MXA TEAM TESTED: SKF DUAL-COMPOUND FORK SEALS

The MX43 team has been using SKF seals for a long time and we swear by them. Hands down the best fork seal you can get. A few pennies more but they last a lot longer. Five star product!

WHAT IS IT? SKF has a reputation for building the longest-lasting and best fork seals in the motocross biz, and its latest dual-compound innovation goes a long way to enhancing that reputation.

WHAT’S IT COST? $39.99 (one seal and wiper).

CONTACT? www.innteck-usa.com, (866) 252-8772 or your local dealer.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with SKF’s Dual-Compound fork seals and dust wipers. 

(1) Leakers. The MXA wrecking crew goes through fork seals at the rate of one a week. That may sound bad, but we have over 25 test bikes that we race constantly. The harsh realities of racing in gritty soil guarantee that at any given time one of our test bikes will have oil oozing towards the front brake rotor. A leaking fork seal means downtime, because modern upside-down forks require a modicum of know-how and tools to replace a fork seal. So, when someone releases a new-style fork seal, we are on it right away.

(2) Dual-Compound. A couple of months ago we started putting SKF Dual-Compound fork seals in every leaker that we had. That allowed us to build a fleet of MXA test bikes with SKF’s newest seal. The technology attracted us because the new seals promised superior sealing, better wiping of dirt, less fork stiction and longer life. SKF Dual-Compound fork-seal technology was developed to achieve superior sealing performance by molding two different compounds together in one fork seal.

The green compound rubber is used for the fork seal’s wipers. It is tough and durable. The red compound rubber is used against the fork tubes. It is softer, more flexible and has a newly designed sealing lip. The softer rubber can follow imperfections in the fork tube to maintain a good seal against leakage. Helping the dual-compound rubber is a metal insert that provides structural integrity, and the fork wiper has a self-cleaning, open-wind spring to increase the seal pressure of the wiper. 

(3) Experience. Experience has revealed to us that Kayaba seals are most likely to leak. Showa seals are second most likely, and WP seals are the least likely. Why? Because KTM’s WP forks come stock with SKF fork seals (although not Dual-Compound seals). A fork seal lives in a dirty environment where it has to endure a very long stroke at high shaft speeds with instantaneous direction changes. When you add the side loads, contamination and migration of particles to the picture, it is amazing that any seal can live up to the demands of motocross—and most don’t.

For our long-term test, we fixed every leaking OEM seal with a replacement SKF Dual-Compound fork seal. We can’t say that we never had an SKF Dual-Compound fork seal fail, but we can say that those failures came because of rock dings to the fork leg’s chrome that tore the seal’s lip. Across the board, the Dual-Compound seals offer less stiction, superior sealing and longer life.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? Price. SKF fork seals cost more than most aftermarket seals, although the price does include a new dust seal. Given the cost of replacing fork seals, the price of a seal that lasts twice as long is worth it.

Matrix Concepts Tool Box Specials

M70 - 5 DRAWER TOOL BOX

Now: $329.95

  Here is a high quality tool box to keep all your tools and have that factory look. If you stroll thru the pits at any Super Cross you will see the Matrix tool boxes everywhere. Matrix products are the chose of the Factory Teams.

• 26" 5-drawer tool chest. Great for the shop or garage. 5 drawers + storage area under the lid. 
• Powder coat paint for superior scratch and chemical resistance.
• Ball-Bearing Slide (BBS) Drawers.
• Keyed internal locking system safeguards your tools.
• Light weight, durable steel construction.
• Recessed plastic side handles on the chest help lift storage into place.
• Full-width metal hinge pin connects the lid to the chest. 
• 7 Team graphics available.
• Can be personalized with name & number FREE (optional). 
• 5,840 cubic inches of storage
• Made in the USA
• Allow 3 to 5 additional days for printing custom graphics. 

Product Specs:

• Overall dimensions are 26" W X 12" D X 18" H.
• Overall weight 37 LBS.

Visit www.Matrixproducts.com for a look at all their products.

XBrand Gox Flat Out - Product Review

Author: David Hogan

 

Xbrand is a well known Moto goggle company that has origins from the US with its owner and former factory rider Rich Taylor.

But it had disappeared from the Australian market in recent years after changing importers and seemingly no-one picking it up or at least not pushing it well within the Australian Market.

But like any great resurrection. XBrand Goggles is back in Australia. This time with a new distribution company in Rove and Saddle and with the New Lucid goggle dropping right on cue.

Perfect time to commence an #AlwaysMotoInspected series.

Inspected XBrand Gox Flat Out - Clear Lense - Stealth Grey

The XBrand Gox goggles is the stalwart of the line up for XBrand and is the subject of this Inspection.

The original GOX goggle features ultra-pliable Poly-Flex urethane frame material, now with a matte finish, multi-layer neoprene fleece lined face foam, anti-fog coated lens, high-quality woven strap, double strap buckles, silicone backed strap, the 3-layer face-foam and is lined with a moisture-wicking fleece lining to prevent dripping sweat.

From the moment you put this google on your face. It's comfortable. The flexible frame really does allow for the goggles to mould to your face. No issues with fitment into the goggle port of the helmet. I am currently running an Arai VX Pro4 and these fit in perfectly.

The double strap buckles allow for a lot of adjustment. But for myself the way they came out of the box was fine so I didn't really need the available adjustment. But for guys with bigger or smaller heads. They might find use in this feature. Not me with my large sized helmet.

When I first took off onto the track I noticed three things straight away. 1. You simply cannot beat a brand new lens for clarity. After the ride I went straight back to my regular kit and put a new lense in my regular goggles.

2. The air flow through the goggle as I picked up speed was like a well placed air conditioning vent on a hot day. They breathe very well.

3. I felt naked without a nose guard. Unfortunately the one thing I really want in a goggle. Outside of the obvious lens to protect my eyes. A nose guard is critical for me. I have a sensitive nose when it comes to roost, tree branches and anything else you can think of on a Moto track or bush loop. I also wear contacts. Nowadays with the contacts in, if anything bumps my nose my eyes water. Making the contacts and my vision go nuts. So a nose guard was definitely something I would want on the goggle if I was designing the next version.

Now Goggles get a bad rap when guys have fogging issues. I can tell you that the best way to prevent fogging is to not take your goggles on and off when you stop on your rides. I did this and had the goggles on in cooler, humid and wet conditions and had no fogging issues. The venting I mentioned earlier really helps prevent fogging. As soon as I was in 2nd gear there was no way these goggles could fog up.

If i’m honest. Keeping in mind that an honest review is the aim of my #AlwaysMotoInspected series. The goggle is underwhelming to look at in the sense of what I usually use for goggles that have outriggers and a bulker looking frame. Possibly just that the colour way was more of a subdued design and the clear lens also just made it a bit more plain jane styling (I normally have some hot pink or bright red goggles with mirrored Lenses). But they do have more vibrant colours in the range and mirrored lenses available for a little extra cash. But in the function department. It just simply, as simple as simply possible does what it's supposed to. Which in itself is fantastic!

It only costs $39.95 for the model I was using for this inspection, which is a fair chunk of change less than my usual goggles in the Scott Prospects that are $179.95 plus pending your colour and lense options etc.

So for the price that this goggle retails at. If you're not a regular racer in need of a nose guard, and a large roll off film area for improved vision. Then this would be the goggles I would get based on the current market options. I haven't used a cheaper goggle option in a number of years. Ever since I had issues with my eyes that lead to wearing contacts I've always gone with the top line option with the most visual range and roll off width to ensure I can always keep my goggles on. But it's nice to know these Gox goggles compete well above their price range.

This Inspection was a massive surprise for myself at how well something so cheap performed. Yes I did not have zip offs on this model. Which would have been just icing on the cheap well performing cake. They are available along with tear offs if you are at an Aussie track that allows them. They are also cheaper than the other goggle brands for these items. They also have available for this Gox model, mirrored lenses, replacement zip off parts and films, zip off visors (to prevent water between zip off film and goggles) and tear off ramps for your goggle strap.

Overall, outside of the nose guard not being available on this Gox Goggle. I have nothing but praise for the Gox Flat out Goggles and would recommend them to any rider in any situation.

EKS...Extreme Vision!

INTRODUCING THE 2021

LUCIDGOGGLE

Extreme Definition Optics

• Rugged DYAD frame, double-injected to our race proven POLYFLEX face-forming inner frame
• FLOAIR ventilation system with moisture channel
• 20mm thick, 3D molded, multi-stage face foam
• FORCEFIT outrigger system
• 45mm ultra-wide woven strap with silicone traction control
• XDO [Xtreme Defintion Optics]
• WAVELATCH quick-change lens locking system
• XDO injection molded lens with hard coat & anti-fog treatment
• Integrated tear-off posts
• Ultra-wide field of view accepts 45mm Zip-Off film system
• Detachable vented nose shield

The new LUCID goggle is characterized by clear perception. It is created from over 35 years of R&D, experience, passion, and evolution in the goggle business. As the world evolves, so does clear vision and the need to see in the most demanding situations. The new LUCID goggle will progress vision and goggle function to the maximum with its incredible XDO, (Xtreme Definition Optics) lens technology. The XDO lens is injection molded from the highest quality impact resistant polycarbonate material for zero visual distortion. 

A rugged DYAD rigid outer frame holds the lens in place and creates the ultimate seal for defense against flying debris and heavy roost. The outer frame is double-injected to a soft inner frame made from our exclusive POLYFLEX face-forming material. This allows the inner frame to form to varying face shapes creating the best seal and fit while eliminating virtually any pressure points. The LUCID goggle includes a detachable low-profile vented nose shield for added protection. 

The LUCID WAVELATCH is a new type of lens locking system that keeps the XDO injected lens secure and sealed tight. It allows the rider to quickly swap-out their lens to another tinted lens with just the slide of their thumb. Easy and quick! 

The LUCID 20mm thick, 3D molded, multi-stage, face foam creates an unmatched fit for nearly every face shape. The foams third-layer, along with our innovative new moisture channel that is molded into the goggle frame, keeps the sweat from dripping or splashing onto the goggle lens. The FLOAIR moisture channel allows “sweat” to run down the sides of the frame rather than into your eyes. 

The LUCID goggle offers one of the widest fields of view available in a goggle. It also allows the goggle to utilize a class-leading 45mm extra-tall roll-off system for absolute clear vision on the ugliest of days. 

A new FORCEFIT outrigger design features a larger 45mm ultra-wide woven strap with silicone traction control, that allows for proper goggle tension for a comfortable, secure fit for performance beyond compare.

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Matrix Concepts Always Innovative!

The guys at Matrix are always thinking of "cool" new products you can customize with your race number. Summer is just around the corner and this cooler would look good at any track.

MATRIX CONCEPTS NEW M200 CUSTOM COOLER

The new “Custom" M200 MATRIX CONCEPTS COOLER BY LAKA is thoughtfully designed to stay super chill while you live life to the fullest. Get the high-quality you deserve and the features you need for wherever you go. It’s the best of all worlds.

Just the right size for your everyday outings. We designed it with a unique oval shape (patent pending by Laka) that takes up minimum space but delivers maximum cooling performance. It’s your new go-to cooler. It’s super tough yet 25% lighter than comparable coolers to go where your thirst for adventure takes you. Check out all the features below - designed for fun enthusiasts like you.

Features & Benefits Included:

• Available in all team colors.
• Customize it with name & number FREE.
• Thick Wall Design – Keeps ice cool for 10 days.
• Thermal Barrier – Polyurethane foam keeps cold in.
• Strong Rubber Latches – High-Tensile strength yet easy to open & close.
• Rotomolded – Constructed for durability.
• Ergo Handles – Easier to carry.
• Molded Tie – Down Spots – Mounts to your truck bed.
• Bottle Opener – Stainless Steel durability.
• Easy Flow Drain – Leakproof & drains fast.
• Traction Lid – Stand on it. Very Stable.
• Freeze Lid Gasket – Airtight locks in chill.

Weights 

• 13.5 lbs Empty Weight
• 25 lbs Straight Ice
• 18 Cans with 2:1 Ice to Can Ratio

Dimensions: 

• Interior Depth; 13” X Width 10” X Length 13.25”
• Outer Depth; 16.5” X Top Width 17.5” Bottom 16"

Please note your "super easy to install graphic kit" comes under separate cover from our Valencia print shop for you to install. Your cooler comes direct to you from the  midwest warehouse.