FORM450

Thundersport GB 2010 Round 7/8 Moto450 Videos

admin — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 04:11:48 +0000

Another round of Thundersport GB Moto450 coverage brought to you by the good people at Motors TV, this time from Cadwell Park. For more info on these races check out a previous post here.

Supersingle and Supermoto Dice it Up

admin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:21:27 +0000

This video courtesy of Stu Smith aboard his Kawasaki Supermoto dices it up with Jack Baker on his Suzuki Supersingle in the 6th round of WSMC at the Streets course. Enjoy.

Paul Merwin’s RMZ450 Supersingle

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:24:36 +0000

A few months ago we received an email from Paul Merwin who was ecstatic about his recent purchase of a RMZ450 Supersingle built by Gavin Trippe. We can assure you that that same love for his new purchase has not faded, if anything its grown. Paul has turned into quite the 450 Supersingle advocate as you can read and see bellow…

I have ridden a few race bikes and nothing has been as enjoyable as the 450 single. You just cant beat the weight of these bikes, they are so nimble and flickable. I have gone into a turn faster than I thought I should have, stabbed the brakes only to have to accelerate into the turn again. I am also pleasantly surprised at how long a set of tires lasts , almost to the point where it doesn’t seem right. I used to go thru 3 sets of tires a weekend on the litre bike. Now, a set will last three weekends damn near. I had been looking for a class of race bikes which would just be fun and not a detriment to my bank account, I think I have found it! I am still surprised at the lack of 450′s on the grid as fun and affordable as they are. On the club level I think the more we produce top 3 finishes every month the more we will spark interest in people building them. There is also a perceived safety with these bikes because they top out at about 125 mph. Of course dependant on rider weight and gearing. Bottom line is I love my little 450 Supersingle.

Paul was also recently covered in Road Racer X’s Privateer Profile check it out here.

Specs:

Platform is 2008 Suzuki RMZ 450
Motor 2009 fuel injected
Vortex X-10 ECU with bar mount map switch
K&N intake no air box
FMF 4.1 Ti full system with Powerbomb
Race Tech triple clamps
Race Tech reworked stock forks with heavier springs, gold valves and RT fork ends
Rear shock stock reworked by Race Tech for proper length and resprung
Marchessini 17” forged wheels
Bridgestone slicks
Brembo caliper, rotor and master cylinder, Goodrich braided stainless line on front
Stock master cylinder and rotor on rear
Vortex rear sets mounted with Capps Cycle adapter plates and shift linkage
Woodcraft clipons with Spider grips
Scotts steering damper
Hinson Racing slipper clutch
Aim Mychron 4 data logger with GPS module
Catalyst Composites body painted by MC Pro Designs
PK Racing crash sliders, chain guide block, exhaust heat shield and master cylinder bracket
BRP chain guide
TM chain roller
Driven sprockets 520 15/40 gearing
EK 520 non o ring chain

Paul on track at the Streets of Willow Springs

Paul showing you how to go through the last turn at the Streets of Willow Sprigns

Going into the “bowl” at the Streets of Willow Springs

Paul’s RMZ450 Supersingle

Dash

Exhaust heat shield made by Paul

Rear set mounts courtesy of Max Capps and chain guide courtesy of Paul

Paul with his trophies and trophy girl

Thundersport GB 2010 Round 7/8 Moto450 Results

admin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:38:12 +0000

From a press release issued by Thundersport GB:

In the Buff Supermono and Moto 450 races, Ivan Porter stole the headlines with three great rides this weekend at Cadwell. In race one, he rode superbly on his nimble Rotax 660 to beat off series leader Mark Lawes on the more powerful and larger BMW 720 and get a great race win with Mark Hughes finishing in third and Aria Lane a close fourth.

For the 450′s, Danny Murphy was chasing a jump start after blitzing the rest of the field from the line. His consistent fast laps earned him a healthy 16 second lead over Ben Gautrey but with a 20 second penalty, his mistake was costly and the #25 machine of Gautrey took the victory ahead of Murphy.

In third, newcomer Blake Woulds tasted his forst podium ahead of James Stacey as Connor Tagg was forced to pull in with an electrical glitch and series leader Will Hodgson fell and was just the start of a tough weekend for the Wigan rider.

In race two on Monday, a two part race was called but this time, Supermono championship leader Mark Lawes was nowhere to be seen as a broken suspension rod ended his race prematurely, leaving him to watch from the pit lane as Ivan Porter made it two from two ahead of Dave Harnett and Jonathan Good.

On circuit though, crossing the line just under a second behind Porter, a great battle had developed between Ben Gautrey and Danny Murphy in the 450 class. In part one of the race, Murphy had got the advantage over his on circuit rival but in part two, Gautrey rode faultlessly to cross the line ahead of Murphy only to be rewarded with second overall once the aggregate times were calculated.

In third to make it an ‘all Aprilia’ podium, Connor Tagg took some decent points ahead of Phil Page , Will Hodgson and Blake Woulds (Also Aprilia’s).

In the final race of the day, Mark Lawes did what he does best and led from start to finish to maintain his lead in the championship with a four second victory. Ivan Porter came home in second to end a great weekend and Jonathan Good finished in third knowing that had he finished the first race of the weekend, he would be even closer than he is now to Lawes in the standings.

For the 450′s though, Murphy and Gautrey were joined by Connor ‘Norm’ Tagg whose red mist carried him through a fine race. Lap by lap, Tagg picked off Gautrey, then Murphy and on lap ten, not only took victory but also became the new lap record holder with a fine lap of 1.38.663.

For the Supermono’s, Mark Lawes still leads although not by a huge amount from Jonathan Good, whilst Ivan Porter’s great weekend now gives him a chance for the title in third overall.

Meanwhile in the Moto 450 class, a poor weekend from Will Hodgson now means that the consistent Ben Gautrey (now there’s a thing Ben) leads the points table ahead of Will with Danny Murphy and Connor Tagg not far behind the pair in third and fourth. This one, is going all the way!

Qualifying Overall
1. Danny Murphy (Aprilia) 1:45.028
2. Ben Gautrey (Aprilia) 1:45.304
3. Phil Page (Aprilia) 1:46.317
4. Will Hodgson (Aprilia) 1:48.086
5. Liam Shellcock (Aprilia) 1:50.406
6. Conor Tagg (Aprilia) 1:54.109
7. Acea Webb (Aprilia) 1:59.153
8. Blake Woulds (Aprilia) 2:00.276
8. James Stacey (Honda) 2:05.571
9. Robbie Robson (KTM) 2:08.803

Superpole
1. Ben Gautrey (Aprilia)
2. Danny Murphy (Aprilia)
3. Blake Woulds (Aprilia)
4. James Stacey (Honda)
5. Acea Webb (Aprilia)
6. Robbie Robson (KTM)
Liam Shellcock (Aprilia) DNF
Phil Page (Aprilia) DNF

Race 1
1. Danny Murphy (Aprilia)
2. Ben Gautrey (Aprilia)
3. Connor Tagg (Aprilia)
4. Phil Page (Aprilia)
5. Will Hodgson (Aprilia)
6. Blake Woulds (Aprilia)
7. James Stacey (Honda)
8. Acea Webb (Aprilia)
Robbie Robson (KTM) DNF
Liam Shellcock (Aprilia) DNF

Race 2
1. Connor Tagg (Aprilia)
2. Danny Murphy (Aprilia)
3. Ben Gautrey (Aprilia)
4. Liam Shellcock (Aprilia)
5. Will Hodgson (Aprilia)
6. Blake Woulds (Aprilia)
7. Acea Webb (KTM)
8. James Stacey (Honda)
Phil Page (Aprilia) DNF

Mike “Spike” Edwards Talks 450′s

admin — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:52:19 +0000

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

Thundersport GB 2010 Round 5/6 Moto450 Videos

admin — Sat, 29 May 2010 19:33:38 +0000

More and more Thundersport GB Moto450 coverage brought to you by the good people at Motors TV, this edition from Snetterton. For more info on these races check out a previous post here.

Thundersport GB 2010 Round 3/4 Moto450 Videos

admin — Sat, 29 May 2010 19:21:17 +0000

More Thundersport GB Moto450 coverage brought to you by the good people at Motors TV, this edition from Pembrey. For more info on these races check out a previous post here.

Thundersport GB 2010 Round 5/6 Moto450 Results

admin — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:29:47 +0000

From a press release issued by Thundersport GB:

After labelling himself a ‘Specialist’ of Snetterton, Mark Lawes had directed some pressure onto his wings for the Norfolk round of the Buff Supermono and Nitro Moto 450 class.

In race one, Lawes had the bit between his teeth though and despite having the hungry looking Will Hodgson nipping at his heels behind throughout on his Aprilia 450 and Ben Gautrey also chasing in close behind the two, the ‘Specialist’ wasn’t going to have it all his own way.

As far as the Supermono results went though, behind Lawes, Jonathan Good and Aria Lane were pleased to take a decent podium finish ahead of Andy Turner, Martin Jarvis and Andrew Driver.

In the 450′s behind Hodgson and Gautrey, popular local rider Phil Canessa was on form to take his first ever podium on board the Aprilia 450 ahead of Phil Page and Acea Webb who did well to get a top five finish in the Moto 450′s considering it was his first meeting on one.

For race two, Hodgson was a lot closer to Lawes than either of them had anticipated and whilst entwined in their own personal battle for the lead of their respective championships, they were a full seven seconds clear of the battle going on behind for second in the 450′s between Danny Murphy and Phil Canessa.

As it was, Lawes just got the overall race win, just 0.006 of a second ahead of the excellent Will Hodgson to take the wins in their own classes by quite a distance and Jonathan Good had again finished sixth overall to take second in the Buff Supermono’s ahead of Jeff Claridge and Ivan Porter.

In the 450′s though, Phil Canessa was having the race of his life and after a great battle with Danny Murphy, Canessa took a fantastic second place finish to the absolute delight of his Dad Marc who was seen jumping for joy at the end of gasoline alley.

For the final race of the weekend, Hodgson fancied an overall win to complete the most perfect weekend but Lawes got off to the better start with Ivan Porter also going well on his Rotax 660.

But as the grey clouds grew larger and the circuit darkened, a ten second hail stone storm fell at the bomb hole and Lawes began the dumping procedure by falling first, dominos Hodgson, Canessa, Porter and then the unlucky Perry Goldstein all followed in close order.

The race was stopped as Hodgson and Canessa both received treatment and even though Canessa practically cleared the new banking at the bomb hole, he was lucky to only sustain a small break in his leg and some nasty knee ligament damage whereas Will Hodgson seemed to have injured his shoulder or collar bone after the pair had both enjoyed a great weekend until that point.

Gautrey it was then, that took a subdued 450 win ahead of podium first timer Liam Shellcock and Connor Tagg who had a rather a quiet weekend for him on his Aprilia 450.

Qualifying
1. Danny Murphy (Aprilia) 1:16.236
2. Ben Gautrey (Aprilia) 1:16.502
3. Will Hodgson (Aprilia) 1:16.774
4. Connor Tagg (Aprilia) 1:17.595
5. Phil Canessa (Aprilia) 1:17.822
6. Liam Shellcock (Aprilia) 1:18.475
7. Phil Page (Aprilia) 1:19.559
8. Acea Webb (Aprilia) 1:22.462
9. Robbie Robson (KTM) 1:34.629

Superpole
1. Will Hodgson (Aprilia)
2. Ben Gautrey (Aprilia)
3. Phil Canessa (Aprilia)
4. Phil Page (Aprilia)
5. Acea Webb (Aprilia)
6. Robbie Robson (KTM)
Liam Shellcock (Aprilia) DNF
Connor Tagg (Aprilia) DNF
Danny Murphy (Aprilia) DNF

Race 1
1. Will Hodgson (Aprilia)
2. Phil Canessa (Aprilia)
3. Danny Murphy (Aprilia)
4. Ben Gautrey (Aprilia)
5. Liam Shellcock (Aprilia)
6. Connor Tagg (Aprilia)
7. Phil Page (Aprilia)
8. Acea Webb (Aprilia)
9. Robbie Robson (KTM)

Race 2
1. Ben Gautrey (Aprilia)
2. Liam Shellcock (Aprilia)
3. Connor Tagg (Aprilia)
4. Phil Page (Aprilia)
5. Danny Murphy (Aprilia)
6. Acea Webb (Aprilia)
7. Robbie Robson (KTM)
Will Hodgson (Aprilia) DNF
Phil Canessa (Aprilia) DNF

Photo courtesy of PLJ Photo

Opening Round of the 450GP

admin — Fri, 28 May 2010 03:54:53 +0000

From a press release issued by BeOn Automotive / 450gp.com:

The last weekend opened the 2010 450GP championship at the Parcmotor-Castellolí Circuit. The qualifying session placed Jose Manuel Luis Rita (# 9) in pole position, but the differences seen in the timesheets did little to claim him the race winner.

From the first lap saw a constant struggle between Rita, Igor Amado (# 14 Beta-Supertrack) and Oscar Ibañez (# 99). The three pilots were engaged in an ongoing struggle and it was impossible to forecast. On the last lap, Igor began having trouble with the exhaust of his bike that relegated him to third place, Oscar could not contain the onslaught of Rita in the last few meters and went on to receive the checkered flag. Behind them, José María Martín and his Yamaha-Ausió claimed fourth place, followed by Jesus Navas (Honda-MotoHobby). Problems with the shift lever prevented José Antonio Ferreirothe to finish the race and so did a fall of Marc Blasco.

Rita, Amado and Ibañez

Rita, Ibañez & Amado

Ibañez and Amado

Podium

Thundersport GB 2010 Round 1/2 Moto450 Videos

admin — Thu, 20 May 2010 08:33:30 +0000

Thundersport GB Moto450 coverage brought to you by the good people at Motors TV. If your a regular here than you already know the results but that’s ok this is still a grate watch none the less. Race 1 stars off with Ben Gautrey talking about his Aprilia RRV followed by the race at Mallory Park.

Mike Edwards Onboard at Spa Francorchamps

admin — Sat, 01 May 2010 05:26:28 +0000

Mike “Spike” Edwards aboard Mark Hanna’s Suzuki Moto450 set out to the first round of the European Supermono Cup located at the beautiful Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Rather than tell you what happen Edwards is kind enough to put it in video as he does so well.

Also Coming soon FORM450.com will be bringing you a full profile on Edwards and his experience racing “Sabina”. Stay tuned and enjoy the video.

Thundersport GB 2010 Round 3/4 Moto450 Results

admin — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:15:00 +0000

From a press release issued by Thundersport GB:

In the F-450.com Moto 450 Championship, Connor Tagg made up the deficit he lost at Mallory with two fine wins and a second overall to lift him from fifth in the championship to second overall behind Will Hodgson.

Hodgson took a win of his own to extend his lead to 27 points but will be only too aware of how quick Tagg is on these wonderfully balanced Aprilia 450’s.

Danny Murphy struggled after a mechanical retirement on Saturday but Ben Gautrey took three solid podium finishes to keep him well in the hunt for the championship as they head to Snetterton next month.

Qualifying
1. Connor Tagg (Aprilia) 1:02.187
2. Will Hodgson (Aprilia) 1:02.906
3. Ben Gautrey (Aprilia) 1:02.959
4. Danny Murphy (Aprilia) 1:03.041
5. Steve Thomes (Yamaha) 1:03.262
6. Liam Shellcock (Aprilia) 1:04.524
7. Phil Canessa (Aprilia) 1:05.100
8. Phil Page (Aprilia) 1:05.373
9. Sam Hornesy (Yamaha)
10. Nicky Pearce (Yamaha)

Superpole
1. Connor Tagg (Aprilia)
2. Will Hodgson (Aprilia)
3. Ben Gautrey (Aprilia)
4. Steve Thomes (Yamaha)
5. Phil Canessa (Aprilia)
6. Liam Shellcock (Aprilia)
7. Phil Page (Aprilia)
Danny Murphy (Aprilia) DNF

Race 1
1. Will Hodgson (Aprilia)
2. Connor Tagg (Aprilia)
3. Ben Gautrey (Aprilia)
4. Danny Murphy (Aprilia)
5. Liam Shellcock (Aprilia)
6. Phil Page (Aprilia)
Phil Canessa (Aprilia) DNF

Race 2
1. Connor Tagg (Aprilia)
2. Will Hodgson (Aprilia)
3. Ben Gautrey (Aprilia)
4. Danny Murphy (Aprilia)
5. Phil Canessa (Aprilia)
6. Liam Shellcock (Aprilia)
Phil Page (Aprilia) DNF

Photo courtesy of Racing Line Photography

Yordy Reniers’ CRF450RR

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 21:47:17 +0000

Towards the end of last year we were was contacted by a guy named Yordy Reiners who was working on a project Moto450 based off of CRF450 engine and frame. In just a few months time you can see bellow this went from being a pile of parts in a garage to out cornering 1000cc sportbikes at Assen. As Yordy put it in a email submitted by him, “I never had so much fun”. Which is the overall reaction from anyone who has been on a 450 Supersingle. Just like any new race bike there are some minor changes to be made such as gearing but after that this bike will be bruising some egos of those on bigger machines.

Yordy has also offered his help to anyone with questions building a Honda Supersingle, so if you need any assistance please email us at contact@form450.com and we will be happy to pass on your questions.

Specs:

Honda CRF450R 2006 stock engine
BST carbon wheels, 3,5×17 and 5,0×17
Yamaha R6 front, Hyperpro internals
Rear shock modified by Hyperpro
Hyperpro steering damper
Goldspeed excenter link
Honda RS250W fairing, Aprilia RS125 tankcover by Replicast UK
HPM quickshifter
Brembo radial brake pump
Brembo remote adjuster
Yoshimura rearsets
Koso full digital dashboard
Full titanium Laser exhaust
Dynojet jets and needle kit fitted
55 HP on rear wheel

Yordy on track at Assen

Brendan Rice’s Finished CRF450 Supersingle

admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:10:42 +0000

Not too long ago we posted the start of Brendan Rice’s CRF moto450 build here, fast forward a few months and its done . During those months in addition to what you’ve seen before Brendan manufactured a new top yoke and designed a new rear linkage set up to get the progression ratio sensible for a road race bike, which also means you can use the correct springs for your weight without compromising the suspension set up with the motocross set up. There is also an extension piece to the Ohlins shock to get the correct attitude of the bike, this is also adjustable.

Specs:

Based on an 06 CRF450, engine std.
Marchesini GSXR1000 front wheel and crf450 rear
GSXR1000 forks – set up for as below
RSV-r Ohlins rear shock – set up for 13.5 stone rider
Aprilia rs125 tank cover
Honda rsw seat unit
Beon Automotive front fairing and rearsets
Scitsu Tacho and temp gauge
R1 monoblock caliper
GSXR radial m/c and clipons
EBC HH pads
Renthal C+S
HEL lines
New venhill cables.
Runs a K+N airfilter under the seat.
Brand new Dunlop A10′s fitted.

Left side

Left rear

Video close-up

GP Tech Aprilia SXV 4.5 Supertwin Preview

admin — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 18:32:22 +0000

The GP Tech SXV 4.5 Supertwin is the latest of Geoff Malone’s MX to roadracer creations. Malone worked on the conversion over the winter break as you can see by the snow in the photos bellow. Just as the GP Tech YZ450 Supersingle was last year in its early stages the 4.5 Supertwin has some developing to go but for now here is a look at whats to come. More info on this bike will be posted as it comes. Any questions please contact Geoff at 269-671-4915 or visit gptechllc.com.

Parts list:

GPtech manufactured parts:
Clip-ons – designed to fit oem forks with correct bar angle
Rearset plates – adapt rearsets to oem frame
Rearsets – modified Valtermoto
Tank cover – GPtech 450 shape
Shift linkage rod
Shifter arm
Fairing brackets
Fender mount
Steering stops
Exhaust guard

Additional conversion parts:
Crash mushroom – Woodcraft
Rear brake line – Hel Performance
Rear brake heim joint
Front brake line – Hel Performance
Front fender – Nexray
Swingarm spool – Valtermoto
Axle protectors – Valtermoto
Rear shock (or re-valve) – Ohlins
Front fork re-valve – Ohlins
Steering stabilizer – GPR
Tail section fairing –style to be determined
Upper fairing– style to be determined
Belly pan fairing– style to be determined

Estimated costs – $2500 for complete kit

Additional parts for race durability still to be determined

Rear left

Front right

Left side

Dash

Rear

Left side

Left controls