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competitors
preparation
guide
Contents
Introduction
Welcome by Jeff Leisk
Motorcycle Preparation
Rider Preparation
Technical Services
KTM Hospitality
introduction
The KTM AJMX is the pinnacle of junior
motocross competition in Australia.
We know families invest a lot of time and money coming to compete and would
like you to get the best possible experience at this year’s event.
For some of you this might be your first National level competition, while for
others it may be your last year competing before stepping into senior racing.
Whatever your situation, we’re sure you will gain some valuable advice from our
KTM experts over the following pages.
Remember, perfect preparation prevents poor performance. Being prepared will
ensure you have the best experience, most fun and top performance possible
whether you are competing for a new experience, looking to beat your personal
best or have your eyes firmly set on that championship trophy.
Good luck to all competitors and remember to have fun!
KTM Australia
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welcome
Hello and welcome to the 2014 KTM Australian Junior Motocross Championship at
Appin, New South Wales.
KTM Australia is honoured to be the major sponsor of this most important event that
brings together the best young riders from Australia and New Zealand to compete
together at the highest level and further develop their skills as riders of the future.
Australia has a strong record as a Nation that produces great Motocross talent; riders
like Brett Metcalfe, Chad Reed, Michael Byrne and just recently Dean Ferris and
Todd Waters. They are a clear examples of what you can achieve when you work hard
and follow your dreams. The dreams of young riders can only be fulfilled with the
dedicated support of parents and family who in my opinion are the biggest hero’s
providing the opportunity for their children to participate in the amazing sport of
Motocross that is such a positive influence on their personal development.
The Macarthur Motorcycle Club is renowned for running great National level events
with several rounds of the Australian Motocross Nationals conducted in recent
years, the KTM AJMXC is a massive undertaking given the length of the event and
the volume of races run each day. KTM Australia would like to express its sincere
appreciation towards the committee and all club members who have made significant
contributions to bring this important event to life.
KTM Australia values the great support it receives from its loyal customer base, over
the weekend our support team is here in full force with our technical support crew
who are here to help with any challenges you may have along with providing tech tips.
To all parents and competitors, I wish you a safe and enjoyable KTM AJMXC.
Jeff Leisk
General Manager
KTM Australia
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motorcycle
Preparation
Rob Twyerould is a name synonymous in motocross racing circles. His vast
experience as a race team technician and manager has contributed too many
Australian Championships. Rob is the current KTM Australia Technical Services
Manager and KTM Motocross Racing Team Manager.
Rob would like to offer some general advice on both how to prepare for and
maintain your motorcycle throughout the KTM AJMX. Read on to learn more.
The Track »
Appin is a hard pack track but this varies according to how they prepare the surface.
The week may start with a ripped surface with plenty of water, then over the week
the race line will become dry and hard, so be prepared to make small changes as
the track wears in. keep your eyes open between moto’s for some changes to the
ideal lines as these tend to blow out and new lines open up, sometimes coming in
wide and criss crossing over the rut works well here.
Tyres »
This is one of the most important components on your motorcycle. A good edge on
a fresh tyre can mean the difference between a holeshot or a 10th place start.
At the start of the week a mid-soft tyre on the ripped surface will be the choice,
then as the track wears in you will tend to go for a hard packed tyre. Keep an eye
on the start straight, if this remains heavy and loose the mid soft may be needed
to insure the best start.
Tyre pressure will vary from 10psi for traction to 14psi for puncture resistance.
Be sure to check pressures throughout the day as when the ambient temperature
raises so will your tyre pressures. A check prior to each moto is important.
Consider using heavy duty tubes as a puncture at a championship like this could
be devastating.
Gearing »
It’s all about the start, in most classes and capacities now the bike’s power is so
broad that the gearing you run will be determined by your preference off the start.
If during your laps you find the feeling that you are in between gears; for example
if it feels like it is revving in 2nd and not quite on top of the gear in 3rd, aim to
pull 3rd by going 1 tooth up on the rear which might make the difference. This
will eliminate an extra gear change down some of the straights and if you are able
to run the taller gear through the turns as the track gets harder it will offer better
traction.
The gearing will also determine the wheels base, remember with the rear wheel
close to the motor the bike will offer the best drive and traction but will be harder
to keep the front wheel down off the start and might be more nervous as the track
gets rough due to the shorter wheelbase. Running the rear wheel as far back in
the swingarm will offer the best stability around the track, but will also give you
the most rear wheel spin off the start. If there is excellent traction in the start area
this may not be a problem and offer a stable setup on track.
Suspension »
The track will start off smooth but as the week progresses the track will develop
choppy, sharp, bumps and ruts. Fine tune the suspension as the week unfolds,
make sure the suspension can react to the bumps by keeping the rebound fairly
free. If your bike has a high and low speed adjuster then use this. Remember
that the high and low speed adjusters relate to shock speed, not bike speed. For
example riding through a mildly undulating part of the track really fast is actually
a low speed shock movement as gravity is what will compress the shock in a slow
movement. The opposite is braking through sharp, choppy bumps as this requires
the shock to move at a high speed.
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motorcycle
Preparation
(cont.)
Suspension (cont.) »
Check your ride height a couple of times through the week as the spring can settle
especially if you have had your suspension serviced prior to the event. Find a flat
piece of ground to check your free sag and ride height. Fork height will also be
an option for fine tuning through the week. You may start with the fork close to
flush on the top triple clamp due to the ripped track. Then as the track gets harder
packed bring the fork up through the clamps to have some fork tube showing. This
will really improve your front wheel traction through the turns. Only adjust 2.5 –
5mm steps at a time when fine tuning.
Engine »
Only use the engine setup that you have tested! So many times a rider will try
something new that they have been told will give them an edge only to find that
this is not the case. Then they end up trying to back track the set up to what
they know losing valuable track time. This is not the event to be trying new
components.
Make the event as stress free as possible ensuring the engine has low hours, be
that from new or from a rebuild. There should be no tuning problems at Appin as
the track is not at high altitude or a heavy surface. EFI will calibrate itself to the
conditions but just make sure that you allow the bike to idle from cold to hot each
morning for it to sample the environment as they only learn at idle.
With 2-strokes keep an eye on the sparkplug and exhaust colour. Gone are the
days of the nice brown plug but it should look dry and have some colour, same
with the exhaust outlet.
Engine (cont.) »
Have a spare air filter prepped and ready to go and make sure when washing the
bike these are either removed and a cover used or put a plastic bag over the filter
to keep it dry. Expect to do an oil change through the week. Keep running your
spanners over the engine mounts and swingarm pivot bolt to ensure that these
remain tight.
Fuel »
If you‘re using pre-mix fuel only mix up small quantities enough for each day.
Keep your fuel cool and off the ground. Try to purchase it from a high volume
station so it is as fresh as possible.
Wheels »
Check spoke tension and sprocket bolts after every moto. If you do find a loose
spoke don’t just tighten that one, gradually work it tight as you go around the
wheel to keep the rim running true.
Rob Twyerould
Technical Services and Motorex KTM Racing Team
KTM Australia
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rider
Preparation
Rider Survival Guide
There are a few easy things you can do both leading into and during the KTM
Australian Junior MX Championships to help maximise your performance.
Keeping your body fresh, well fuelled and well hydrated will make sure that you
feel as strong late in the week as you did at the start.
NUTRITION »
Nutrition is all about fuelling. Our body’s favourite race gas is carbohydrate.
• Eat a carb based meal the night before racing – i.e. pasta, rice, potato, bread
• Make sure you eat a breakfast with some carbs (cereal or toast) – as much as
comfortable
• Have a small snack every 1-2 hours before races – (fruit, muesli bars, bread)
• Every time you ride, you must eat as soon as possible after getting off the bike
• If you are too nervous to eat, use a liquid food – (Up n Go, Milo, smoothies)
HYDRATION »
Dehydration is the enemy of performance. Being dehydrated by as little as 2% can
affect your focus, concentration, decision making and scramble your thinking.
• Always have some fluid with you to sip in the days leading into the race
• When you start sweating on race day, swap to a sports drink to replace
electrolytes
• Have a plan – aim to drink 1 bottle of fluid every time you get off the bike
(i.e. after each race)
• Drink fluid with all meals, especially dinner – sodium in food aids absorption.
INJURIES/ILLNESS/FIRST AID »
Managing any illness or injuries you pick up during the course of the
race can help you win a title.
• Timing is key –Acting as soon as possible will reduce the symptoms when you
pick up an injury or detect a virus
• Injuries – Ice and compression is key to manage any swelling or soft tissue
injuries.
» Ice up 20 min on/20 min off for 3 hours after injury. 20 min on/2 hrs off
for next 3 days
» Whenever you are not icing – compress the area using bandages or
tubigrip. This includes while on the bike
» Do not heat or rub/massage the injured area – will increase bleeding
and bruising.
• Illness – when you feel like you are coming down with a virus:
» Stop unnecessary activity – rest as much as possible
» Increase fluid intake
» Maintain lots of carbohydrate in diet – carbs also fuel immune system
»Use betadine throat gargle immediately for onset of sore throat – virus
can be prevented from spreading to rest of body when the first symptom
is sore/scratchy throat
» Paracetamol (Panadol) can be used to numb symptoms
• If you unsure about any injury or illness consult with track paramedics
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Preparation
(cont.)
warM up »
Being warm before you start your moto is the easiest way to make sure you settle
in quickly. A good warm up will not only get temperature in your muscles, but will
elevate your heart rate and increase your mobility.
Sample warm up (very similar to the warm up used by factory KTM teams):
1.Gear up (except helmet and goggles)
2.5-6 min jog or exercise bike
3.General stretch – very short stretches (less than 5 sec)
4.3 sets each:
a. 8-10 push ups
b. 8-10 star jumps
c. 8-10 bodyweight squats
After warm up, you should be puffing and have a slight sweat. Aim to get on bike
and roll out to start line immediately after finishing warm up.
RECOVERY »
Putting some effort into recovering helps stop soreness and helps you freshen up
for the following days racing.
Recovery starts after you get off the bike at the end of the final race each day
• Within first 30-60 min after race:
1. Nutrition – Aim to eat lots of carbohydrates with a small amount of protein
(i.e. 2 x tuna sandwich or large choc milk)
2. Hydration - Aim to replace 500-1000ml of fluid with electrolyte (sports
drink or milk)
3. Put on compression gear (skins, 2XU)
4. Ice up any sore spots
• After initial 60 min
1. Nutrition and hydration – keep eating and drinking as much as comfortably
possible all evening (carb rich foods)
2. Active recovery (15-30 min) – Hop in a pool, go for a walk or light cycle to
get your muscles moving. This helps flush out lactic acid
RECOVERY (cont.) »
3. Stretch – Have a good stretch to loosen up tight spots (hold stretches gently
for 30 sec)
4. Keep icing up and compressing any injuries
5. Massage – massage on sore/fatigued areas can reduce soreness (do not
massage any injured areas)
6. Have a short nap – 30-60 min
ARM PUMP »
A bad case of arm pump is one of the worst things that can happen to you during
a moto. Arm pump can be brought on by physical, psychological (mental) and
technical (technique) causes or a combination of all. Below are some common
solutions the KTM factory teams use to prevent onset of arm up
1.Physical
a. Warm up prior to race
b. Massage forearms within 15-20 min of race start and on start line
c.Hydration
d. Not changing bike set up from what you would normally practice with
2.Psychological
a. Race the track – do not focus on results, points or other riders. Instead
concentrate on how you ride the track as fast as possible.
b. Keep your focus on your technique while racing
c. Remain positive – being positive on race day will help you have fun.
When you are having fun, you are more confident with less chance of arm pump
3.Technical
a. Centralise weight to unload arms – weighting and gripping with legs helps
minimise the demand on your arms
b.Look ahead – gives you time to set up for obstacles and pick smart lines
c.Breathing
d. Do not ever look behind
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ktm
hospitality
KTM Technical Support & Spare Parts Service »
One of the major advantages to being a KTM owner at an event such as the KTM
AJMX is the technical support and spare parts service that is available to you
throughout the event. Whether you are just looking for some friendly advice on
setup, have a mechanical issue that needs sorting or you just can’t locate that part
you packed before leaving home, our team will be on hand to help you out.
So who are the KTM Australia technical gurus? »
Kevin Doyle has been around motorcycle racing longer than most with a career
at the top level spanning multiple decades. He’s been involved with some of the
best racers Australia has produced and has a long history with the Motorex KTM
Racing Team. Kevin’s knowledge of engines is second to none and looks forward to
assisting you at the nationals.
Mick Carusi is the current mechanic for the Motorex KTM Off Road Racing Team.
Working with champions such as Brad Williscroft, Ben Grabham, Toby Price and
Peter Boyle, Mick brings a wealth of knowledge to the nationals and will be happy
to assist you with your enquiries.
Lookout for the KTM Technical Support sign to guide the way.
What about the spare parts service? »
KTM Australia in collaboration with Dirt Bike Factory, a Wollongong based
dealership will have a full complement of KTM parts available throughout the week.
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