I know that this thread is an older one, but I'd like to add that I use Dean's Powerbowl and his Flex-Jet Remote Fuel Screw, and can confidently say that it addressed and remedied a number of common problems inherent in the FCR design. Dean has proven to be completely accessible, totally knowledgeable and more than willing to assist with any questions I've ever had pertaining not only to his products, but to the operation of the system as a whole. Unlike some products which claim great improvements and deliver nothing but a lightening of one's wallet, The R&D products work, they are extremely well made and do exactly what they promise.

Some have commented that the Zip Ty modification is all they need and that's just fine, but if they are so completely satisfied with the basic Zip Ty mod, why can't they see that the ULTIMATE Zip Ty Mod INCLUDES the POWERBOWL? Evidently, Zip Ty Understands the value of the product too.

In the MX world there are hundreds of scammers and junk purveyors just waiting to take your money. Then there are those companies and individuals who have developed a "better mousetrap" and offer it to the public. Separating the two can be difficult sometimes, but the R&D Products deliver what they claim. I won't run a bike without them. Just for our bona fides, We took the 2007 East Coast AMA//Toyota Trucks 125C East Arenacross Championship, The New Jersey State Championship (2007 125C) and the 2007 Raceway Park Track Championship (125C), so I would say that we have a little "Cred" in the performance department. I don't sell Dean's Product but I DO Endorse them wholeheartedly. I'm willing to speak to anyone who has a question about any of Dean's stuff from the perspective of a user rather than an employee or sales rep. Email me and I'll get back to you. (jim AT hre.com)

Here is what my thoughts are about R&D, I posted this some time earlier this year. Our current race R&D Dominator RM65's have 24 motos on them without anything except air filters, oil changes, and fuel.

"I have the distinct pleasure of owning four of R&D RM65's with full Dominator packages.

Two of the bikes were purchased used from a well known AMA Amatuer National Champion. The other two (new) were built after the outstanding results we had from the used R&D bikes.

My boy's have the ability to ride an unlimited amount from Spring until Fall. I will tell you that these bikes make power from the bottom to top. They never stop pulling ! The R&D bikes have been 100% reliable with zero issues. Service the air filter and change the gearbox oil and GO ! The ignition allows selection of maps to suit rider preference/track conditions and really makes these bikes respond.

Additionally, the suspension link and pull rods that Dean has developed give this bike unmatched stability and control versus the lack of travel/kicking/swaping the stock setup exhibits. We have used his conventional fork set up mods with superior results and just recently changed to Dean's new cartridge setup becuase we know his products work.Just to set the record straight. My boy's are not sponsored by R&D. They have raced stock RM 65's with stock suspension, stock RM 65's with suspension work by another popular company with popular products. Do you know what they say ? "Dad, I don't want to ride any other bike than the R&D bike".

Pretty wise I'd say for eight year olds.

I'll leave with this: My boy's will be racing 85's as well this year. Guess who will be receiving a carton with suspension and motors next week?

Check out the R&D web site and give Dean a call. You will be glad you did.

R&D Racing has been a mainstay hop-shop on the West Coast for three decades. The family run business (dad Rudy and sons Rudy and Dean) were once the power behind the factory Suzuki minicycle team and sponsored some of the fastest mini riders in the nation. More recently they have branched out with a handful of proven four stroke innovations like their adjustable leak jet and Power Bowl float bowl. We recently caught up with Dean when he was dropping off some parts at the well lit, plushly carpeted palatial MXA offices.

MXA: How did the company get started?
Dean: R&D was on it way the first time my dad looked into the window of his local motorcycle shop. A love affair was started while walking past Louie Thomas' Modern Cycle and that same passion was also in his two sons. Dad was injured while riding his Yamaha AT1 in the desert and during his recuperation, he was doing repair work at home, he decided to stay home and turn his home work shop in to a machine shop, and the rest is history. 

MXA: Most famous riders who have ridden for R&D?
Dean: The list of riders over the years includes, Brian Myerscough, Rick Johnson, Scott Burnworth, George Holland, Ronnie Lechien, Ricky Hemme, Bruce Bunch, Larry Brooks, Shaun Kalos, Damon Huffman, Buddy Antunez, Jimmy Gaddis, Justin Buckelew, Mike Alessi and Eli Tomac. 

MXA: Contrast the most important 2 stroke mod vs. 4 stroke mod that a up & coming racer MUST have to be competitive?
Dean: The four stoke motor is a simple design. The factories have actually made it a user friendly design, you just can't be afraid to tackle the challenge. There are a few more areas to keep an eye on however, it is a little more time consuming, but if you take your time it can be a lot of fun! 

MXA: What's the most simple rule to best understand and live with a four stroke motor?
Dean: My initial thought was to tackle the nagging bog problem, so common to the four stroke machines. I witnessed that the factory bikes performed well, but those improvements were not being put into production, and they weren't talking. The R&D Power Bowl was the result of the endeavor, and I would have to say, it is the best product that I have developed to date.
MXA: How would you compare the mini bike world in the Larry Brooks day versus now?
Dean: The mini bike world is much different today, we had a very concentrated and focused effort. Comparatively speaking, the factories take more of a shotgun approach today. They have larger budgets now, but tend to spread it around more than years ago. I am not sure which approach is better, but I enjoyed the elite feel of the old way. It gave the masses something to aspire to.

MXA: What was the best mini-bike ever made?
Dean: The biggest improvement in the mini bike arena was the introduction of the 1983 KX80. It was leaps and bounds ahead of the competition, Obviously, it would not compare with today’s standards, but, at that time, it made huge strides in engine performance as well as suspension. Needless to say, they kicked our butt. It took some time to overcome the technical advantages that they had achieved.