"Most people think they know" - Grant Langston explains what a factory motocross bike really is...
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- čas přidán 13. 09. 2021
- The team Factory Bike is used to describe mostly production machines these days. Grant Langston however came through an era in MXGP where a factory bike was exactly that. The stories of Grant's early days at KTM are incredible.
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Grant Langston is a South African World and AMA Motocross Champion, was the voice of the AMA Outdoors, along side Jason Weigant, for almost 8 seasons and owns one of the premiere motorcycle dealerships in the United States. He also happens to be one of the most fun dudes in the industry and I am so stoked I was able to chat at length with the man we call GL!
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Thanks for letting Grant articulate and finish speaking uninterrupted.
This podcast is ageing like a fine wine.
Yes, and not a smelly cheese with it too.
This is one of your better ones mate... Grant's just explaining away uninterrupted.
Amen, Amen
I didn't know he could be quiet for that long. Even more impressive than the interview.
Yeah good job shutting your mouth. Really good job man. So proud
@@Dylans503 It's pretty bad when your fan base has to tell you to shut up and let someone finish their sentences without trying to finish their sentences for them. I'm still a fan though. Great content!
@@NeoMK lol yeah that's just kind of the nature of podcast though. Some times people don't want to just hear your conversation, they want you to be the actual host of a show.
I love when professionals elaborate on the small behind the scenes details... it gives me goosebumps hearing them recall their young days as an amateur just turning pro and grinding through it all and becoming successful
Same man. Raced on ktms on 60s back when they just released the ktm 85. Good times
Nostalgia
Damn... I don’t know if I should be happy or sad that something so insignificant gives you goosebumps.
true but when he says they blew up every 5 min jokes kind off write themselves. Looks like they are keeping up with that tradition till today.
@@joey19xx73 What happened to your career?
Best motorsports podcast around. Jase is just getting better and better at interviewing people.
Lol not really get off his nuts
Pulpmx is way better even tho Jas is pretty good
Is that Bruce Anstey? 👍🏼
He's too is learning g and doing well at it.
He has good guest & thats what makes the podcast what it is. I will add that PulpMX paved the way for guys like this & is still the pinnacle for MX podcast. 👌🏽
This is probably my favorite episode. My dad would be so proud of KTM today (my dad was Rod Bush, the HMFIC of KTM America when GL came to America.) Absolutely loved this episode.
Rad story.
Wait a minute. That's my dad too! From his 2nd family. It's good to know that at least someone got his love as he abandoned us when I came out with a tail. True story...
Legend of a man right there ama wouldn't be the same without that voice
Unfortunately thats the case though!! Hes quit commentating
😂😂 yep he’s gone. Been gone the last like three races I think
Yeah I didn't watch the other video or read the description 😕 my bad still guna miss him tho
Y’all freaking love everything about ripping on 2 wheels, you respect the evolutionary history, and you damn sure get the best from every guest. J looked like a little kid listening to a bedtime story at one point while listening to Grant describe the epitome of life as a FACTORY RIDER!
10/10 A+ 100% Holeshot and Overall Gypsy is the One
Thank you as always,
-Castor
I was buying factory team quads from suzuki back in 2005, they ran them for 2 races, then it became a practice bike for 2 more races then the rider could sell it. When I would break something on it it was almost impossible to get parts or to figure out what they did. Rules required factory frame, factory engine cases. So they milled the factory case to accept a different crank, cdi box from a bike. When the engine finally blew it had to get shipped to Yoshimura to be rebuilt. I had the first Yoshimura carbon fiber tri oval shorty exhaust. The suspension was unbelievable, I had knobs and adjustment screws that nobody else had. I hated elka suspension but that setup was ridiculous. Stock 400 engine was about 27 hp mine was closer to 60hp running 110 octane and dominated private built 450s
And each bike was setup different. The bike from Glen Helen was more my style whereas the bike built for muddy creek was more of a tt setup, shorter swingarm softer suspension
How long did they last ?
@@GeauxFastRacing the motors were actually very stout. I would get a full mx season out of them, using same bike for races and practice. What's really crazy is I bought the bikes for like 5k and it would probably cost 40k to duplicate. The frames were stock frames with some mods to suspension mounts. But they only needed to last 8 motos for the pros. I would usually start to find some cracks then after fully gusseted they were fine.
Gust and Jones beat the shit out of these quads too. They lived on the podium
@@insanetaco98 yeah Doug gust was staying at my house to train on my track during the winter. He was the one selling me the bikes. I ran his Yoshimura ltz400 at a local race and people were trying to protest it
The studio in the USA really stepped up your game jase. I know you always said you wanted the guys in the studio with you but to see you adapt with covid restrictions really made for some great guests. I love seeing the progression of the podcast dude
Thanks heaps mate. It's a challenge but doing our best to make it work. Quality is #1 priority.
@@GYPSYTALES this is how you know the quality has been top notch, the first one I saw I was like wait how did they get to Australia with the travel restrictions lol
I thought the same at first. Well actually I thought Jase came here. Either way excellent show!
@@GYPSYTALES Indeed epic! Awesome content as always.
Agree with this. You can barely tell they're not in the same studio. It must be a pain in the arse to set up but it's worth it.
He should make his own podcast. He’s got a great voice and super easy to listen to
could listen to Grant for hours - great show
Love everything thing about this podcast. Thank you for making it and putting the time in. And thanks for letting people talk.
So refreshing.
Appreciate the comment mate! Means a lot.
This is the good shit right here! Love hearing Grant going right in depth with the technical details of the bike development at KTM. Awesome content again guys.
This whole interview is up there with one of the best you’ve done Jas. Grants a G loved his old KTM stories
👍GL for not being a pushover!
My very first live mx race I watched was when Grant raced 80cc. It was his last race on the 80 if I recall correctly. Due to him being as good as he was he let everyone go at the start gate. When the gate dropped he stood there... waiting... I was like "wtf is he doing?" He waited till every other racer had shot through the first corner and were out of site. Then he shot off the line like a bat out of hell. To cut a long story short.... He won the race and almost lapped 3rd
I’ve met this dude multiple times. One of the nicest ppl that’s ever been involved with the sport.
He owns the shop near me Langstons in perris ca .
I have huge respect for Mr. Langstons decision to show those higher ups that he is not one to be pushed around! I really enjoyed his commentating. Will miss it.
Wow, seeing Grant Langston as "old" makes me feel really old. I used to go watch a friend of mine race motocross in South Africa when Grant was in a division below his (Andre Dierden was the person winning all the races in South Africa at the time after Greg Albertyn moved to America to race - I remember Andre racing against 125s on an 80cc at Pietermaritzburg, giving the field a 1 lap head start and still winning the race). Brings back memories for sure.
This was awesome. Thanks for the interview.
I've only been following MX and SX for 5 years now, so its good to finally put a face to the voice.
Its really cool hearing these stories. Thanks for this Jase. You are the best at bringing this to the public. 🚴♂️💨
Just bought a bike from GL..enjoyed talking with him..👍..KTM
Just incredible to listen to the history of KTM.
Not that you’ll ever read this Grant, but you’re a good man and while it seems to be quite unpopular with certain folks, I commend you for standing up for what you think is right in light of the division and quite honestly, the hatred thrown around by people these days. Wish I could afford a bike-I’d make sure to buy it from you. Of course, I’ve gotten plenty of hate being a wounded vet and wanting to still ride, just because my right leg doesn’t work correctly anymore. Anyway, I think you were done dirty and I’m proud of the way you handled it.
Just finding your Podcast and loving it. Not Interrupting is like getting the Holeshot!Too many podcasters are perfecting the skill of interrupting, you my friend put them to shame..thanks for that and stellar content.
I’m not a KTM guy but this was awesome to hear the history and all the behind the scenes details!
Wow it is cool to hear stories like this. He got to experience soo much as a factory rider and to hear all of the details that we don't get to hear about is really cool. Your podcast is great and thanks for sharing with us!
Good to hear a fellow South African on the podcast. Good ol GL.
Great interview , uninterrupted, great detail !
Awesome to see Langston speaking of that time !
Wow!!!! What a great story. My 03 SX was a monster but never could get it to hold the front.
My dad had a classic car that he took to a specialty shop for service. The same shop also built race engines for cars, specializing in BMWs. The manager showed me a 3.0L V8 and told me that it would make about 750 HP. He also showed me all of the parts in the cylinder head that were prone to breaking during a race. I asked him, "How many races does this engine last?" He responded by saying, "It depends on how long the race is."
Really cool, I am imagining what it must have been like building those factory bikes on the road in the early days, it must have been a lot of work but exciting stuff! What a cool journey to be a part of... ✌️🔥🏁
a factory bike means different to different people what *Grant* described in *Europe* would be a *works* bike in the *US* while a *"Factory"* bike is a production bike with a bunch of trick parts except for a few things like the frame etc
Carrot
Well said!!! That’s the way I see the terms of each
@@kylehoward8778 私の世界はニンジンに支配されています
That was a fantastic interview and some great insight from Grant on the development of the KTM back then.
Grant has some colour back in his face… Good run through those early days in Europe on the 125… Super interesting… Sweet interview Jase 🤙🇦🇺
South African legend this lad. 🇿🇦 👏
GL always been one of my favorite riders. I remember when he dropped back down to the 250f class in 05 and killed it in the east coast sx championship
Crushing it Jace! Keep it up brother, sending love from Michigan 🤙🏻
Another GREAT interview Gypsy!!!!
Great interview! Much love!!
This is the first video I've seen. At the end. I love how you listen Jace. I am glued to every word Grant says. Not like the other show with Grant. The other show is great
He ain't lying, I remember watching the GP's early 00's and the 125 line up must've been at least 60% orange.
Even the stock 125 KTMs had the best motor, by a long way!
The only MX podcast I’m subscribed to......
It truly do be like that. Been lucky enough to see ktm guys working on new race stuff and they absolutely go balls deep on it. The whole working chain from the engineers to the riders and the mechanics. They do deserve huge respectect
This was every kids dream. Getting a factory ride. But Grant makes it better than all the dreams I ever had ! Miss all the day's at Indian Dunes Race track. Those day's are long gone .....
GL!!! Was awesome watchin a fellow SA guy kick ass in America!
Seeing Grant lose the 2001 125cc Nationals was one of the most memorable races (and seasons) I've ever watched. Ricky Carmichael had clinched the 250 class and raced a 125 that day to get the 125 overall win record. It was a battle to the end and watching Grant DNF from a flat tire in the last moto and then Mike Brown letting Ricky by so that he could get the overall while Mike could get the 'ship for Pro Circuit made for quite the day of racing. What a day. What a season.
Seeing your comment has just reminded me of a motocross magazine my Uncle Gaz (R.I.P) bought me years ago .. it had a feature on Grant and KTM along with a feature on Brown’s Pro-Circuit Kawasaki to … the bikes looked awesome and to top it off it was my 16th birthday and I’d just got my Aprilia MX50 road bike but my uncle Gaz also gifted me a pair of NoFear Kevin Windham gloves … it awesome that peoples memories can help others remember there memoriesl if that makes sense ✌🏼👌🏼💙
Good job as usual it's good to see Aussies doing well .
You the man, Grant!
Great convo. Big fan of GL the more I learn about him.
Killer segment man
Cool G had a style on the bike that was ontouchable. It was a real treat to watch him on a 125 factory bike, a true legend of motocross.
In the 70's the factory bikes became so much better than the stock bikes, that the AMA had to step in and made a rule that a rider could buy another rider's bike for I think at the time was 30 grand. Bob Hannah threatened to buy Marty Smith's factory Honda bike, so at the next race Smith showed up with a stock bike with works forks (which were estimated to cost 30 grand) and an FMF modified engine. Hannah went on to smoke him in that race on his Yamaha.
It's hilarious they got this whole video saying how much better factory bikes are, then simp for Hayden Deegan when someone tried to claim his. 😆
Awesome interview….love it
GL you are top notch, 100% class. Completely support you. F nbc sports.
Maaaaan great interview. Nice job
What an awesome segment
I used to race the REM club races at Glen Helen and remember one weekend the KTM team showed up (before the nationals opener). They were Grant, and if I recall, Kelly Smith and Pingree? I used to brag about passing GL in practice ( his chain came off lol). That first race GL won, beating Brown on the PC Kawi. GL was flying at GH that year!
Great interview…love from SA
Great topic and the Casio is on point 👌🏻 class
awesome show mate, huge fan from mexico
Thanks mate! Would love to get over there some time
I raced an off-road KTM from 2001-2009. I always struggled to understand the dynamic of the PDS shock until GL so plainly explained it. Square edges and the PDS did not go well together and now I understand why!
I think it’s just the lack of progression. In order to keep it from bottoming it needed to be stiff off the top.
My ribs , scared lung and pelvis are testimont to this
This was super interesting. Anything like this is great.
Winter sucks for a mod motor!!! That cold weather on a lean bike is just brutal!!!
Great stuff pro drifter new to riding MX. Soaking up all this great past knowledge.
Welcome to tha fold!
MX is like nothin else in the world hows it goin for ya? Drifter huh? That's some wild stuff and looks like a ton of fun. From an old racer who's too broken up to go fast I hope you love bikes as much as I do. Always wear full gear and have fun bro!
Well done for not interrupting take not chasin the racin
Born in 96, was into dirt bikes at a young age..this is awesome tbh.
GL ..... total legend!!!
Langston was awesome back in his day
Of to Spotify to list to the hole podcast 👌
Cool interview 👌🏻😎
I have one of Troy Adams Suzukis from 2007 It’s a outdoor and indoor bike everything on the bike has been touched but I definitely had a lucky find when I traded a more stock Honda 450 while it was for one of Troy Adams 250 it’s a win in my eyes.
Awesome interview
Got my racing number 111 from him 🤘 loved watching grant race back in the day
GL is top notch. Class act!
Just got a new sub. Great interview man
My buddy bought a brand new 2002 KTM 125 sx . What I remember was how fast that motor was compared to my 2001 yz 125 . And how light the rear end was with no linkage the KTM felt real light me and fast. I loved it . My yz was great but I'm the kind of rider who rear break slided corners and that KTM was great for that.
Love You GYPSY CREW!!! #LETSDOAPODCAST
Grant is a legend! Miss watchin him race a kid!
Rsa👊
I used to work for White Bros from 1998-2001 and our suspension dept specialized in WP suspension mods and service. I never heard anything good about KTM’s PDS set ups.
it’s crazy how much the interviewer is shaking his head 😂😂😂😂
awesome video bravo
Thanks great insight to what the rest of us just dream of, or in my case dreamt of.
Grant is my all time favorite rider.
Freaking love this vlog site.
Factory to me always meant the latest tech theyre allowed to run, $50,000 in billet parts and exotic hardware, 50 versions of every part adjusted to be perfect, incredibly well setup suspensions, swiss cheese-ing parts, hand built and toleranced motors that are as high strung level of tight as they can be, and more. Glad he cleared it up more for others
Exotic alloys.
Nice retro watch, dude! 👍
Who woulda thought an Aussie would give such a good interview
Bring back Grant for the outdoors
Wow, that was actually a pretty great story. Sure fills in some KTM "history gaps" for me 😉
We bought a ex Primal Impulse Suzuki RM125 race bike in the very early 00s I believe it was, could of been late 90s. Compared to anything we had ever ridden it was simply amazing. I remember knowing I was going to come up short on a jump at Amago and thinking well this is how my life is going to end and that bike soaked it up like it was nothing. Also the motor mounts were all shimmed with super thin washers, something I do now on our bikes.
Really cool listen
I know it’s completely different but, Ktm warranteed a fuel injector wiring harness on a Ktm 990 Adventure that the dealership had for months. On a bike I bought used, with 60,000 miles. I had zero warranty and no expectation of one. $3500 in parts and labor. I didn’t even buy the bike from a dealership. They covered it all. I didn’t even ask. When I finally talked to a rep he said and I quote “ it’s your first KTM, we want your next one to be a KTM too”.
Outstanding. Non stop tech love it
I was racing at Desertmartin, cookstown, Northern Ireland at the Andrew chamber’s memorial and British championship. I remember grant came to race there, he was on either an 80 or 100 Kawasaki. He absolutely blew everyone away😂 I’m sure he was lapping 4 seconds a lap quicker than the 125cc riders. You could see he was gonna be a world champion then. Absolutely blitzed everyone
Another very personable legit podcast grant is impressive and a patriot not all the same shit love it keep it up Gypsy
End of 2000 I was racing 80s at perris Raceway Grant was racing Travis Preston on a Husky at a local A class race. I remember being in awe of how fast GL was. Thought his Zebra helmet was pretty sick too haha
Man... if there was a camera there to get all of that trial and error and parts iterations... that would have been an awesome show.