GLEN HELEN CHARITY AUCTION ON NOW!

This Glen Helen Raceway “Feel the Speed” NEON sign is a must have for any off-road enthusiast. The sign is one of only two ever made. It is 4 feet wide by 20 inches high. To see all of the auction items and the current bids Click Here.

Glen Helen’s 128CM Memorial Foundation was created in honor of those lives that were tragically cut short on March 22nd, 2009 in a plane accident in Butte, Montana. The purpose of the foundation is to raise scholarship monies for schools to be awarded to those individuals who display outstanding characteristics and dedication similar to those of the Ching, Jacobson and Pullen families who were on board. Over the last eight years, $407,000 has been donated to schools in honor of those lives that were lost.

Other auction items include: 4 VIP tickets to the 2018 Glen Helen National and track owner Bud Feldkamp’s personal RV parking spot. A cruise of the Newport Harbor Parade of Lights aboard a private yacht (with 25 of your closest friends). Your own personal billboard on the I-10 Freeway for 437,000 people to see. A weekend on the Balboa Peninsula at your own private house (only 57 steps away from the beach). This house features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a rooftop deck with private BBQ, ocean views and a sauna. A three-night golf getaway in Palm Desert with accommodations in a private residence at the exclusive Bighorn Country Club and one round of golf for 4 adults.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS YOU SHOULD GIVE YOURSELF

WORKS CONNECTION NO LOSS AIR FORK ADAPTOR: The Works Connection No Air Loss adaptor ensures that the air pressure you set in your air forks is the air pressure you get. By using a series of carefully placed seals, the No Loss adaptor seals itself to prevent air pressure leaking into the pump barrel. Clean and simple. www.worksconnection.com or (800) 349-1475.

DECAL WORKS GRAPHICS KITS: DeCal Works has totally reinvented the number and graphics business over the last two decades. They took the sport out of the stick-on number era into fully customized number plate and bikes graphics. They offer Ready Made graphics kits, Semi Custom kits or full-blown Custom designs, like the MXA one above. The limit is your imagination. www.decalmx.com or (815) 784-4000.

MOTOOL SLACKER DIGITAL SAG SCALE: No more fooling around with tape measures and the questionable math skills of you friends. The Slacker Digital Sag Scale takes the guesswork out of checking and setting sag. The MXA wrecking crew uses it on every one of our multitude of test bikes. In fact, we drill a small pilot hole in the left side of every rear fender so we can hook the retractable cable up in seconds without having to use the clamp. www.motool.co or (800) 741-7702.

SKF FORK SEALS AND DUST WIPERS: When you blow the forks seals on your trusty, but rusty, steed, you could replace them with the OEM seals that they came stock with—but aren’t those the seals that just hit a gusher. The MXA wrecking crew always uses SKF seals in our test bikes.  Yes, they are more expensive than the stockers, but a Mercedes costs more than a Kia. We trust SKF. www.innteck-USA.com or (866) 252-8772.

STI HEAVY-DUTY TUBES: Heavy-duty tubes are a rare commodity in racing circles, but STI has opened up the pipeline with three all-new heavy-duty tubes. They make a 2mm thick Heavy Duty tube (which is what the MXA wrecking crew uses in our test bikes), a 3mm thick Extreme Duty tube that is best suited to offroad bikes and adventure bikes and finally they make a 4mm thick Ultra-Heavy Duty tube for Rally bikes and big four-stroke adventure bikes. Best of all, the STI Heavy Duty tube is cheaper than most regular tubes. www.sttireandwheel.com.

FMF 4.1 RCT KAWASAKI KX450F EXHAUST SYSTEM: FMF’S 4.1 RCT exhaust for the 2016-17-18 KX450F’s engine delivers a strong midrange hit and pulls through the top. The difference between the OEM exhaust system and the FMF exhaust was night and day. If you’re unhappy with the lackluster power of your 2016-1718 KX450F, the FMF pipe is priority one. This is the one and only modification the 2016 Kawasaki KX450F powerplant needs right off the showroom floor. It costs $899.99 (full titanium with carbon fiber exhaust tip), $849.99 (full titanium), $674.98 (complete aluminum/stainless steel system). At www.fmfracing.com or (310) 631-4363.

TM DESIGNWORKS CHAIN GUIDE: If it wasn’t for the TM Designworks chain guide the majority of KX250Fs and KX450Fs would have been sawed in half by now. This is the ultimate chain guide and is available for all brands of bikes. www.tmdesignworks.com or (541) 772-4161.

HINSON CLUTCHES: KTM’s have awesome clutches—everyone else, not so much. If you can’t stand to live with your Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki or Kawasaki clutch for one more day, order a Hinson. It is the choice of virtually every factory team. www.hinsonracing.com

PRO CIRCUIT WORKS KTM 250SX PIPE AND SILENCER: Every MXA test rider loved the 2017-18 KTM 250SX powerband; but, if given the opportunity to tune it to our tastes, we would want more top-end power and some added over-rev. The stock pipe delivers incredible midrange but falls off quickly after its peak at 8200 rpm where it was making 47.30 horsepower. With the Pro Circuit Works pipe installed, peak is moved to 49.60 horsepower at 8300 rpm. That is a 2.2-horsepower gain at peak, but most important, the pipe didn’t fall off as quickly after peak as the stocker. If you are short on cash and want the most bang for your buck, just get the Pro Circuit R-304 muffler. For some reason, since way back when Jeremy McGrath was at KTM in 2002, the Pro Circuit silencer has been magic with the stock pipe.. The pipe retails for $249.95 (raw metal or chrome pipe) and the R-304 silencer is $134.95 (aluminum silencer) at www.procircuit.com or (951) 738-8050.

SEE THE 2018 TM MX125 IN ACTION

2ND ANNUAL JESSY NELSON MX SCHOOL ON DEC. 16

To register and more details go to https://r2r.regfox.com/jessy-mx-2017

PRO CIRCUIT’S 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SALE STARTS DEC. 8

For more info go to www.procircuit.com

REM WRAPS UP 2017 WITH THREE RACES IN DECEMBER

For more info go to www.remsatmx.com

GET MXA & DIRT BIKE FOR $26.95 & EARN $50 IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN GIFT CARDS

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 or in a digital version. Even better you can subscribe to Motocross Action and Dirt Bike at the same time and get $50 in Rocky Mountain ATV/MC gifts cars to spend on whatever motorcycle parts or products you need. You can call (800) 767-0345 or go to www.hi-torque.com/mxcombo.

SEE THE 2018 HUSQVARNA FC350 IN ACTION

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAY BOYS: DANNY LAPORTE HITS A MILESTONE

Nov. 29…John Rice
Nov. 29…Brandon Butler
Nov. 30…Jacob Saylor

Dec. 1…Bruce Brown 1937
Dec. 1…Stanton Barrett 1972

Dec. 1…Jeff Emig 1970
Dec. 2…Jiri Dostal 1979
Dec. 3…Craig Decker 1975

Dec. 3…Danny LaPorte 1957
Dec. 4…Tiger Lacey 1982
Dec. 4…Greg Blackwell 1953

Dec. 4…Ryan Dungey 1989

Dec. 4…Jim Gibson 1961

Dec. 5…Casey Johnson 1975
Dec. 6…Kevin Walker 1970

Dec. 6…Kyle Chisholm 1987
Dec. 6…Joaquim Rodrigues 1981

Dec. 7…David Philippaerts 1983
Dec. 7…Bob Morales 1963

BIKES YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE: 1984 SWM GS250

Although the common interpretation of SWM is Speedy Working Machines, in fact, it stands for Sironi Vergani Vimercate Milano (SVVM), but the two “Vs” looked like a “W” so it became SWM to end the confusion. SWM started in 1971 in Milan, Italy. They made Sachs-engined offroad and moved to Rotax engines in 1977. SWM went out of business in 1984. This GS 250 single shock model was near the end.

BIKES YOU THOUGHT YOU’D NEVER SEE AGAIN: SWM IS BACK

After 30 years had passed since going out of production in 1984, SWM has fired up the production lines again. This is the 2018 SWM RS500R dual sport model.

Well, not the old Milan production line, but the abandoned Husqvarna factory in Varese. The funding came from the Chinese Shineray Group, but the bikes are being manufactured in Italy (using Husky’s factory and parts supply). American importer Pete Vetrano is closing in getting federal approval to sell offroad and dual sport version in 2018. We would expect two-stroke offroad bikes in the future. To learn more about SWM USA click here.

MEMORIES OF THE WAY WE WERE: MXA’S 1985 HUSQVARNA 250CR TEST

This 1985 Husqvarna 250CR test photo was the epitome of ghost riding.

When MXA ran this test photo of the 1985 Husqvarena 250CR the Husqvarna execs went ballistic. They knew that the photo wasn’t an accident, and that it was meant to express our disappointment in the ’85 250CR. If the photo hurt their feelings, the actual test wasn’t any nicer. Here’s a quote from the September 1985 test, “What did we not like? The front brake was adequate, but not sensational. The front fender split up the middle. The tank badges cracked. The Ohlins shock is top notch, unfortunately the valving and spring rate weren’t. The tank decals bubbled. The radiators leaked (ar $240 apiece). The clutch action was harsh. The footpegs were toothless. The pipe burned our legs. The forks were good a long time ago in the distant galaxy known as the past. Razor sharp handling? No. Quick and efficient? No. Is it fast? By Husky standards it is, but by other brand’s standards it isn’t.”

SEE THE 2018 HONDA CRF250 IN ACTION

2018 MOTOCROSS RACE SCHEDULES

2018 AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 6……………………..…Anaheim, CA
Jan. 13………………………Houston, TX
Jan. 20………………………Anaheim, CA
Jan. 27………………………Glendale, AZ
Feb. 3……………………..…Oakland, CA
Feb. 10………………………San Diego, CA
Feb. 17………………………Arlington, TX
Feb. 24………………………Tampa, FL
Mar. 3……………………..…Atlanta, GA
Mar. 10………………………Daytona, FL
Mar. 17………………………St. Louis, MO
Mar. 24………………………Indianapolis, IN
Apr. 7……………………..…Seattle, WA
Apr. 14………………………Minneapolis, MN
Apr. 21………………………Foxborough, MA
Apr. 28………………………Salt Lake City, UT
May 5…………………….…Las Vegas, NV

2018 AMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
May 19……………………Hangtown, CA
May 26.…………………..Glen Helen, CA
June 2..………………….Thunder Valley, CO
June 16..…………………Mt Morris, PA
June 23.………………….Muddy Creek, TN
June 30.………………….Southwick, MA
July 7..……………………​Red Bud, MI
July 21.…………………..Millville, MN​
July 28.…………………..Washougal, WA
Aug. 11..………………….Unadilla, NY​
Aug. 18..………………….Budds Creek, MD​
Aug. 25.…………………..Crawfordsville, IN

2018 FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar. 4……………………..Argentina
Mar. 18…………………….Holland 1
Mar. 25…………………….Spain
Apr. 8……………………….Italy 1
Apr. 15……………………..Portugal
May 1……………………….Russia
May 13……………………..Latvia
May 20…………………….Germany
June 3………………………England
June 10…………………….France
June 17…………………….Italy 2
July 1……………………….Indonesia 1
July 8……………………….Indonesia 2
July 22……………………..Czech Republic
Aug. 5………………………Belgium
Aug. 12……………………..Sweden
Aug. 19……………………..Switzerland
Sept. 2………………………Turkey
Sept. 16……………………..Holland 2
Sept. 30…………………….Italy 3

2018 MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
Oct. 7………………………Red Bud, MI

2018 AMSOIL ARENACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 6-7………………………….Dayton, OH
Jan. 13-14………………………Worcester, MA
Jan. 20-21……………………….Wilkes Barre, PA
Jan. 27-28………………………Greensboro, NC
Feb. 10-11………………………Madison, WI
Feb. 17-18………………………Florence, SC
Mar. 17-18………………………Denver, CO
Mar. 24-25………………………Nampa, ID
Apr. 7-8………………………….Wichita, KS
Apr. 21-22………………………Portland, OR
Apr. 28-29………………………Reno, NV
May 4-6…………………………Las Vegas, NV

2018 BRITISH ARENACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 6…………………………..Manchester
Jan. 13………………………….Newcastle
Jan. 20…………………………Birmingham
Jan. 26-27…………………….Belfast
Feb. 10………………………….Sheffield
Feb. 17………………………….London

2018 BRITISH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
April 8………………….…..…Lyng
May 20……………..…..……Preston Docks
May 27…………….…..…….Hawkstone Park
July 1………….…..…….…..Sherwood
July 15………….…..……….Canada Heights
Sept. 2…………….…..…….Crookwood

2018 WORLD OFFROAD CHAMPIONSHIP (WORCS)
Feb. 2-4…………………..……Las Vegas, NV
Feb. 23-25……………….…..Phoenix, AZ
Mar. 23-24……………….…..Lake Havasu, AZ
Apr. 20-22……………….…..Hurricane, UT
May 25-27……………………Cedar City, UT
Sept. 14-16……………………Glen Helen, CA
Oct. 19-21………………….…Adelanto, CA
Nov. 9-11……………………..Primm, NV

2018 WORLD VET CHAMPIONSHIP
Nov. 3-4…………………..…..Glen Helen, CA

Click in images to enlarge.

Photos: Spencer Owens, Debbi Tamietti, Dan Alamangos, Jody Weisel, Daryl Ecklund, Travis Fant, MXA