MOTORCYCLE press launch trips are normally fairly fun-filled affairs, although Galfer cranked the fun-o-meter up to 10 for the launch of its G-1310 racing brake pads. They gave us the chance to go mini-bike racing in the late evening Spanish sunshine.
And it was a spanking evening to take out some bikes around the 1,450-metre outdoor circuit. And we had a bevvy of mini-bikes to choose from, with both 110cc mini supermotos and 160cc MiniGP bikes on offer. Being a complete novice on both types of machines, I opted for the slightly less powerful supermoto machine for the initial warmup session, mainly as it would let me get an idea of the track layout at a slightly slower speed.
With grooved racing tyres fitted, the little Help Racing supermoto machine felt quick in the corners but lacked a little bit of bottom-end torque and top-end power. The mid-range was the place to be, although, with only three gears required around the fairly twisty track, you had to really keep on top of your shifts. I ended the session fairly worn out, hot, sweaty, and with a huge grin plastered across my face. I might not have been the fastest out on the track – I mean, Marco Melandri was there too – although I had improved throughout the session, happy to progress up to the more powerful MiniGP bike for the big finale!
Lining up at the back of the grid alongside the other MiniGP machine, we were flagged off and I quickly made up a couple of places at the start. One of those was the other MiniGP rider, the other was Andy from Galfer distributor Performance Parts who fluffed his lines and stalled it on the line! The rest of the first lap was a bit manic, with the fast five at the front jostling for position, and the rest of us fishing for scraps. With only me running near the front on my MiniGP machine. With just a handful of laps to go, I home in on the leaders and dispatch three of them along the long back straight. From there I just have the leader to get past, although that is easier said than done. He’s riding the wheels off the Help Racing supermoto, and really my only chance is to use the extra power of the 160cc machine and out drag him along the straight. Lining up the move, I take the latest apex possible, cutting back to the apex and driving past the lead bike.
Taking Visordown’s first on-track win would have been great, although admittedly I was at some advantage over the other bikes on the track. With that in mind, I wasn’t too upset to see the race control flag the winner of the race from the leading supermoto machines, effectively giving them a lap lead over the two riders on MiniGP machines.
Visordown goes mini-bike racing with Galfer
After the race, it was big smiles all around. The adrenaline was still going hours after we stepped off the bikes, and the two hours or so that we were at the circuit were genuinely some of the most enjoyable I’ve spent on two wheels.
Whether you are into racing bikes or not, mini-bike racing has to be on your to-do list for 2022. It’s not only great fun, but it also teaches you a lot about riding bigger faster machines. From picking braking points to selecting the best line through a corner; there is so much to be learnt while riding these awesome little machines!
Thanks to: Karting Sallent, Help Racing, CMGLM Pit-Bike Rentals, and Galfer for having us along.
