MXA WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: SORT OF, COULD BE, MAYBE & LET ME GET BACK TO YOU ON THAT

• IT’S BACK FOR 2025! KAWASAKI KX450SR “SPECIAL RACER” RETURNS

Kawasaki press release:“Following its successful debut in 2022, the new KX450SR motorcycle is set for a highly anticipated return for 2025. The “SR” or Special Racer designation, once exclusive to Kawasaki factory racing machines, signifies the peak of Kawasaki race performance. The 2025 KX450SR is purpose-built with high-value components proven by the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team in Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Pro Motocross Championships and SuperMotocross Playoffs.

“Built on the popular KX450 platform, the KX450SR is crafted for riders aiming for the top step of the podium. The bike features elite racing components, special tuning, and design elements inspired by the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team, enhancing both its performance and factory racer aesthetics.”

2025 KAWASAKI KX450SR HIGHLIGHTS
1 .Factory race team-inspired colors and graphics
2. Modified cylinder head with polished intake ports
3. Pro Circuit Ti-6 titanium exhaust system
4. Optimized ECU/DFI settings
5. “Kawasaki Racing” engraved Hinson clutch cover
6. 49mm Showa coil-spring fork with Kashima Ti02 coating.
7. Kashima coated Showa rear shock
8. XTRIG Rocs triple clamp with Progressive Handlebar Damping System (PHDS)
9. Renthal rear sprocket and D.I.D gold chain
10. Black D.I.D Dirtstar ST-X rims
11. Metallic magnesium gold color valve cover
12. MSRP $13,599

• MXA VIDEO: THE LONG-AWAITED 2025 250 SHOOTOUT

The 2025 MXA 250 Shootout is officially here, and we rank all eight of the major 250 four-stroke dirt bikes. The goal of Motocross Action’s Shootouts are always to help you make a better-educated decision with your hard-earned money when buying a new bike, but we also want to make the video entertaining.

If you want to read the full in-depth article, see the dyno charts and learn more insider info ,subscribe to Motocross Action Magazine and read it in the upcoming January issue. www.hi-torque.com/product/subscribe-to-motocross-action-magazine/

• MXA CYBER MONDAY SALE! GET 25% OFF THE PRINT MAG & GET A $25 ROCKY MOUNTAIN GIFT CARD

CYBER MONDAY SALE! GET 25% OFF 1 YEAR OF MXA PRINT, PLUS $25 ROCKY MOUNTAIN GIFT CARD

It’s Our Cybder Monday Sale! Get 25% Off Motocross Action Magazine, Plus Get a Free $25 Rocky Mountain Gift Card Now through December 2!

Offer is valid on any Hi-Torque Media print magazine. Offer ends December 2, 2024.

• THE $110,000 GLEN HELEN MOTOFEST IS FOUR DAYS OF FUN, RACING AND FESTIVAL VIBES

• MXA’S 2025 COLLECTION OF IN-DEPTH 2025 VIDEO TESTS

• MXA VIDEO: MOTOCROSS ACTION’S 2025 450 SHOOTOUT

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 TRIUMPH TF450-RC FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 YAMAHA YZ250FX FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 KAWASAKI KX250 FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 HONDA CR450 FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 HONDA CRF250 WORKS EDITION FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 YAMAHA YZ450 FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 YAMAHA YZ250F FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 YAMAHA YZ250FX CROSS-COUNTRY FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 KTM 150SX TWO-STROKE FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 KAWASAKI KX450 FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 KTM 450SXF FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 KTM 250SXF FIRST RIDE

• THE GREATEST DEAL IN MOTOCROSS: REAL WORDS, LARGE PHOTOS, MORE TECH & YOU GET A $25 ROCKY MOUNTAIN CREDIT

This is the cover of the December 2024 issue of MXA. It features a detailed 2025 MXA 450 Shootout, an indepth interviews with Pro Circuit’s Mitch Payton, coverage of Team USA at the FIM Junior World Championships for 65cc, 85cc and 125cc machines of the 2025 KTM 250SXFa full test of the the 2025 Yamaha YZ450F and an actual up-to-date test of the 2025 Suzuki RM-Z450. We even went back in time a decade to test Jason Anderson’s 2015 factory Husqvarna FC450 and even farther back to take a close-up look at Marty Smith’s 1976 Honda RC125M.
Did you know that it couldn’t be easier or cheaper to subscribe to MXA than it is right now—because when you subscribe you receive a Rocky Mountain ATV/MC credit for $25 towards anything in their massive inventory, all at no cost to you.  Are you smart enough to recognize a great deal when you see it? To subscribe call (800) 767-0345 or Click Here

• TAKE THE MXA SURVEY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THIS INTENSE TAZER E-MOUNTAIN BIKE!

The Motocross Action reader survey is back for 2024, and this year we’re giving away an Intense Tazer E-MTB to one lucky participant. Our reader survey is here to help the MXA staff better understand our audience so that we can continue to provide beneficial motocross content focused on the most relevant and important products, dirt bikes, and stories that you (the reader) are interested in.

MXA READER SURVEY:

HOW: Simply complete the multiple-choice questionnaire and enter your correct name and email address to be entered to win the Intense Tazer E-MTB.
WHAT: Win the Intense Tazer MX Alloy Expert Electric Mountain bike, which retails for $4,999.
WHEN: The MXA survey will run for a couple of months and the winner will be announced at the end via email.
WHY: To help MXA learn more about you, the reader, to ensure we create the best possible content for you.

The new Intense Tazer MX Alloy Expert is equipped with DVO suspension, Shimono’s EP600 Motor, and 504Wh battery. This expert model features 160mm of front travel, 155mm of rear travel to tackle any terrain. The Tazer Alloy frame has been upgraded to the Universal Hanger (UDH) and SRAM T-Type compatibility. Learn more about the bike here.

TAKE THE MXA SURVEY HERE:

• HOW TO FIND A SPONSOR & KEEP IT

Strike the pose.

Don’t be afraid to fail. In your sponsorship journey, you will most likely fail more than you will succeed. To find a sponsor, you’ll have to reach out to people—lots of people. You need to stand out from all the other racers asking for help. It is possible to find a sponsor if you have average results, but almost impossible to find a sponsor if the man doing the hiring doesn’t like you. Your social media sites are important, but if you use foul language, run questionable photos or espouse negativity on your Instagram and Facebook pages, you will find doors closing. And don’t think that they won’t look. They will. Every major corporation searches the internet to find out about a potential hire. More than a few riders have lost important deals because of what they post.

Know your reach. Find out who you have influence over and get to know those people. Learn about how you can promote your potential sponsor to this demographic. The more you know about the people you have influence over, the more information you’ll be able to provide to the potential sponsor, and the more confidence you will have approaching different companies.

Ask responsibly. Be honest with yourself. If you were a brand, would you sponsor you? Make sure your intentions are honorable, and try not to ask for more than you deserve. If it comes down to a choice between Jason Anderson and you, don’t get your feelings hurt when they go with Jason. You have to bring value to the deal. Before you make your pitch, ask yourself, “Why should they sponsor me?”

Ask the right person. You don’t want to put a bunch of work into a proposal and have it fall on deaf ears. Unfortunately, this happens all the time. Try not to send your proposal to the customer service e-mail address. Don’t tell the lady at the front desk your life story over the phone. You need to talk to the one person who can say yes or no. It can be hard to break through the barrier and get your proposal into the right hands. Start by searching the website for the phone number or e-mail of the company’s sponsorship or marketing manager. If you can’t find their information, call and ask that lady at the front desk for the marketing department.

Promote your sponsor’s product to your best ability, just be sure to hold up the can so that no one can see what it really holds.

Promote. If you have a sponsor currently, promote them, even if they aren’t paying you or giving you the deals you’d like. Promote them to the best of your ability. This will help when you’re asking for another sponsor, and it will teach you how to promote your future sponsor, who will be expecting more from you. Whatever you do, don’t bad mouth your current sponsor when talking to a potential sponsor. When you do that, they assume you will be badmouthing them in the future.

Friendly riders like Dean Wilson can get sponsors because he promotes their product well. In fact, O’Neal sponsored Dean a couple years ago and then hired him back for a second time.

Proposal. It’s important to have a proposal, and it’s equally important to tailor your proposal to the brand that you wish to be sponsored by. The more specific you are, the better. Call the company ahead of time to ask them if they currently sponsor anyone or if they would be interested. If you talk to the right person and they are clear that they don’t have any sponsorship opportunities, move on. If they are interested, then you can follow up with questions to learn about their current sponsorships and how to create a proposal that is appealing to them. Then go back to the drawing board and make it happen.

If the companies you approach are turning you away, ask why! Learn from your mistakes. Maybe you’re contacting companies that aren’t interested in sponsoring up-and-coming riders. Maybe the company is too big and they don’t see value in helping you. Maybe the company is too small and they can’t afford to help. Or maybe there’s something wrong with your proposal and you need to adjust it before you try again with another company.

This looks like a happy sponsorship moment as Bob Hannah celebrates winning the muddy Atlanta Supercross. What you don’t see is that Yamaha team manager Ken Clark is bristling at the fact that Bob refused to wear a Yamaha logo on his jersey. Instead he wore his SuperHannah JT jersey.

Results. It’s not always about how fast you are or how many races you have won, but that depends on whom you’re asking. Some companies are only looking for wins, and other companies couldn’t care less. For a lot of brands, it’s more about who you are, your social media followers, what you represent and what kind of value you can bring them.

References, relationships and loyalty. It’s always best to know somebody who has an in at the company to put a good word in for you. For most riders, this is the hardest part. If you are looking for a sponsor and you don’t know where to start, ask around. Think about who you know that represents a brand you like and start there. Then, once you have a sponsor, be very careful not to use any products or services that could be conflicting with your new sponsor. And finally, try to remain loyal. A track record of loyalty to a sponsor will help you build your brand and it will help you when searching for more support in the future. A company that has been with you for an extended period of time is more likely to step up and support you with what you need in the long run. 

Riders have to be more than rolling billboards. They have to display their value by being super fast, super friendly or a super ambassador.

Show your value. There are three ways that your relationship with your sponsor can provide them value. (a) You promote their brand, which in turn makes them money. (b) You provide your sponsor with a valuable experience. It could be VIP treatment at your next race or helping test products, or being the ultimate brand ambassador. (c) If you’re lucky, you may be able to find people who will sponsor you because they want to be a part of what you represent, and they won’t be worried about a return on their investment. Grandparents, aunts and uncles usually fall into this category.

• THE ALL-NEW DUNLOP “FACTORY SPEC” TIRES

MXA’s Josh Mosiman and Trevor Nelson flew out to Huntsville, Alabama, to visit the Dunlop test facility and compare the ‘factory spec’ tires, to the production MX34 tires. Josh rode the 2025 Husky FC450 with both sets of tires back-to-back to figure out the difference on the track, plus he talked to Chris Siebenhaar, Brian Fleck, and Ryan Dungey about the new rubber.

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: TM DESIGNWORKS 2025 SLIDE-N-GUIDE KIT

The TM Designworks Moto/SX Kit consists of Dirt Cross custom Slider with chain noise reducing Pat. Oil additive will reduce chain drag and wear. UV protected to prevent color fade and keep parts the chain guide flexible for long wear life. Choose from black or Honda OEM color. Available complete with new lightweight bolts and stock slider collars. You can purchase direct from www.tmdesignworks.com or at your friendly local dealer. The retail price is $154.95 at www.tmdesignworks.com

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MX CHAMP COMPLETE WHEELSET

MX Champ USA’s complete wheelset lets you have your cake and eat it, too. MX Champ wheels are durable and affordable, and come with impressive warranties. MX Champ’s forged hubs undergo a three-stage heat-treatment process. The drilling angles in the hub are done on an advanced, five-axis CNC machine and the hubs come with three oversized NSK bearings. The retail price is $799.95 (front and rear)— www.mxchampusashop.com or (669) 696-8283

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ALPINESTARS RK-7 PLASMA KNEE BRACES

With a slim, ergonomic design offer- ing a high level of performance and comfort during dynamic movement, the RK-7 Plasma knee brace has been engineered to provide superior knee support while still being lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and protective. This knee brace features a free-floating Nucleon Plasma knee protector encased in an innovative, asymmetric, fiber-reinforced frame construction for enhanced levels of rigidity. The retail price is $449.95 at www.alpinestars.com or your local dealer.

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: PRO LAUNCH START DEVICE NOW AVAILABLE IN GREY, KASH, BLUE, PURPLE, RED AND ORANGE

Hunter Lawrence (above), Jett Lawrence and Haiden Deegan all rely on the Pro Launch device.

Works Connection’ Pro Launch holeshot device is now available in six different colors. It features a spring-less design that delivers positive engagement and consistent release. It also has an easy to set start trigger, a custom drill guide template, supplied countersinking tool and detailed mounting installation instructions large step-by-step photos. The Pro Launch is CNC machined from aircraft grade aluminum and weighs only 50 grams. Engineered, manufactured and assembled in the USA, it comes with a laser-etched logo. It comes as a complete kit or a trigger assembly only. The retail price is $139.95 (Complete Kit), $69.95 (Trigger Assembly only), $159.95 for the Purple Limited Edition. or $89.95 for purple Limited Edition trigger Assembly only. For more info go to www.worksconnection.com

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: SCOTT PROSPECT 2.0 GOGGLES

This is the second generation of Scott’s flagship goggles. It features Scott’s ground-breaking quick-release system, which allows users to unlock the four lens-locking pins instantly for a quick and easy lens change. It has a fresh and modern design, as well as other top performance features, such as NoSweat face foam, a maximum field of vision, articulating outriggers and more. The retail price is $109.95at www.scott-sports.com or your local dealer.

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: WORKS CONNECTION NO AIR LOSS ADAPTER

The No Loss Air adapter ensures that the air pressure you set is the air pressure you get, with no air loss and no hassle. It guarantees no air loss at disconnect, making it especially useful when accessing the lower air chamber at the bottom of a fork. Designed for use on air forks and air shocks. Works with all Schrader-type pumps. The retail price is $34.95 at www.worksconnection.com or (530) 642-9488.

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ROB ANDREWS “THE INSIDE LINE” GRAND PRIX BOOK

Rob Andrews’ eagerly awaited new book, “The Inside Line: Racing the 500cc World Motocross Championship” is now available at www.theinsidelinebook.com.

The critically acclaimed book, “The Inside Line: Racing the 500cc World Motocross Championship” (Second Edition) is back on sale at www.insidelinebook.com.  Tracing the journey of the British former 500 GP star, from unremarkable amateur through to factory Kawasaki rider, GP contender, and member of Great Britain’s 1985 Motocross des Nations team, “The Inside Line” is a unique, comprehensive, and fascinating first-hand account of what it was really like to race in the 500cc World Motocross Championship during the 1980s. It has over 400 photographs from the sport’s most acclaimed photographers. Available for world-wide shipping, the book can be ordered at www.theinsidelinebook.com

The Micro-X Half-Waffle Lock-On MX Grip is designed for use on Micro handlebars. KTM, Husqvarna and Gas Gas SX50, E2, E3, and E5 Bikes all come stock with the Micro-Grips. Now, ODI has released a replacement for these bikes in 5 cool colors. They are also adapted to fit Cobra CX50’s as well as any bikes that have a Pro Taper or Mika Micro Handlebar upgrade. The retail price is $28.95 at www.odigrips.com or your friendly local dealer.

ODI gets numerous inquiries about Lock-On Grips for Starks, Surrons, Tularia and Rawwr electric bikes. Not to mention, so many other bikes that ODI doesn’t  make throttle cams for—like the TTR125, TTR230, XR250, XR/400, XR600, XR 650’s and KTM 690, KTM 1190 and KTM 1290 adventure bikes.

2025 AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
May 24…Pala, CA
May 31…Hangtown, CA
June 7…Thunder Valley, CO
June 14…Mount Morris, PA
June 28…Southwick, MA
July 5…Red Bud, MI
July 12…Millville, MN
July 19…Washougal, WA
Aug. 9…Crawfordsville, IN
August 16…Unadilla, NY
August 23…Budds Creek, MD

• 11TH ANNUAL KURT CASELLI RIDE DAY SET FOR DECEMBER 7

The 11th Annual Kurt Caselli Ride Day is hosted by The Kurt Caselli Foundation, this highly anticipated event offers a full day of riding, community, and activities to celebrate the legacy of off-road racing legend Kurt Caselli, while raising funds to support off-road safety initiatives and educational scholarships. This event is open to everyone! Whether you’re a Pro rider, a first-timer, or a dedicated fan, this day has a wide range of activities and fun for all. Pre-sale tickets are available for $25 (kids 12 and under are free), with prices increasing to $30 on the day of the event. Take advantage of the pre-sale by November 30 to enjoy exclusive perks, including a $10 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Race Gas credit and $5 off each General Admission ticket.

RIDE DAY HIGHLIGHTS:
(1) Open Riding on multiple motocross tracks and an event exclusive off-road loop.
(2) USMCA Beginner Skills Classes: Free 2-hour workshop for novice riders, led by certified motorcycle coaches. Must register online
(3) Caselli Team Challenge Race: Team up with pro riders for this fun and competitive Pro-Am event, presented by our Challenge Sponsor, Rocky Mountain ATV/MC.
(4) Meet Pro Riders: Get up close and personal with top Supercross, Motocross, and Off-Road racers, who will be attending, riding, and participating in the day’s events. It’s a great opportunity to meet the athletes, get autographs, and see them in action!
(5) Memorial Legend Lap: A slow, parade lap around the track in memory of Kurt Caselli.
(6) Silent Auction & Raffles: Exciting giveaways, including a chance to win a brand-new motorcycle of your choice from participating brands!
(7) Food and Drink: Satisfy your hunger with mouth-watering meals from Bonehead Burgers & Breakfast Club, voted San Diego’s Best Burger in 2022. A portion of all food sales will support The Kurt Caselli Foundation’s mission.
(8) Finish off your day with a refreshing 805 beer, with 100% of the beer proceeds going directly to the Foundation.

RIDE DAY DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Riding starts at 9:00 AM)
Location: Fox Raceway, 12799 California Highway 76, Pala, CA 92059
Tickets: $25 pre-sale, $30 day-of.
Kids 12 & under: Free
www.KurtCaselli.com/tickets

• FINAL 2024 TT SCRAMBLES RACE OF THE YEAR AT GLEN HELEN ON DEC. 15

For more information go to www.OSSRG.org

• WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR 2025 SEASON & WHAT’S LEFT IN 2024 

The 2025 Indianapolis Supercross will be the 9th race of the 17-round 2025 AMA Supercross Championship on March 8, 2025. 

2025 AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 11…Anaheim, CA
Jan. 18…San Diego, CA
Jan. 25…Anaheim, CA
Feb. 1…Glendale, AZ
Feb. 8…Tampa, FL
Feb. 15…Detroit, MI
Feb. 22…Arlington, TX
Mar. 1…Daytona Beach, FL
Mar. 8…Indianapolis, IN
Mar. 22…Birmingham, AL
Mar. 29…Seattle, WA
Apr. 5…Foxborough, MA
Apr. 12…Philadelphia, PA
Apr. 19…East Rutherford, NJ
Apr. 26…Pittsburgh, PA
May 3…Denver, CO
May 10…Salt Lake City, UT

2025 AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
May 24…Pala, CA
May 31…Hangtown, CA
June 7…Thunder Valley, CO
June 14…Mount Morris, PA
June 28…Southwick, MA
July 5…Red Bud, MI
July 12…Millville, MN
July 19…Washougal, WA
Aug. 9…Crawfordsville, IN
August 16…Unadilla, NY
August 23…Budds Creek, MD

2025 AMA ARENACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Nov. 15…Reno, NV
Nov. 16…Reno, NV
Dec. 6…Boise, ID
Dec. 7…Boise, ID
Jan. 3…Loveland, CO
Jan. 4…Loveland, CO
Jan. 24…Guthrie, OK
Jan. 31…Reno, NV
Feb. 1…Reno, NV
Feb. 7…Prescott, AZ
Feb. 8…Prescott, AZ
Feb. 28…Daytona, FL

2025 FIM WORLD MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar. 2…Argentina
Mar. 16…Spain #1
Mar. 23…France #1
Apr. 6…Sardinia
Apr. 13…Italy
Apr. 21…Switzerland
May 4…TBA
May 11…Spain #2
May 25…France #2
Jun. 1…Germany
Jun. 8..Latvia
Jun. 29…Indonesia #1
Jul. 6….Indonesia #2
Jul. 27…Czech Republic
Aug. 3…Belgium
Aug. 17…Sweden
Aug 24…Holland
Sept. 7…Turkey
Sept. 14…China
Sept. 21….Australia

2025 MOTOCROSS DES NATION
Oct. 5…Crawfordsville, Indiana

2025 BRITISH ARENACROSS TOUR
Jan.4 …Birmingham, UK
Jan.18…London, UK
Jan. 31…Belfast, NIR
Feb.1…Belfast, NIR
Feb. 8…Aberdeen, SCT
Feb. 22…Manchester, UK
April TBA…Middle East
April 26…Abu Dhabi, UAE

2025 AMA NATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Jul. 28-Aug.2…Loretta Lynn, TN

2025 WORLD VET MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Oct. 31—Nov. 1-2…Glen Helen, CA

WHAT’S LEFT IN 2024

2024 FIM WORLD SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Oct. 26…Vancouver, Can
Nov. 23-24…Perth, Aus
Dec. 4…Abu Dhabi, UAE

2024 GNCC CHAMPIONSHIP
Oct. 26-27…Crawfordsville, IN

2024 3-BROS 24 HOURS OF GLEN HELEN
Oct. 12-13…Glen Helen, CA

2024 THOR MINI O’s
Nov. 23-30….Gainesville, FL

2024 RED BULL DAY IN THE DIRT
Nov. 29-Dec. 1…Glen Helen, CA

2024 AUSTRALIAN SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Oct. 12…Redcliffe, QLD
Oct. 13…Redcliffe, QLD
Nov. 2…Wollongong, NSW
Nov. 17…Adelaide, SA
Nov. 30…Melbourne, VIC

 2024 “SATURDAY AT THE GLEN” MOTOCROSS
Oct. 5…Arroyo track
Oct. 19…Arroyo track
Oct. 26…National track
Nov. 16…Arroyo track (Rained out)
Nov. 23…Arroyo track (National track)
Dec. 7…Arroyo track
Dec. 21…National track

• MXA YOUTUBE CHANNEL | HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON

The MXA wrecking crew is everything moto related. Check out our MXA YouTube channel for bike reviews, Supercross coverage, rider interviews and much more. And don’t forget to hit that subscribe button.

• TALK MOTO WITH ON 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, you  need to have a Facebook account. If you don’t, it isn’t much work to get one (and you could even have an alias so nobody knows it is you). To join MXA’s Facebook Group, click HERE. After you request to join we will accept your request shortly after.

Photos Credits:  Trevor Nelson, Debbi Tamietti, GasGas,  Beta,  Honda, Brian Converse, Kawasaki and MXA archives