Innehållsförteckning för 257 från Dirt Action

MOTOR MOUTH NEWS DA: Kyle, the 2024 Australian Pro MX Championship has been going pretty well for you. KW: Yeah. So far, so good. It’s been an unreal series for me. Being close to tied with Jed (Beaton) after round three is great. I haven’t been in this position for a little while, so it’s a nice feeling. DA: You came out and dominated round one at Wonthaggi. How did that feel? KW: Yeah, that was good. Honestly, it just felt like a practice day with Jed and I. We ride together for most of the week, so going head-to-head with him is pretty much what we do each day. It kind of felt like that, which was nice. And to come away with a win is always a good…

MOTOR MOUTH NEWS Significant updates have been made to the frame, with visible cutouts and changes in tube-wall thickness around the front, engine mounts and rear shock mounting areas. These changes enhance chassis flex, reduce weight by around 300 grams, and improve stability and cornering behaviour. The swingarm has also been updated for improved durability, along with a revised rear brake pedal. The 2025 models come equipped with new Dunlop GEOMAX MX34 motocross tyres, offering stability and control at the highest level. These tyres feature a new carcass compound for improved damping and absorption, resulting in up to 30 per cent longer performance. The Progressive Cornering Block Technology enhances traction, grip and mud dissipation. The WP XACT rear shock has been updated with a new linkage, renewed seals and smallerdiameter…

The 26th edition of the Australian Junior Motocross Championship (AJMX) – an event that shines a massive spotlight on the next generation of motorcycle racing talent – will be held in Bunbury from September 24-28. With continued sponsorship from KTM Australia, juniors from all over the nation and abroad will descend on the port city in Western Australia to contest the AJMX over 12 championship classes, spanning from the entrylevel 50cc auto category up to 15-year-olds on 250cc four-stroke machinery. There are also two dedicated classes for girls in the action-packed, family-friendly program. The AJMX is the biggest junior event on the Australian motorcycle racing calendar, with over 300 riders expected to contest the 2024 Bunbury Motorcycle Club-hosted event with wide-ranging industry support. The AJMX was inaugurated back in 1997,…

FEATURE: TRIUMPH TF250X So, my phone lit up first thing Tuesday morning with a text message from DA’s editor Goba: “Hey Reedy, I just got an email from the crew at Triumph Australia. They have invited us to attend the Aussie Launch of their all-new TF250-X. Would you like to go?” “You wouldn’t believe it, mate. My calendar is blank that day. I’ll be there for sure!” I quickly replied. “Awesome, I’ll let them know you’re keen. I’m riding through the Flinders Ranges at the moment, working on a story for the next issue. I’ll email you the details when I’m back in the office.” As you can see, it’s a tough gig working for Dirt Action sometimes… After a few more emails, I was booked in to attend the…

1 THE LAWRENCES The HRC Honda rookies entered the season on a high following Jett’s dominant 450cc AMA MX perfect season and Hunter claiming the 250cc AMA MX Championship win in 2023. The boys started their season with results that couldn’t have been more different, however, with Hunter failing to qualify for the Anaheim main event and Jett running away with the win in his rookie 450cc SX race. Imagine being a fly on the wall in the HRC truck after that race! Hunter’s results would quickly improve, his calm and steady approach and a little bit of luck earning him his first 450cc podium with a third place at the St Louis Triple Crown. A few weeks later in Denver, Hunter would show his potential, leading laps early in the…

DAYS LIKE THESE Greg, tell us about Ride ADV. How did it start? So about 12 years ago I owned a website called Old Bull Trail Riders. We had about 3,000 members and as Facebook started to kick off, it became harder and harder to run. I remember leading a ride with about 40 blokes and I just got sick of sitting on corners. I thought to myself, there’s got to be a better way of doing this. Being a bit of a human walking GPS, I decided to put together a bunch of routes that riders could follow using their GPS. With the support of the Ride ADV crew, obviously? Yeah, so the riders who join our rides have their route to follow that was set by us, pre-run…

FEATURE: RIDE MORE WEEKEND THE LOCATION I don’t get to ride as much as I’d like these days, but when I heard about this event, I knew I had to find myself a bike and get out there. With a name like Ride More, it’s easy to tell what the idea behind the event was – making riding accessible to everyone and encouraging them to … wait for it … ride more! And thanks to the epic location at Gap Creek, the event delivered on this promise. If you’re looking for a rough and rutted track to do training for the MX Nationals, you’re probably at the wrong place. The tracks at Gap are quite hard packed and smooth, which makes them perfect for the majority of riders out there…

Hey there, fellow adventurers. Kye Anderson here from ENDEAVOUR MOTORCYCLE TOURS. To me, adventure is essential, but what are the essentials for going on an adventure? I’m a massive believer in the six Ps: Prior Preparation Prevents Piss-Poor Performance. I understand things go wrong, but I can’t understand people heading out into the wilderness without a basic kit to get them or their mates out of trouble. Imagine the pub credentials you’ll get for being that guy who had the tool that saved the day! I have a pretty decent kit setup, and it has kept me out of trouble in some super-hairy situations when flying solo, as I normally do. Now, this is specific to my GasGas ES700. You will have to decide what your bike needs and can…

MOTO MANUAL TRAINING TIPS RACE DAY SUCCESS TIPS Race days culminate in weeks, months and even years of hard work, preparation and dedication. It’s the moment when riders push their limits, competing against both opponents and themselves to pursue victory. Excelling on race day requires not only physical strength and abilities but also mental fortitude and strategic planning. In this article, we’ll explore key strategies for helping motocross athletes master race day and achieve their fullest potential on the track. PRE-RACE PREPARATION The foundation for success on race day is laid long before the starting gate drops. Proper preparation begins in the days leading up to the event. Riders should focus on getting adequate rest and recovery from their training, hydrating well and fuelling their bodies with nutritious food to…

Darwin is set to host the FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) when it makes its long-awaited return to Australia in 2025, thanks to a landmark agreement between the Northern Territory government’s Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) and MXGP rightsholder Infront Moto Racing. This exclusive deal, including Motorcycling Australia as a key partner, will see the MXGP round held in Darwin in September from 2025 until 2029, with the option to extend beyond the initial five-year term. The event will be held on a purpose-built track at the Hidden Valley Motorsports Complex and broadcast to more than 100 countries. Northern Territory Major Events Company CEO Suzana Bishop expressed her excitement, stating, “The MXGP is incredibly popular and to host it here is a real coup. It’s also incredible to showcase…

MOTOR MOUTH NEWS…

MOTOR MOUTH NEWS ON OUR ADVENTURE RADAR The Enduro Veloce is MV Agusta’s take on the highly competitive adventure bike segment. The Italian manufacturer’s latest addition reflects the MV Agusta philosophy of creating motorcycles with which people can fall in love, thanks to an extraordinary balance of chassis, engine and electronics. The Enduro Veloce guarantees high-level performance on and off-road as well as maximum comfort during long-range travel. The new 931cc engine boasts an iconic technical solution as seen on the all-new generation MV Agusta in-line three-cylinders: the counter-rotating crankshaft. Designed, developed and built entirely at the firm’s factory, the engine stands out for its lightness, weighing in at just 57 kg, and extreme compactness. But the engine’s compactness and weight are not the only features that contribute to the incredible…

INTERVIEW: HUNTER LAWRENCE The Lawrence brothers have provided Aussie moto fans with plenty of entertainment since they moved to America and quickly dominated the racing scene indoors and out. Jett has been smashing records every time he takes to the track, while Hunter has been more methodical in his approach. Along the way he has had many setbacks with injuries, and it has taken him more time to achieve his goal of winning championships. But one thing is clear: Hunter is a fighter, and as he has shown over and over again, he works it out and gets the job done in his own time. As you would expect, stepping straight up to the 450 class in supercross in 2024 has had its challenges for the rookie Hunter, but he…

GROWING PAINS I’m returning to my first junior Aussie title in 2002. That was the first time I ever won a championship and accomplished something significant. I was 12, riding a 65, and then I won another five championships in a row – a couple of those on an 85 and 125 at the same event. I finished my junior career with five consecutive championships, undefeated, before stepping into the pro division in the newly formed under-19s class. I wasn’t keen on it, but the promoter, Kevin Williams, insisted as it was the class’s inaugural year. Many riders, including Kirk Gibbs, Lawson Bopping and Brendan Harrison, stepped back down to compete. I didn’t have a factory ride. It was just Dad and I travelling to the rounds. I finished fourth…

FEATURE: BORN TO RIDE Arriving at Ruben Chadwick’s family property in Upper Brookfield in the western suburbs of Brisbane, Queensland, is like stepping back in time. The dirt driveway winds past the family home that is surrounded by steep eucalypt bushland. Further along, a big open shed appears. It’s full of welding equipment and two blokes are busy fabricating metal racks on a truck for carrying large sheets of glass. Opposite is another open shed with more machinery and a range of Beta dirtbikes parked underneath. One of them is a Beta RR Racing 300 two-stroke that has a number-one plate. I’m in the right place. Parked out front sits a custom-built 1960 El Camino with a V8 diesel engine and airbag suspension. It’s one of the coolest utes I’ve…

This RM250 arrived at the Garage 11 workshop in pretty rough shape, as most bikes do. We immediately knew that it would be a lot of work but the result would be worth all of the heartache that would go with it. We started stripping the bike down, inspecting and cataloguing all the parts we needed to find and the ones we could restore. The funniest thing we pulled off this bike was the skateboard wheels used for chain rollers. This sort of set the tone for the rest of the bike. Once we had everything apart, we took the frame, engine and swingarm to Steve Martin at All Round Speed Works. The frame was bent in two different directions and had all sorts of wild repairs, so Steve readjusted…

COMMON CORNER MISTAKE: DABBING THE LEG There is a saying that corners are for dough and whips are for show. Looking good is part of it all, but I’d take corner speed ability over being a show pony any day! As a coach, a common issue I come across with riders is dragging or dabbing their legs within corners. Now, while there is a time and place for using the leg on the ground in cornering (which we will get to shortly), it’s generally a bad habit that causes further problems and risks. Here are five reasons why we keep the leg high 1. It helps maintain good body position and balance. By keeping the leg elevated high and tight to the shrouds, you help maintain good weight distribution on…

Husqvarna Motorcycles is elevating its motocross performance in 2025 with a strengthened line-up of seven machines. The range includes multiple technical updates, such as revised frames, engine mounts, bodywork and suspension settings. An exciting addition to the range is the all-new TC 300 two-stroke machine, assembled with race-tested components for confident handling. Derived from the TC 250, the TC 300 offers exceptional torque and peak performance, setting a new benchmark for motocross machinery. The FC 250, FC 350 and FC 450 continue to impress with state-of-the-art DOHC engines designed for lightweight and superior handling The latest-generation frame ensures exceptional handling, with reduced weight and enhanced flex characteristics. New suspension settings, linkage seals and a smaller-diameter linkage bolt further improve performance and reduce weight. Redesigned tank shrouds provide easier access to…

MOTOR MOUTH NEWS The APC Dirt Roads Rally is set to take riders on an epic six-day adventure through the scenic landscapes of New South Wales. Starting on the 5th of October, 2024, riders will embark on a journey designed for big adventure bikes, welcoming all brands to join the thrill. The rally kicks off from three different locations, making it convenient for riders to join from various parts of the country. Stanthorpe’s Country Inn Hotel, Cessnock’s Pedens Hotel and Nundle’s The Peel Inn Hotel serve as the starting points for this less-challenging adventure. Most riders are expected to arrive at these points the night before, gearing up for the ride ahead. Unlike the technical terrain of the APC Rally Original, this ride is tailored for the average rider, with…

The all-new Benelli TRK 702X has been engineered as the quintessential adventure bike that embodies versatility, agility and manoeuvrability to conquer any terrain. Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed TRK family, the design evolution of the TRK 702X refines and accentuates its most distinctive stylistic elements to establish its unique identity. Every detail reflects Benelli’s commitment to excellence, from the iconic double LED module integrated into the headlight mask structure to the tank design crafted for optimal rider comfort and freedom of movement without compromising on capacity. Powering the TRK 702X is Benelli’s innovative 698cc twin-cylinder front-mounted engine, born from the rich legacy of the 500cc and 800cc engines. This powerhouse ensures exhilarating rides with seamless power delivery by producing potent performance of 70hp (51.5kW) at 8,000rpm and 70Nm of torque…

REVIEW YAMAHA WR450F In our previous issue, we showcased the launch of the 2024 WR450F, a model that has revolutionised Yamaha’s presence in the off-road domain. This new model is not just a mere update but a game changer. It’s lighter, slimmer and more agile than its predecessor, and it’s now closer to its motocross sibling, the YZ450F, than ever before. This transformation has resulted in a race-ready, versatile machine that can adapt to any riding conditions. The key to its adaptability lies in its easily adjustable ECU mapping, which can be modified via Wi-Fi on your phone using the Yamaha Power Tuner app. MAPPING One thing we screwed up in the previous report was saying the maps from your phone are sent via Bluetooth to the ECU receiver. Well,…

I’m pretty sure this is where we agreed to turn right, I think to myself as I sit at a Y-junction in the mid-morning sun, looking at my GPS on my borrowed Yamaha 700 Ténéré World Raid [T7]. A short while ago, after leaving Omeo with my riding mates Sean “Geezer” Hawkeye and Stephen “Gaily” Gall, I decided to hang back out of their dust to get some clear vision, and now I’m wondering which way they went. As soon as I popped back onto the tar after a blast through a section of flowing dirt roads, they were nowhere to be seen. How did they vanish from my view so quickly? There’s more to this story, though, so I’ll rewind a little to the start of our adventure yesterday…

DA: Greg, what came first, bikes or photography? GS: Bikes. I raced motocross – well, I called it racing. Most other people said I was a mobile chicane (laughs). I don’t have a dad, so my mum didn’t want me riding bikes, even pushbikes, but I soon discovered newsagents and dirtbike mags and thought, How good would that be? I then took on a job delivering newspapers, so I needed a pushbike. I soon started racing BMX and saved up for a dirtbike. My first one was a 1980 Suzuki RM250, I was only 12 at the time and I had to climb up on the footpegs to try and start the beast. It was so hard to start, so I’d mostly have to bump-start it. I rode it around…

01 Performance and Durability: The Forth Shattered riding gear offers top-notch performance, durability and riding comfort. Designed for riders who demand the best, these pants feature a combination of belt and elastic waist cinching adjustment for an excellent fit and freedom of movement. 02 Functional Design: The pants include embossed inner leg panels for superior grip and heat protection, ensuring you stay in control and comfortable on every ride. A hidden phone/keys pocket with a zippered and snapped closure keeps your essentials safe and secure, adding to the overall functionality of the gear. 03 Optimal Airflow: Lightweight, breathable mesh vents in the pants maintain optimal airflow without compromising quality or durability. This feature is essential for keeping cool and comfortable during long rides, especially in warmer weather conditions. 04 Comfort…

DA: The Australian Junior MX Championships are coming up soon in Bunbury, WA. 2024 will be your final year as a junior – you must be looking forward to that? SS: Yes, I certainly am. Being down at Bunbury will be good. I have raced there quite a bit, know the track well and have had good success winning WA state titles there in the past. I’m feeling confident and the goal is to win another Australian MX championship. DA: Last year you won the 250cc Australian Junior MX Championship in Darwin, NT. Tell us about that experience. SS: It was a hot week! The track at Acacia Hills was good, better than I thought it was going to be. It got a bit technical towards the end of the…

Over the years, Jess Gardiner’s bike of choice has been the WR250F. This smallbore thumper has proven to be a very successful platform, and with support from Yamaha Australia, Jess and her mighty WRs have been unstoppable. Coming into 2024, Jess and the crew at Yamaha Australia found themselves in the unique position of having an all-new YZ platform available and ready to go. However, Jess’s preferred WR platform awaits the new chassis and engine updates. So what did they do? They created their own updated WR250F! GET COMFORTABLE For Jess, the most important part is getting comfortable with the rider cockpit and fine-tuning the suspension for off-road. “Wherever I go racing around the world, all I need are my handlebars, levers, grips and suspension. As far as the rest…