“Maxxis Tires” – Classic Steel “Mutants of Moto” #13

After many years of playing it safe, it is once again time to delve into the dark underbelly of the interwebs to find the Michelangelos of the moto world and celebrate their unique and creative visions. This is Mutants of Moto #13

Donor Bike: 2011 Kawasaki KLX450R

The word on the street this off-season has been that the MotoConcepts team was preparing a special bike for Vince Frese’s assault on the 2025 Supercross season. On December 25^th, they unveiled the machine Tony Alessi calls the Ultimate Takeout Machine. The UTM450 is set to be deployed at the first Triple Crown event and features special bodywork designed to be undetectable to competitors and torpedo launchers intended to be deployed in the first turn of the three main events.

High-level spy craft has deduced that most of the development of the UTM450 was done under the watchful eye of Weston Peick who insisted that the bodywork be strong enough to withstand a retaliatory kick or punch in the event of a successful torpedo deployment.

Mutant Rating: Three Believe The Hypes out of five

Donor Bike #1: 2005 Suzuki RM250

Donor Bike #2 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750

Many pit Pundits claim that Suzuki’s innovative days are in the past, but one look at this RM-Z750 specially prepped for Ken Roczen to race at the return of Red Bull Straight Rhythm next fall should dispel any of those concerns. The lack of a kickstarter may disappoint a few of “Kickstart” Kenny’s rabid fans, but the absurd rooster tails its 127 horsepower four-cylinder provides should appease their desire for action.

Mutant Rating: Four Kickstarters out of five

Donor Bike: 1990 Kawasaki KX250

In my opinion, the 1990 Kawasaki KX250 is one of the best-looking bikes that Kawasaki has ever put on the track. The trick perimeter frame, spacy bodywork, and tasteful graphics came together to deliver a real gem of a machine. While the looks of the stock KX were near perfection to many, its appearance was clearly not good enough for the tough streets of downtown Baltimore where the Wheelie Boys rule supreme. Here, a paint can and a load of splatter proves one’s true street cred. The Pro Pilot suspension also goes a long way when pulling those wheelies in front of Camden Yards.

Mutant Rating: Two pairs of Scott Rosa goggles out of five

Donor Bike #1: 1985 KTM125MX

Donor Bike #2: 2000 Maico 500

The world of mutant study is an incredibly varied discipline with specimens that range from mild cosmetic cock ups to outright Frankenstein monsters. Here, we have an example that certainly falls into the latter category. This mad scientist seems to have had a 700cc Zabel-modified Maico side-hack motor lying around and thought it would look great in his cousin Ludwig’s ratted-out KTM 125 from the mid-1980s. With a power-to-weight ratio of a Saturn V rocket, I’m sure the ride would be thrilling.

The meager half-gallon fuel capacity was clearly a nod toward safety with that big 700 single sucking that down in one massive gulp before the Franken-katoom could reach escape velocity. The 1991 mint green seat cover is also a nice touch that really updates the looks of this classic 1980s design.