All very good points Firko, and it raises an interesting issue. When you consider that 2-strokes came to dominate MX largely because the development from the Japanese went into them rather than 4-strokes, it makes you wonder whether the 4T isn't inherently superior for racing purposes. The Jap focus on 2-strokes may have been from a marketing viewpoint - that is, exploiting a competitive advantage. Both the CCM and the HL were very successful for the level of support, and even the KSI was a decent racebike. Then consider such machines as the Husky 510.

Had the Japanese begun seriously developing 4-strokes in the 80s, would the 2-stroke have remained dominant? Perhaps the HL is better viewed as a very serious opportunity that the marketplace missed?

Wow, the track looks awesome! So do the bikes.

I'm booked to fly up there for Mother's Day so if the practice day is still on the 12th, I will try to get out for a look, or even a ride. Just gotta line something up but you never know.

A bit of a funny mixture on the day. Saturday started wet with the forecast of plenty of rain, but in fact the rain stayed away and the track was superb. Plenty of good racing although perhaps smaller fields than there should have been. The fast guys were fast and looked good doing it. A few falls and some ambo time slowed proceedings but I don't think there were any serious injuries. Sunday on the other hand... Pissed down for a few hours and left the club with a few decisions to make. The start was delayed an hour or two and things were looking good with the track coming up great, but of course it had to bloody bucket down again. I am not sure how it went after that cos I shot through - I've done enough sitting around at a track waiting for the rain to stop to have no interest in doing it anymore.

I had a ball though I think I rode slower than usual. But the bike went great, I had fun, no damage or injuries so it's gotta be a success from my point of view. The weather played an unfortunate role in the weekend but on the whole I think it was as good as it could have been all things considered.

By the way, I've made this topic 'sticky' so it can now be the official CD10 thread.

Yes, they told me that there are TWO bike events on that weekend and the other mob booked all the cabins...

That's pretty neat Adam. I once had an idea to do a range of merchandise like caps and T-shirts but never got around to it.  So nothing like a logo ever appeared.

The ozvmx site became the http://ausvmx.ning.com site, which seems to trundle along with little effort on my part. However it DOES have the option for a network icon which I've never bothered with. Your logo would do that job admirably. Would you be OK with me using it?

Nice, I like it! By the mid 80s there were some pretty interesting bikes getting around. I remember the local Suzuki dealer experimenting with a 17" front, but from memory it didn't go so well. This is their 3-Hour and 6-Hour bike.

Personally I'd love to see it. I raced in the 80s on oiled dirt and EVERYONE ran 19/18 combos with Carlisles or wet weather tyres. Even in the early 80s I had a 19 on the front of my RM250.


So to me, a dirt track bike is lowered with fat tyres, like a motard. I can't quite identify with the modern situation of 21" fronts...

That's pretty cool too. I'd like to try one of those Yank flattrackers around Canberra, wonder how well those tyres would hook up on deco?

Yep, that's quite a lineup and should make for some spectacular racing. I'm looking forward to watching the fast guys!

Now, here's a question. I decided to change pads and seal on the brakes on my modern bike, which was a learning experience after years of drums. Anyway, my 2005 YZ125 has a twin piston front brake and single rear. The front pistons have small plastic inserts in them and the plastic is what bears on the brake pad. The rear though does not, it's just the plain metal piston with no insert. My son's ZX2R has inserts in all pistons. The YZ125 parts fiche and workshop manual show pistons with no inserts. What the? Should I have an insert in my rear caliper piston? Does it matter?

I've added the event to Oz Dirt Track:
http://ozdirttrack.ning.com/events

Might be worth putting the word out on Facebook too?
http://www.facebook.com/dirttrackaus

It's all explained here Andy.

http://ozvmx.com/community/index.php?board=21.0

Good to hear there's a decent entry list and I'm especially chuffed to hear the track is looking in top condition. It was brilliant last year so fingers crossed we get good weather and some fantastic racing.

Great photos Mark, and what a shame you've lost so many. A bloody shame.

Love the parrot!