Hirata's bike was outfitted with works Kayaba forks.
The seat cover on Hirata's bike was not nearly as aggressive as Narita's, and it featured small traction pads towards the rear. Dare we say it? It looked similar to the cover that comes stock on the KTM 450SX-F Factory Edition machine.
Hirata's race bike also used an aftermarket exhaust, manufactured by Mugen. Though it's been years since we've seen motocross products from the legendary powerhouse, we're told that Mugen has recommitted itself to MX.
When Akira Narita raced as a privateer with support from Yamaha, he created N.R.T.: Narita Race Team. Though he has signed on with the factory Honda team for 2012 and beyond, he has kept N.R.T. alive and sponsors two IA2 riders (250 pro), two IB2 riders (250 intermediate), and one Ladies class rider. "I want to help bring some new riders up in the sport," said Narita. "But it is expensive!" Contrary to what one would assume, the team does not receive support from Honda, and it is privately funded by the champ.
Did we mention that Narita is a seven-time champ? Fox Racing made him this cool butt patch to remind everyone who the goat of Japanese MX is...
The Kyushu track is the least favorite of all the riders on the MFJ circuit. Prep at this weekend's event was marginal at best, and the dusty conditions were terrible. In fact, the IA1 riders banded together on Saturday and refused to run a qualifying race due to the lack of water. Hirata and mechanic, "Sushi" watch the early morning IB2 practice session.
Though Narita had some fun for our cameras during Saturday's practice session, it was all business when the gate dropped on Sunday and he raced off with to convincing moto wins, giving the exciting new works bike a win in its competition debut.
Hirata, meanwhile, went 4-4 for fourth.
TAGS: 2013 bikes, japan nationals, japanese motocross, spy photos
