ASK THE MXPERTS: (08/12/09)

   To explain MX3 we need to back up a few years. At one time in the GPs, just as in America, there were 125, 250 and 500 Championships. With the advent of the modern four-stroke (and their displacement advantage), the FIM reconfigured their classes. The 125 class (although still open to 125 two-strokes) became the 250 four-stroke class (MX2). The 250 class (although still open to 250cc two-strokes) became the 450 four-stroke class. The 500 class was changed to the MX3 class. MX3 is open to 500cc two-strokes and 475cc to 650cc four-strokes.

   Every class has a minimum displacement for their engine;

   In the 250 (MX2) class, four-stroke displacement must be at least 175cc, but not more than 250cc.

   In the 450 (MX1) class, the minimum four-stroke displacement is 290cc, but cannot exceed 450cc.

   In the 650 class (MX3), the minimum displacement is 475cc and cannot exceed 650cc. Although there is an addition to the MX3 rules that states that “MX1 and MX2 motorcycles may also compete in the MX3 class.”

   The typical MX3 bike is a big-bore Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki or KTM (with a displacement of 480cc to 540cc). No one races an actual 650 (of which the Honda XR650 would be the only choice).

   It is no secret that MX3 is the black sheep of the World Championship series. While MX1 and MX2 are held at the same track on the same weekend, MX3 is held in completely different countries. With the GP power brokers charging exorbitant entries fees, paying no purses and, starting in 2010, limiting the starting field of an MX1 race to 30 riders?MX3 is the only place for riders who can’t afford the $20,000 MX1/MX2 entry fees to race. If you don’t have a lot of money, aren’t supported by a factory team or know someone in Italy, you are doomed to contest MX3.

   MX3 is a low-profile series held off the beaten path…and it has no true connection to its former glory as the FIM 500 World Championship.