Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 253 i Dirt Action

Yamaha Motor Australia had double reasons to celebrate at the recent Queensland Moto Park (QMP) Pro National round with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic YZ range and the impressive 30-year legacy of Craig Dack Racing (CDR). The event brought together former riders, team members and media personnel, creating a memorable gathering under the CDR Yamaha Team awning. As part of the festivities, Stephen Gall, a Yamaha stalwart with a career spanning four decades, took the spotlight. He brought along his vintage 1974 YZ250A, which stood proudly beside the modern 2024 YZ250. Gall shared captivating anecdotes from his time racing with Yamaha and reminisced about his favourite bikes throughout his illustrious career. The excitement continued as Craig Dack himself joined the conversation. He expressed his gratitude for…

Yamaha Racing demonstrated its dominance by clinching both the ProMX MX1 (450cc) and WMX (Women's) Championships during the exciting final round at Coolum Pines Circuit on the Sunshine Coast. This achievement reaffirms Yamaha's status as the home of Australia's fastest male and female motocross riders. DEAN FERRIS: PROMX CHAMPION Dean Ferris secured his fourth ProMX championship with a polished performance in the final round. Though he finished second on the day, it was more than enough to secure the championship title. This marks Yamaha Racing's third consecutive victory. Ferris, riding his YZ450F, had been in top form throughout the year. Despite a challenging start to the weekend with a heavy crash during Saturday's qualifying session, he bounced back on Sunday. Ferris maintained a conservative approach during the initial laps of…

CFMOTO has introduced its pioneering range of electric minibikes, the CX-2E and CX-5E. These minibikes, designed to ignite the passion of young riders, offer endless hours of fun while nurturing essential riding skills. With a strong emphasis on safety, performance and environmental responsibility, CFMOTO's latest models are set to redefine Australia's fun bike market. CX-2E: THE IDEAL ELECTRIC FUN BIKE FOR BEGINNERS The CX-2E, CFMOTO's entry-level model, is tailored for young riders aged 4 to 7 years. Crafted with safety and enjoyment in mind, this userfriendly electric fun bike is the perfect choice for supervised children. Boasting a maximum 1200W output, 10-inch wheels, hydraulic disc brakes all round and a magnetic safety lanyard, the CX-2E promises countless moments of joy, making it a fantastic addition to family recreational activities. CX-5E:…

2024 KTM 500EXC Australia is a dirtbike enthusiast's paradise. With a registered dirtbike in your possession, the possibilities for riding off-road are boundless. Whether you're navigating through local forests, tackling challenging enduro trails, cruising along coastal beaches, conquering desert tracks or exploring the many ride parks available, the options are abundant and tailored to suit your riding preference. For those riders who crave the rush of conquering open trails and relish the thrill of navigating tight, technical terrain, a fundamental question arises: “Which bike can truly do it all?” Is the answer a nimble, smaller-capacity model that excels on narrow single trails while struggling on expansive stretches? Or does the solution lie in a robust big bore, equally comfortable at high speeds and adept at manoeuvring through tight sections? KTM…

HATTAH VIRGINS When it comes to tough off-road races in Australia, The Penrite Hattah Desert Race in Victoria is considered one of the toughest by a long shot. To many, four hours of racing through fast, deep sandy whoops with 400 other competitors is crazy and best left to the professionals or the bravest of men. At this year's event, two mates, Bradley Ladd and Jake Waddingham, decided to enter the event for the first time after being spectators for more than 10 years, and Bradley recalls that journey for us, one he now calls an experience of a lifetime. Hattah is the race I thought I'd never do. The event is only 30 minutes from my doorstep in Mildura, and for years the boys and I would pack an…

Are you the weekend warrior who loves hitting the trails with your mates? Or perhaps the racer in you yearns to push your dirtbike to the limits and compete in off-road events? When purchasing a motorcycle, it's crucial to ensure it matches your skill level and intended riding style. That's why the Italian brand Beta offers two distinct options in its Enduro range — a standard model and an upgraded version. The big question is: how do you determine which model is the perfect fit for you? We took the 2023 Beta RR430 Enduro (standard) and RR430 Racing machines for a spin to find the answers. Bang for your buck, that's the real question here. Why would you pay an extra $1800 for the Beta RR430 Racing model over the…

When Covid hit the shores of Australia in early 2020, it turned our world upside down. For many of us, it wreaked havoc with our work and social lives, but on the positive side, it gave us the opportunity to slow down and focus on projects that we never had time to finish. This was the case for Sam Moore, and here he talks us through the build process of his iconic 2006 Honda CR250. Sam, how did this Honda CR250 build come about? Well, Jase Macalpine from Gypsy Tales and I were doing a podcast when we came up with the idea to do Mid2K builds. This involved finding an iconic motocrosser from the 2000 era and giving it a makeover. For me, no other bike from the mid2000s…

The 229km ‘throttle-stretching’ journey down the Finke track presents a combination of challenges rarely found in other types of motorcycle racing. Wide open straights, sand whoops, fuel stops and an overnight campout, this race has it all. Following his 2023 race win, we caught up with Walshy to find out exactly what's going on with his #1 KTM 500EXC. MOTORING DOWN THE TRACK Going for the big bore 500cc engine is an absolute must if you plan on being on the top step of the Finke podium; big pistons are king for this type of race. That being said, the bigbore KTM isn't all about brute horsepower and big dyno numbers. The engine is tuned by Danny Apro and Michael Carusi, two very successful KTM mechanics, with only selected mods…

For Australian dirtbike enthusiasts, the name Lee Hogan rings a bell. He's a former multiple-time national MX champion and a true workhorse in the moto industry. These days, he's involved in various aspects, from running MX riding clinics and managing race teams to hosting the MX-TV show and providing commentary for MX Nationals TV coverage. In addition to all of this, Lee Hogan has been organising adventure tours under the banner of Lee Hogan's High Country Tours, with the support of Honda Australia. As the name suggests, these ADV tours by Hoges take place in the scenic Victorian high country. According to those who have participated, these tours offer a comfortable and enjoyable experience. They include the use of Honda Africa Twins or the new Transalp 750, lead and sweep…

Sunday Slide is a place where legendary racers from a bygone era squeeze into beaten-up leathers and climb aboard vintage speedway bikes to share the track with inner-city hipsters shaking down their latest retro creation. It's a fun vintage dirt track event held at Nepean Raceway near Penrith, Sydney — a celebration of old motorcycles and riders that puts the social vibe above the chequered flag. The annual gathering allows riders to wheel their pride and joy out of the shed for a gallop — their mantra being ride it, don't hide it. Their shared passion — old dirt bikes. The event is run by a group of vintage dirt trackers who call themselves the Jerkyls. Or jerks who love going round in circles. They praise all things vintage and…

Haiden Deegan has secured his place as a rookie to watch. His 2023 accomplishments so far include a commendable 250SX East runner-up finish in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, and he has also clinched two AMA Pro Motocross Championship 250 wins in his career, alongside five podium placements, further solidifying his talent. In the sphere of rookies, Deegan stands as a testament to his abilities. A true force to be reckoned with, his nickname “Dangerboy” isn't just for show. His inaugural outing at Fox Raceway in Pala showcased his fierce determination, impressively snatching second overall. The American crowd clearly love him and embraced this unexpected performance. My conversation with Haiden unfolded at Hangtown, where he secured his first moto win with a dominant display in Moto 1 from the…

Us dads love our missus and kids, right? But there's a time and place where the soul calls out, begging for us to embark on an adventure with our mates. Call it a reset, much-needed headspace, a relationship tester, whatever … it just has to be done now and then. For this group of thrill-seekers, their adventure involved driving over 6000km to race one of Australia's toughest and most prestigious off-road events, the Tatts Finke Desert Race. The race has long been one of Australia's premier desert events, drawing competitors from all corners of the country as well as the occasional international thrill seeker keen to take part in one of the toughest races held in Australia with some of the harshest conditions for not only competitors, but support crew…

RED ROCKET At this year's Australian Four-Day Enduro, former pro off-road racer Glenn Kearney dusted off the cobwebs and rode a close-to-stock Honda CRF450RX to some very impressive results. Turns out he was only one of a few Honda riders competing at the event and when we heard this, our minds started forming questions like: ‘Why the Honda CRF450RX? What's so good about this bike? So we gave GK a call and he gave us all the answers and more. GK, we're interested to know more about the CRF450RX you rode at the recent A4DE. What was the deal there? Well, the deal originally came up through Roland Ward, who's the business manager for Honda WA and NT. We've been friends since my days with KTM and we'd been talking…

Tyson Cherry and the crew at Empire Motorsports grabbed the opportunity when asked if Haruki Yokoyama could join the team. Before long, the 2019 All Japan 250cc Motocross champion was on a plane and headed to Australia. The deal began as a one-off Motocross-only contract in 2021, but thanks to the team's relationship with Kawasaki and Haruki's enjoyment of Australia, their contract was extended into the 2023 season. By the way, the Japanese champion comes with his own full-time race mechanic: his wife, Haruka. STRAIGHT FROM THE FACTORY At the heart of Haruki Yokoyama's Empire Motorsports KX250F is the works engine. The motor is exclusively maintained by Haruka, with all the parts and information coming directly from Kawasaki Japan. With six engines on rotation, all internal components are continually monitored…

S TAY SAFE Before we go any further, always remember the roads, tracks and trails are shared, and anything could come the other way at any time. Always remember to stay left at all times; there are no second chances if you cut a corner and are met with a bull bar. It's easy to get complacent with this, but you just can't afford to be. STAY AWARE Keep your eyes forward and scan the upcoming terrain. The only way to get a corner right is if you see it and give yourself time to set up for it. Ride and judge your speed to match what you can see. If the corner is blind, don't just assume it's the same as the last 20 — it may tighten up and…

A resounding salute goes out to Hunter and Jett Lawrence for their remarkable achievements in the 2023 American supercross and motocross season. We witnessed Hunter's triumphant return to the level of excellence he truly deserves. Hunter has encountered numerous challenges during his professional career in the States, making his victory in the 250 East Coast AMA Supercross series and subsequently in the 250 Pro Motocross series all the more epic. However, it's essential to note that Hunter's outdoor championship wasn't a walk in the park. Just one week before the Pala opening round, he sustained rib injuries. Despite minimal practice between rounds, he persevered, riding through the pain at each race. This sheer determination and grit are a testament to his character and unwavering desire to win. Bravo, Hunter! You've…

Terrafirma Honda's Wilson Todd delivered a dominating performance in the final two motos of the Pro Motocross Pirelli MX2 class at Coolum, securing the 2023 Australian Motocross Championship. Going into the last round, Todd's mission was clear: outpace his closest rival, KTM's Nathan Crawford, to claim the title. In the first of two motos, Todd accomplished just that, amassing a 30-point lead with only 25 points up for grabs as he headed into the championship's final race. The 2023 Pro Motocross season was far from smooth sailing for Wilson Todd. From the outset, he struggled with health issues, making his championship journey a challenging one. Todd's unwavering determination and hard work paid off, as he reflected, “This championship was a tough one for me as I battled numerous health issues.…

2024 HUSQVARNA TE250 Two-strokes are all the rage again, and there's a good reason for it. Not only are they lighter and more nimble than four-stroke machines, they have also advanced with technology, making them so user-friendly it's near impossible not to grin ear-to-ear while riding one. We recently got our hands on the 2024 Husqvarna TE250 and after two days of testing, we didn't want to hand it back. The TE250 was such fun to ride that it even had our pro tester, Lachy Stanford, who loves four-strokes, thinking about buying one for himself. The Husqvarna Enduro models have gone through a major upgrade for 2024 and are as close to all-new as you can get. New frames, subframes, bodywork, suspension and brakes have further improved their rideability. This…

JESS GARDINER There's one name that has been a constant force in the women's enduro racing scene over the last decade and that's Jess Gardiner — a powerhouse on and off the bike. Australian women have forged a blazing path to the top of the world stage in the sport of off-road motorcycle racing, and we have had plenty to be proud of over the years, including the likes of Alison Parker, Jemma Wilson, Meghan Rutledge, Tayla Jones and Mackenzie Tricker, to name a few. One racer who has well and truly made her mark in the sport is Jess Gardiner, with results both here and overseas that are outstanding. Jess made history as the first Aussie to win the women's class outright at the International Six Day Enduro and…

DUST HUSTLE Talk about expressing yourself! It was all about the weird and wonderful at this year's Dust Hustle 14. In the words of Dust Hustle co-founder Hughan, “Being fast is cool, but being cool is cooler.” That sentiment perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this event. If the name Dust Hustle doesn't ring a bell, it's safe to say you're not dealing with your typical MX or Enduro event. Conceived by the creative minds at Ellaspede, this unique gathering made its debut at North Brisbane Speedway. Against all odds, they convinced both the club and MA that letting a motley crew of individuals donning amusing costumes ride an assortment of hilariously inappropriate road bikes, scooters, and vintage two-wheelers was a genius, and safe, concept. Embracing the ethos of fun over…

In this tech tip article, we'll walk you through important aspects of motorcycle brakes, from standard versus aftermarket rotors to bleeding brakes and maintaining brake components. 1. STANDARD VS. AFTERMARKET ROTORS: CHOOSING THE RIGHT FIT Brake rotors are a critical component of your motorcycle's braking system. Standard rotors usually come with your bike and offer reliable performance. However, upgrading to aftermarket rotors can enhance braking efficiency and heat dissipation, especially if you're a performancefocused rider. Consider factors like material quality, cooling design, and the specific needs of your riding style before opting for an aftermarket rotor. See image 1. 2. RUBBER HOSE VS. BRAIDED HOSE: MAKING THE RIGHT CONNECTION The choice between rubber and braided brake lines can impact your braking performance. Standard rubber hoses are cost-effective and work well…

STEP 1: BUILDING COMPETENCY IN MOTOCROSS » Embrace the learning process: When starting in motocross, you must learn essential skills, such as controlling the bike, correct body positions, navigating rough terrain, and mastering jumps. These skills don't develop overnight, and even the top professional riders are forever working on the basics and mastering their craft. Embrace the inevitable falls and mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve your riding techniques, and not as a failure. » Seek guidance and mentorship: Everyone can benefit greatly from seeking guidance from experienced riders or professional coaches. They can provide valuable tips on bike setup, riding techniques and strategies for tackling different types of tracks. As a coach myself, seeking guidance was one of the best investments I made in my earlier years, and…