Airing It Out

AIRING IT OUT

American FLYERS

More than meets the eye

MAYBE TO YOU THIS just looks like a Yamaha YZ250 with some added signage space slapped on the side. Close, but no cigar. What this so-called “Vent Bike” is, is a look at coming trends in motocross, designed to be stylish form with future function.

“Right now the extreme segments of any market are dictating general style, so we took a fully functional motocross bike and fit it with a freestyle look,” says Ken Laivins of moto-plastic makers Cycra. the man (and company) behind this design.

So while the trick sidepanels do provide a larger area for sponsor signage, they also were meant to keep the bike slim and smooth-check out the single-piece full-coverage setup, so a rider’s boots don’t get caught on anything during radical freestyle moves.

Naturally, all this extra plastic generates an overheating issue to cope with, not to mention engine accessibility problems. But that’s where the “Vent” name comes into play. By combining off-theshelf Cycra products such as the vented numberplate and front fender, then strategically placing openings in the bodywork, the bike flows enough air to stay cool in freestyle or full-moto use.

“Motocross is about being simple, so we didn't want to be forced into using electric fans, or get too close to what a sportbike looks like,” says Laivins.

The real effort came when he designed in easy access to things like the sparkplug and the shock compression adjuster. Plus, a lot of guys still want to actually see the motor. It’s part of the eye candy, and style is king in FMX.

Style comes with a price, though, because those trick sidepanels will run you major coin.

“We sell three or four sets a year at about S800 a pop,” Laivins says. “It’s a pretty specialized piece at the moment.”

Specialized, yes, but with the growing popularity of freestyle, moto-bodywork like this is bound to become a lot more common.

The free-moto package is rounded out by a highly adjustable triple-clamp fitted with oversized bars, and a crinkle coat paint job on the frame and hubs.

Laivins has penned many bikes for big manufacturers through his side company, Next World Designs. “It’s just a little office in the back,” he says, adding that his next melding of worlds will be a special Supermoto bike, no doubt bringing together asphalt and dirt in new and interesting ways.

Maybe he can call that one Free Style. We’ll keep our eyes peeled. -Jimmy Lewis