We’re trying to evolve the Weekly Dirt into something that you’ll be trained to come and look for every Wednesday, salivate in front of the computer for until it pops up live and get really mad at us when it shows up late. So, were making it better, each and every week.
Oh yea, you can help too. Let us know what you want to see more of, less of and tip us off to top stories you think your dirt riding friends would be interested in seeing. Don’t be afraid to smack us upside the face on Twitter @dirtridermag, send us an ancient message via e-mail at DRmail@sorc.com or even post up a message on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/dirtridermag.Can you say 2013 yet? Well if you speculate on the photos that are floating around on the internet, the next generation of Honda CRF450R is available for your viewing pleasure. While we were out riding, our buddies at Transworld Motocross got hold of the first photos and posted them up on their facebook page then pictures started popping up everywhere (http://www.mxworksbike.com/2012_Worksbikes.htm and http://www.mxforum.net/public/?p=1203). So we got the information for you here. The bikes pictures are full-on works Hondas which are usually very close to what you will see in production soon, as evident by the finished looking body work and castings/extrusions. These bikes were raced at the final round of the All Japan MX Nationals by the Martin Honda racers from the World MXGPs since they race works bikes all year. It looked like a little testing for next year since they do not have to play by a production rule.The bike is wildly different in that the exhaust exits out of the right side of the cylinder head and crosses over the frame and then back around the cylinder with the muffler still on the traditional right side. This allows the increased length which could be for sound regulation as well as better low-end power. A hydraulic clutch, which has been retrofitted onto the bikes raced in the states looks to be a lot more finished. Still, no signs of electric-starting. There is something in place of the shock reservoir on the right side also, maybe a heat shield or additional airbox space? The bodywork appears much larger than the current CRF. Lastly, the swingarm is much more rounded. Since the muffler is such a standard looking part, it leads up to believe Honda is truly testing something they will be selling in the near future. -Jimmy LewisFirst off, did you see this (http://www.motocross.com/features/first-look-ktm-freeride-350/) post on the new KTM 350 Freeride? Wild! The bike looks to be a new iteration of KTM’s concept electric bike chassis, but with a 350cc four-stroke engine instead. We don’t know much about the aluminum-framed machine at this point except that it is going to be officially announced at next month’s EICMA Motorcycle Fair in Italy. We’re hearing that the machine will not be available in the United States, though a Spring 2012 release could have these wild motorcycles popping up all over the place. Stay tuned to www.dirtrider.com, we’ll update you when we know more!
Photo Chris Green
Testing season is in full effect out here in Southern California, and we’re just now putting the finishing touches on our 450 MX comparison. Who won? We can’t tell you that now, but let’s just say that it’s another awesome year to be in the market for a new bike. With the big bike test completed we’re now turning our attention to the 250Fs, and that category is as competitive as they come. Last week was spent at Milestone MX Park in Riverside seeing how the bikes perform on a tight and jumpy track. This week? Expect to see the DR gang somewhere long, fast and hammered as we continue to put hours on the mid-sized machines.
Photo Steve Cox
The industry is already buzzing about the 2012 Supercross season, and a ton of contracts are being inked as riders scramble to grab a limited number of spots on major teams. Steve Cox wrote up a very comprehensive breakdown of the 450cc Silly Season, though be warned that this list could change as more announcements are made and more rumors are officially confirmed. To read the educated speculation, click here. -Chris Denison
Photo Drew Ruiz
KTM Enduro Factory Team racer Taddy Blazusiak has won the Boise, Idaho round 6 of the 2011 GEICO AMA EnduroCross series. Also on the podium was Taddy’s comrade Mike Brown in 2nd and GEICO Honda Team rider Geoff Aaron in 3rd place. The only thing left is Vegas. Will 2011 be the perfect season for Taddy? Vegas is a double points round which means his teammate Mike Brown can still claim the 2011 EX title. Yep, you read that correctly. Brown sits second in the points standings with 127 points while Blazusiak ranks in at the top with 180 points. At the final round, 60 points will go to the winning rider (30 points in a normal round). When we’re talking about competing for the title against the most consecutive winning rider on the circuit, it’s by a long shot. Still, it means that the cruise control is not on for last year’s champion. EnduroCross rolls into the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV for its final round on November 19th. You can catch the video highlights from Round 6 in Boise, ID on EnduroCross’ website at http://www.endurocross.com/features/round-6-geico-ama-boise-endurocross-highlights.Missed the action from the rest of the series? Don’t fear, you can check out all the video highlights on the website at EnduroCross.com/Videos. More info on the series, visit EnduroCross.com. -Lindsey LovellNot emotionally ready for the indoor pogo show? Motocross season is done, but I gathered some unique videos together for a final look back at the summer racing action. If you missed it, here’s your second chance to link and look – http://www.motocross.com/features/2011-outdoor-highlights-by-video/.And you would have seen this right when I posted it if you were following me on Twitter. I’ve got the most fun handle on the info highway – @TweetTweetrson. -Pete Peterson
Photo Shan Moore
Husqvarna is looking to make some noise in eastern off-road racing in 2012 behind the efforts of Freddie Andrew’s FAR Racing Husqvarna. FAR is to the east what ZipTy Racing is to the west, as far as Husqvarna is concerned, that is. FAR recently inked Pennsylvania up-and-comer Andrew DeLong to a one-year deal on the morning of the Ironman GNCC and the devoted two-stroke fanatic promptly went out and put the Husky TC250 on the podium in the XC2 division – in his first-ever ride on a 250F. Just wait until he figures out not to put oil in the gas. -Shan MooreThat’s a wrap for this week. Keep tuned in to www.dirtrider.com for more killer content!
