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Mike "Slick-Willie" Mandahl prefers
to utilize his down time by practicing
his pick-up lines on trackside ladies.
Despite being too sexy for his shirt,
his final, fruitless attempt resulted
in not one, but two grade-A shiners.
He'll be testing tinted goggles for
the next few weeks.
Rider: Mike Mandahl
Skill Level: Intermediate
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 160 lbs
Age: 19 yrs
Hometown: Yorba Linda, CA
Steeds: 2003 Yamaha YZ125, '04 Yamaha YZ125, '05 Yamaha YZ250F, '05 Honda CRF450R, '06 Kawasaki KX250F
Sponsors: Hahm Motorsports, Race Tech
For My Money:
It's a tough choice, but I would go with Kawi. The Honda and Kawi are close, but just sitting on the KX, the ergonomics of it feel awesome. The motor's good, but then the top end gives out a little bit and the Honda's a little stronger there.
The ATK belongs in the army - it's like a tank. They need to change a lot of things because they have so much going on with it. It's a really heavy bike. Its suspension is pretty decent. The front fork is pretty good but the back shock sucks. It doesn't suck anything up and off jumps it's a rough landing. I think that could be because of the weight.
Personal Ranking:
1. Kawasaki KX450F
2. Honda CRF450R
3. Suzuki RM-Z 450
4. ATK 450 MX
Rider: Anthony Rondon
Skill Level: Intermediate
Height: 5'5"
This was our first time working with Anthony, but the youngest of our test riders has skills on a motocross bike. Getting him to ditch school for a couple days of riding was no sweat, but his parents probably would've thought twice if they had known their innocent child would be open to the corruption oozing from Ken's every pore.
Age: 17 yrs
Hometown: Yorba Linda, CA
Steeds: 2006 Kawasaki KX250F
Sponsors: Corona Motorsports
For My Money:
I would definitely pick the Kawasaki. I like the way it feels. It fits me as a smaller rider and I felt more comfortable on that bike than any other bike that I rode. The bike feels really low to the ground and that helps me out a lot. Going around corners and stuff I feel more comfortable like I won't fall over.
I really felt comfortable on the Suzuki too, that was definitely up there. The only thing with the Suzuki is that when we were at Glen Helen, I felt that when you're going into rough sections or going really fast you get a little headshake because the front end on that bike is really light.
I don't know about that ATK, it just doesn't seem like it has it. That bike is really heavy and I really don't think the suspension is meant for that bike because it lands way too hard. The brakes are probably the best thing about it because they slow it down pretty good for such a heavy bike.
Personal Ranking:
1. Kawasaki KX450F
2. Honda CRF450R
3. Suzuki RM-Z 450
4. ATK 450 MX
For you inexperienced riders out
there, JC's your man. Fighting
for the under-skilled, his novice
perspective ensures the little
people won't be forgotten.
Those of you wondering
about personal life, unfortunately,
no, he still isn't cool enough to
warrant a new mug shot and yes,
he has since cut his hair.
Skill Level: Novice
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 180 lbs
Age: 23 yrs
Hometown: Medford, OR
Steeds: 2002 Honda CR250R
Sponsors: None
For My Money:
I tend to be a little tight-assed with my money, so I'm not the kind of guy to make rash decisions based on logic and common sense. When I spend my money it's going to be on what I want, not necessarily what I need. It would be easy to take home the Kawasaki like the rest of these gofers. After all, it did win the shootout and I personally selected it as the best overall package. But... I would actually lay down my cold, hard cash elsewhere. Well, minimum monthly payments at least. The RM-Z would be the one riding around town in the bed of my Toyota.
Ah-ha! That's it. So all you cats rollin' Chevy's would probably spring for the ATK. After all, there are some astonishing similarities such as comparable cost, the clunking in and out of gear and they weigh basically the same. Problem solved. As for me, I'll stick to my Japanese equipment.
For me the Suzuki was the most fun to ride in terms of motor, and let's be honest, that's really what separates the men from boys in this class. It's usable and friendly while giving a little punch to get things going. The transmission is almost perfect and the suspension is great. I say great because once the headshake problem is eliminated and doesn't overshadow the fork, the Showa stuff is as good as anything. I had the best luck changing suspension settings with the RM-Z and I love feeling like I can tailor a bike to my liking.
To top things off, the styling is unique, it has the brightest colors and the ergonomics make me feel like I'm being aggressive even when I'm not. The controls weren't the greatest, but I figure those will be destroyed anyway by the due date of my second payment. If not, then at least by the time I actually get around to writing the check.
Personal Ranking:
1. Kawasaki KX450F
2. Suzuki RM-Z 450
3. Honda CRF450R
4. ATK 450 MX
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