Shorttrack racing: The Framers and DTX

If you go to the annual Silkolene Shorttrack UK Christmas Cracker meeting at Scunthorpe speedway on Saturday, December 27, not only will you see
BSB stars Steve Plater, Guy Martin and Karl Harris racing against the top men of speedway, grasstrack and shorttrack, you’ll also see a wide range of bikes.

Apart from the obvious singles and twins, there’s also the massive difference between the bikes with specially-built dirttrack frames (framers) and the converted motocrossers (DTX – dirttrack motocrossers).

The framers are smaller than the ‘crossers and have frames fabricated using lightweight tubing since they are specially built for racing on flat oval dirt tracks and don’t have to withstand the shock of huge jumps like a motocross frame does.

Here’s a look at two glaringly different Suzukis.
 
Framer:
C&J Suzuki RMZ450
Engine: Stock motocross
Frame: C&J flattrack
Wheelbase: 53”
Forks: Yamaha R6 in adjustable yokes
Shock: Penske
Tyres: 19” dirttrack front and rear
Brakes: No front brakes (except for TT)

DTX:
Suzuki RMZ450
Engine: Stock motocross
Frame: Stock motocross
Wheelbase: 57”
Forks: Yamaha R6 in stock yokes
Shock: Stock but lowered rear end
Tyres: 19” dirttrack front and rear
Brakes: No front brakes (except for TT)