MXA’S WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: WHAT YOU MISSED THIS PAST WEEKEND, BUT WE FORGIVE YOU IF YOU WERE OUT RIDING

• 2021 DAYTONA SUPERCROSS RESULTS

Chase Sexton made his return to the series after missing six races with a shoulder injury.

Who’s that on Aaron Plessinger’s bike? A new and improved Aaron Plessinger was at Daytona. It’s like Aaron hit a light switch in his brain and found his old speed again.

DAYTONA SUPERCROSS 450 RESULTS
1. Eli Tomac…(Kaw)
2. Cooper Webb…(KTM)
3. Aaron Plessinger…(Yam)
4. Ken Roczen…(Hon)
5. Malcolm Stewart…(Yam)
6. Justin Barcia…(Gas)
7. Jason Anderson…(Hus)
8. Chase Sexton…(Hon)
9. Justin Bogle…(KTM)
10. Dean Wilson…(Hus)

Australian Hunter Lawrence (41) was sixth at Daytona, but is fourth in 250 West points.

DAYTONA SUPERCROSS 250 WEST RESULTS
1. Cameron McAdoo…(Kaw)
2. Stilez Robertson…(Hus)
3. Pierce Brown…(Gas)
4. Justin Cooper…(Yam)
5. Garrett Marchbanks…(Yam)
6. Hunter Lawrence…(Hon)
7. Alex Martin…(Yam)
8. Jalek Swoll…(Hus)
9. Coty Schock…(Hon)
10. Jordon Smith…(Kaw)

• WHO’S WHO IN THE SUPERCROSS ZOO? WHAT’S NEXT? THREE RACES IN THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS!

Eli Tomac won the Daytona Supercross for the fifth time in his career, but is still 24 points behind Ken Roczen in the 450 title chase.

2021 AMA 450 SUPERCROSS POINTS STANDINGS
(After 9 of 17 races)
1. Ken Roczen (Hon)…199
2. Cooper Webb (KTM)…197
3. Eli Tomac (Kaw)…175
4. Justin Barcia (Gas)…153
5. Malcolm Stewart (Yam)…143
6. Marvin Musquin (KTM)…135
7. Aaron Plessinger (Yam)…134
8. Zach Osborne (Hus)…123
9. Dylan Ferrandis (Yam)…121
10. Adam Cianciarulo (Kaw)…120

Pierce Brown earned his first-ever podium at Daytona and moved into the top ten in 250 West points.

2021 AMA 250 WEST SUPERCROSS POINTS STANDINGS
(After 2 of 9 races)
1. Cameron McAdoo (Kaw)…49
2. Justin Cooper (Yam)…45
3. Garrett Marchbanks (Yam)…39
4. Hunter Lawrence (Hon)…35
5. Jalek Swoll (Hus)…34
6. Seth Hammaker (Kaw)…29
7. Stilez Robertson (Hus)…28
8. Coty Schock (Hon)…25
9. Chris Blose (Gas)…23
10. Pierce Brown (Gas)……21

Colt Nichols leads the 250 East by 8 points over teammate Christian Craig.

2021 AMA 250 EAST SUPERCROSS POINTS STANDINGS
(After 7 of 9 races)
1. Colt Nichols (Yam)…166
2. Christian Craig (Yam)…158
3. Jo Shimoda (Kaw)…138
4. Jett Lawrence (Hon)…128
5. Josh Osby (Hon)…103
6. Michael Mosiman (Gas)…97
7. Mitchell Oldenburg (Hon)…91
8. Josh Varize (KTM)…81
9. Thomas Do (KTM)…74
10. Grant Harlan (Hon)…71

• 2021 AMA SUPERCROSS WINNERS AT A GLANCE

Pro Circuit’s Cameron McAdoo (31) not only won the the Daytona 250 Supercross, but he will have the red plate next Saturday in Texas.

Venue                                                                       450                                    250
Jan. 16 (Sat)…Houston, TX…………….Justin Barcia…………….Christian Craig
Jan. 19 (Tues)….Houston, TX………….Eli Tomac………………….Jett Lawrence
Jan. 23 (Sat)…Houston, TX…………….Cooper Webb…………..Colt Nichols
Jan. 30 (Sat)…Indianapolis, IN……….Ken Roczen………………Colt Nichols
Feb. 2 (Tues)….Indianapolis, IN……..Ken Roczen………………Colt Nichols
Feb. 6 (Sat)…Indianapolis, IN…………Ken Roczen………………Christian Craig
Feb. 13 (Sat)…Orlando, FL……………..Cooper Webb………….Jett Lawrence
Feb. 20 (Sat)…Orlando, FL……………..Cooper Webb………….Justin Cooper
Mar. 6 (Sat)…Daytona Beach, FL…..Eli Tomac………………….Cameron McAdoo
Mar. 13 (Sat)…Arlington, TX
Mar. 16 (Tues)… Arlington, TX
Mar. 20 (Sat)…Arlington, TX
Apr. 10 (Sat)…Atlanta, GA
Apr. 13 (Tues)…Atlanta, GA
Apr. 17 (Sat)…Atlanta, GA
Apr. 24 (Sat)…Salt Lake City, UT
May 1 (Sat)…Salt Lake City, UT
450 points leader…Ken Roczen
250 East points leader…Colt Nichols
250 West points leader…Cameron McAdoo

• BEHIND THE SCENES: THIS WEEK AT MXA WITH JOSH MOSIMAN

• ONLY 62 DAYS INTO 2021 HONDA RELEASES INFO ON THEIR 2022 MODELS

FIRST LOOK: 2022 HONDA CRF450
Honda’s CRF450R continues to be the powersports industry’s benchmark motocrosser, carrying Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen to three 2021 AMA Supercross wins so far and, together with its limited-edition CRF450RWE sibling, posting the most U.S. sales of any MX model. For 2022, the legendary machine gets an updated ECU for enhanced drivability, particularly in the lower rev ranges, while suspension valving is revised for better holdup and improved balance. “Razor Sharp Cornering” continues as the model’s theme, with three main focus areas: power, handling and consistency. Unsurprisingly for the platform campaigned by Roczen and teammate Chase Sexton, as well as reigning FIM World Champion Tim Gajser, the $9,599 CRF450R learns from Honda Racing Corporation’s global race program.FIRST LOOK: 2022 HONDA CRF450 WORKS EDITION
For those who demand the absolute best when it comes to motocross performance, the premium CRF450R Works Edition is based on the legendary CRF450R, but with a long list of elite-level upgrades based on the machines in the Team Honda HRC factory race shop. As is the case with the CRF450R, this model gets an updated ECU, new suspension valving,Hinson clutch basket/cover, hand-ported cylinder head, Throttle Jockey graphics/seat cover, D.I.D. DirtStar LT-X rims, Yoshimura exhaust system, titanium nitride-coated lower fork legs, Twin Air filter, Rental FatBars/grips, RK gold chain and black triple clamps. Available in August extremely limited numbers i for $12,399.

• THE APRIL MXA IS ON ITS WAY: INSIDE IS THE BUELL 450 GRIFFON, MXA 450 SHOOTOUT & THE BETA MOTOCROSS TWO-STROKE

What’s in the newest issue of MXA? How about a thorough 22-page 450 Shootout with all seven 2021 450s, plus there accurate weights, prices and dyno charts. We also test the 2021 Beta 300RX motocross-specific two-stroke and the 2021 Gas Gas MC 250F. We take our 2021 Kawasaki KX450X to the Lake Havasu WORCS and ride Mike Alessi’s Yamaha YZ134. And those are just the bike test! We also have an in depth interview with Dave Osterman about hopscotching though almost every team on the AMA Pro circuit and Classic Iron on the Rickman Bultaco and how 24 of the 95 Rickman Bultacos made ended up being black marketed to America by Bud Ekins.

All seven of the 2021 450 motocross were tested for the 2021 MXA 450 Shootout. Yes, we did wait until we had all the bikes—because we wanted a complete shootout.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO MXA SO THAT YOU NEVER MISS ANOTHER ISSUE,
PLUS GET A $25 ROCKY MOUNTAIN GIFT CARD TO COVER YOUR COSTS

If you subscribe to MXA you can get the mag 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 the awesome print edition delivered to your house by a uniformed employee of the U.S. Government. Did we mention the $25 gift card for any part you want from Rocky Mountain ATV/MX? You can call (800) 767-0345 or Click Here (or on the box at the bottom of this page) to subscribe.

• 2021 AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP IS UP TO ROUND 10 ALREADY

• 2021 AMA SUPERCROSS TV SCHEDULE: COMING UP NEXT? THREE ROUNDS IN TEXAS

*Same-day delay, ^ Taped coverage, All times Eastern

• THE SWAPPABLE ELECTRIC BIKE BATTERY CONSORTIUM

Honda electric motor and battery pack.

KTM, GasGas and Husqvarna signed on to join Honda, Yamaha and Piaggio in the Swappable Batteries Consortium for motorcycles and light electric vehicles.The consortium members believe that the availability of a standardized swappable battery system would promote the widespread use of light electric vehicles, extending battery range, shorten the charging time and lower vehicle costs. The Swappable Battery Consortium will try to standardized the technical specifications of the swappable battery system for vehicles belonging to the L-category: Mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles. By working closely with interested stakeholders and national, European and international standardization bodies the Consortium hopes to be involved in the creation of international regulations.

Electric Honda CRF prototype.

“For powered two-wheelers,” said KTM’s Stefan Peirer, “the constraints of electric drivetrains regarding range, charging time and initial cost are still evident. To overcome these challenges and provide a better customer experience, a swappable battery system based on international technical standards will become a viable solution. Considering the entire lifecycle, a widespread application of batteries compliant with a common standard will support secondary use as well as circular economy. We are glad to be part of the Consortium as we strive towards our goals in the e-mobility sector.”

Electric Yamaha YZ-F prototype.

As for Kawasaki and Suzuki, who have not joined the Swappable Battery Consortium as of yet, but back in 2019 the Big Four Japanese manufacturers (Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki) announced that they were teaming up work together to develop a shared swappable battery platform for electric motorcycles. And in September of 2020, the foursome said that it had begun real world testing of their shared, swappable electric motorcycle battery design at Osaka University. However, given the size and number of batteries required to power an electric motorcycles, as opposed to a scooter or moped, fitting removable batteries would be a daunting challenge. Not to mention the packaging problems associated with each brand’s frame layout.

• 2021 GLEN HELEN TT SCRAMBLES RACING SCHEDULE: NEXT RACE FEB. 28

For more information send email to [email protected]

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MOOSE RACING ROLLER GEAR BAG

Moose Racing introduces its new roller gear bag. This new gear bag has been completely redesigned with added durability and sleek tonal graphics. Constructed from a tough texturized rubber base and heavy-duty denier fabric, this bag is able to take on any rugged travel or environment. The new retractable handle allows for easy towing while the bag rolls smooth on any surface thanks to the durable wheels. Large reinforced grab handles are placed on top and sides for easy moving.

Inside you will find the main compartment which has removable walls for keeping gear separated or the option for one large storage space. If your looking to upgrade that old gear bag, now is the perfect time! MSRP is listed at $299.95. Head on over to your local dealer or to www.mooseracing.com.

• FIRST LOOK! 2022 HONDA GROM 125

An updated 125cc fuel-injected laid-down four-stroke  powers the 2022 Honda Grom.

The Grom rounds an important corner this year, the iconic MiniMoto model emerges from an extensive makeover as a more refined, easily customizable machine. A more-efficient 123.9cc fuel-injected has higher 10.0:1 compression ratio and a fifth gear for increased versatility, while a flatter seat accommodates varying rider heights.

The fuel capacity is increased from 1.45 gallons to 1.59, for added fun between stops, and a full-featured LCD display makes it easy to take it all in. A special SP color option has stylish graphics and a yellow shock spring, plus a gold finish for the 12-inch wheels, brake calipers and fork. An ABS version is available as well.

The 2022 Grom is available in Queen Bee Yellow, Matte Black Metallic and Pearl White for $3399, while the Candy Blue Grom with ABS brakes retails for $3599. They should be in Honda dealerships in May.

• CHRIS LEATT ON THE CHALLENGES OF THE NECK BRACE DESIGN (PART 2 OF 4)

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: FACTORY EFFEX’S PIT & GARAGE ACCESSORIES

$34.95 Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki Collapsible trash bin.

$24.95 Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki RV Flag.

$39.95 Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki 1.5″ Tie-downs.

$139.95 Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki 6′ x 3′ bike mats.

$29.95 Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Factory Effex umbrella.

$39.95 Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki folding chair.

For more info or to order go to www.factoryeffex.com

MXA TEAM TESTED: SKF DUAL-COMPOUND FORK SEALS

SKF has a reputation for building the longest-lasting and best fork seals in the motocross biz, and its latest dual-compound innovation goes a long way to enhancing that reputation. The MXA wrecking crew goes through fork seals at the rate of one a week. That may sound bad, but we have over 25 test bikes that we race constantly. The harsh realities of racing in gritty soil guarantee that at any given time one of our test bikes will have oil oozing towards the front brake rotor. A leaking fork seal means downtime, because modern upside-down forks require a modicum of know-how and tools to replace a fork seal. So, when someone releases a new-style fork seal, we are on it right away.

Last year we started putting SKF Dual-Compound fork seals in every leaker that we had. That allowed us to build a fleet of MXA test bikes with SKF’s newest seal. The technology attracted us because the new seals promised superior sealing, better wiping of dirt, less fork stiction and longer life. SKF Dual-Compound fork-seal technology was developed to achieve superior sealing performance by molding two different compounds together in one fork seal.

The green compound rubber is used for the fork seal’s wipers. It is tough and durable. The red compound rubber is used against the fork tubes. It is softer, more flexible and has a newly designed sealing lip. The softer rubber can follow imperfections in the fork tube to maintain a good seal against leakage. Helping the dual-compound rubber is a metal insert that provides structural integrity, and the fork wiper has a self-cleaning, open-wind spring to increase the seal pressure of the wiper.

Experience has revealed to us that Kayaba seals are most likely to leak. Showa seals are second most likely, and WP seals are the least likely. Why? Because KTM’s WP forks come stock with SKF fork seals (although not Dual-Compound seals). A fork seal lives in a dirty environment where it has to endure a very long stroke at high shaft speeds with instantaneous direction changes. When you add the side loads, plus contamination and migration of particles to the picture, it is amazing that any seal can live up to the demands of motocross—and most don’t.

For our long-term test, we fixed every leaking OEM seal with a replacement SKF Dual-Compound fork seal. We can’t say that we never had an SKF Dual-Compound fork seal fail, but we can say that those failures came because of rock dings to the fork leg’s chrome that tore the seal’s lip. Across the board, the Dual-Compound seals offer less stiction, superior sealing and longer life.  What’s the squawk? Price. SKF fork seals cost more than most aftermarket seals, although the price does include a new dust seal. Given the cost of replacing fork seals, the price of a seal that lasts twice as long is worth it.

MXA RATING: If you want to eliminate the odds of a fork-seal leak, you need to run the best seals possible. In MXA’s opinion, the best seals available are SKF Dual-Compound fork seals.

• TAKE A LAP OF SATURDAY’S DAYTONA SUPERCROSS LAYOUT

• ARMA SPORT NOW AVAILABLE DEALER DIRECT

Press Release: ARMA Sport, the premium nutrition supplements company, is expanding!  ARMA Sport has assembled a strong group of industry professionals and is now accepting retail dealer applications. Dealers interested in selling the ARMA Sport brand can contact the new Director of Sales, Darryl Atkins, ARMA Sport, for a dealer application and information on how to become an authorized ARMA Sport dealer at [email protected]

Jeremy McGrath.

“We are very excited to be bringing the ARMA Sport brand to USA retailers across the country. We are equally excited to welcome Darryl Atkins to our sales team and the Arma Sport family. We hope you will check out our brand” – Jeremy McGrath, Co-Founder, ARMA Sport.

Chad Reed.

• MXA MOTO CHALLENGE QUIZ: WE WERE ALL YOUNG ONCE

Can you name these two four-time champions? This father and son team, photographed in 2006, went on to win four sought-after motorcycle Championships each. Can you name them and the Championships they won? The answer is at the bottom of this page.

MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: KTM POWERPARTS ACCESSORIES

KTM 60-PIECE 3/8″ TOOL BOX KIT
The most commonly used Torx, Allen, socket, screwdriver blades, adaptors, ratchet, extensions and breaker bar in a form-fitting case. It is design to make working on almost every KTM nut or bolt from 50cc to 505cc. Retail price—$145.99.

KTM 300CC FACTORY ENGINE KIT
All the parts needed to turn your 250SX into a 300SX (including cylinder, gaskets, piston, rings, cylinder head, black box, wrist pin, circlips and power valve). It is a bolt-on engine kit that boosts  power by 4.25 horsepower more than the stock 250SX engine. Retail price—$956.99.

FACTORY TRIPLE CLAMPS
This orange anodized triple clamp includes the steering stem with the bottom bearing already pressed on. It features adjustable offset (20mm or 22mm) and a special split clamp design to optimize perfect grip on the fork tubes. Identical to the 2020-1/2 KTM FC450 Factory Edition triple clamps. Retail price—$623.99.

FACTORY WHEELS
The  orange anodized CNC-machined hubs are laced to D.I.D DirtStars rims with orange anodized aluminum spoke nipples with 36 black anodized spokes. The rear wheel comes in either 18-inch or 19-inch diameters on 2.15-inch DID DirtStar rims. Retail price—$424.99 (front), $99.99 (Rear).

KTM Power Powerparts are available at your friendly local KTM dealer. to find a KTM dealer near you Click Here.

• 3-BROS SIX-HOURS OF GLEN HELEN COMING ON MARCH 14

If you’d like to eventually race the 24-hours of Glen Helen, this is the place to start. It’s only a measley six hours long. Its held in the daylight, so no lights are required and you’ll be home in time for dinner. For more info go to www.glenhelen.com or call Lori at (909) 384-9342 to find out how to form a three-man team.

• MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021-1/2 HUSQVARNA FC450 ROCKSTAR EDITION

• MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021-1/2 KTM 450SXF FACTORY EDITION

• MXA’S FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 HUSQVARNA FC350

• MXA SHOOTOUT VIDEO: 2021 HONDA CRF450 VERSUS HUSQVARNA FC450

• MXA SHOOTOUT VIDEO: 2021 KAWASAKI KX450 VERSUS YAMAHA YZ450F

• KEEPING TRACK OF THE 2021 RACE SCHEDULES

This is the proposed March 6 Daytona Supercross track layout.

REVISED 2021 AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP (UPDATED)
Jan. 16 (Saturday)…Houston, TX
Jan. 19 (Tuesday)….Houston, TX
Jan. 23 (Saturday)…Houston, TX
Jan. 30 (Saturday)…Indianapolis, IN
Feb. 2 (Tuesday)….Indianapolis, IN
Feb. 6 (Saturday)…Indianapolis, IN
Feb. 13 (Saturday)…Orlando, FL
Feb. 20 (Saturday)…Orlando, FL
Mar. 6 (Saturday)…Daytona Beach, FL
Mar. 13 (Saturday)…Arlington, TX
Mar. 16 (Tuesday)… Arlington, TX
Mar. 20 (Saturday)…Arlington, TX
Apr.10 (Saturday)…Atlanta, GA
Apr.13 (Tuesday)…Atlanta, GA
Apr.17 (Saturday)…Atlanta, GA
Apr. 24 (Saturday)…Salt Lake City, UT
May 1 (Saturday)…Salt Lake City, UT

2021 AMA KICKER ARENACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 8…….Starkville, MS
Jan. 9…….Starkville, MS
Jan. 15…….Lubbock, TX
Jan. 16…….Lubbock, TV
Jan. 22…….Guthrie, OK
Jan. 23…….Guthrie, OK
Jan. 29…….Denver, CO
Jan. 30…….Denver, CO
Feb. 5…….Tampa, Fl
Feb. 6…….Tampa, Fl
Mar. 5…….Amarillo, TX
Mar. 6…….Amarillo, TX

2021 AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
May 29…Pala, CA
Jun 5…Thunder Valley, CO
June 19…Mt. Morris, PA
June 26…Southwick, MA
July 3…Red Bud, MI
July 17….Millville, MN
July 24….Washougal, WA
Aug. 14…Unadilla, NY
Aug. 21…Budds Creek, MD
Aug. 28…Crawfordsville, IN
Sept. 4…Pala, CA
Sept.11…Hangtown, CA

2021 PROVISIONAL GRAND PRIX SCHEDULE (REVISED)
May 23…Oss, Holland,
Jun. 13…Orlyonok, Russia
Jun. 20…Kegums, Latvia
Jul. 4…Borobudur, Java
Jul. 11…Semarang, Indonesia
Jul. 25…Locket, Czech Republic
Aug. 1…Lommel, Belgium
Aug 8…Uddevall, Sweden
Aug. 22…KimiRing, Finland
Aug. 29…Igora, Russia
Sep. 12…Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
Sep. 19…TBA
Oct. 3…Teutschenthal, Germany
Oct. 10…St. Jean d’Angely, France
Oct. 17…Intu Xanadu, Spain
Oct. 24…Agueda, Portugal
Oct. 31…TBA, Italy
Nov. 7…TBA, China
Nov. 21…TBA, Argentina

2021 SCOTTISH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar. 27/28…Tain
Apr. 24/25…Duns
May 15/16..Lochgilphead
Jun. 26/27..Reserve date
Jul. 10… Doune (Youth)
Jul. 17…Doune (Adult )
Aug. 14/15…Rhynie
Sept. 4/5…Desertmartin, Northern Ireland

2021 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Apr. 11…Wonthaggi, VIC
May 2 …Canberra, ACT
May 30…Gillman, SA
Jun. 27…Maitland, NSW
Jul. 25…Wodonga, VIC
Aug. 9…TBA, QLD
Aug. 14….Coolum, QLD
Aug. 14….Coolum, QLD

2021 ADAC GERMAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Apr. 18…Dreetz
May 16…Moggers
Jun. 6…Reutlingen
Jul. 3…Bielstein
Jul. 18…Tensfeld
Sep. 5…Princely Drehna
Sep. 9…Gaildorf

2021 MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
Sep. 26…Imola is out—new site TBA

2021 PARIS SUPERCROSS
Nov. 6-7…Paris, France

• 2021 FIM WORLD MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP STARTS ON MAY 23

• 2021 AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP STARTS ON MAY 29