Motocross Mania

In the current state of off-road motorcycles, there are few firsts. New models from the popular stable of brands are molded, updated copies of copies with new originals brought in every third or fourth revision. With the addition of the BMW G450X, that sequence has been interrupted. Now there’s something completely new.

Photo Gallery: BMW G450X First Ride – Dirt Rider Magazine

Photo Gallery: BMW G450X First Ride – Dirt Rider Magazine

For $8398 plus a few fees and charges (don’t forget all that tax) you are looking at a very expensive dirt bike, here. Nine grand for 400cc when for a few hundred more you can have a 450 or a 530? With power being everything is this a good idea on your part? Well, if you can believe anything, the motto, “size is everything” should ring true here.

Photo Gallery: 2009 KTM 400 XC-W – First Ride – Dirt Rider Magazine Online

You replace your rear tire because you can see the signs of wear, but the signs of clutch wear are trickier to spot. You can lay your bike over and pop off the clutch cover easily enough, but what do you look for then? Ron Hinson of Hinson Racing demystifies basic clutch inspection.

Photo Gallery: Pro Secrets – Clutch Inspection – Dirt Rider Magazine

Photo Gallery: Pro Secrets – Clutch Inspection – Dirt Rider Magazine

Proper chain tension is vital to drive-component longevity and peak performance. When we noticed Destry Abbott’s main wrench, Jonny Weisman, adjusting chain tension after a rear sprocket swap, we had to ask about his secret technique and what parts he uses to make wheel changes quick and easy in the heat of battle.

Photo Gallery: Pro Secrets – Perfect Chain Adjustment – Dirt Rider Magazine

A true test of man and machine, the fabled HYR 12-Hour Endurance Race at Glen Helen is a grueling, half-day GP-style race that takes place in one of the most challenging venues on the west coast. The 20-minute long Glen Helen loop had racers hitting the National Motocross track, the wide-open SRA Gran Prix course and some of most secret, gnarly trail sections in the area. This year’s event went own in the 100-degree range with dusty, choppy conditions, and the racing was nothing less than brutal. Following is a photo report of this wild event:

Photo Gallery: Glen Helen 12-Hour Photo Report – Dirt Rider Magazine

Photo Gallery: Glen Helen 12-Hour Photo Report – Dirt Rider Magazine