MXA’S WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: VAST RESERVOIR OF STUFF ONLY RACERS WOULD APPRECIATE

• CONE VALVES AVAILABLE FOR KTM, GASGAS AND HUSKY 50, 65 & ELECTRIC PEE-WEES

WP Suspension has the new WP XACT Pro 7500 Cartridge kits available for 50cc and 65cc bikes. The WP XACT Pro motocross cartridges are an easy-to-install option that allows for a simple upgrade to first-class technology, just like the Pro Components for the bigger bikes of the segment.

The 7500 cartridge offers Cone Valve technology, with its linear damping performance, stiffer settings, optimizes heat dissipation and reduced friction for $949.00. It fits on the 2017 through 2022 KTM 65SX, TC50 ad EE-5, GasGas MC65, MC 50, MC-E-5 and Husqvarna TC50, EE-5 and TC65. For more info contact your friendly local KTM, Husky or GasGas dealer.

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ODI/MOTION PRO DIRTCONTROL II GRIPS

The New Motion Pro DirtControl II Grips were designed by Motion Pro and are manufactured by ODI In California. Made with ODI’s V2 Lock-On System, the New DirtControl V2 Lock-On Grips will come complete with 6 Snap-Cams to fit most modern full-size Motocross Bikes. ODI Throttle Cams A, B, C, D, J & M.

Constructed of a durable Medium Density Compound New Web Pattern provides an ergonomic feel with excellent finger-tip traction Reverse Knurling delivers amazing traction to feel secure in wet or dry conditions. Available in Black or Grey. Retail price is $25.99 at www.motionpro.com.

• MXA CRASH OF THE WEEK

Coming out of a left-hand hairpin that led to a steep drop-off, 450 Pro Preston Tilford caught his left arm on the handlebar of the guy he was passing. His left arm was pulled off the bars, which caused his throttle hand to twist rearward, sending his bike tumbling up to the big drop-off. Photo: Jon Ortner

The former Vance and Hines Yamaha rider, is still tumbling and so is the KTM 450SXF Factory Edition. It lands rear wheel down on the edge of the cliff. Photo: Jon Ortner

The KTM 450SXF cartwheels down the hill as Tilford hopelessly watches it disappear. Photo: Jon Ortner

Thar she blows. Preston had to walk down the hill to get back on his bike, only the clutch lever was broken. Photo: Jon Ortner

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 HUSQVARNA FC250 VIDEO TEST

• IT’S ALMOST HERE! 2022 AMA MONSTER ENERGY SUPERCROSS SCHEDULE

2022 AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 8…Anaheim, CA
Jan. 15…Oakland, CA
Jan. 22…San Diego, CA
Jan. 29…Anaheim, CA
Feb. 5…Glendale, AZ
Feb. 12…Anaheim, CA
Feb. 19… Minneapolis, MN
Feb. 26… Arlington, TX
Mar. 5…Daytona Beach, FL
Mar. 12…Detroit, MI
Mar. 19…Indianapolis, IN
Mar. 26…Seattle, WA
Apr. 9…St. Louis, MO
Apr. 16…Atlanta, GA
Apr. 23…Foxborough, MA
Apr. 30…Denver, CO
May 7…Salt Lake City, UT

•  “THIS WEEK IN MXA WITH JOSH MOSIMAN:” NEW WORLD SUPERCROSS, AARON PLESSINGER, ALDON BAKER & GASGAS TEAM DOES SHORT TRACK

•  2022 AMA SUPERCROSS TV SCHEDULE: TIMES, CHANNELS & DAYS

All times Eastern (subtract three hours for Pacific Time Zone).

• THOSE ONCE IN LIFETIME PHOTOS THAT STICK IN YOUR BRAIN

It is either El Chucacabra or the Abdominal Snowman out testing. You’re guess is as good as ours.

 Not only does MXA always park in the exact same spot every week at the races, but it is valet parking.

You can find Motocross Action logos in the strangest places, but you never expect to see it at an air show on a Sbach 342 Thunderbolt aerobatic plane.

Believe it or not, a Yamaha YZ250 will fit in small SUV if you take the front forks off.

This was Larry Brook’s first MXA cover photo. He would get 200 more, but he remembers this August 1983 one the most.

One of the many times that Husqvarna banned MXA. They always forgave us, but this was pretty unforgivable.

Gary Jones (left) and David Bailey (right) show off the differences in their respective AMA 250 National Championship machinery.

This Frank Thomason photo to Ricky Johnson jumping the San Diego Supercross finish line jump in his off-road truck wowed the hometown crowd.

This is the true meaning of “letting it all hang out.”

Daryl Ecklund found the hot line while racing though Sweden.

You know that motocross bikes are getting too complicated when you have to tape a crib sheet to a Honda CRF450’s crossbar pad to explain how all the buttons worked.

• HAVE YOU SEEN THE JANUARY 2022 ISSUE OF MXA? IT IS THE BEST DEAL IN THE SPORT!

If you don’t subscribe to MXA, you are missing a whole different world of motocross news, facts, test and photographs. For example, the just released January 2022 issue includes a complete and thorough test of Jo Shimoda’s Pro Circuit Kawasaki KX250 and Dilan Schwartz’s Bar-X Suzuki RM-Z250. Not only did Jo become the leading rider on the Pro Circuit team (after being picked up in a try-out after the Geico Honda team folded and left Jo without a ride), better yet Dilan did what they said couldn’t be done when he put his often-berated RM-Z250 into the top ten at the 2021 AMA 250 National Championships.

If that’s not enough, we give the 2022 Husqvarna FC450 the full test treatment and tell you all the things we found to make it better. Plus, we run the 2022 Yamaha YZ450F and Honda CRF450 through their paces. When you’re done reading the bike tests, take the time to sit down and read Jim Kimball’s interview with Billy “Sugar Bear” Grossi and Josh Mosiman’s interview with EKS Brand’s Rich Taylor. You will be surprised by their takes on living the motocross lifestyle. Plus, much, much, much more.

YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO SUBSCRIBE TO MXA! IT’S FULL OF THINGS YOU CAN’T LEARN ANYWHERE ELSE,  YOU PLUS GET A $25 ROCKY MOUNTAIN GIFT CREDIT TO COVER YOUR COSTS

You can’t afford not to subscribe, because when you get order a $19.99 subscription, Rocky Mountain ATV/MC sends you a $25 gift credit to use on anything you want from their massive selection. Plus, subscribers to MXA can get the digital mag on their 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. Do we have to mention the $25 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC gift card again? You can’t lose on this deal? Call (800) 767-0345 or Click Here

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 MXA 450 SHOOTOUT VIDEO TEST

• MXA’S HANDY-DANDY PRE-MIX RATIO CHART BY GALLON & RATIO

This easy-to-use chart tells you how much oil to pour into 1 , 2,  2.5, 3, 4 or 5 gallons of gas to get the proper oil-to-gas ratio you are looking for. MXA typically runs Maxima K2 at 40:1 —which would be 16 ounces of oil to 5 gallons of gas. If we didn’t need 5 gallons, but only wanted 1 gallon of premix, we would a 3.20 ounces to 1 gallon of gas. All you have to do is pick your favorite premix ratio and follow the chart to how many gallons  you want.

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: WISECO RACER ELITE CONNECTING ROD

An OEM rod is a good part, but it’s also built specifically for what the stock horsepower output and rpm range are. The new Wiseco Racer Elite connecting rods are taking a step up in allowable performance, offering higher strength and quality, which are necessary to push the limits of what the engine can do in terms of horsepower and rpm. Racer Elite connecting rods are precision CNC-machined and held to tolerances as tight as one ten-thousandth of an inch in certain areas and also feature a rolled-in bronze bushing in the small end, oiling slots and passages in both ends, and carefully tested surface finishes. Retail price: $356.95–$415.95 at www.wiseco.com or (440) 951-6600.

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE VIDEO TEST

• A LITTLE HONDA HISTORY, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO HURT YOU

Honda’s first bike: The belt-driven, two-stroke, rotary valve, 1947 Honda Type-A.

The two-speed, left-side brake lever, stamped steel frame, reverse-cylinder, 1949 Honda Dream D two-stroke.

The nine-speed, twin-cylinder, 1962 Honda RC112 50cc road racer.

The 1973 Honda CR250 Elsinore.

The 1981 Honda CR250.

The 1989 Honda Eddie Lawson two stroke.

The 2015 Honda CRF450.

The 2022 Honda CRF450.

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: UNI TWO-STAGE FOAM AIR FILTER

“For over 50 years, Uni Filters have been unsurpassed in engine protection and performance. The unique, two-stage filter design allows your engine to produce more horsepower and torque than any other air filter. Uni Filter is the choice of the greatest off-road racers of all time because of the Uni Filter’s ability to hold large amounts of dirt and still provide excellent air flow.” —Uni Filter’s Tom Gross. Retail price: $32.95at www.unifilter.com or (714) 535-6933.

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 HUSQVARNA FC350 VIDEO TEST

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: NIHILO CONCEPTS FACTORY FRAME GRIP

“Nihilo Factory frame grip tape is a must-have for the serious rider. Not only does it stick to your frame like no other, it protects your motorcycle’s frame from wear, and its traction-tape finish allows the rider to grip the sides of the bike in perfect riding form. Ranging from $15.99 to $18.99 in price, our grip tape is custom cut and perfectly conforms to each frame.” —Nihilo’s Chris Downey at www.nihiloconcepts.com or (855) 464-4456.

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 KTM 150SX VIDEO TEST

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ALPINESTARS TECH 7 BOOTS

“At Alpinestars, all our products are created for the demanding environment of racing. The Alpinestars Tech 7 boot is a light, anatomically profiled performance race boot. This CE-certified boot promotes core stability and flex via a bio-mechanical pivot while offering excellent ankle protection for just $389.95.” Alpinestars Heath Coffin at www.alpinestars.com or (800) 438-2577.

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 YAMAHA YZ250F VIDEO TEST

• 2022 AMA 250/450 NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

2022 AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
May 28…Pala, CA
June 4…Hangtown, CA
Jun 11…Thunder Valley, CO
June 18…Mt. Morris, PA
July 3…Red Bud, MI
July 9…Southwick, MA
July 16….Millville, MN
July 23….Washougal, WA
Aug. 13…Unadilla, NY
Aug. 20…Budds Creek, MD
Aug. 27…Crawfordsville, IN
Sept. 3…Pala, CA

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 HUSQVARNA TC125 VIDEO TEST

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: RINALDI RW 45 SCOOP TIRE

Rinaldi’s RW 45 rear soft-terrain tire is the perfect choice for muddy or sandy tracks. With a paddle/scoop- style tread, this tire will offer superior traction in soft-terrain conditions when compared to a conventional knobby tire that’s made for both intermediate- and hard-terrain conditions. If you ever ride on sandy or muddy tracks, this tire will help you pull away from the competition every time you turn the throttle. Retail price: $64.00 (100/90-19), $71.00 (110/90-19) at www.motomandistributing.com or (760) 949-0941.

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 HONDA CRF450 VIDEO TEST

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MOOSE RACING M1 GEAR

“This year we are adding to our M1 line- up by offering three different-colored pant options and six options for jerseys. M1 is our semi-ventilated gear that is made of a breathable, micro-mesh polyester chassis with non-fading sublimated graphics. Our gear features an athletic fit, inset-style sleeves for the jersey and new, oversized knee panels with double- and triple-stitched seams for extra durability in the pants. The reinforced high-denier seat, pre-bent ergonomic pant fit, and three-point waist adjustment complete this year’s offering of the M1.” —Moose Racing’s Austin Erikson. Retail price: $39.95 (jersey), $109.95 (pant)a t www.mooseracing.com or (608) 758-1111

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 YAMAHA YZ250 TWO-STROKE VIDEO TEST

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: FMF RACING YAMAHA YZ450F KICK PLATE

As seen on the Star Racing Yamaha YZ250 and YZ450 teams, FMF Racing has been making a unique FMF heat shield for the base of the Yamaha muffler to protect the rider from heat and to protect the muffler from wear damage when the extra plastic is trimmed off. Now, this trick little part is available for 2019-2022 model Yamaha YZ250Fs and YZ450Fs to boost the durability of your muffler and your riding gear. Retail price: $89.99 at www.fmfracing.com or (310) 631-4363.

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 GASGAS MC 450F VIDEO TEST

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: NITROMOUSSE NITROWEDGE

The Nuetech Nitromousse system was created for motocross and off-road riders who prefer the no-flat guarantee of foam mousses over traditional tubes. The Nuetech Nitrowedge is simply an 8-inch section of Nitromousse that can be used to increase or “tune” the psi feel. It also can be used to increase the lifespan of a Nitromousse that has lots of hours on it. The Nitrowedge comes in all sizes for both the platinum 10–12-psi feel and plush 6–8-psi feel of the Nitromousse. Retail price: $19.95 at www.nitromousse.com or (608) 301-6764.

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 YAMAHA YZ125 TWO-STROKE VIDEO TEST

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ARAI VX-PRO4 RESOLUTE HELMET

Arai’s striking new Resolute graphic is now available in red or yellow and continues to deliver all the comfort and protection you’ve come to expect from Arai. Just as in every Arai helmet, the basic and simple organic shell shape is based on the R75 shape concept. The absence of exaggerated edges or protrusions on the shell should not be mistaken for a lack of imagination. It’s a visual demonstration of our commit-ment to maintaining the integrity of the shell with real-world impact performance. Retail price: $739.95 at www.araiamericas.com or (610) 366-7220.

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 KTM 450SXF VIDEO TEST

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MAXIMA RACING DOT 4 BRAKE FLUID

Synthetic, zero-fade racing brake fluid is designed to ensure maximum stopping power and protection for critical brake-system components under the most extreme racing conditions. Extensively developed formulation maintains unparalleled responsiveness and performance by preventing water contamination and vaporization in any environment. Advanced chemistry resists oxidation under excessive tem- perature, prevents corrosion, and is compatible with SBR and EPDM rubbers. It also exceeds the requirements of U.S. FMVSS 116 DOT 3 & DOT 4, SAE J1703 and SAE J1704. Retail price: $16.95 at www.maximausa.com or (619) 449-5000.

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 YAMAHA YZ450F VIDEO TEST

• 2022 FIM 250/450 WORLD MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP STARTS IN FEBRUARY

Take this MXGP schedule with a grain of salt—it will change, probably next week. The 2022 MXGP calendar features 20 Grands Prix along with the Monster Energy FIM Motocross des Nations which will be held at Red Bud on September 25, 2022.

2022 FIM GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP (TENTATIVE)
Feb. 20…Matterley Basin, England
Mar. 6…TBA, Argentina
Mar. 20…TBA
Mar. 27…Oss, Holland
April 10…Trentino, Italy
Apr. 24…Kegums, Latvia
May 1…Orlyonok, Russia
May 15…Rio Sardo, Sardinia.
May 29…Intu Xanadu, Spain
June 5…Ernee, France
June 12…Teutschenthal, Germany
June 26…Jakarta, Indonesia
July 3…Semarang, Indonesia
July 17…Locket, Czech Republic
July 24…Lommel, Belgium
Aug. 7…Uddevalla, Sweden
Aug. 14…KymiRing, Finland
Aug 21…St. Jean d’ Angely, France
Sept. 4…Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
Sept.18…TBA

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 KTM 350SXF VIDEO TEST

• MXA PRODUCTS SPOTLIGHT: ZETA RACING ULTRA-LIGHT CLUTCH PERCH

The new Zeta Racing Ultra-Light clutch perch opens up new options for customization at your clutch with four adjustment-ratio functions to make the pull lighter, along with a forged lever and an extra-thick clamp to increase durability. The reach of the lever is easily adjustable to bring the clutch lever closer or further away from your hand as well. Plus, the Zeta Racing perch makes adjusting the play in your cable clutch lever easy while you’re riding by simply pushing the roller forward or backward. Retail price: $89.95 at www.zeta-racing.com or [email protected]

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 HONDA CRF250 VIDEO TEST

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: PIVOTRAX AP102 REAR TIRE

The Pivotrax soft-to-intermediate AP102 rear tire was designed to have a flexible and durable tire carcass for terrain adaptation, meaning it was made to go from the track to the trail. If you are the guy that races motocross one weekend then trail rides with your buddies the next, this tire might be right up your alley. This tire is offered in sizes 100/90-19, 110/90-19 and 110/100-18. Retail price: $89.00 at www.pivotrax.com.

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 KTM 250SXF VIDEO TEST

• SUBSCRIBE TO MXA AND DIRT BIKES GET GET $50 IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN ATV/MC CREDITS

To get this awesome deal of two magazine subscriptions and $50 to spend on motocross parts, gear or accessories by Clicking Here

• TENTATIVE 2022 RACE SCHEDULES

2022 AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 8…Anaheim, CA
Jan. 15…Oakland, CA
Jan. 22…San Diego, CA
Jan. 29…Anaheim, CA
Feb. 5…Glendale, AZ
Feb. 12…Anaheim, CA
Feb. 19… Minneapolis, MN
Feb. 26… Arlington, TX
Mar. 5…Daytona Beach, FL
Mar. 12…Detroit, MI
Mar. 19…Indianapolis, IN
Mar. 26…Seattle, WA
Apr. 9…St. Louis, MO
Apr. 16…Atlanta, GA
Apr. 23…Foxborough, MA
Apr. 30…Denver, CO
May 7…Salt Lake City, UT

2022 FIM GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP (TENTATIVE)
Feb. 20…Matterley Basin, England
Mar. 6…TBA, Argentina
Mar. 20…TBA
Mar. 27…Oss, Holland
April 10…Trentino, Italy
Apr. 24…Kegums, Latvia
May 1…Orlyonok, Russia
May 15…Rio Sardo, Sardinia.
May 29…Intu Xanadu, Spain
June 5…Ernee, France
June 12…Teutschenthal, Germany
June 26…Jakarta, Indonesia
July 3… Semarang, Indonesia
July 17…Locket, Czech Republic
July 24…Lommel, Belgium
Aug. 7…Uddevalla, Sweden
Aug. 14…KymiRing, Finland
Aug 21…St. Jean d’ Angely, France
Sept. 4…Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
Sept. 18…TBA

2022 AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
May 28…Pala, CA
June 4…Hangtown, CA
June 11…Thunder Valley, CO
June 18…Mt. Morris, PA
July 3…Red Bud, MI
July 9…Southwick, MA
July 16….Millville, MN
July 23….Washougal, WA
Aug. 13…Unadilla, NY
Aug. 20…Budds Creek, MD
Aug. 27…Crawfordsville, IN
Sept. 3…Pala, CA

2022 KICKER ARENACROSS SERIES
Jan. 7-8…Loveland, CO
Jan. 15…Amarillo, TX
Jan. 21-22…Oklahoma City, OK
Jan. 29…Greensboro, NC
Feb. 4-5…Reno, NV
Feb. 11-12…Denver, CO

2022 WORLD SIDECAR MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Apr. 24… Holland
May. 22…Czech Republic
June 12…Holland
June 26…Ukraine
July 3…Estonia
July 10…TBA
July 23…No. Ireland
July 31…Germany
Aug. 7…TBA
Aug. 28…Czech Republic
Sept. 4…Slovenia
Sept.18…Germany

2022 WORCS OFF-ROAD SCHEDULE
Jan. 21-23…Primm, NV
Feb. 18-20…Glen Helen, CA
Mar. 11-13…Lake Havasu City, AZ
Apr. 8-10…Taft, CA
Apr. 29-May 1…Las Vegas, NV
May 27-29…Cedar City, UT
Sept. 16-18…Preston, ID
Oct. 14-16…Mesquite, NV
Nov 4-6…Primm, NV

2022 CANADIAN TRIPLE CROWN SERIES
June 5…Kamloops, BC
June 12…Drumheller, AB
June 19…Pilot Mound, MB
July 3…Walton, ON
July 10…Courtland, ON
July 17…Ottawa, ON
July 24…Moncton, NB
July 31…Deschambault, QC
Aug. 14…Walton, ON

2022 GERMAN ADAC MOTOCROSS MASTERS
Apr. 3…Princely Drehna
May 22…Dreetz
June 19…Möggers
July 3…Bielstein
July 10…Tensfeld
July 31…Gaildorf
Sept. 4…Jauer
Sept. 11…Holzgerlingen

2022 MICHELIN BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar. 20…TBA
May 1…TBA
May 29…TBA
July 3…TBA
Aug. 7…TBA
Sept. 4…TBA

2022 IRISH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar. 27…TBA
Apr. 10…TBA
June 5… TBA
June 26… Loughbrickland
July 24…TBA
Aug. 21… Saul

2022 DUTCH MASTERS SERIES
Mar. 13…Arnhem
April 18…Oldebroek (Monday)
May 8…Harfsen
May22…Oss
June18…Rhenen

2022 MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
Sept. 25… Red Bud.Michigan

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