WHAT’S INSIDE THE NEW MXA? THE STUFF OF DREAMS

The October issue of MXA is jam-packed with hard-core motocross information. Here is a quick overview of just some of the things that are in this issue. 

Don’t think for a second that the 2020 KTM 450SXF is just a warmed-over 2019 model. It has new maps, a vented airbox cover, lower gearing, redesigned rocker arms, bronze top-end rod bushing,  re-cammed piston shape and plusher suspension settings. The result is an improved 450 that already has the lightest weight, strongest brakes and best clutch. Read the whole test to find out how six changes to the engine improved the performance for 2020.

Love that blue plate and so did David Bailey because he was the only AMA Pro to ever wear it or collect the $30,000 Wrangler Jeans Grand National Championship bonus—and he did it twice before Wrangler went away.

You can run your bike into the ground, if you are made of money, but at some point you will have to spend dough on it. We recommend opening up your wallet at 40 hours. We had Wrench 42 Motorsports in Murrieta, California, give us the low-down on how to freshen up a 40-hour RM-Z450.

Trey Canard has drifted out of the American motocross consciousness since retiring, but back in 2010 he was a major player in the 250 class on his Geico Honda.

Want to know how many bikes KTM sold last year? How about how many they plan to sell by 2022? The answers are all in “On the Mainjet.” However, for those that can’t read, one of the answers is 400,000. Plus, we say goodby to Marland Whaley and Rolf Dieffenbach.

Jim Perry has had an interesting life. He started out as a young Pro, who swept floors at Pro Circuit to afford to race. Over time he moved up to become Pro Circuit’s team manager. Jim then moved to Team Yamaha, where he became the maestro of the men in blue.

The Suzuki RM-Z250 does not get a “bum rap” for being slow—because it is slow. The RM-Z250 gives up 4 horses to the competition. We wanted to erase that gap. Mitch Payton said he could do the job and he did, but it was a big job.

The MXA test riders love everything about the Honda CRF250 except for the lack of bottom-end power. Our goal? Fix it. Or, failing that, we vowed to make it better on the exit of turns. We show you what we did.

The MXA wrecking crew set our 2020 KTM 450SXF aside to go to Sonoma Raceway and spin laps in the fastest KTM we have ever tested. The KTM X-Bow R produces 300 horsepower with 300 pound-feet of torque. We had a blast in KTM’s $105,000 track car.

MXA’s Daryl Ecklund loved being behind the wheel of the X-Bow (which is pronounced Cross-Bow).

We loved the 2020 Husqvarna FC450, not the least of which was because Husqvarna threw away the KTM playbook  and came up with their own suspension settings. They are perfect for KTM’s core audience—which isn’t Pros or fast teenagers.

Did you know that in 1971 Ducati imported a desmodromic, 450cc, four-stroke, motocross bike. Awesome idea, but a terrible bike. They sold less that 200 of them in 1971 and there never was a 1972 model.

You can ask the MXperts anything—like the guy  (left) who hated fuel injection and wanted  to build a hot rod carbureted 2013 YZ250F. (Right) Or the reader who wanted to know why there was so much anger towards Giuseppe Luongo.

Did you forget about the Vass adjustable steering geometry system? Most likely you never heard of it, but we know you’ve heard of Doug Dubach and his Yamaha YZ250F exhausts.

Do you remember the 2002 Motocross des Nations in San Jacinto, California? You shouldn’t because it got cancelled a week before it was to happen. To help the countries that showed up to race, Glen Helen held a World Cup event. (Right) We test the FCP motor mounts and head stays.

No one likes to change tires, but it is one of those dirty jobs that comes with the territory. We show you how to make it easier. (Right) However, O’Neal Hardware Rizer gear is one of the clean things—unless you get roosted.

Ever wish you had a job in the motocross industry? Meet three men who have “Dream Jobs.” (Right) Plus, KTM PowerParts version of the Bell Moto-9 Flex is tested.

 
In the October issue, which is in newstands and mailboxes across the nation, we highlight products from works Connection, EVS and Twin Air. (right) “Great Moments” flashes back to the October 2009 issue—where he test Jake Weimer’s factoru Honda CRF250.

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