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ENOUGH WITH THE “NOT ENOUGH FACTORY RIDES” IN 2017 NONSENSE

When the gate drops for the 450 main at A1 the gate will be full. The question isn’t if there are enough factory riders, it’s whether any 450 privateers can make the main.

Who comes up with the clap-trap that good riders are being left out in the cold because there aren’t enough good rides to go around. The proven riders who did not get picked up for a 450 Supercross ride in 2017 are the Stewart brothers and Dean Wilson. These riders were not selected because of team manager doubts about their health, motivation, entourage, existing sponsors or cost. Every other potential contender is on a factory or factory-backed team. Here is a list of 21 AMA 450 Supercross riders who are collecting pay checks. The 21 paid riders include:
1. Ryan Dungy (KTM)
2. Trey Canard (KTM)
3. Marvin Musquin (KTM)
4. Blake Baggett (KTM)
5. Davi Millsaps (KTM)
6. Benny Bloss (KTM)
7. Cooper Webb (Yam)
8. Chad Reed (Yam)
9. Eli Tomac (Kaw)
10. Josh Grant (Kaw)
11. Cole Seely (Hon)
12. Ken Roczen (Hon)
13. Justin Brayton (Hon)
14. Vince Friese (Hon)
15. Mike Alessi (Hon)
16. Jason Anderson (Hus)
17. Christophe Pourcel (Hus)
18. Weston Peick (Suz)
19. Justin Barcia (Suz)
20. Broc Tickle (Suz)
21. Justin Bogle (Suz)

“THE DAY AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE” RACE ON SUNDAY, JAN. 8, 2017

REM will be hosting a sepcail race the morning after the Anaheim 1 Supercross. It will be held on Glen Helen’s USGP track and will be a perfect opportunity for you to practice all you learned while watching Anaheim 1 on TV. For more info go to www.remsatmx.com

CLUBMX TO HOLD NEW YEAR’S DAY PRACTICE ON JAN. 1, 2017

ClubMX will completely redesign their front track to host a special New Year’s Day open ride day. Usually only open to the public once a year, the front track is normally reserved for the Training Facility riders, but on this day its open to whoever wants to try it out. The gate fee will be $30.  For more info go to ClubMX Training Facility

LOOKING FOR THE MOST EXOTIC MOTOCROSS BIKE IS THE USA? TM IS IT

   MXA has been spinning laps and making adjustments to our 2017 TM 300MX-FI for the past month. TM also makes a 300cc two-stroke, but the decision to make a 300 four-stroke is a very unique decision. Word is that they built a 350 prototype, but elected to go with 300 to maximize the performance as a mid-size machine instead of mini-450.

There is little doubt that TM Motorcycles are the rarest of all breeds on the American motocross scene. Built in a small factory in Pesaro, Italy, TM produces around1200 machines year. When you consider that those bikes represent world-wide production and are sub-divided in 85, 125, 144, 250 and 300cc two-strokes, plus 250, 300 and 450 four-strokes. Add in the factor that TM production is also separated into motocross and enduro models, you can see that owning a TM makes you apart of a very exclusive club.

MXA’s 2017 TM 300MX-FI. It comes with Kayaba SSS forks, air filter in the gas tank, fuel tank under the seat, billet wheels, blue Excel rims, electric start, two map settings, six-speed transmission and hydraulic clutch.

MXA has already tested the 2017 250MX-FI four-stroke and are in the process of putting the 2017 TM 300MX-FI (FI for Fuel Injection) through its paces, we thought we’d help you find the closest TM dealer near you.

For more info on the TM dealer near you, go to www.tmracing-usa.com

HAVE YOU SEEN MXA’S 2017 450 SHOOTOUT VIDEO: THE FULL TEST IS ON THE NEWSSTANDS NOW

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST ASSOCIATION OBJECTS TO SCOPE OF TWO NEW NATIONAL MONUMENTS

The designation of two new national monuments by President Barack Obama this week could jeopardize access for responsible motorized recreation on more than 1.6 million acres of public land in Utah and Nevada. Using the Antiquities Act of 1906, the president designated 1.35 million acres in southeast Utah as the Bears Ears National Monument and nearly 300,000 acres in Clark County, Nev., just northeast of Las Vegas, as the Gold Butte National Monument. The Antiquities Act authorizes the president to issue proclamations to protect “historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest,” while limiting those designations to “the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected.”

The AMA is “concerned about continued access to these public lands for responsible motorized recreation. With the national monument designation comes a review of management plans that could curtail or eliminate some off-road riding areas. These new designations cover far larger areas than needed to ensure that historic landmarks are preserved. None of the Utah congressional delegation wanted this, and many Nevadans were opposed to it, too.” Utah’s attorney general has threatened a lawsuit to reverse the Bears Ears designation, and the Utah congressional delegation vowed to pursue legislation to undo it. A study by UtahPolicy cited by U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) found that 60 percent of Utah residents opposed designating the Bears Ears area as a national monument, while 33 percent supported the proposal.

REKLUSE NETS 59 CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2016

TIm Gajser — 450 World Champion uses Rekluse.

Rekluse racers won 59 national and international championships in 2016. With victories spanning 12 different riding disciplines, the 2016 champions are as diverse as they are talented, and Rekluse is proud to have contributed to their success. Two AMA championships with Star Racing Yamaha’s Cooper Webb, combined with Team USA’s ISDE win caps a stellar race season. Joining these programs atop the leaderboard was Arenacorss Champion Gavin Faith, MXGP World Champion Tim Gajser, Canadian National Champion Davi Millsaps, Dutch and Italian National Champion Evgeny Bobryshev, AMA Endurocross and World Super Enduro champion Colton Haaker, German ADAC Champion Dennis Ulrich, British National Champion  Tommy Searle and AMA Flat Track  Champion Bryan Smith. Rekluse supported champions ran Core Manual TorqDrive, Core Manual and Core EXP 3.0 products during the 2016 season.

WHAT THE 2017 MOTOCROSS BIKES ACTUALLY WEIGH

 The lightest 450cc motocross bike is the 2017 KTM 450SXF. It weighs 22s pounds. That is 2 pounds less than the Husqvarna, 9 pounds less than the Kawasaki, 11 pounds less than the Honda, 16 pounds less than the Yamaha and 18 pounds less than the Suzuki.

These are the actual weights of the currrent crop of 2017 motocross bikes. They are weighed with the official AMA and FIM system of empty gas tanks, but all other fluids.

2017 HONDA
Honda CRF250…224
Honda CRF450…233

2017 HUSQVARNA
Husqvarna TC125..195
Husqvarna TC250..212
Husqvarna FC250…220
Husqvarna FC350…223
Husqvarna TX300…224
Husqvarna FC450…224

2017 KAWASAKI
Kawasaki KX250…221
Kawasaki KX450…231

2017 KTM
KTM 125 SX…194
KTM 150SX…194.5
KTM 250SX…211
KTM 250SXF…218
KTM 350SXF…221
KTM 450SXF…222

2017 SUZUKI
Suzuki RM-Z250…226
Suzuki RM-Z450…240

2017 YAMAHA
Yamaha YZ250F…222
Yamaha YZ450F…238

FMF ANNOUNCES 2017 SUPERCROSS SUPPORT SCHEDULE

Coming off the 2016 250SX West Region Championship FMF is excited for the start off the 2017 Monster Energy Supercross season. The FMF Rider Support Crew will be on board to help out with any rider support needs. Keep an eye out for our FMF Event Support Sprinter van at the following races:
Jan. 7…Angel Stadium…Anaheim, CA
Jan. 14…Petco Park…San Diego, CA
Jan. 21…Angel Stadium… Anaheim, CA
Jan. 28…University of Phoenix…    Glendale, AZ
Feb. 4…Oakland Coliseum….Oakland, CA
You can subscribe to MXA three different ways — Here are your choices

RIDERS WHO EARNED ENOUGH 2016 RICKY CARMICHAEL”ROAD TO SUPERCROSS” POINTS TO QUALIFY FOR THE 250 EAST/WEST

Gavin Faith (left) celebrates his 2016 AMA Arenacross Championship with Ricky Carmichael (right) of “Road to Supercross” fame. Photo: Kyoshi Becker

To Qualify through the “Road to Supercross” program a rider must earn 3 points in a minimum of 2 cities (1 point for making a main event and 1 point for finishing in the top ten). It should be noted that some of the listed riders already have their AMA Supercross licenses. Look for the following riders when the AMA Supercross series comes to your town.
Austin Forkner
Gavin Faith
Chris Blose
Benny Bloss
Ben Lamay
Austin Politelli
Kyle Regal
Steve Roman
Jon Ames
Ryan Breece
Chris Canning
Sean Cantrell
Joey Crown
Carlen Gardner
Cory Green
Jacob Hayes
Chris Howell
Jared Lesher
D.J. Macfarlane
Steve Mages
Marcus Nilsen
Jace Owen
Connor Pearson
Dylan Rouse
Travis Sewell
Chase Sexton
Gared Steinke
Keith Tucker
Scott Zont

2015 THROUGH 2016 DUCATI SCRAMBLERS RECALLED

Ducati Scrambler.

Ducati is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 Scrambler models because of a problem with their side stand position sensors. The recall affects 5502 units in the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the side stand pivot bolt may not be of sufficient length. As a result, the nut may detach and the bolt loosen, consequently preventing the sensor switch from properly detecting the position of the stand. When an affected Scrambler is parked, this may prevent the engine from starting. When riding, the sensor switch pin may become disengaged, causing the engine to stall. It may also be possible to start the engine and begin riding with the side stand deployed.

Ducati first received warranty claims related to this problem in June 2016. Ducati then began a global analysis of the problem and found a total of 34 related cases. On Dec. 5, 2016, Ducati initiated recall proceedings. No related crashes or injuries had been reported. Dealers will install revised side stand pivot bolts. The new bolts have 17mm of thread compared to 15mm of thread found on the original bolts and have a black surface treatment (the original bolts were gray). Dealers will apply 35 Nm of torque (compared to the 24 Nm previously specified) and apply threadlock.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE & GET MXA FOR FREE: WE ACTUALLY PAY YOU

Interested in getting a new bike this year? The February 2017 issue of MXA is on the news stands now and includes the long-awaited 2017 MXA 450 Shootout. You should be reading MXA, and if you subscribe now you get a $25 gift certificate from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC which more than pays for your subscription.

Do you subscribe to MXA? You should. We know that you think that print magazines are dead and that the internet will fill the void, but most of the stuff in the current issue of MXA won’t appear on the web for several months, if at all. Luckily, you can get all of MXA on your iPhone, iPad, Kindle or Android by going to the Apple Store, Amazon or Google Play. Better yet get the Digital desktop version at https://hi-torque.com/product/motocross-action-digital-edition/ for $9.99 a year.

The MXA test riders prefer the print version and not just because it is delivered by a uniformed employee of the U.S. Government, but because right now you can get 12 issues for under $20 and get a free $25 Gift Card from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC. That means that there is a profit to be made in this deal for you. For the Print magazine go to: https://hi-torque.com/product/motocross-action/

THE DUTCH DENTIST’S USGP BIKE AT MECUM LAS VEGAS MOTORCYCLE AUCTION ON JAN.25-28

At the South Point Hotel on January 25-28, Mecum Auction House will be selling Gerrit Wolsink’s 1977 United States 500cc Motocross Grand Prix winning Suzuki RM370.

Wolsink’s Carlsbad USGP  is unrestored—the only way that classic race bikes should ever be sold.

For more info on all of the motorcycles in the auction click here.

HOW IS YOUR TWITTER GAME GOING? UP IT BY FOLLOWING MXA

Follow us to see fresh content every day at www.twitter.com/MXAction or on twitter at “MXAction”

MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: PRO CIRCUIT 2017 CRF450 HOSE KIT

Premiumgrade silicone materials are what make the new Pro Circuit High-Performance Radiator Hose Kit for the 2017 Honda CRF450R able to withstand higher temperatures and pressures than the OEM hoses. The Pro Circuit High-Performance Radiator Hose Kit comes in a non-fading bright blue color that adds a trick factory look to your new CRF450R. The Pro Circuit High-Performance Radiator Hose Kit is a must-have to keep your bike running cool and performing at its best. Retail price: $94.95. Please visit www.procircuit.com for more information on this and other Pro Circuit products.

PRO TAPER INTRODUCES CUSTOMER HOTLINE & TECH SUPPORT PROGRAM

Pro Taper press release: Since 1991 when ProTaper revolutionized the moto market with the introduction of the 1-1/8” Taperwall handlebar, the brand has been focused on enhancing the riders’ experience. Coinciding with the just released 2017 digital catalog is ProTaper’s new customer service hotline and an expanded tech support program. “ProTaper prides itself on our race proven and champion-approved technological advantages on the track,” says Brand Manager Paul Perebijnos. “So it was time to up our game on the customer support side so that we can provide the best possible customer service experience.” This is not some off-shore call center, but a dedicated team of U.S.-based CSR professionals.

“We had some issues with incoming calls and emails disappearing into cyberspace in the past, however we now have a dedicated CSR team answering the phone and a tech team an e-mail away,” he adds. Call 951-736-5369 to speak to a live person during business hours or e-mail [email protected]. Further enhancing the ProTaper experience, the digital catalog can be readily browsed online or downloaded with nearly 100 pages packed with everything from grips, levers/perches, throttle tubes, foot pegs, sprockets, chains and more. “The index of product applications in the catalog enables you to dial in your bike like the pros, from Max Nagl to Colton Haaker. When it’s time to upgrade your riding experience, turn to innovations from ProTaper,” says Perebijnos. See the entire collection of ProTaper’s race-proven products in the 2017 catalog: http://online.fliphtml5.com/lxnd/gxac/#p=1

NEW TO AMERICA! TORROT KIDS ELECTRIC OFF-ROAD BIKES

2017 TEXAS WINTER SERIES AT FREESTONE, SWAN, VILLAGE CREEK & JOHNSONVILLE FARM

For more info go to www.freestonemx.com

47TH ANNUAL FLORIDA WINTER SERIES STARTS JANUARY 1

UNITED STATES MOTORCYCLE COACHING ASSOCIATION FORMED

With a Board of Directors that includes Mark Blackwell, Jeff Emig, Nathan Ramsey, Buddy Antunez, Richard Zielfelder, Tim Buche and Jon-Erik Burleson the newly formed network of certified trainers, called the United States Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA) was created to help the growth of sport motorcycling with an inaugural Coaching Summit to be held in Texas on February 9-10, 2017. “We studied other sports facing challenges similar to motorcycling that have been experiencing more growth and appear better positioned to attract new participants,” said USMCA board member Jon-Erik Burleson. “We learned that the leaders in skiing, snowboarding and cycling believed well-established coaching programs were paramount to their success.” The goal is to establish a network of skilled, certified coaches providing coaching, encouragement and support that fosters growth in the sport of motorcycling. Coaching is to be carried out by qualified individuals who work with clients to improve their skills, judgment and performance to help them achieve their full potential.”

Coaches and others interested in the summit must register at the USMCA’s website, www.usmca.org, to attend the first annual gathering at AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas, Feb. 9-10) in the lead-up to the Monster Energy AMA Supercross race. The summit is limited to the first 200 participants, but will be followed by seven regional events held in the spring to gain input from coaches for the development of the initial curriculum. The USMCA expects to certify at least 100 coaches in the first year. “Much of the inspiration for the USMCA crystallized early this year with a visit from AMA Hall of Fame Legend Torsten Hallman,” said Jon-Erik Burleson said. “Hallman helped introduce motocross to the U.S. in the 1960s and graciously shared many of the initial steps that led to the sport’s growth. We found that pioneering mindset very inspirational.” Additional information is at www.usmca.org