicles. This special design reduces unwanted resistance and gives aerodynamics a new meaning. The lifestyle of the new Suzuki 09' models are giving riders more options and confidence to look forward to in the off-road nation.

KTM has envisioned riders to move to a higher latter of standards in dirtbike innovations. The 2009 450 SX-F has proved to be equally important on the circuit as fine tuning and details work from its original parts. More lubrication, changes in point ratio, larger bore per stroke comparisons, exhaust alterations and the tiniest bit of refining gives this bike more punch for its money. The ability of KTM to convert old methods to new design shows any company the adage of teaching an "old dog new tricks." The only humor to that adage is that the new tricks KTM brings out possibly can squash all its competitors in the long run...

The overview of the new racing environment shows how business tactics are used to convert ideas to tangible products that clearly give consumers what they want. Although brand symbolism as a lot to do with the majority of consumers leaning to one spectrum of the market, this notion does not in any way imply that other competitors are wasting in the competitive world. The main concept is that different industries are backing up their innovations by customizing to the buyers demands, enabling these vehicles to attract all sorts of riders.
The future of the 2009 open class dirtbikes look strong and confident to meet these demands.

El Mirage, CA - Does this place fall short to what a real mirage is suppose to be like?

The name stands behind its quality trails; El Mirage Dry Lake Bed. Once a deep oasis for the lake enthusiasts, turned into a dry basin for the largest off-roading activities ever seen. Currently, the lake bed is sectioned off into four terrains which are the lake bed, basin, Shadow Mountains and the Twin Hills. Many riders from the Orange County, CA area find this place to be one of the closer and larger riding areas. Due to this attractive location and different atmosphere than the regular open barren land, any skill leveled rider can be challenged.
The name of the lake use to suit its image well. A jam packed destination during holiday seasons have now become a place where very few migrate to enjoy dirt bike riding. Alongside of riding, this location allows overnight camping and trailer parking for free. This availability of land where the public can come and go as they please made El Mirage a prime vacation haven. This desert turned for the worst when changes began when the Cooperative Management Land Bureau implemented fees for land usage. Permits can be purchased on site on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis. This legal OHV (off-highway vehicle) riding area requires a "green sticker registration" which only allows green sticker holders to ride year round but "red sticker" limited to the season time between October 1st-April 30 Riding Season Link
The distinctive qualities about El Mirage are the different types of terrain one can find in one location. The dry lake bed are used for land speed racing and fast riding who need a straight away without any obstacles. The mountains are great for riding up hills and treacherous passes while the basin hosts several rolling hills used for track racing. This popular getaway location attracts children, women and aggressive men to test out their skills. Overall, El Mirage is a family oriented riding location.
El Mirage is located in the City of Adelanto. A small town with major changes confronting housing developments and outside malls is making El Mirage a crowded place to be. Pictures, history of El Mirage and directions can be found on this page: El Mirage Page
El Mirage is a nice haven for vacationers in the area or a fun place to visit for a first timer. Of course different opinions about this place may arise, but for the majority part, many visitors are satisfied with what El Mirage offers.

How to protect yourself when off-roading

Ever wonder how professional riders on the circuit make death defying back flips look like it's nothing? Besides hard work and practice, what most people do not know is the technique they use to keep themselves safe. Even the most experienced riders are constantly watching out for themselves and take protective measures to keep from getting seriously injured. The techniques riders use are understanding the basics such as; the vehicle the rider is using [ie. handling and turning] and also making sure protection is worn at all times. For both the beginning and advanced riders, protective gear should always be worn, whether on the track or trail riding in the open desert. Here is a list, but not limited to, certain protective wear that should be worn when riding a dirt bike/ATV (all terrain vehicle).

1) Helmet "DOT APPROVED"
2) Long pants "preferrably riding pants for easy airflow & thickness"
3) Long shirt "jersey"
4) Chest protector "stops debri and large objects hitting the chest"
5) Boots "special dirtbike boots that keep the exhaust from melting your leg off"
6) Goggles "keeps the dirt out of your eyes"
7) Kidney Belt "protects your organ"
8) Neck padding "prevention of spinal injury"

Seems like a load to be wearing and expensive to afford, however, a one time commitment will save you from an expensive medical bill later on.

Regarding professional riders, they are promoting safety awareness and using these items during practice trial runs and events to protect themselves. Back flips and very dangerous stunts are also practiced in a "foam pit" which absorbs the shock from their fall. What may look so easy, actually is hard work. Safety comes first as well as showing the world an awesome trick few can perform.

So why is this blog dedicated to the protection of riders? Frequent accidents do happen by mishandling the vehicle, not being attentive to on-coming traffic and running into a dangerous terrain. Prevention is the key to having a good time and enjoying the outdoors because an accident would only cost you more money than purchasing protective gear from the start. The riding community is very tight knit group and when 1 person can influence another, the rest will surely follow. Make sure you check your gear every time you put it on and have a good time knowing that you are doing the right thing.

California City, Ghost Town

I was fortunate to meet some friends who were enthusiastic about riding off-road vehicles as I was. These friends have been riding dirt bikes since they were little, and it was more of a way of life for them than it was a hobby. Their grandfather's ashes have been layed out on a special mountain there, where they visit time to time in memory of him. So, as you can see, it was not just a mere riding destination for them, but a significant place where they knew their grandfather was keeping an eye out on them. It was a place for remembrance, reflection and a new beginning every time we came across that special place.

There isn't much to this place when you first arrive. From afar, all you can see is just rolling hills and mountains. The vegetation that grows are just dense Joshua trees and creosote bushes spreading out like mines scattered on a battle field. Located North of Antelope Valley, CA in the Mojave Desert, nothing but the best "legal" riding location can be found. Click Here: California City Map

The nice aspect of this location gives any level rider a challenge. There are steep mountains, flat rolling lands, tracks and various obstacles available for any enthusiast. This location, noted as a legal riding area by the state, allows all forms of off-road vehicles. There are no restrictions as of January 1, 2008 and both "green sticker" and "red sticker" vehicles are welcome as riding season is labeled 'year' round. (OHV.Parks.Gov) Riding Season There are several locations to park and ride, as it may be confusing to know where you can go since it is the open desert. Anyone can park in the open land, but if you looking for a location where help is near by, bathrooms are available and people are in existence, than several landmarks can be located on a camp site map.

Californica City has two main attractions throughout the desert. If you are a first-timer and have no idea where to go, then these destinations are for you. California City is known for their security desert prison. All riding trails circle the jail house, but riders must beware not to get too close. Security is high around the prison, so as long as you keep a distance, it is fun to ride around and see one of California's prisons. California City Prison

Another attraction is the tortoise reserve. There is a trailer that is staffed throughout the day in an enclosed area of the desert that displays information about tortoises. You can learn tortoise awareness and the history of them as you walk through to find tortoises in their natural habitat.

Now, if you are an advanced rider, and don't think trail riding is appeasing, you should check out California City's best MX park. Cal City MX Park Tracks This area hosts several tracks for racing, practicing and just putting around. For a very low cost fee, many riders enjoy these tracks because many are not available in the State of California.

By personal preference, a must see and ride, is the ghost town in Johannesburg. A once, small town has now become one of the largest gathering spots for offroad vehicle enthusiasts. You can catch, literally, hundreds of riders that vacation during the holiday season to catch a glimpse of history. The best part about it; the only bar in sight miles from the next major town! GhostTown

Many popular riding destinations can be found through the internet. The best places to go are usually places where others have already been to, just to get familiar with the location. A rider must be aware of possible dangers that lurk in any OHV riding area. Mines, animals, reckless riders and any other possible dangers can be avoided and prevented by learning and researching the area you are in. California City is by far one of the best riding destinations around because you get a true sense of natural environment without the hassles of developing homes coming up in the area. Besides the fact, California City's desert has hot showers you can use after a long day of riding, an amenity not available in most places. These qualities makes California City an escape to the best riding locations around California.

The DMV isn't all about waiting in line

People avoid going to the Department of Motor Vehicles because of the wait. In all honesty, the DMV isn't all about the wait. It is about the 2 hour wait that gets you to the window and then a staff turning you down for the reason that your vehicle does not meet California legal laws. By this time you are aggravated, tired and annoyed by the machine screaming a monotone "B 84, G 12, etc." You just purchased your vehicle from a private party and all you want to do is make the transaction quick and legitimate as possible. So what does the buyer have to do to be prepared and not get ripped off by the seller?

The first thing is to ask the seller if the "title is clean." This explanation will let the buyer know if the vehicle has ever been in a major accident, if it was previously purchased broken and re-repaired, if it was stolen and so forth. If the vehicle holds a clean title, then the buyer has the 'right' to ask about the history of the bike from the previous owner. When you release your money to the seller, the seller in return will exchange you the pink slip to the vehicle which may look like a certificate or slip from the DMV. This is a legal transaction in which both parties exchange their personal information to release the vehicles liabilities. Within 5 days of signing the pink slip, the seller must send [his/her] portion of the certifcate to the DMV and the buyer must register the vehicle [in person] at any DMV location.

The DMV may have the right to ask to see the vehicle. If an inspection is asked to be completed, the staff looks for several things. The first criteria noted for an inspection check is the vehicle vin number. Certain models will have identifying letters that differentiate the year and make of the model regardless of the representing brand associated with it. New state laws implementing the regulations of off road vehicle use depend on the date such that if the vehicle is dated prior to 2002, a "green sticker" would be issued and if dated after 2002, a "red sticker" would then be issued. The difference between green sticker and red sticker simply determines what time of the year a rider can use their vehicle. This will be announced in more detail on the next updated post.

The next criterion undergoes a check for an EPA approval mark to be identified. The Environmental Protection Angency (EPA) labels such off road vehicles to have emissions tested to verify no excess pollutants are being released into the atmosphere. This is similar to getting a smog check on your car. A final note on the DMV inpsection list is that fees are applied to this registration process and dues must be paid by the client at the time of the passed inspection for clearance. A percentage of the collected amount goes towards the land bureau management for the claims of using off highway vehicles on state property. In this way, maintenance and proper resources would be allocated appropriately where needed.

All of these on the inspection checklist excludes the dues paid to the DMV for registration of the sole vehicle itself. This summary implies that owning a dirt bike is not synonymous to owning a bicycle. The overall inconveniences to the new rider becomes very costly and time consuming. So why do riders put up with this ordeal? The answer to this is for the greater purpose of enjoying the outdoors and achieving that adrenaline rush money can't buy.

All of these measures must be taken into account before you can "officially" be legal within the California state system of riding off-road vehicles. Fortunately, a license is not needed as long as the rider obeys all rules of desert riding and does not wind up going on 'on-highway' territory. Dirt bikes are not allowed on street surfaces or any other public roads shared with cars unless a separate motorcycle license is obtained by the rider.

Upon waiting patiently for a couple of months, a transfer of ownership certificate will be delivered in the mail and should be kept in a safe location. This will be needed when a ranger or public official asks for registration on the vehicle. The next direction to take is to research on particularly interesting places to ride near your area; making sure off road vehicles are allowed in designated riding areas. Many places charge by a flat rate entrance fee or by the number of vehicles brought into the location. The public land management requires this as a way of keeping the riding areas clear and available for riders only. The longevity of these rare riding locations keep enthusiasts happy and willing to participate more on this sport. Now that an understanding of preparation being the key to success in safety and law, there is nothing more than to start that engine and ride into the open road clear ahead of you. Make sure to wear safety equipment, always riding with a buddy, and let the good times roll!

Is it like walking into a huge car sales lot?

Blue, Red, Orange, Green, Yellow...Well what's it going to be? I guess to the common eye, the look and the color is what pleases the buyer through attractiveness.
If you are looking for your first off road vehicle to purchase, take into account the methods you use in purchasing a car. A lot of money is being invested into this vehicle, so the vehicle must meet the standard requirements. Standard requirements may include the vehicle starting up, moving and capable to do basic functional things. Researching is a must to ensure the right qualifications in a good ride; height requirements, engine size, power with torque, and the aggressive components "shocks and a-arm absorbers" that relates to the rider's needs.

The competitive nature of all businesses is the same. Companies will trademark their product to identify the alpha dog in the industry. Some of these differences does not make one bike less important than another. It just depends on the consumer and what color they identify themselves with. Here is a list of vehicle colors in relation to their prospective company. Please note popularity of these vehicles results in the legacy of sponsers that support racers who win in professional competitions time and time again:

• Yamaha-Team Blue
• Honda-Team Red
• KTM-Team Orange
• Kawasaki-Team Green
  
• Suzuki-Team Yellow

Yamaha is the leading vehicle out on the market. Their stock vehicle fits most universal riders in height requirments as well as engine power. They provide fuel injected 4 stroke (straight gas) models as well as pre-mixed (oil and gas) 2 stroke models. California state laws are pushing environmental laws to outlaw all 2 stroke engines because of the pollution emission and sparks that causes desert fires. The engine size begins at 50cc, moving up to the race ready 450 series.
The obvious increase in engine size relates to how much dirt you are going to make the people behind you eat. Reliablity and ease of finding spare parts is what makes Yamaha stand out amongst the rest.

Honda is the next close competitor closing in on the gap of winning the next motorcross title. The height requirements are less universal to riders as lets say, 'yamaha'. For example; yamaha yz 85 model is the same as the Honda 110 series by height standards, but the yz 85 has a smaller engine than the Honda. Why does this make Yamaha still stand out loud and clear above the rest even if the bike seems slower? The torque on a yz 85 2 stroke is set to a higher rpm [race bike style] which will take off faster and give more thrust than the Honda 110 same in its class. Small differences such as this gives consumers the option to choose which bike best fits them best.
KTM is the "Lexus" of all dirt bikes. Very costly and limited in parts, KTM is known in the dirt biking world as the luxury off road vehicle in its class. If you are a high roller than this is for you! Options are very similar and not similar to all other make and models.

Kawasaki and Suzuki are the least popular from the rest. A lot of riders purchase them which means that they are getting their moneys worth out of them, but popularity maybe isn't their highlight in the business industry because professional riders are not winning titles for their team. Once again, there is no disrespect to these makes, they are just considered 'less' popular compared to Yamaha and Honda.

Going to a local dealership to try them out is the best option for a consumer. Even if you don't purchase them, getting a feel for the differences is the best way to go. There is definitely an "insurance/warranty" that they may give you upon purchasing a vehicle, but be aware the sticker price on the tags in the show room do not account for the hidden taxes and fees that come along with the bike. The best bet is to see what color, make, model you are interested in and go to a public forum to buy a "used" bike in your local area. That way you can test ride your vehicle up and down the street and ask questions to the seller about the options they will throw in with it. Do Not forget to bargain with them. Everyone is willing to lower their price if they really want to get rid of them. Good Luck!

The aroma of 2 stroke oil

Girls are associated with having class and looking fabulous for any occasion...Within my occasions, I tend to be walking around with a boulder wedged in between my helmet and my face. The dirt that happens to be showered all over my body happens to be the very essence of my true soul. What may seem like a day at Glen Ivy Spa smoldering in a bath of mud, is far from what I was really doing. The exotic facade rendering my inhibitions only brings out the truth; riding the high desert with the boys on my Yamaha YZ 125 2-Stroke.

Life is but a number. Like counting jellybeans in a jar, for every black jellybean you pick up (very few might I add), you have to associate it with the number of risks you take in your life. I started my chain of physical risks on my first visit to the swap meet in Cypress, California.

On a hot summer morning, my boyfriend suggested on going to a swap meet to look for a workable project. With nothing particular in mind, we thought it was a way to build our relationship through working on something together. We started walking up and down the aisles until we saw two green mini dirtbikes standing side by side on their kickstands. Having not being impressed at all, my boyfriend urged me to get them because he subliminally saw magic within them. He stated that we were never going to find another deal as good as that and the pressures of the other curious bystanders got me going. After bargaining with the seller who unfortunately kept talking the price up, I ended up getting suckered into purchasing them and later found out that was one of the best investments I've ever made. We had started an everlasting relationship with the desert, several dirt toys and the confidence that gave me the desire to enjoy the outdoors more than ever.

Of course, you always promise yourself that this was only a one time deal that is never going to happen again. Leaving satisfied with the purchased good is the end all of all other transactions. I guess, only for a time being, this uncontrollable power to spend took over and the next month, we upgraded...BIG!

My initial adventures forced me to scour online forums, research blogs about legal destinations, and fine tune search engines regarding recommended dirt bikes that best fit my need. Unlike buying a pair of shoes, hoping one day your foot would grow into a bigger size, the bike's power maintains itself. This was one of the important riding philosophy's I have ever lived by. The internet was a gateway to finding my favorite hobby and fortunately, I would never give up this sport as long as my back/spine can take it. My research efforts and inquisitions re-routed me to a public domain website called "craigslist.com." This forum allows public access to sell, buy and barter personal goods without the cost of internet transactions. Buying and selling is usually done locally and facilitated me need to buy bigger, upgraded powerful dirtbike. I knew the smartest way to go was to purchase a used one, before I knew what I was getting myself into. I fidgeted in my purse, took a couple hundred dollar bills out of my bank account and paid $1800 for my first "adult-size dirtbike."

Who would have known this smooth sailing transaction would lead to a problem. Sooner than I thought, I had run into a dilemma: 2-stroke engines vs. 4-stroke engines? What does that mean? The ability to access information through the internet and viewing online blogs saved my questioning to a severe measure of getting the run around at the Department of Motor Vehicles office. Who knew so many laws had to be abided by purchasing a dirt bike?

Here is a cumulative list of things to know about clearing a vehicle and transferring ownership:

1) Obtaining a pink slip
2) Knowing the difference between "bill of sale" and "vehicle ownership certificate title"
3) E.P.A approved
4) Registration upon "green sticker" or "red sticker" validations
5) Validity and time frame of registration
6) Legal places to ride
7) Understanding "on-highway use" or "off-highway use"

Now, to the unexpected newcomer to this sport, a lot of these terms and phrases may seem very strange. As I begin my adventures to blogging about the nature of dirt biking, updated posts will implement the definitions and terminology to understanding the off road lingo. My experiences that unfold through the lessons of beginning riding is only a measure to my commitment of educating all types of other enthusiasts. Through the years of trial and error, gaining knowledge of which make and model to purchase and officially understanding California state law of riding, I am happy to announce this blog to be a forum of lessons to be learned about off roading and providing incentive riding tips for the many leveled enthusiasts. As I anticipate the start of this year's riding season, I cannot wait to go out to the high desert, kickstart my bike and ride the open trails through the mojave desert. My drug of choice, if I was ever an addict, would be the aroma of 2 stroke oil running through the veins of my bike. All you can hear in the desolate desert are the whizzing, high pitch puttering of off highway vehicles, all with a common purpose; adrenaline rush! Stay tuned for various topics abroad...