Innehållsförteckning för 255 från Dirt Action

MOTOR MOUTH NEWS DA: Dean, you've been over for a few races in Australia before, but it's your first full year in the Australian series. What are your thoughts and impressions so far? DW: Yeah, I'm loving it so far; it's good. It's a lot more different to what I'm used to, for sure, but I'm really enjoying it. I think it's really good for my racing and my fitness, and it's good training for when I go back to America, so I'm really enjoying it. I love being in Australia, I love the people. I just really enjoy the country, so it's good. DA: And you're a new dad? Tell us a bit about that. DW: I'm a new dad now, so I'm really enjoying that. It's just a…

MOTOR MOUTH MOUTH NEWSS Triumph Motorcycles has unveiled the innovative new TF 250-X motocrosser, boasting an unmatched power-to-weight ratio in the fiercely competitive 250cc motocross class. Crafted by Triumph, with input from racing legend Ricky Carmichael, this four-stroke race bike is built from scratch. It features a high-performance engine and a pioneering aluminium chassis that's both ultra-compact and exceptionally light, equipped with top-tier components right from the factory. Triumph's chief product manager, Steve Sargent, commented, “Introducing the TF 250-X marks a major stride and investment by Triumph in the motocross arena, aiming not just to enter the market, but to excel in performance. Our goal is to offer an unrivalled package for all skill levels. This bike is a pure Triumph creation — designed, engineered and crafted in-house. We started…

Enhancing your KTM SX-F Factory Edition riding experience has never been easier thanks to the newly introduced Connectivity Unit Offroad (CUO). This unit expands the range of set-up and performance options, offering enhanced capabilities. With user-friendly installation and robust hardware, coupled with the opportunities unlocked by the free KTMconnect app, the CUO provides access to an advanced riding experience. Notably, the CUO is a standard feature on the 2024 KTM SX-F Factory Editions. ENGINE Use this menu option within KTMconnect to modify the engine behaviour and characteristics of a KTM SX-F Factory Edition. Riders have the choice of Prime, allowing toggling levels of Traction Control, or Advanced settings, encompassing engine braking, throttle response, traction control and launch control, along with the ability to engage the quickshifter. There are preconfigured presets…

As we rolled into the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort that's nestled high in the Yarra Ranges of Victoria, only two hours from Melbourne's CBD, dark grey clouds were building on the horizon and a storm was clearly brewing. I arrived with a gang of media, and the GASGAS Australia e-MTB crew were eagerly awaiting to show off their exciting range of 2024 e-MTBs. But before we geared up to try them out, a quick presentation took place to give us a better understanding of the bikes. When GASGAS started manufacturing e-MTBs in 2021, they decided to go all in by forming their own bicycle division separate from that of the motorcycle division, utilising their dirtbike origin and innovation, which enabled them to focus 100 per cent on building high-quality components…

EXPLORING THE GREAT DIVIDE DA: Kye, give us a quick rundown on what Endeavour Motorcycle Tours is all about. Kye: Endeavour Motorcycle Tours, I'd say, is a combination of the Bush Tucker Man with the best adventure bike riding that the east coast of Australia has to offer. Our rides are not just about getting from point A to B; they are more about the journey and learning about the region we're riding through along the way. Every location we ride through I've either hiked, climbed, ran or kayaked through, and I can give a pretty in-depth explanation of that area. I'm a really big history nerd and I love the geological side of things, so I aim to put an interesting twist on our adventure rides. DA: How long…

87 FEATURE AREA 51 We're in Rocksberg, about 45 minutes north of Brisbane. Cruising in on the morning of the event, it's a beautiful day — blue skies, the sun is shining, luscious rolling green hills with clear-water creeks running; you couldn't ask for anything better. It's not the kind of area you'd expect to find a dirtbike event, but luckily, the Masters family has developed a great rapport with their neighbours over the years and they are happy enough to let a paddock full of dirtbike ratbags take over for a weekend. WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT? It's all about having a good time! When Jake Masters retired from racing, he still wanted to ride and have a great time on his bike, so the family practice track slowly transformed…

MOTO MANUAL TECH TIPS KINCROME STEP 1: GATHER NECESSARY TOOLS AND MATERIALS Before you start the oil change, gather the following tools and materials: » Motorcycle oil (check your motorcycle's manual for the recommended oil type and quantity) » Correct oil filter » Oil drain pan » Socket set » Funnel » Oil filter pliers or flat-blade screwdriver » Rags or paper towels STEP 2: POSITION THE MOTORCYCLE Use the side s tand on enduro bikes, or on motocross bikes use the portable side stand it comes with so you have easy access to the underside of your engine. Ensure the bike is stable and secure before proceeding. Remove your bike's bash plate if it has one. STEP 3: WARM UP THE ENGINE Run your motorcycle for a few minutes to…

MOTO MANUAL TRAINING TIPS Think of your bike and its radiators. They are there to keep the engine temperature down and prevent fatigue on parts. If you were to run your bike on low or, even worse, no water in the radiators, the thing would be cooked in no time and you would be loaded up and heading home, ready to empty your wallet at your local mechanic. Water plays many vital roles in the body. It is required to maintain blood volume and regulate body temperature, just like bike radiators. During exercise, the body cools itself by sweating, ultimately resulting in the loss of body fluid, which, if not replaced, can lead to dehydration. Sweat production (fluid loss) increases with increasing temperature and humidity, as well as with an…

MOTOR MOUTH NES DA: So Max, you've had a pretty full-on year! Flashback to a few years ago. Did you ever think you'd be travelling the world as a full-time SX specialist? Max: Well, no. Probably not, not when I was racing GPs. It's definitely something that was at the back of my mind for a while and to have the World Supercross Championship form that I've got at this point in my career has been pretty cool. It's been exciting to see where that's gone these last couple of seasons. I'm excited. I'm happy to be where we're at and even racing here in Australia. I'm enjoying this and taking it all in my stride. It's helping me for the US supercross. When you're a kid, that's the dream,…

MOTOR MOUTH NEWS Team Honda HRC's Jett Lawrence made history at the highly anticipated opener of AMA Supercross's 50th anniversary season, becoming the first rookie to win in his premier-class indoor debut. It's crazy to think it took the all-time king of Supercross, Jeremy McGrath, nine races to win his first Supercross race while the GOAT, Ricky Carmichael, took 21, Chad Reed took five, James Stewart three and Eli Tomac 15. These guys are some of, if not the greatest riders to ever throw a leg over a dirtbike, and not one of them managed to pull off what the young Aussie Jett Lawrence achieved at Anaheim 1. Just think about the pressure Jett's been carrying on his shoulders since moving to the 450 ranks and pulling off a perfect…

FEATURE: BATTLE READY Based on the prototype that Ben Watson has been racing on in the MXGP World Championship since 2021, the production Beta RX 450 has been designed specifically around the focus of rideability for racers of motocross and supercross. What does this mean, you might ask? Well, you really need to ride the RX 450 to understand what Beta refers to as rideability. It all has to do with the bike's broad useable power, the way it turns, and how easy it is to ride. After riding one for the first time, our aim is to break down how this all-new machine feels to ride with help from DA's testers Lachy Stanford (ex-pro enduro rider) and Joel Rizzo (ex-pro motocross rider), and myself, an intermediate 50s-plus long-retired motocross…

FEATURE: STATE OF SX NATION The 2023 FOX Australian Supercross Championship was held over three rounds, kicking off in Adelaide and then moving on to Newcastle, and wrapping up in conjunction with the 2023 FIM World Supercross Championship Australian GP at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne. For the first time in years, the series has been solely controlled by one entity, the AME group, which comprises a solid team all working together for the common goal of producing a strong series now and well into the future. The 2023 series was again dominated by overseas riders, with Scotsman Dean Wilson taking out the SX1 class, Brit Max Anstie the SX2 class, and American Parker Ross the SX3 class, which raises the question: Are our factory teams handing out rides that could have…

ADVENTURE OLD DOG — GRANT O'BRIEN: I must admit, riding the KTM 890 R for the first time was a little daunting when it came to understanding all the electronic settings it offers. I'm not big on ABS, so selecting the ride mode to Rally right away, and selecting Off Road ABS — which deactivates the rear ABS and reduces the front — was a good place to start. The technology on these bikes is impressive. You quickly learn how well the traction control works as it is easily adjustable as you ride, and the TFT display screen offers clear data on what level of traction you're at, making it easy to track and get a feel for what the bike is doing. After riding for a while, I have…

FEATURE: LONGREACH TO DAKAR Rodney Faggotter's first taste of the gruelling Dakar race came in 2012, when he paired up with another Aussie off-road legend, David Schwarz, both riding Husaberg FE450 machines. He paid his own airfare, entry and logistics, but had guidance from the experienced Gary Connell, who ran the Australian Safari Team at the time and who built the bikes, and Schwarz, who'd finished two Dakar races previously. Unfortunately, a mechanical issue ruined Rod's chance of finishing the event, but his top-20 finish on day three was more than enough to fuel the fire and entice him back for another crack. The followingg year saw Rod return to Dakar, hiring a Rally Replica YZ450F through the satellite Europe-based HFP Yamaha team. He turned some heads when he finished…

DA: Heath, for 2023 you stepped up into the 12-13 yrs age group and moved up to the big wheel 85cc. How has that been? Do you find the big wheel 85 much different? Heath: It's been really good. The big wheel 85 handles the big bumps so much better thanks to the bigger wheels. The competition in the 12-13 yrs class is also a bit tougher and I've had to pick up the intensity a bit. I got injured halfway through the year, so my results haven't been the best, but I was happy to get a podium result at Newcastle Supercross with a second place in the CR22 85cc Cup, which has been a big confidence booster leading into 2024. DA: Speaking of Supercross, how was the CR22…

1. SAFETY FIRST: GEAR UP Before you hit the track or the trail, ensure you're appropriately geared up. At a minimum, you want to include a helmet, goggles, gloves, knee guards or braces and quality boots. Safety should always be your top priority. 2. KNOW YOUR BIKE Familiarise yourself with your bike's dynamics and power delivery. Understand the throttle response, braking system and how your bike's suspension reacts to jumps. Each bike behaves differently, so spending time getting to know yours is crucial. 3. BODY POSITIONING Proper body positioning is critical to a successful jump. If you've read my last two articles on standing up and mastering the “attack” position, this should be a breeze for you. If you haven't, I suggest you check them out ASAP! To find the…

MOTOR MOUTH NEWS…

MOTOR MOUTH NEWS Entry into the world of adventure riding has never been more affordable than today thanks to the all-new CFMOTO 450 MT. For a ride-away price of $9,490, you get a lot of bang for your buck including CFMOTO's proven 449cc parallel-twin platform, which has been finely tuned and honed to cater to the demands of adventure riding. Boasting an impressive 32.5kW at 8,500 rpm and 44Nm at 6,250rpm, the six-speed engine provides riders with optimal power and torque for an exhilarating journey. Dual balance shafts enhance throttle response and reduce vibrations, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride in all conditions. With a dry weight of just 175kg, the 450MT remains lightweight yet robust, making it an ideal choice for adventure enthusiasts. The motorcycle's on- and off-road capabilities…

FEATURE: EXPLORING THE GREAT DIVIDE An adventure ride with the boys had been on the must-do list for some time. A bunch of mates, mostly hard-working dads, all needing some hang time to have some fun and get away for the weekend. Thanks to our supportive partners, a kid-free escape finally materialised one weekend in November with the help of another mate, Kye Anderson, who had not long started his own adventure tour company named Endeavour Motorcycle Tours. Kye was itching to show us all his deal and some of the best adventure trails the mid-north-eastern coast of Australia has to offer. During the two months leading up to our planned ride, we witnessed the region inland of Port Macquarie experience fires after a period of hot, dry days sucking…

FEATURE: LET'S GET SIDEWAYS Dave, give us an overview of the AFTN series. The Aussie Flat Track Nationals is a six-round, 24-race flat track series based on using a 19-inch wheel and tyre combination, which falls in line with how they race in the US and Europe as well. What I really wanted to build was something that lets riders get a lot of laps in, have longer races that allow for battles, and for racecraft to come into it. Races are long enough to plan manoeuvres and achieve them in a couple of laps and increase the fitness of some of these riders, as well as lift the profile of this portion of the sport. So is this also about getting back to the foundations for flat track as…

FEATURE: CAM BOYLE'S HONDA OF TROY-INSPIRED CR250 DA: Cam, why the Honda 1994 CR250? Cam: Well, I think growing up watching films like Steel Roots, Terrafirma and The Great Outdoors, I've always liked that era and had a fascination with all the oldschool bikes and gear, so that's why I chose the ‘94 model. And, you know, I previously built the ‘98 CR500 and I didn't like it, to tell you the truth. I thought it was too big and heavy; I didn't think it was all that it was cracked up to be. So that's why I ended up building the steel-frame 250. DA: Was there any particular reason you chose the ‘94 model over any other model? Cam: I originally wanted a ‘95 model, but they are so…

DIRTLAB BIKE WASH Dirtlab is a new dirtbike wash and prep company that is fully biodegradable and made here in Australia. Their range includes: Bike Wash with an optional foam gun that attaches to your regular garden hose (no need for a pressure washer), Degreaser, 5 Pack Brush Set, Wash Mitts and Towels, Hand Wash, Multilube Spray, Bike Mat, along with a selection of Air Filters and Airbox Wash Covers. Their products are safe on all parts and surfaces including carbon fibre. It won't harm seals, cables, brake pads or rotors. Dirtlab is great for your bike and good for the environment, exclusively available at MXstore! Check out the product options at www.mxstore.com.au LEATT VELOCITY 6.5 GOGGLE Durable, fashionable and robust — these words perfectly describe the Leatt Velocity 6.5…

RIDER BIO Weight: 95kg (without gear) Height: 182cm Years riding: 20 Skill level: Washed-up enduro pro/ factory test rider Hey there, fellow adventurers. Kye Anderson here from Endeavour Motorcycle Tours. After DA had a ride of my GASGAS Australia kitted-out ES 700, they were intrigued by how I set up the feisty red rocket for running our multi-day adventure bike events and for my personal preference of riding the harder terrain-style adventure bike riding. Well, being a factory-backed adventure bike rider certainly has its perks as I have full access to the GASGAS technical accessories catalogue. I am a big believer in the manufacturer knows best, and the majority of parts fitted to my ES 700 are straight from the production line. BIKE PROTECTION Like a teenager in a sex…

When I ride into a rock-littered section, I look as far ahead as possible, trying to scout the best line I want to take. It's not always the straightest, but looking for the smoothest helps. There might be a flat edge on a rock or something I can use as a little bit of a kicker to sort of launch myself into a better position as I ride through. While looking ahead, I'll also focus down a metre or two in front of the wheel, looking for obstacles that might be problematic, as it only takes one loose rock to take you out. I find the bike behaves better and is easier to control riding in a higher gear, and using the clutch to nurse the bike through helps keep…