MXA’S WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: EVERYBODY WANTS A SHOOTOUT, UNTIL THEY GET IT
2018 MXA 450 SHOOTOUT QUIZ: TEST YOUR MOTO KNOWLEDGE
Of course you don’t need MXA to tell you what the best 450 motocross bike of 2018 is—it’s the one sitting in your garage. However, if you ever got the opportunity to race all six 2018 bikes, when they were brand new, and lived with them for months on end, you would be able to recognize each bike by the following statements. Go ahead and guess which bike each quote is about. It should be easy, there are only six bike and six quotes. The answers are at the bottom of the page.
(1) “We expected competitive horsepower numbers—instead we got one horsepower more at peak for a cumulative of 55.16 horsepower. That is the least horsepower of any 2018 bike—as much a 3 horses less.”
(2) “The clutch is marginal at best. It is a seven-plate clutch equipped with a disgraced judder-spring system (and until you replace the judder spring system with an additional plate, you will suffered broken clutch plates).”
(3) “Who would have thought that if you focused all of your R&D attention on turn-in that the bike would become less stable at speed? Actually, every frame designer in the world would.”
(4) “Oh, don’t get us wrong, it makes a lot of horsepower across a really wide range, but it does it in a metered, calculated and metronome manner. If you are of the opinion that the typical 450cc motocross bike is a romping stomping beast, this bike will convince you otherwise.”
(5) “It is ultra-manageable at low-rpm and blazing fast as the power climbs the scale. It is the only engine that meters out the power so that it is more usable over a longer time frame.”
(6) “The MXA test riders liked this engine. It is a solid midrange engine that puts all it has into the ground. In fact, it makes more horsepower in the midrange than any other 2018 bike—just don’t rev it past nine grand.”
To read the complete 2018 MXA 450 Shooutout click here.
…OR WATCH THE 450 SHOOTOUT VIDEO FOR THOSE WHO DON’T LIKE TO READ
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: THOR’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY 2018 SPRING COLLECTION
PULSE KYPE & HYPE KIT’N: Delivering functional performance at an incredible value, the Pulse line is a staple of the Thor racewear lineup. With Pulse Kit’n you won’t go unnoticed. The Kit’n is exactly what the name implies, gear that is literally covered in kittens.
GUARDIAN MX: Based off of the popular Guardian protector, the Guardian MX is a lighter, more minimalist option designed for motocross. With soft shoulder straps, a fitted chest plate and a CE level-two back protector the Guardian MX offers premium coverage at an attractive price point.
50TH ANNIVERSARY BLACK & GOLD: The Prime Fit racewear has a completely revamped aesthetic. The most notable addition is the LE 50th Anniversary Black and Gold kit, which celebrates fifty years of racing heritage dating back to founder Torsten Hallman.
PULSE HYPE: Delivering functional performance at an incredible value, the Pulse line is a staple of the Thor racewear lineup. Influenced by modern streetwear, the Hype kit brings a fresh new look to the Pulse line with multiple color options and includes a matching Sector helmet graphic.
HALLMAN: As a throwback to the roots of the brand, the Hallman line of jerseys, gloves and casuals pulls inspiration from the early days of motocross. The Hopetown and Ringer jerseys both utilize classic design with a modern a touch. From café bikes to vintage motocrossers, the Hallman line is meant for everything two wheels.
FUSE HIGH TIDE: With ultra-durable construction and precision fit, Fuse represents the premium racewear offering from Thor. As the newest addition to the Fuse line, the High Tide graphic provides a clean, athletic inspired look in two bold color ways.
PRIME FIT: NEBULA: The Prime Fit racewear is the lightest, most athletic line, featuring four way stretch construction and compression sleeves. With two new graphic options for this season, Prime Fit has a completely revamped aesthetic. The Nebula graphic combines geometric shapes with astrophotography to push the boundaries of modern racewear design.
BIKES YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE: THE BIRTH OF THE KX
This unrestored 1966 Kawasaki 125 C2SS is most likely a 115cc, but it is a rare bike. Note the rotary valve engine with it’s black plastic airbox mounted on the right side of the bike. Looking for the exhaust pipe? The pipe exits out of the rear of the cylinder and the stinger wraps over the top of the rear fender.
The 1966 prototype morphed into the 1968 Kawasaki F21M Bushwacker. Except that the engine got larger, the air filter was moved behind the engine and the cylinder was turned around so the pipe could be mounted in the conventional position. This 238cc rotary-valve Bushwacker was produced from 1967 to 1971.
AMA RULE OF THE WEEK: THE CHAD REED MEMORIAL RULE
This new 2018 rule tries to clarify what to do when you you are being lapped (and was probably brought on by Chad Reed’s interference of Ryan Dungey last season).
(1) The new rule now instructs lapped riders to move out of the fast line, where in the past the rule called for lapped riders to “hold your line.” Which was Chad Reed’s defense when asked about ignoring blue flags in the Ryan Dungey incident. Chad said, “I held my line.” However on a one-line track, rlding your line is the same as blocking when you are being lapped.
(2) Additionally, the rule was changed to eliminate a black flag for a rider who ignores the blue flag. It leaves the penalty up to the Race Director (which they now call
“Race Direction” to spread the blame among more people than just one AMA official). What does this mean? If you are cynical, it means that the penalty will depend on whether the “Race Direction” likes you or hates you (as with all AMA penalties the severity of the punishment depends who you are).
REM GLEN HELEN MOTOCROSS ON JANUARY 13
REM will be at Glen Helen for the next seven weeks in a row. This Saturday is the start of their 2018 motocross schedule. There will be 34 REM races in 2018 — beginning this Saturday, January 13, and ending on December 29, 2018.
FIRST SEVEN RACES OF 2018
Jan. 13…Glen Helen, CA
Jan. 20…Glen Helen, CA
Jan. 27…Glen Helen, CA
Feb. 3..…Glen Helen, CA
Feb. 10…Glen Helen, CA
Feb. 17…Glen Helen, CA
Feb. 24….Glen Helen, CA
For more info go to www.remsatmx.com
THIS WEEKEND’S HOUSTON TRACK LAYOUT
2018 SUPERCROSS WINNERS AT A GLANCE
This is Troy Lee Design’s rider Shane McElrath winning the 2017 Anaheim Supercross 250 West opener one year ago.
This is Troy Lee Design’s rider Shane McElrath winning the 2018 Anaheim Supercross 250 West opener one week ago.
Date Venue 450 250
Jan. 6….…Anaheim, CA……..Marvin Musquin……Shane McElrath
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…….
450 Points leader...Marvin Musquin (KTM)
250 West points leader…Shane McElrath (KTM)
HOUSTON SUPERCROSS SHOWS AT 10:00 P.M. ON SATURDAY NIGHT
The majority of races will be shown on Fox Sports 1 (and thankfully, none will be shown on Fox Sports 2). Foxborough and Salt Lake City will be on the main Fox TV network, but these races will be daylight races (and shown as early as 12:00 noon on the west coast).
SUBSCRIBE TO MXA & GET A $25 ROCKY MOUNTAIN GIFT CARD—YOU MAKE A PROFIT BY READING MXA
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 get a $25 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC gift card to spend on whatever motorcycle parts or products you need. You can call (800) 767-0345 or go to www.hi-torque.com/product/motocross-action-holiday/.
MXA’S AD OF THE WEEK: IF THIS WEEK WAS 49 YEARS AGO
Nothing stirs the soul of an American motocrosser more than the thought of winning a race on a Made-the-USA machine. And that is exactly what American Eagle was hoping for when they began selling motocross bikes back in 1969 through McCormack International in Santa Ana, California. However, if you’d like to learn the real truth about the American-made bikes, click here
BIRTHDAYS OF THE STARS: THE MX KIED IS 49, MARTIN IS 31 & BICKERS WOULD HAVE BEEN 80
Jan. 13…Mike Kiedrowski 1969
Jan. 13…Pauls Jonass 1997
Jan. 14…Rob Salcedo
Jan. 15…Martin Davalos 1987
Jan. 15…Alessandro Lupino 1991
Jan. 15…Hakan Carlqvist 1954
Jan. 15…Austin Squires 1973
Jan. 15…Brent van Donink 1996
Jan. 16…Ryan Mills 1986
Jan. 17…Dave Bickers 1938
Jan. 17…Loic Larrieu 1991
Jan. 17…Donny Schmit 1967
Jan. 18…Mike LaRocco Sr.
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”
WHO BE HE?
Any hardcore moto fan should be able to recognize this 12-year-old racer—although at 12 he was 4 years away from his glory years. He raced a CZ to fame before getting a factory ride. The answer is at the bottom of the page.
JOIN MXA’S FACEBOOK GROUP CHAT
We love everything moto and want to bring all moto junkies together into one place to share their two cents, ideas, photos, bike fixes, bike problems and much more. To check it out first you must need to or already have a Facebook account. If you don’t, it isn’t much work and you could even have an alias so nobody knows it is you. You can go to MXA’s Facebook page by clicking here.
SAVE THE DATE! EVERY RACE THAT MATTERS IN 2018
The 2018 Supercross series goes to Houston this weekend before coming back to Anaheim for the first three-moto Supercross since 1975. Check the complete schedule out below,
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 AMA SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP
April 14………………………….Boise, ID
May 13………………………….Tucson, AZ
June 8…………………………..Austin, TX
June 9…………………………..Austin, TX
Aug. 3-5………………………..Quebec, CN
Sept. 8………………………….Sturgis, SD
2018 OLD SCHOOL SCRAMBLES CHAMPIONSHIP
Feb. 11……………………..Glen Helen, CA
Mar. 25…………………….Glen Helen, CA
June 17………………..…..Glen Helen, CA
Aug. 19………………..…..Glen Helen, CA
Dec. 9………………………Glen Helen, CA
2018 BRITISH ARENACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 6…………………………..Manchester
Jan. 13………………………….Newcastle
Jan. 20…………………………Birmingham
Jan. 26-27…………………….Belfast
Feb. 10………………………….Sheffield
Feb. 17………………………….London
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 MAXXIS BRITISH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar.11…………………………..Lyng, England
Apr. 1……………………………Culham, England
Apr. 22………………………….Canada Heights, England
May 6…………………………..Blaxhall, England
June 24………………………..Desertmartin, Ireland
July 29………………………….Duns, England
Aug. 26…………………………Hawkstone, England
Sept. 23………………………..TBA, England
2018 MICHELIN BRITISH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
April 8………………….…..…Lyng, England
May 20……………..…………Preston Docks, England
May 27…………….………….Hawkstone Park, England
July 1………….…..…………..Sherwood, England
July 15………….…..……..….Canada Heights, England
Sept. 2…………….…..…..….Crookwood, England
2018 DUTCH MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar.11…………………………..Markelo, Holland
Apr. 2……………………………Oldebrook, Holland
May 6…………………………..Mill, Holland
July 14-16…………………….Lichtenvoorde, Holland
2018 GERMAN ADAC MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Apr. 22………………………….Drehna, Germany
May 27………………………….Molln, Germany
June 24…………………………Bielstein, Germany
May 6……………………………Blaxhall, Germany
July 15………………………….Moggers, Germany
July 29………………………….Tensfeld, Germany
Aug. 26…………………………Teutschthal, Germany
Sept. 9…………………………..Gaildorf, Germany
2018 HAWKSTONE INTERNATIONAL
Feb. 11………………………….Hawkstone, England
2018 RICKY CARMICHAEL AMATEUR SUPERCROSS
Mar. 11-12……………..…….Daytona, FL
2018 WORLD TWO-STROKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar. 31…………………..…..Glen Helen, CA
2018 LORETTA LYNN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
July 30-Aug. 4…………………Hurricane Mills, TN
2018 MONSTER ENERGY CUP
Oct. 13………………………….Las Vegas, NV
2018 REM OCTOBERCROSS
Oct. 27……………………………Glen Helen, CA
2018 DUBYA WORLD VET CHAMPIONSHIP
Nov. 3-4…………………..…..Glen Helen, CA
2018 THOR MINI OLYMPICS
Nov. 19-24…………………….Gainesville, FL
2018 DAY IN THE DIRT
Nov. 23-25………………………..Glen Helen, CA
Answers: 1. Suzuki RM-Z450; 2. Honda CRF450; 3. Yamaha YZ450F; 4. Husqvarna FC450; 5. KTM 450SXF; 6. Kawasaki KX450F.
Answer: Tony DiStefano won three straight AMA 250 National Championship from 1975 to 1977. Tony was from Bristol, Pennsylvania.
Click in images to enlarge.
Photos: Jon Ortner, Spencer Owen, Jody Weisel, Daryl Ecklund, MXA
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