24 Hours of Grange, Take 2!

Last year, the mighty men of MO participated in the UMRA’s 24 Hour Endurance Race at beautiful Grange Motor Circuit in Apple Valley, California. Their highly modified but lightly tested Honda Grom carried them to a less-than-stellar finish but yet a satisfying sense of accomplishment.

This year’s 24-Hour race begins Saturday at noon (PST), and we’re back at it again, this time on Kymco’s brand-new K-Pipe 125. Well, in fact, only two of the boys are back, Sean and Troy, because the rest of us managed to come up with good excu…, er, had prior engagements, which made it impossible for us to participate. Good luck this year, men! We’re with you in spirit and virtually through social media on our Facebook page and wherever!

Here’s Kymco’s official press release with all the details about the K-Pipe, the riders and the race:

For Immediate Release: September 8, 2016
KYMCO Challenges the Space-Time Continuum: UMRA 24 Hour Endurance Race

Spartanburg, South Carolina: Team KYMCO USA Project K-Pipe takes on the challenge of racing in the UMRA (United Mini Racing Association) 24 Hour Endurance Race at Grange Motor Circuit, Apple Valley, California. The field of 22 mini motorcycles takes to the track and the clock this Saturday, September 10, at noon Pacific Time. Please set your watches.

Team KYMCO USA Project K-Pipe will be riding the all-new KYMCO K-Pipe 125, the latest entry into the hot market of fun, friendly motorcycles. The K-Pipe 125 features a 123.7cc four-stroke engine, producing approximately 8 horsepower and 6.3 ft. lbs. of sneaker-scuffing torque, delivered through a four-speed transmission. The K-Pipe 125 rolls on 17-inch wheels, has a front disc brake, is lightweight with only 224.4 dry lbs., is totally capable of carrying a passenger, and delivers 70 miles per gallon. Endurance-racing mileage may vary.

Time will advance only one-minute at a time for 24 hours, when the field of 22 angry machines take to the tight, 13-turn, Grange Motor Circuit. The grid of exciting motorcycles range from 50-150cc, competing for championships in five different classes, and for the glory of the Overall Win, through the heat of desert daylight and the cold of night-sky starlight.

Captain of Team KYMCO USA Project K-Pipe is accomplished road racer and Marine veteran Peter Kimmanee. Kimmanee has competed in six 24-hour, Le Mans-style start, mini motorcycle endurance road races, with teams that twice earned the Overall Win. Kimmanee said, “My hope to use this event to introduce to racing kids from 12-17-years old. The K-Pipe 125 is a small machine with conventional handling, due to its 17-inch wheels.” Other team riders are: Sean Alexander, Lance Hashida, Saul Martinez, Bill Oney, John Ryti, Troy Siahaan, and Carlos Verdenelli.

Team KYMCO USA Project K-Pipe will be competing in the Formula 5 class, but running a purely stock engine. The only mods to the electric- and kick-start K-Pipe 125 are: Cogent Dynamics rear shock, Viets Performance built brake line, Bridgestone GP 125 slicks provided by Temecula Motorcycle Service, SBS brake pads, ProTaper handlebars, WPS handguards, DID chain, main jet, pilot jet, 39-tooth rear sprocket, and removal of the rear fender, passenger grab rails and turn signals that, with the custom built muffler, result in a weight savings of 22 lbs.. The K-Pipe 125 has a Two-Year Factory Warranty, and customizing accessories will be available this fall.

Please follow the live racing action through updates on Instagram: @kymco_usa.