Mike “Spike” Edwards Talks 450′s

FORM450.com recently had the opportunity to catch up with Mike “Spike” Edwards to talk Moto450′s…

First tell me about yourself and your history ridding motorcycles?
Bikes in the family from birth, started riding age 6 on various step through and trial bikes etc. Competition in Moto X and trials as school boy then went onto the roads moped then 250′s. Was going to too many Emergency wards and my Dad suggested I give racing a go. Started Production 250/350 LC Yamahas in 81/82 and the rest (28/9 years) is history.

How did it come about you ridding Mark Hanna’s RMZ Moto450?
Mark’s main job is as the mechanic for BSB Crescent Suzuki Worx team, Mark and I have worked together for years, he love the Supermono class and wanted build one and saw the Moto450 class as an opportunity to enter the class on a reasonable budget.

How does it compare to other Supermono race bikes you’ve ridden?
There are obvious comparisons between the Moto 450 and Supermono machines, however because it is based on an out the crate Moto X machine against a bespoke machine built with no restrictions or exemptions it has natural compromises.
I have ridden big Supermonos, Midimonos and Minimono just about ever type and size, the Moto 450 is slightly heavy and the geometry is compromised as you have to use the standard frame/swinging arm etc, then to help keep the costs down using a standard engine you are restricted to about 56-58bhp. So it comes down to a power to weight ratio and it looses out when compared directly to a Supermono but to be fair you must compare it to other Moto450 machines. They are good, very good and will run relatively competitively in the Supermono class but are much better within their own class.

You recently took the bike out for the first round of the European Supermono Championship, tell me what happen there.
Spa is the Mother of all circuits, the best of the best but its very long and fast, it was always going to be a struggle to run with the top Mono’s in Europe round a track like this, but it did a great job and was qualifying well in the top 10 until I highsided coming out of the start/finish chicane ending the weekend for me with an injured back.

Besides your off at Spa Francorchamps you had a very successful previous year at all the Thundersport rounds you entered.
Yes the Thundersport club ran a Moto450 class anlongside Steetfighters and Minitwins etc and the meetings we did last year it finished on the rostrum every time, except the first meeting where we had some gear linkage issues (heavy foot syndrome) most of the races won class and the race outright.

Where do you see the future of Moto450 bikes going?
We need more bikes built, bums on seats is what it needs, there are kits available now to turn which ever 450 moto X machine you pick into a Moto450 race bike, very little manufacturing require something that has hampered the Supermono class. So go out and buy one now!

From your website/blog I can see your a busy guy, tell me about everything your involved in.
Racing: Harley Davidson Trophy run along side BSB Superbike races, Supermono & Moto450 whenever Mark and I can get together with work commitments etc.
Coaching: flat out this time of year, 1-2-1 race coaching wherever when ever the client requires
Other work: This varies from Truck driving, graphic fitment, computer work…………anything that I can turn a penny.

Where can people follow what you are doing online?
www.mike-edwards.net my dedicated and regularly updated web site with links to my Blog and coaching site.

Photos courtesy of Ad Kevit