Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
Wright Out of the Gate – New bike, new series, new job
Since my last column there has been a lot of stuff going on. I did the side job at the marina, there has been a lot of speculation about Canadian Moto, and I travelled to California for the 2018 CRF250R intro.
To start, I strapped other boots on other than motocross boots that I’m used to wearing so I could go work at a local marina lifting boats. When I showed up the first time, I had no idea what I was getting myself into or how to even lift boats. Learning the process was pretty easy, but there was some pretty heavy lifting involved with jacks and massive logs to lift to put under the boats. Once we got the process down, it was just up to us to repeat the process many more times. To be honest, I loved the physical aspect of working that job. As a matter of fact, I lifted all of the logs instead of taking turns with the others guys I was working with. I also enjoyed the people I worked with, the interaction we had, and the jokes and chirps being sent out LOL. So all and all, although it wasn’t the easiest job in the world, I didn’t mind it. Let me tell you though, I am so happy with the career I have chosen to pursue as a motocross racer. I get to wake up every morning and work towards exactly what I love to do and I am so grateful for the opportunity. All in all, I am as motivated as ever heading into the off-season to do whatever it takes to take that number 1 plate next year!
Right now Dylan is looking ahead and preparing for 2018. Photo by James Lissimore
Now we can talk about something that there is a lot of speculations about. The Canadian Moto scene has been a big world wind full of speculations about what series, where, when and what kind of racing we will be doing next year. Now I know that there hasn’t been too much information come out about what is going on for next year in Canadian Moto. I know there have been social media posts sent out the past week or so about CMRC being bought out by JetWerx. There has been some people claiming to have been the ones to start this movement and some accusations being sent out there, but I feel like there’s a lot of talk about something that hasn’t had any official press release. Now you guys may think that as a pro racer, in which this concerns very much, I can reassure you guys that I have not heard anything more than you guys. The only thing I can tell you is that we will be racing next year, that’s for sure!
Last week Dylan travelled to California to help test out the all-new 2018 CRF250R. Photo by Jason Zindroski
Now on to the most exciting news that I have. I was fortunate enough for Honda to fly me out to California for the 2018 CRF250R Intro at Zaca Station just outside of Solvang, CA. This trip, although a very short one, was a very exciting one for me because I was able to get to ride and get a feel for the all-new bike that Honda came out with for 2018. I was also able to ride the bike that I will be racing next year. The whole trip was a lot of fun. From the time we showed up at the hotel in Solvang with a brand new 250 at the front door of the hotel when we arrived, to the press conference with all the details on the bike and the ride day! Now I won’t get into every little detail that Honda changed for this year’s bike, because that would take all day to read. In fact, I think it might even be shorter to state the things that haven’t changed LOL. Let’s just say that my initial look at the all-new bike is that it looks sooo good and clean, and all the changes they made were definitely steps in the right direction, that’s for sure. When I woke up on Wednesday morning I was so excited to finally get to ride this thing that there has been so much hype about. We made our way to the track, and upon arrival, the track was perfectly watered, the sun was just peaking over the mountains in the background, and the new bikes were waiting for us to ride them. After getting all the still shots of the bike, it was finally time to head out and ride. Now you all may think that I would have suspension, a pipe and some stuff on the bike, but nope, I rode that thing bone stock like you’d get from the dealership. Even the grips were stock! I did set the sag on the bike, set the forks and bars to where I like them, as well as the levers, but that’s it. When I got out onto the track, I can say that I got comfortable very quickly on the all-new chassis. The chassis for me felt a little bit at home, because it is very similar to the 2017 CRF450R. But let me tell you, this chassis works very well and you will love the handling of the bike, but especially the way it sticks going through corners. After riding for a few laps, I thought that I would have to break in the frame a bit before being comfortable. That was not the case, because right off the bat I felt at home and started riding some fast laps. Another huge change they made was with the engine. It has significantly more power than the older model, and I loved the power delivery right off the bat! This thing revs to the moon and pulls very smoothly! Another thing that is unique with the all-new bike is the dual exhaust ports on the engine. This design really gives the bike a throatier sound, and at first it almost sounds like a 450. It sounds really cool and really centres the weight of the bike.
As you can see the new 2018 CRF250R is easy to throw around in the air. Photo by Jason Zindroski
One feature you can really notice with the new bike is the fact that it really tracks well. There’s less wheel spin and it really drives foreword, as opposed to deflecting off acceleration bumps. Now let’s talk about something that doesn’t have to really do with power or handling of the bike. The electric start on the bike is such a great feature. Let me tell you what a breath of fresh air it is not to have to kick a bike but instead just hit a button to start the bike. It’s so cool that it comes stock on the bike, and I think it was also a very good addition that might save a lot of time when stalling or tipping over and not having to kick the bike over when it’s hot! After riding this bike, I can assure you, you will love this bike for 2018. What is very exciting for me is how I feel with this motorcycle. I feel comfortable that it has everything I need to win the championship this year!
On that note, when these bikes get to Canada, go out to your local Honda dealer and take a look at the all-new bike. I can assure you that you will definitely be impressed with what you see and with the all-new design.
Until next time!
