Additional information
by Jim Gianatsis (Author)
Preparing the Honda CR and XR for Competition includes Training Tips from Marty Smith, and and a detailed look at the CR and RC Honda Factory Race Bikes First published in 1979 as the "Moto-X Fox Guide to Preparing the Honda CR and XR for Competition", this expanded 84-page book was written and photographed by famed 1970's Cycle News editor, racer and motocross journalist Jim "Jimmy the Greek" Gianatsis. Included is a later published 16-page Supplement featuring the 1980 season water-cooled RC Pro-Link monoshock works bikes, and a look at the rare RC125-80 twin cylinder motocross bike. Covered is the development and racing history of the Honda 2-stroke CR production and RC works bikes raced by the Don Jones family with Gary and DeWayne in 1973, through to to the exotic RC works machines raced by Marty Smith, Marty Tripes, Pierre Karsmakers, Jimmy Ellis, Graham Noyce and Brad Lackey up through 1980 with the water-cooled Pro-Link bikes. Included is race bike preparation from American Honda factory mechanics Cliff White and Bill Buchka. Honda CR production bike race preparation and tuning is provided by the Moto-X Fox Racing Team, the top privateer team in motocross with tuners Keith Bontranger and Paul Turner for riders Steve Wise, Jim Turner, Larry Wosick and the Honda factory team. There is also a special chapter covering the Honda XR 4-stroke trail bikes and how to prepare them for motocross. Included is "Training Tips from Marty Smith" of Team Honda and 500cc National Motocross Champion. "Preparing the Honda CR and XR for Competition" serves as very interesting reading and a great historical reference guide for dirt bike fans both young and old. Many of the bike preparation and riding tips are still relevant today. A must have for any dirt bike enthusiast or collector.
Author Biography
Jim "The Greek" Gianatsis served as an editor and contributor to Cycle News and many motorcycle magazines throughout the 1970's covering all the major AMA Outdoor National Motocross, Supercross and Trans-AM races. Jim was a professional motocross racer himself holding the AMA #100 plate which was later passed on to his good friend, legendary motocrosser Bob Hannah. Because of his riding and evaluation skills, Jim was the only motojournalist allowed to test and evaluate the exotic factory prototype motocross bikes of the '70s era. Jim also worked at Husqvarna motorcycles and Moto-X Fox where he handled marketing, product design and development. Jim worked closely and was good friends with all the top National and International factory riders of the time. Today his motorsports marketing agency Gianatsis Design Associates also produces the popular FastDates.com Motorcycle Calendars and Website.
