MX Vice Magazine Issue 9

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ROMAIN FEBVRE“I WAS THINKING ABOUT FINISHING TOP FIFTEEN.”

SHAUN SIMPSON“I THINK I AM READY TO BE A FACTORY RIDER.”

DARIAN SANAYEI“I JUST WANT TO WORK MY WAY TO THE TOP.”

KTM - HUSQVARNA - ELLIOTT BANKS-BROWNE

FEATURED

ISSUE 9 - OCTOBER 2015

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4 | MX Vice - October 2015 - Issue 9

The month of October serves as a transitional period, where most are in a state of flux. There are a handful of riders who have extended their season and are still busy racing in some capacity, whilst some are staying as far from a bike as physically possible. Then there are others who are sworn to silence, as they cannot breathe a word about their new contract.

What does this mean? We are entering the long, cold, quiet off-season, with just a handful of races to quench our thirst. We understand what you are going through, so we have come up with a solution. We will be releasing two more issues of the MX Vice magazine, which is usually bi-monthly, this year. In your hands you have the October edition, then there will be one in November and another in December. After that we’ll go back to bi-monthly for 2016, but we just wanted to ensure that you’ll have something to look forward to through the off-season!

MXVice.com has had a makeover too; the all-new site is about to launch! The focus there was to ensure that the time you spend online is as enjoyable as possible, and we believe that we have achieved that! Getting the latest news from every corner of the world has never been so easy.

Your focus is on this very magazine right now though, so what do we have in store for you? There’s a lot for you to sink your teeth into! Do you feel like you don’t know enough about the MXGP world champion, Romain Febvre? If that is the case, don’t worry, we delve into his past and take a closer look at his path to the title in our exclusive interview. We have in-depth talks with Shaun Simpson and Darian Sanayei too!

Seeing as it is that time where you start to think about what you are going to ride next year, we felt now was the perfect time to let you know what we thought of the 2016 Husqvarna and KTM range too. We had an average club rider test the bikes to find out how a normal person reacts to the changes, so they are ‘real’ reviews. Anyway, we’ll let you start working through all of that content. See you next month!

Lewis Philli ps

WELCOME


ROMAIN FEBVRE 16-25

SHAUN SIMPSON 28-39

2016 KTM TEST 44-49

2016 HUSQVARNA TEST 54-57

DARIAN SANAYEI 62-66

FEATURES

Lewis PhillipsJames Burfield

Jon BoltonAndrew Conway

Sean OgdenJames DunfordKTM ImagesSimon Cudby

Husqvarna Images

CONTRIBUTORS

Cover Image: Andrew Conway


JEFFREY HERLINGS: After adopting a new approach as he entered the 2015 season, most presumed Jeffrey would run away with another MX2 world title. But, alas, things haven’t gone well for him this year. Even before his dislocated hip, he lost more than he has done in recent years. The multiple injuries sustained mean that he has taken a battering both physically and mentally, which could impact his preparation for the new season. Hopefully we will see a healthy, rejuvenated Jeffrey Herlings when the 2016 season fires into life, no matter what class he is racing – that question remains unanswered.

DEAN FERRIS: Unfortunately Dean Ferris has been forced to return to his native Australia, as no attractive offers materialised for another season in MXGP. Dean will have great support in his homeland, racing for both Craig Dack and Josh Coppins, but it’ll certainly be a shame to not have the fast-starting #111 on the line when we head to Qatar in February. Ferris won one GP in his time in Europe, making him the last Australian to stand atop the box. Maybe he’ll have a chance to add to that number before his career is over?

DEPARTING TEAMS: Another year is in the rear-view mirror, which unfortunately means that two more teams will be vacating the Maxxis British Championship. MBO Power Yamaha and LPE Kawasaki, two of the more established squads in the paddock, have announced that their teams will not continue in their current capacity and, consequently, there are even less rides available in British motocross. It is unfortunate, but it is a common problem around the world.

STEVEN LENOIR: Steven Lenoir has been a podium threat in the Maxxis British Championship since he first arrived as an unknown quantity in 2012. Very few people would have tipped him to win the Maxxis British Championship this year though, even after his brilliant ride at the Hawkstone International. You cannot argue that he didn’t deserve the title; he had seventeen podium finishes from twenty-three starts and rarely faulted! You have to possess both speed and consistency to win a championship – Lenoir had that.

ROMAIN FEBVRE: The cover star of this very issue has had a phenomenal season, with many highs and few lows. Another unlikely champ, Febvre soon became the dominant force in MXGP and ended the year with wins in fifteen motos and at eight GP’s. To cap the year off, Romain then went and led the French team to victory on home soil with a commanding double moto win. Is there anyone who can stop him? Romain has a ton of momentum, which will see him through the off-season, then he’ll enter 2016 in the foreign position of favourite.

JAMES STEWART: After a year-long hiatus, thanks to a controversial penalty from the FIM, James Stewart has finally returned to racing! The #7 didn’t take long to get back into the swing of things, as he came out with a bang at the Red Bull Straight Rhythm and reclaimed his crown. Although he admits that his race craft needs a little work, the excitement that he brings to any event is unprecedented. The good news is he has a world tour coming up, with trips to the Paris-Lille Supercross and Sydney.

HOT NOTOR


STAT SHEET

60,491miles our team has travelled whilst covering events in

2015.

30,339people visited MX Vice in a single day during the MXoN, breaking all records.

7500...copies of the eighth MX Vice magazine were sent out in a week.

...hours; the amount of time we spent on a plane this year travelling to various different events.

117 15YEARS...between world titles for Honda. Tim Gajser ended the drought.

...riders (Febvre and Coldenhoff) scored points in every MXGP moto this year.214

...points scored by France at the MXoN – the lowest total since 2007.


STATS

Very few brands have roots as deep as Talon, hence why they are one of the more respected companies in the paddock and have become a dominant force. Top quality wheels are, of course, vital for riders and teams of any level, hence why Hitachi Construction Machinery KTM UK, Buildbase Honda, LPE Kawasaki and many more only trust the best.

The statistics below are a testament to just how many riders put faith in Talon. It’s quite astounding that they have a one hundred percent podium record in MX1 in the MX Nationals and are close to perfect in many other areas.

MX1 MOTO PODIUMS ...................................... 61/69MX1 MOTO VICTORIES .................................... 21/23MX2 MOTO PODIUMS ...................................... 37/69

MX2 MOTO VICTORIES .................................... 4/69

TheSTATSMAXXIS BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP MOTOS

MAXXIS BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP OVERALLS

MX1 OVERALL PODIUMS ................................ 22/24MX1 OVERALL VICTORIES .............................. 8/8MX2 OVERALL PODIUMS ............................... 12/24

MX2 OVERALL VICTORIES ............................. 1/8

MICHELIN MX NATIONALS MOTOS

MX1 MOTO PODIUMS ...................................... 35/36MX1 MOTO VICTORIES .................................... 12/12MX2 MOTO PODIUMS ...................................... 30/36

MX2 MOTO VICTORIES .................................... 10/12

MICHELIN MX NATIONALS OVERALLS

MX1 OVERALL PODIUMS ................................ 18/18MX1 OVERALL VICTORIES .............................. 6/6MX2 OVERALL PODIUMS ............................... 15/18

MX2 OVERALL VICTORIES ............................. 6/6

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A4X4+FLIER.indd 1 14/08/2015 09:34

The Columnists


Another year is in the books and, for the most part, it is one that I would like to put behind me. At the start of the season it all looked like it was going to go so well, but it soon turned sour. My leg has been giving me a lot of trouble, to be honest. When I actually broke my leg, I messed my knee up too and tore the cartilage. I’ve been dealing with it, but it’s been hard training in pain everyday and limping around each morning. It’s not nice, but now the season is over I can get everything sorted and look forward to next year.

I will be staying with Geartec Suzuki for 2016 – they have been great to me this year and have gone above and beyond to help. We will be going to five or six GPs next year also, so that’s pretty exciting for myself.

I’m sat here writing this in Amsterdam airport, where I have been for Jake’s stag do. Sorry if it doesn’t make too much sense – I’ve had a heavy couple of days. We have had such a good time celebrating; I’m really happy for Jake and Blu. They are mega for each other and I can’t wait for the big day! So, yeah, I’m sat in Amsterdam airport about to fly back to Manchester where I will meet Chelsea and fly out

to Las Vegas for the Monster Cup.

I’ve been meaning to go to this race for years, but never have, so I’m pumped we are going. It will be a bit of a holiday for us also, which will be nice. I’ve taken a bit of money to do a spot of gambling, but I’m not very good – I don’t know when to stop. I’ll either come back minted or skint; I don’t think there is much in-between. My bets are on being skint…

So, as you all must know by now Red Bull Breakers was a big success. I wish that we could have shared it with everyone sooner and actually had people watching, but if we run it next year it will bring more spectators in for sure.

Breakers has been such an amazing experience. It started as a bit of a fantasy really and I never expected it to actually happen. What it became was just unbelievable! A lot of people worked hard to make it happen – I want to thank everyone who was involved. Most of all I’d like to thank Red Bull for believing in me and taking my idea to a place I could only have dreamed of.

I’ll have a bit of downtime for the next month or so, get my body fixed up and then start training again for 2016. If any of you are at the Dirt Bike Show be sure to pop over and say hi!

Thanks for reading!

#44

ELLIOTT BANKS-BROWNE

The ColumistsThe Columnists


That’s a wrap for my 2015 season, so now it is time to feel kind of normal for one month before doing it all again!I ended the year third in the Maxxis British Championship and in the EMX2 series, which are the same results as I got last year. It has been a difficult year for me with a lot of highs and just as many lows. The year started off really well, then I suffered a bit of bad luck and had a few niggling injuries. That’s motocross though and winning wouldn’t feel so good if it wasn’t for the lows.

I was happy to finish the year strong though by securing third at FatCat. The first race there was probably my best race to date. I went from last to fourth and wasn’t that far off the win, so I was really happy with that. I also got to race the last two MXGP races in Mexico and the USA on the 350. Although the results weren’t amazing, I was so glad I went to gain the experience for next year.

Mexico was at a really high altitude, which is something I’ve never raced in before and it came as a shock to me. People said the bike would feel slow, but I thought it might impact it a little bit. The difference was massive though! It was a mud race as well, so the 350 was a lot

slower than my 250 at home. Breathing was really difficult too. For every breath you took, it was like you needed two more. Controlling that whilst riding was hard, but at the end of the weekend I was able to deal with it better.

Glen Helen was amazing! It was just a bit too hot. I really enjoyed being on the start line there in such a stacked class, racing against people I’ve looked up to since I was little, so that was pretty cool. I struggled so much with the heat though! I have never ridden in heat anything like that and towards the end of the race just couldn’t ride my bike, but again it was good experience for next year.

I got the chance to race EBB’s new event, Red Bull Breakers, too – that was cool! I’m sure you’ve seen what it is about and it was such good fun! I ended up being eliminated by EBB, but I enjoyed it and can’t wait for it next year.

While I’m writing this, I’m sat on a beach in Cancun halfway through the end of season holiday. After this it’ll almost be time to get back at it! Until then I will keep soaking it up and then be ready to go again for my rookie MX2 GP season.

#811

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The ColumistsThe Columnists


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AN INTERVIEW WITH

ROMAIN FEBVREBy Lewis Phillips


The name ‘Romain Febvre’ is now recognised internationally and carries much more prestige, but at the beginning of the season most refused to acknowledge him as a podium contender. The MXGP rookie had won just a single GP and wasn’t exactly in high demand, so wasn’t seen as a potential contender as he entered the premier division. To not consider him was a very, very big mistake though.With fifteen moto wins and eight overall wins across the eighteen rounds, Romain proved to be a dominant force in what started off as the most competitive field in recent memory. He, of course, later capped off his year with more dominance at the Motocross of Nations. It was on the eve of that event that we sat down with the champ to learn a little more about his transformation...


“ IN MOTOCROSS I WAS GOOD

BUT NOTHING SPECIAL ”

MX Vice: Coming into this year it seemed like a lot of people didn’t know much about you, even though you have had success in MX2. So, for those who still don’t know much, what is your story?

Romain Febvre: Yeah, I raced in the supermoto class for four years when I was younger. In 2006 I started and I was there until the end of 2009. Afterwards I came back to motocross and directly to the French championship, the highest level, but the first few times I went on the bike it was not great. I didn’t score points. Then in 2011 I went to the European championship and won the title, so my name started to show up to everyone.

I came into the GP’s in 2012 and we started pretty good with a consistent season. But now, for sure, it is on another level.

MX Vice: After those four years, what prompted you to move to motocross and give up on what could have been a successful supermoto career?

Romain Febvre: Since I was a kid I have ridden motocross, but I injured both my knees, had to take some rest and do something different for six months. I discovered supermoto because the guys who helped me had a


team. They said that I could go down whenever I want, try a bike and if I liked it then I could do something. I really liked it at the time, so I decided to start there because in motocross I was good but nothing special.

We tried the supermoto and it was going great, but the championship was going downwards. We tried to come back to motocross and I love it. Let’s say it was my first love! I didn’t enjoy riding supermoto as much and I knew that to live off the sport would be difficult.

MX Vice: You really put yourself on the map in MX2 in 2013, with podium finishes in Qatar and Thailand, but then got injured. I guess that was where you started to build some confidence though?

Romain Febvre: Yeah, sure. I didn’t move to the factory team, but I had factory parts at Jacky Martens’ team with KTM. The confidence was higher because I knew the bike would be so much better than before. I

moved to Belgium, so now I’ve been there for three years, and I learned a lot by practising with the team there. The speed was much better, so I started with two podiums in 2013 but then got injured when training and missed five or six races.

MX Vice: After two years with that team you had to move to MXGP prior to this season, but am I right in thinking you weren’t happy about that?

Romain Febvre: I knew I needed to move up because of my age, but I came later than the others. I had only three years in MX2 and the others move after six or seven years sometimes. I didn’t have the experience of the others, so for sure I would have liked to stay for another year. It wasn’t possible though. I tried to move to a factory team, but even with the third place overall [in the MX2 championship in 2014] it was difficult.

When Yamaha offered a deal I jumped straight on, because I knew


the team is great and the bike would be good. I just needed this opportunity to run a factory bike.

MX Vice: Aside from that Yamaha deal, were there smaller teams offering you contracts or was that your only option?

Romain Febvre: I had some offers from private teams, but not factory teams. I knew that when you jump from MX2 to MXGP and you don’t have a factory team it is even more difficult, because the bike, the management and everything is smaller.

MX Vice: I’m guessing that, seeing as you tried to fight the rule, even you didn’t know the potential that you had on the bigger bike?

Romain Febvre: For sure not, nobody did. When I jumped on the bike I felt really comfortable and great. I knew that with some good preparation we could do something. Not necessarily to win the title, but I knew the results would come. The goal was to take the first season to build myself and the bike up, but it went really well.

MX Vice: At what point did you start to believe you could contend for podiums and wins? Was it when you were battling with Villopoto in Qatar or a little later?

Romain Febvre: In Qatar already it was a big surprise for me, because I was thinking about maybe finishing top fifteen. I went there and finished sixth overall though. I was not well-prepared, I knew that, and when I saw the result I said ‘I think this will be good!’ With more preparation and a better set-up, I knew it would be better. Just after in Thailand I was fourth overall and missed the podium by two points I think, so after that I knew the podium was possible.

MX Vice: Obviously since the French GP everything has just taken off! Did the confidence gained impact you a lot or were you already quite mentally strong?

Romain Febvre: I would say a bit of both. For sure when you have the confidence it is the best, as you feel great and don’t have any pressure. When you don’t have so much confidence it’s more difficult though. It’s much better the other way.

“ FOR SURE I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO STAY FOR ANOTHER YEAR. ”

“ I HAD SOME OFFERS FROM PRIVATE TEAMS, BUT NOT

FACTORY TEAMS. ”

MX Vice: When you entered the season you were the second rider on the Yamaha Factory Racing team to Jeremy, but now that has changed. Has there been a bit of an atmosphere?

Romain Febvre: I mean, when I came to the team everybody said Jeremy was the first rider and I was the second. It wasn’t like this though, not at all. The team do the job for both riders the same. If someone needs more help or something, they will do their job. That is the good thing about this team, they do not look at the results but just what they need to do and how we can progress with the bike. Maybe that is why I felt so comfortable straight away

and knew that the bike would be good.

MX Vice: How was it adapting to the Yamaha? Some of the characteristics are quite different to bikes you’ve ridden previously, so did that take a bit of time?

Romain Febvre: Yeah a little bit, more because of the engine. The power is much stronger, so we tried to do something different to Jeremy - we don’t ride the same bike at all. The handling of the bike was much better; I really liked it. Compared to KTM or Husqvarna it was really different, so I enjoyed that and we worked hard on the engine.


“ THE HANDLING OF THE BIKE WAS

MUCH BETTER; I REALLY LIKED IT. COMPARED

TO KTM OR HUSQVARNA

IT WAS REALLY DIFFERENT ”

MX Vice: What about those who say you only won because of the injuries to other contenders, even though you’ve beaten Cairoli, Desalle and Nagl straight up?

Romain Febvre: I don’t care so much what people say. If you try to do everything the correct way or do everything wrong, there is always someone that is saying something. I showed that when everyone was also ready I was on a good level and I won some races with them there.

MX Vice: I guess you’re looking forward to proving a point in 2016, where you’ll have even more experience with the bike and team?

Romain Febvre: Yeah, for sure. With the bike we’ll be even better, and also with my fitness and confidence. When you win the first title you know that it is possible. Next year it will maybe be a little bit more stressful, because I’ll know I need to protect my title. Every year is the same; we will try our best, but I think we will be good.


cali-imports.com0845 413 4459 [email protected] Instagram @california_imports Facebook.com/californiaimports

Shaun Simpson is a fan favourite for many reasons; he even has a loyal ‘Simpson Army’. One of the reasons he has such a large following is that he has battled with, and beat, factory riders on his privateer machine over the last two years. That is an achievement that he too is particularly proud of, but he is ready for a change and will finally get the support he deserves next year. It is hardly surprising, as he has proven time and time again that he is competitive both at home and abroad.

SIMPSONShaun

AN INTERVIEW WITH

By Lewis Phillips


MX Vice: One of the things that there was perhaps a bit of confusion about at times this year was your status, as you put yourself under the privateer banner but worked out of a big rig each week…

Shaun Simpson: One way or another, I was in a situation that worked for me [before I got the support from the factory]. The Hitachi Construction Machinery KTM UK team’s structured really differently to a lot of teams. Most teams have one base, one truck driver, one workshop and one group of mechanics. The team I was with this year was from Ireland, one of the main sponsors (Revo) were from the UK and we’re based out of Belgium. The team has a base there as well. Belgium is the obvious choice, because everyone can get there and get to all the races easily. That created our first, I wouldn’t say problem, hurdle to get over.

The basic structure was that the UK boys worked out of the UK, and my Dad and I stayed in Belgium. I’ve lived in Belgium for seven years and don’t need to move, I’m happy there and there are lots of tracks around. We ran our own little setup on the 450F; it’s different to the 250F anyway. It was our little project, let’s say. It was a lot of work for us, because we had no one to fall back on at all. Sometimes if another mechanic is finished, they’ll help another mechanic or they can work together. It was always just my Dad and I.

The support was there from the team; we got everything we needed to do the job well. The actual structure of it was all a bit different and I think that’s where the confusion came up. We did a good job at trying to get the bike ready to go racing – that’s the main goal at the end of the day. It was a lot of work for myself; I had to help out my Dad and he’s getting a bit older. He still did my suspension, frames and engines though. We’re a good little unit.

MX Vice: Something that everyone overlooks is that you won Lommel on your 2015 bike, so clearly that programme was competitive…

Shaun Simpson: Yeah, my programme has been good over the last couple of years. I’m looking to ramp it up at the start of the year next year. I always feel like I’m

just a little slow to start. I need to come out all guns blazing next year. Like I said, it’s all the little pieces of the puzzle. I’ll be doing less works on my bikes, if any at all, so I’ll be able to focus more on myself. I can just look after myself rather than focus on all the other areas.

MX Vice: Getting the factory support towards the end of this year was a step in the right direction. How did that come about and how much of your success do you attribute to that?

Shaun Simpson: I would say that Unadilla probably led to the factory support, so that’s worth mentioning. Roger DeCoster decided to give me a shot on the factory bike, which then prompted Austria to follow suit when I got back. When I got back I did some testing for the factory guys, because their three riders were out, and then they said that I would have to ride my 2015 bike at the races again.

I thought about it and decided I really wanted a shot on the bike, so just asked them straight up. The new bike is nice and there was nothing wrong with my 2015 bike at all – the success that I had on that was a testament to how good the bike was. The new bike just had advantages left, right and centre really; we got it handling just as good, if not better, it was lighter, I preferred the shape of the bike, the engine power was just unbelievable and it was easy to ride.

When I changed over I didn’t want to change back, which is why I wanted to try and keep on that. From there I was treated like a factory rider until the end of the season, which was amazing. It made my last couple of months that little bit easier.

I wouldn’t say that having the factory bike was the reason for my success, but I do think it helped in some areas. My starts seemed to be a little better and I seemed to be riding more consistent – I had two more podiums on the factory bike. It was all part of a puzzle. It was a little part to do with it, but not everything. It was just the next step. Seeing as I’m riding the 2016 bike next year with factory support, it gave me a good amount of time to get a base setting too. A lot of my winter testing is already done.


“ONE WAY OR

ANOTHER, I WAS IN A

SITUATION THAT

WORKED FORME.”

MX Vice: There seems to be a feeling out there that you’re the type of rider who would excel with a factory-supported ride, rather than being a full factory rider. Do you think there is any truth to that?

Shaun Simpson: No, I think I am ready to be a factory rider. I’m twenty-seven years old now and a lot more mature than when I was a factory rider before – not in the sense of being an idiot, but knowing what I want. I think that I could work in any of the factory teams. It’s the bike you need, not necessarily the factory awning. Factory teams do bring a certain amount of extra perks, like having chief technicians etc. Maybe you could squeeze the most out of your bike having all of those guys there, but you’re starting out with the same bike if you’re a factory-supported rider.

The support through the week or at the races may be a little less, but that also brings some freedom. You can, with your team, make your own little plans and tests. You don’t have to attend as many test days or factory things like that. There are positives and negatives for the whole thing, but could I handle a factory ride? I think I could, but I am by no means disappointed to have a factory-supported ride.

MX Vice: Once you switched to the factory bike this year, did you immediately have more time to practice and train?

Shaun Simpson: We had a lot of testing to do, and things like that. There was a difficult section for me in the last bit of the year, because I got ill after Unadilla. It took two or three weeks to get over, but we went to Assen and won there. That was a hard GP. We had to take some time during the week to make sure that I recovered properly from the races. There wasn’t a major amount of time for practicing, just the odd test here and there. We did a lot of testing before we went to Mexico and the USA, to make sure that I felt really comfortable on the hard-pack as well as the sand.

When I went to Mexico and got the podium there, it just kind of sealed the deal really. I could get podiums on any type of surface. It didn’t matter if I got a bad start either; I came through the pack and passed a lot of good guys. I just really felt at home and like I could have challenged for the win, had I got a good start. That is something that I have been missing for a couple of years, so it is an exciting time.

“I WOULDN’T

SAY THAT HAVING THE

FACTORY BIKE

WAS THE REASON FOR MY

SUCCESS, BUT I DO THINK IT HELPED

IN SOME AREAS.”


MX Vice: I guess that is something you can build off of next year, seeing as you’ll have the factory bike. You’ll obviously lose the privateer tag…

Yep, and that is something that I have obviously been working towards. The privateer setup that I have been in this year with the Hitachi guys has worked, and I have to take my hat off to them because they have done everything to accommodate me. At a time when people were starting to doubt me and lose belief, Roger Magee stepped up to the mark and fully believed in me. He made sure I had the tools to do the job, got me the bikes, spares and everything else. From there he left us to do our own thing, but was always there in the background making sure that everything that needed to be done got done.

That is exactly what I needed at that point, the freedom to sort my own setup out to make sure that I was happy on the bike. We got to the stage that I felt comfortable on my bike and the results were coming because of that, you only have to look at the British championship and the way we dominated that.

Teams have to take a leaf out of his book in some ways, because a lot of teams are quick to say that

you can’t do this and you can’t do that. However, the number one thing for the team is results; the rider needs to be happy and then the team can reap the rewards. If the team start saying that you can’t do this and you can’t do that, the rider feels down and doesn’t perform as well.

Those are the positive factors that came out of this year, which ultimately led to me becoming a factory-supported rider. It’s what every rider aspires to be and works towards. If you can’t be a factory rider, then the next best thing is to have the same bikes as them but be under a different awning. I’m not disappointed that I don’t have a factory ride at all. I feel pretty comfortable that a factory-supported ride is good enough for me.

MX Vice: Did you have any offers from full factory teams that you turned down to do the factory-supported deal with KTM?

Shaun Simpson: No, there were two or three factory teams who were interested. There was nothing that ever got any further than initial proposals really. It is a difficult one and there are a lot of guys coming up from MX2 again this year – teams are willing to take

“A LOT OF MY WINTER TESTING IS ALREADY DONE.”


a risk on them. Money is what everyone talks about, but it’s not all about that for me. I have been building myself up. Some of the younger guys can take a bit of a chance by going for a bit less.

This is my job and I have four or five good years left in me, so I think I need to stand my ground and go for something that works for me. I feel that what I’ve decided to do next year, with the factory-supported bikes from KTM, is just going to work for me. That is more important than anything. You need to assess the situation, make a list of pros and cons and see where you are. That is more or less what I did and I feel happy with my decision.

MX Vice: So, overall, are you happy with how your season went? Obviously there were a lot of highs and only a few lows…

Shaun Simpson: Yeah, I think that is the way to sum it up. You need to minimize the lows in your season and maximise the consistency and the highs. My goal was to win the British championship; we did that a round early, won all the overalls and only lost three motos all year. I can say that I blew the doors off of my expectations with that one. That was a definite highlight.

I have been steadily progressing in GP’s for a few years and now I’ve finished fourth, so I’m getting better every year. If you look at that statistic then you have to think

“THIS IS MY JOB AND I HAVE FOUR OR FIVE GOOD YEARS LEFT IN ME, SO I THINK I NEED TO STAND MY GROUND.”


that next year could be my opportunity to finish in the top three. I missed out on fifth last year, which was a bit disappointing, but this year I was consistent enough and I was there. There were a lot of guys out with injury, but I beat a lot of good riders towards the end of the year and really ramped it up. My goal every year is to finish on the podium at least once, so with wins at two GPs and a second in Mexico I have to be delighted with this season.

MX Vice: You came so close to a perfect season in Britain, is there a part of you that looks at the three motos you lost and wishes you could have those back?

Shaun Simpson: Yeah, of course, and if I look at each of those motos I

probably would have done things slightly differently. You think about that, as a racer, and that is what makes you better – you try to not make the same mistakes again. Who knows, next year is a different game. This week someone told me to not think that next year will be easy and I know it’s not going to be. When we turn up at the first round everyone is on a level playing field again and out there to make the most of their season.

MX Vice: With the structure you had this year, did racing the British Championship push you a little too far at times?

Shaun Simpson: Personally, I like keeping busy. It gave me some direction. You get to go back to your home country, go to Tesco and feel a bit more at home. For the guys that live in the UK, perhaps they just think ‘oh, I’ve got to drive a few hours up the road.’ They are well-organised events, whether I agree with the three races or not is a completely different story. Everyone knows that crossing the finish line first, no matter where you’re racing, gives you a boost.

MX Vice: You obviously can’t talk about whom you’re riding for next year, but you can confirm you’ll be racing the British series again?

Shaun Simpson: Yeah, I feel comfortable enough to say that I’ll be back in the British. I can’t announce whom I’m riding for next year, but I’m looking forward to it. I think it will be something that suits me well. I like to keep busy and the British championship does that. It is good for the British crowd too. I think I have raised my profile a lot this year and by doing the British championship you keep your British fan base happy, as they can at least see you once a month. It keeps me, as a sportsperson, connected to the UK. If you just did the MXGP series you are quite far away from Britain, so people see you a lot less.

MX Vice: You say you like to keep busy, which rings true in the off-season. You have already competed in the Weston Beach Race, but I guess it didn’t exactly go to plan?

Shaun Simpson: Yeah, it is unfortunate. I won it last year and I think I would have had a good shot at it this year; Nathan Watson probably would have been my biggest competition. It is just hard to believe that we went the whole season without having any mechanical issues, and then had one at Weston, which we can’t really explain. It is a hard one to take. It is not disastrous, because it is just a one off event, but I would have loved to go out on a high.

“IF I LOOK AT EACH OF THOSE MOTOS I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE DONE THINGS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENTLY.”


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SEE THE NEW BIKES AT WORLDOFSX.COM

THE RADICALLY NEW 2016 KTM 450 SX-F.NEW FROM THE GROUND UP. LIGHTER, FASTER AND MORE REFINED THAN ANY 450 MX BIKE BEFORE IT.

CRAZY FAST, SUPER LIGHT,GAME CHANGER

RYAN DUNGEY – 450 SUPERCROSS CHAMPION 2015 ON KTM

KTM Group Partner


DESIGNED AND MADE IN THE UK

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2016 KTM INTRODUCTION

By Lewis Phillips


I am just an average rider. Actually, no, average is probably stretching it slightly.Anyway, my point is that I’m used to the local club tracks and racing. That’s where my skillset fits in, like so many of you reading this. What am I getting at here? Well, when the opportunity to ride a 2016 KTM around Maggiora popped up, I was a little out of my comfort zone.

It was certainly going to be a new experience and one that was particularly daunting. However, much more than just the riding aspect intrigued me – there is a lot that goes on at a bike launch such as this that those not present miss out on. I was honestly astounded by the time and effort that a manufacturer like KTM put into even the smallest of details. The focus is mainly put on the bikes by most, and rightfully so, but it’s not right that everything else just gets ignored.

I had previously only read about these bike introductions, so again didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. I was

expecting a small gathering at a hotel and some riding, what else could really happen? Well, whilst trying to find the hotel I caught glimpse of a massive KTM sign above the door. I felt confident when presuming I’d found what I was looking for. After walking in to find a bike in the lobby and a welcome sign for all the arriving media, I started to realise that this was much, much bigger than I could have ever thought. Oh, I was also given a KTM room key. Who would have thought?

That night the covers were pulled off of the new bike by Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings (who else? Again KTM don’t do things by halves. It is also worth noting that riders like these two played a big part when it came to these new bikes) to the sound of applause. It wasn’t just a polite applause though; everyone present was in awe of KTM’s effort to push the boundaries of what’s possible despite already being a dominant force around the globe. The time and effort that is put into their athletes was also put into this new range.

What has been done with the “radically new” bikes though? It is easy to stick that label on them, but is there something there to

back it up? Of course! It is hard to pinpoint just one area, but the biggest thing across the board is that the bikes are lighter and handle better. More than ninety percent of the parts are new – that is an astounding figure. One of the major changes that have been made to every model, no matter whether it is a four or two stroke, is the inclusion of the revolutionary new WP AER 48 forks also. It’s a split fork system, with an air spring on the left side and the damping cartridge on the right.

Shall we start with the weight reductions? The table on the next page best outlines the information, but the gist of it is that the weight of each bike has been reduced by four or five kilograms. It is also worth considering that the four-strokes are equipped with an electric starter, which adds to the weight and is something that most competitors don’t have to factor in. In fact, the electric starter alone is one kilogram lighter than it was last year. A lightweight battery made by Samsung, actually, is used for this system.Speaking of the electric start,

“More than ninety percent of the parts are new”


this was the first time that I have used the system. Wow, is it a life-saver! It makes everything so relaxed, works like a charm and obviously doesn’t impact other areas of the bike. For the average rider, it is definitely something worth considering. We’ve all been there where you crash near the end of the race and are sat there kicking your bike for an age. Heck, even the pros know what that’s like!

Even I, an average rider who does not push a bike to its limit, could notice the weight differences referenced previously. I have been riding a different coloured bike for a few years now, but was astounded at just how different (better, perhaps?) the 2016 KTM 250F felt. It took a few laps to get used to, but once I got accustomed to the new bike I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I left wondering how much faster I could become, if I could spend a full year riding the bike.

With it being lighter and also faster (one of the main goals of the KTM engineers was to ensure this new line is faster than ever before), you would perhaps question whether it is too much for the average rider. That is why I went and I assure you to forget about all that – it is the perfect combination!The handling has been aided by completely

new frames, which feature on each bike except for the 250SX, which are made of high-tech lightweight chrome-moly steel material. I know that means very little to a lot of you, but it is a major improvement. A new design reduces vibrations and has thirty percent less stiffness – two things that everyone can benefit from.

One thing that I’m sure will excite many of you reading this, and again reaffirms KTM’s commitment to racing across the board, is that the 125SX and 150SX machines have also been given a boost. “Low-cost fun that many can relate to and enjoy while receiving the same attention to detail as the 4-stroke range, it is assured that these motorcycles offer the highest performance possible straight out of the crate.” That is how KTM sum up the two-stroke range and is also something that is again backed up by facts and figures.

The 2016 KTM 125SX is powered by a lighter and all-new high performance engine, which is placed in a new state-of-the-art chassis. The result of the new engine is that it produces improved power across the range, which when paired with the improved handling results in one of the best 125 bikes that we have ever seen. To match its four-stroke siblings, it is also considerably lighter than its competitors.

The 150SX features similar improvements to the engine and handling, and the performance consequently rivals a 250 four-stroke. The 150 basically has the agility of a 125, but packs a little more power for the riders that want it and also look to be a little more competitive. It bridges that gap for the consumer, so that there is something for everyone. Of course that is also the case with the 350 SX-F.

Major changes have not been made to the KTM 250SX, as just minor (in comparison) tweaks were needed to the already competitive and popular machine. What has been altered? Well there are new triple clamps, which reduce vibration, wheels that are one hundred grams lighter (thanks to new spokes) and high-performance Brembo brakes. The latter is an improvement across the range, also.

Many changes and improvements have been made to the complete KTM range, evidently, with every level of rider in mind. Riders of a much higher level joined me on track in Maggiora and they too were beaming with positivity when they handed the bikes back to the Austrian manufacturer. There’s no reason to think you wouldn’t feel a similar way…

EU MODELS MY15 MY16 WEIGHT SAVING125SX 90.4KG 87.8KG -3.0%250 SX-F 102.2KG 98.5KG -3.6%

350 SX-F 104.5KG 99.9KG -4.4%450 SX-F 105.5KG 100.4KG -5.0%

KTM don’t do things by

halves


ITS A VICELIFEFULL RANGE COMING THIS SPRING ITSAVICELIFE.COMFULL RANGE COMING SOON


ITS A VICELIFEFULL RANGE COMING THIS SPRING ITSAVICELIFE.COM


imag

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hard

Bly

th


2016 Husqvarna Introduction

It is hardly surprising that Husqvarna selected the city of Washington D.C. to unveil their new 2016 range, as it is the capital of the nation they consider their second home. Sweden is, of course, where their operation has grown from since 1903.

1903 was the year that Husqvarna unveiled their first motorcycle, making them one of the more iconic manufacturers in the paddock, and since then they have celebrated many milestones and achievements. The ‘pioneers’ title is undoubtedly fitting. The MY16 range, however, may be one of their greatest feats yet – it has been dubbed ‘ground-breaking’. By flying media around the world to the world-renowned Budds Creek circuit, Husqvarna made it clear that in this new age they are focussed on returning to the top of the sport.

Handling, agility, power, weight and aesthetics were all areas that the numerous Husqvarna engineers focussed on when putting the new bikes together. One hundred and twelve years of product development led to this day and several completely redesigned models.

An all-new frame that is considerably lighter and more compact aids the handling of the new range, as does a new carbon fibre subframe. The use of carbon fibre improves weight distribution and brings weight closer to the centre of gravity – something that came

By Lewis Phillips


up a few times during the presentation. Overall the subframe alone is a kilogram lighter, which of course contributes to the weight saving alluded to previously. This improvement is evident across the entire range.

A new electric starting system and Samsung Li-Ion battery goes a long way to save weight also – that saves a kilogram on the FC bikes. Obviously the electric start isn’t unique to the manufacturer, as KTM have made similar gains, but it is still a major advantage for everyone who puts their leg over a bike. Now that the system has been refined, it is even greater than it has been previously. The wiring harness has been played around with a little bit so that the rear subframe can be removed easily too. Ease of use is something we all want, right?

In short, the MY16 range also features a new swingarm (redesigned for optimum stiffness, improving traction and feeling), updated WP 4CS front forks (to match the new chassis characteristics), new CNC machined triple clamps, a new WP rear shock, a new rear link, a new

footpeg mount (that prevents mud and dirt build up, something that aids riders of all abilities), a new Magura hydraulic clutch, new brake discs, new Pro Taper handlebars, new grips and throttle assembly, a new engine management system, a new exhaust system, new radiators, a new fuel tank and a new airbox design. There is also a standard handlebar map switch, which now also activates launch control, so you can alter the characteristics of the engine to suit your situation!

I think we can all agree that that is quite a list, so the claim that these bikes are “completely redesigned from the ground up” is seemingly justified. Completely redesigned bodywork is another benefit of the new range and “highlights the massive performance leap”. Why the change? They were revised for improved comfort and control, quite simply. After hopping on the bikes for the first time, it felt a little different but adapting was not a problem. Even if I had to juggle the task of becoming accustomed to a new machine with tackling the gnarly off-cambers and legendary features of Budds Creek like ‘Henry’s Hill’.

I usually ride a 250F, so naturally felt best on this bike. Compared to the bike I usually ride, which is made in a different part of the world, the FC250 was noticeably lighter. When coupled with the increased speed and weight reductions it made for a highly competitive machine. It has increased power across the entire rev range, topping out at forty-six horsepower – torque has been increased lower down to make it easier to ride also. It certainly was a success in that area, even for the ‘average rider’. Put simply, it is just a fun bike to ride, no matter your ability.

I was also surprised by how comfortable I felt on the FC350, which is obviously a considerably bigger bike. Topping out at a whopping fifty-eight horsepower (the FC450 hits sixty-three), I didn’t exactly know what to expect at first. Was I getting on a bike that would be closer to a 450 or 250? You obviously always hear the tagline that it would have more speed, but handle like a 250, and again this bike supposedly has “450 class performance with less effort.”

“The ‘pioneers’ title is undoubtedly fitting“


“Starting gates around the world

could be much whiter in the

future.”

It turns out that is actually quite true and, after riding one, I am keen to put in more laps on it. It is the perfect stepping stone and the ideal bike for a club rider who is looking for more. Honestly at times I had to remind myself that I wasn’t riding the 250, as the various characteristics of the bikes felt so similar. Undoubtedly the most impressive bike in the MY16 range, in my opinion.

The TC125, still a popular choice amongst riders of varying skill levels, has undergone significant changes that will send two-stroke fanatics mad. The 125cc engine is significantly smaller and lighter, and has been completely redesigned and repackaged. Bringing the TC125 into the modern age, it features all of the fun in what is a competitive package.

Weight reduction was a major focus with this model, as it was with a lot of MY16 range, and in the end Husqvarna managed to get the TC125 engine down from 19.3kg to 17.2kg. That is really quite significant on a bike that was already relatively light, when you combine that with the increase in power (from thirty-eight horsepower to forty) you have a compact package that is perfect for riders stepping off of a TC85. In more two-stroke news the TC250 didn’t receive many major upgrades for 2016, so for the most part it is very similar to the previous version. Expect to see some noteworthy upgrades in the future, however.

Husqvarna have signalled their intent with this new 2016 range, so expect the manufacturer to only grow from this point onwards. Judging by the potential of the MY16 range, starting gates around the world could be much whiter in the future.


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Darian Sanayei

Unlike other top graduates from Loretta Lynn’s.Darian hasn’t been able to advance straight to a top tier team like Geico Honda or Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki. So he has started to explore other opportunities, like following in the footsteps of Thomas Covington and heading to Europe.

Some of you will remember the name from Matterley Basin, where he competed in the EMX250 class with some success. The ‘#457’ beat out Adam Sterry in moto one but struggled once conditions became slick later in the day. Since he has returned to the UK for the final Maxxis

British Championship round, where he again impressed with his bursts of raw speed. If things work out we could be seeing a lot more of Sanayei, so we felt it was only right you got to know him a little better.

Like so many amateurs, Darian Sanayei has to pick a path that will impact his future at a relatively young age.

By Jordan Chaney


MX Vice: You were always a standout as an amateur coming up. What would you consider some of your proudest moments as an amateur?

Darian Sanayei: I won Loretta’s on a 65 in 2008, which was the first big accomplishment. Then I had some injuries and stuff that set me back over the next few years. I went to ClubMX at the start of 2013 and later that year I went to the Spring Nationals in the B class. I ended up winning three championships at Oak Hill and one championship at Freestone, so that was pretty cool to finally win again.

In 2014 I ended up breaking four bones in my ankle, so that set me back through most of that year. Then later that year at Loretta’s I broke my collarbone going for the lead on the first day racing – it was a pretty bad year. In the 2015 racing season I got second overall at Monster Cup, which was pretty awesome, followed by some championships at Mini O’s, Daytona and two second place finishes at Loretta’s.

MX Vice: Over the years you have beaten Aaron Plessinger, Jordon

Smith, RJ Hampshire and many more elite amateurs. What do you think it is going to take to convince one of the factory teams to bring you on board? Darian Sanayei: I am not too sure. I just need to keep grinding away and putting in solid rides. I know that if I can get a pretty good bike underneath me and have the right equipment I will be able to get up front soon. I just need the chance!

MX Vice: You had a pretty good showing at Loretta Lynn’s, as well as at your first National at Ironman. Can you talk about that a little bit?

Darian Sanayei: The two seconds at Loretta’s were pretty decent results, but I wanted to win and I needed to win. Not getting the championships were a little bit of a bummer. Then after Loretta’s it was a last minute decision to go to Ironman. My Dad and I went just to have some fun. I ended up getting two fifteenth place finishes, which was pretty cool.

I was a little bit bummed out being there on my own and everything, but the experience was pretty sweet.

I like the pro races a lot better than the amateurs, because it is a one-day event. It’s nice to get in, do your work and get out of there.

MX Vice: Your ride at the Ironman National was pretty strong considering you were riding your amateur bike without any support. Were you content with the result or were you looking for more?

Darian Sanayei: Going into it I really had no expectations, but at the same time I want to be up front and doing good. Fifteenth was pretty okay, I guess, considering the circumstances, but it definitely isn’t where I want to be.

MX Vice: You are one of the top guys coming up right now, have you made any progress in finding a ride for next year? Darian Sanayei: Right now it is still kind of up in the air. I am not sure if I will be doing the GPs or staying here in the US to do supercross. We have been talking to a few people and are just waiting right now. As long as I have a good bike and team I will be happy no matter where I am.

" I am not sure if I will

be doing the GPs or

staying here in the U.S "


MX Vice: You went over and did a few races in the UK, how has that influenced your decision to try to race the MXGP series?

Darian Sanayei: That was a lot of fun for me. I got to go over and Aaron, my Monster rep, was with me. I’m glad he was there because, otherwise, I would have been pretty lost [laughs]. That was the first time that I have ever gone to a different country and I had a good time. I think the experience going over there will definitely help me going forward. I think I will end up okay, as long as I keep a

positive mindset through everything.

MX Vice: You have spent a lot of time riding and training with Zach Osborne, has he offered you up any advice about the possible move to Europe?

Darian Sanayei: Yeah he did a little bit briefly. I haven’t really spent a lot of time with him since this opportunity has come about. I am definitely planning on getting with him later on to get some of his advice on the situation though.

MX Vice: If everything works out the way you would like it to, what would you like to accomplish next season?

Darian Sanayei: I just want to have a good bike and a good team in my corner – that is the main thing. If I have that I know that I will be able to get holeshots, run up front and do the best I can. If I am not winning or on the podium right away, I just want to do the best I can and work my way up to the top.

" I just want to do the best I can and

work my way up to the top "




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MX Vice Magazine Issue 9

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