Inside the 2013 Supercross Works Bikes

by Motorcycle.com Staff

Published: January 1st, 2010

The start of a new Supercross season brings with it a lot of anticipation over and above race results. Its the first time fans, riders and team personnel get to see what the competition has brought to off-road racings largest stage.

The recession has no doubt slowed some of the progress, however, that hasnt stopped much in this sport. During the last few years we have seen tremendous advances in ignition systems, electronic fuel injection, front suspension, and now, for 2013, shock technology.

inside the 2013 supercross works bikes, After scoring back to back Supercross titles Ryan Villopoto is racing an updated Kawasaki KX450F this season It is arguably the most sought after bike in the pits

After scoring back-to-back Supercross titles, Ryan Villopoto is racing an updated Kawasaki KX450F this season. It is arguably the most sought-after bike in the pits.

KTM is the first to introduce an air shock to modern racing. The idea is not new in principle, but it does break a longstanding tradition of externally sprung components. The new WP air shock is enshrouded in mystery that has suspension technicians intrigued.

Like most air shocks, the external coil spring is absent, as on Dungeys KTM 450SX. We dont know for sure if there is any type of internal spring, although suspension experts believe there may be one to control top out.

Ryan Dungey

Dungeys shock has a braided line that leads from the shock body to the airbox, and its not known if this contains data-acquisition components, some type of smart or active technology, or perhaps air lines to another hidden area. One of the challenges with air shocks is controlling heat, and thusly, air pressure and, and this line may be associated with ameliorating this issue.

There are traditionally two different types of air shocks and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The first is the air bag or bladder-style air shock, and these can use one or two separate air chambers to control force. The second style is the telescoping cylinders like the original Fox Air Shox, but the disadvantage here is seal drag, which is one of the challenges of the new wave of air forks now being used on production motocross bikes.

The most-interesting aspect of Dungey

We spoke to Race Techs Paul Thede who says no one will know what type of technology WP and KTM are employing until they want to let the secret out of the bag. There are too many variables that come into play, but Thede does believe damping would be along the lines of traditional style with oil running through small orifices such as valves and shims.

Another trend seen in the pits is the conversion to Showa suspension by everyone except KTM and privateer Josh Hansen. Hansens Kawasaki is one of the last bikes to use Kayaba components.

We got terrific access into the Anaheim 1 pits and snapped a ton of photos that reveal many key details of the exotic supercross machinery, so scroll down to see what we discovered.

inside the 2013 supercross works bikes, Ryan Villopoto and his mechanic Mike Wilkinson are almost inseparable at the races The two have been working together for several years and there is arguably not a better combination on the circuit

Ryan Villopoto and his mechanic Mike Wilkinson are almost inseparable at the races. The two have been working together for several years, and there is arguably not a better combination on the circuit.

Ryan Villopoto uses this custom seat to help him stay secure on the bike under heavy acceleration.

The hubs on Villopoto

Chad Reed

The exhaust pipe on Chad Reed

Eli Tomac

The billet aluminum gas tank caps on Josh Grant

inside the 2013 supercross works bikes, For the past three years JGR Yamaha has partnered with GET for their programmable ignition systems allowing fine tuned settings for any track and any conditions

For the past three years, JGR Yamaha has partnered with GET for their programmable ignition systems, allowing fine-tuned settings for any track and any conditions.

inside the 2013 supercross works bikes, The JGR Yamahas have one of the most unique exhaust designs that can be seen in the pits It reportedly helps take some of the bite out of the bottom end power while retaining a healthy midrange

The JGR Yamahas have one of the most-unique exhaust designs that can be seen in the pits. It reportedly helps take some of the bite out of the bottom-end power while retaining a healthy midrange.

Yamaha

This season marks James Stewart

inside the 2013 supercross works bikes, Most of the top riders use an adjustable ignition system that they can change on the fly All they have to do is flip the switch to the right of the kill switch

Most of the top riders use an adjustable ignition system that they can change on the fly. All they have to do is flip the switch to the right of the kill switch.