What made you chose your model over other models in the line up for NETRA hare scramble racing?
I ride the 250 2 stroke because I feel that for gnarly New England tracks it's the most agile and aggressive bike. I chose the XC over the XC-W because I feel it allows me to charge into different obstacles harder and the bike has a more planted feel.
What mods and aftermarket parts do you have on your bike?
IMS Oversize fuel tank
Pro Taper EVO bars
Enduro Engineering bar mounts
Enduro Engineering bark Busters
Factory Connection Suspension
FMF Factory Fatty
P3 Skid Plate
Pro Pegs
KTM Power-parts swing arm guard
TMD chain guide
KTM Power-parts rear disc guard
Solid rear rotor
Pro Circuit R304 Silencer
Seat Concepts seat
KTM Power-parts throttle assembly
Who do you use for suspension and what are you looking for in terms of “feel” ?
Factory Connection has been helping me out for years. I run my settings plush with a planted feel to it.
What’s the first thing you change when you bring home a new bike?
Stock tires and tubes don't work well for me in New England, so tires and Bib Mousse inserts.
What's your “go to” tire combo for NETRA off-road racing?
MT16 rear and M59 front for sure!
You can only bring 5 things to the pits with you on race day, what are they?
Fuel, goggles, Hammer Nutrition drink bottle, pit board, and of course zip ties.
If you could give one piece of setup or technique advice to our young NETRA racers what would that be?
Don't be afraid to try out different set ups. Everyone has a different riding style. Find what works for you.
What has been your favorite bike you’ve owned as a racer?
My 2016 KTM 250 XC. I raced it in the Enduro series up until the end of last year. The bike was just super comfortable to ride and when the tracks got fast and rough it handled flawlessly at high speeds.
It's Saturday, hare scramble tomorrow, what are you doing to prep your race bike?
Normally by Saturday I like to have most everything ready to go, tires, brakes, oil, filter etc is normally done by Friday. Saturday is one final bolt check and load up.
This is your first year racing AA. What’s the biggest difference you’ve noticed in terms of bike maintenance and prep?
Maintenance and prep have been somewhat similar. it's just learning small details of what I can do to the bike to make less stress on Sunday.
Justin Farwell
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