HORSHAM TAKES ON THE WORLD pg. 66
SP TOOLS MEET THE MECHANICS pg. 58
2019 THOR MX RANGE FIRST LOOK pg. 112
AORC RD6 DUNGOG REPORT pg. 136
FAREWELL FERRIS? PAGE 16
SEE OUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS ON THE 2019 KX450 PAGE 88
ISSUE 26
02.08.2018
DYLAN LONG The high-speed first turn at Ranch MX was no challenge for CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team rider Dylan Long, using every inch of power that his YZ450F has to offer.
Photo: Foremost Media
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DYLAN WILLS A moment shared between DPH Motorsport Husqvarna’s Dylan Wills & Dale Hocking after Wills captures not only his first moto win, but his first round overall.
Photo: Foremost Media
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IN THIS ISSUE MOTOCROSS 10
What’s Trending
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Farewell Ferris?
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Round 7/8 - Race Report
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SP Tools: Meet the Mechanics
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MX Juniors: Horsham
FEATURES 88
2019 KX450 Model Review
112 Thor MX: 2019 Gear First Look
OFF-ROAD 136 AORC - Round 6 Recap
TEAMS 147 Team Profiles
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ID ISSUE #25
WHAT’S TRENDING Check in with the latest news in both motocross and supercross. Page 10
FAREWELL FERRIS? CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team rider Dean Ferris speaks on future racing prospects Page 16
MX JUNIORS: HORSHAM TAKES THE WORLD Horsham Motorcycle Club gears up to take on the 2018 FIM Junior World Motocross Championship. Page 66
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2019 KX450 MODEL REVIEW Joe Stevens gives us his impression on the all new KX450 Page 88
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AORC ROUND 6 RECAP We run you through all the action from the E3, E2 & E1 classes from Dungog AORC Round 6. Page 84
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RACE REPORT: LORETTA LYNN’S Catch up on all the action from the 2018 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship. Source: racerxonline.com
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RACE FITNESS STILL A HURDLE FOR WATERS IN LOKET MXGP ENCOUNTER Queenslander 20th overall at MXGP of Czech Republic. Source: http://motoonline.com.au
TEAM AUSTRALIA CONFIRMED FOR JUNIOR MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP A selection of 21 riders chosen to represent the country at Horsham. Source: motoonline.com
SPEED TRAP! CLOCKING SPEEDS AT SPRING CREEK MX Speed trap is back this week with another edition from the 2018 Spring Creek MX. Source: motocross.transworld.net 11
LUKE CLOUT BREAKS THROUGH FOR MX NATIONALS MOTO VICTORY It was a bittersweet weekend for the KTM Motocross Racing squad, as Luke Clout broke through for his first moto victory of 2018, while Gibbs and Mastin have suffered injuries. Source: dirtaction.com.au
SECOND YAMAHA YZ65 CUP ANNOUNCED FOR COOLUM The YZ65 Cup launch at Ranch MX went off with a bang and now a second event has lined up for Coolum in August. Source: fullnoise.com.au
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THE FIRS T. THE FORE VE R .
I N S I D E
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T IME CHA MPI ON
DE AN F ER R IS
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D E A N
F E R R I S
FAREWELL FERRIS?
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Since returning home from the World GP’s at the end of 2015, Dean Ferris has proven to be the man to beat in the Australian motocross scene. The world-class rider has shown nothing but confidence, talent and a work ethic like none other whilst maintaining his dominant winning streak in the 2018 Pirelli MX Nationals. Over the past 3 years, Dean Ferris has proven to not only Australia, but to the US and Europe that he is a world-class athlete. From a stellar performance 3 years running in the Australian MX Nationals, to a 5th place moto finish at the 2016 MXON. Not to mention the amazing 2nd place moto finish at Highpoint in 2017, Ferris is without a doubt on his way to being Australia’s next best motocross export. We recap Dean’s spectacular career from 2016 to current, as we prepare ourselves for the farewell of Dean on Australian soil as he possibly takes on the big stage, over in the USA.
“Motocross is a team sport, no matter what anybody says, this isn’t possible without support behind us”
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Dean often makes an important point that motocross is a team sport, and even though he is the one putting his YZ450F through the paces, none of it would be possible without the support given to him by the entire CDR team, and of course his family. As a result, we see Ferris’ consistency and race craft improve immensely since his return. The year 2016 has seen Ferris wrap up the Thor MX1 Championship by just edging out the reigning champ Kirk Gibbs with only a 6-point deficit. A truly nail-biting ending, having it all come down to the final moto at Coolum where we had Gibbs in 3rd and Ferris in 2nd place finishing some 12-seconds behind the Suzuki rider, Todd Waters. In September of 2016, a team of Australia’s best riders were sent to Maggiora Park in Northern Italy for the inaugural 2016 Motocross of Nations. Dean Ferris, alongside Todd Waters and Mitch Evans made up Team Australia with their eyes and hearts set on giving the best performance possible. Ferris was to race the MX2 + Open class against the likes of Jason Anderson, Jeffrey Herlings and many more. After a gruelling 35-minutes, Dean managed to finish a strong 5th position only one second behind the Swiss rider Arnaud Tonus. With Evans finishing in 37th place, it landed Team Australia sitting 10th Place overall after Race 2. A 14-15 finish for Waters and Ferris in Race 3 (MXGP +Open) bumped up the team’s overall placing to 8th Overall.
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2017 came a little easier for Ferris, where he had the Thor MX1 Championship wrapped up entirely, by Round 9 at Toowoomba, Queensland. Ferris conquered an outstanding 17 race wins, which was a truly impressive performance. In June of 2017, Ferris went abroad to set his sights on Round 4 of the AMA Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at High Point, Pennsylvania. An absolutely stunning performance by Ferris, battling with America’s best. With a 2nd place finish in Moto1, Dean Ferris was looking strong for a podium until an unfortunate 14th place finish in Moto 2 landed him 7th overall. Against riders such as Baggett, Anderson, Tickle, Tomac and many more, this performance only added fuel to the fire in Ferris’ belly.
“Showing signs of raw speed, confidence and aggression, Ferris most definitely made a statement on the US scene.”
All said and done, a truly extraordinary performance laid down by Ferris. As always, making Australia proud.
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Moving on to 2018, once again Ferris is looking flawless and is on a mission to dominate the Pirelli MX1 Class. The question everyone is asking is, can he wrap it up this weekend at Gladstone for Round 9 of the championship? The numbers say he can, but this is motocross and anything is possible. But what’s next for Dean Ferris? As we release this issue of Inside Dirt, it is not confirmed whether or not he has a deal in the US, however he has indicated that whilst he is fit, and riding at the top of his game he has his sights set on heading to the USA. When speaking with Ferris and his future prospects we delved on the idea of creating his own dream team to take on the USA –
“I would take the entire CDR Yamaha M o n s t e r E n e r g y Te a m a n d g o r a c i n g ” states Ferris
2019 will be an exciting year for our Aussie exports, with Ferris taking on the premier 450 class, and Hunter Lawrence contending the 250 class in the USA. But for now we say farewell to our champion and wish Dean every success in his future endeavours.
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With our best ever Australian export Chad Reed most likely hanging up the boots if he doesn’t receive the support he needs heading into the 2019 season, we will need a rider who is able to follow in Reed’s foot steps on the world stage. So does this leave a hole in Australian Motocross? The answer is definitely not. Whilst Ferris has claimed every round overall so far in 2018, we have seen some very exciting racing between the likes of Metcalfe, Gibbs and many more showing great speed, intensity and skill. So who will be the next top gun? With young up and coming riders such as Luke Clout, Dylan Long and Mitch Evans it will come as no surprise to see these young riders becoming top contenders moving forward into 2019. Following the exciting race format at Ranch MX for Round 7 & 8, WEM will be reviewing the entire 2019 season hopefully bringing all new and exciting racing all over Australia for the 2019 MX Nationals. From your traditional format, to the thrilling back-to-back style racing, 2019 will truly be an exciting year for motocross.
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RD7-8 RANCH MX RACE REPORT
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MX1 FERRIS KEEPS THOR MX1 OVERALL STREAK ALIVE AT RANCH MX CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team’s Dean Ferris has managed to keep his perfect record of Pirelli MX Nationals round victories in tact following two days of tight ‘retro round’ racing at Ranch MX, NSW. A reformatted rounds seven and eight saw both rounds decided on Sunday, as Ferris relied on consistency to maintain his perfect Thor MX1 round streak for season 2018. Ferris kept CDR Yamaha Monster Energy teammate Dylan Long and Penrite Honda Racing’s Brett Metcalfe at bay for the round seven points, then used a 2-2 result to snatch the round eight win from KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Luke Clout and Long. The opening moto of the weekend saw Ferris jump to the front from the opening lap and controlled the race on his way to a 1.8-second victory over Metcalfe. Raceline Pirelli KTM rookie Mitch Evans finished third after relinquishing second to Metcalfe with just three laps to go. Clout and Complete Parts Kawasaki Racing’s Rhys Carter rounded out the top five. In the second moto for round seven, Long broke through for his first race victory of the year with a wire-to-wire win. Long led runaway points-leader Ferris across the finish line by 4.5 seconds, who in turn finished ahead of Clout, Metcalfe and Carter.
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R8
Round eight this afternoon ran as back-to-back eight-lap sprint races, emphasising the need for perfect starts. Ferris rode to a consistent 2-2 result to claim his eighth overall of the year, just one point ahead of Clout, with Long rounding out the podium. In the opening moto Long stormed to the front of the pack and led every lap on his way his second win of the day. Ferris placed second, ahead of Metcalfe, Clout and Evans. In the second race Clout timed his gate-jump perfectly to lead every lap and keep Ferris at bay by just one second at the chequered flag, who in turn finished just in front of Evans. Carter finished fourth, with Long letting an overall victory slip through his fingers after dropping from second to fifth over the course of the race.
Round 7 Results: 1. Dean Ferris (Yamaha) 67 2. Dylan Long (Yamaha) 60 3. Brett Metcalfe (Honda) 60 4. Luke Clout (KTM) 58 5. Mitch Evans (KTM) 55 6. Rhys Carter (Kawasaki) 52 7. Corey James (Suzuki) 46 8. Callum Norton (Honda) 44 9. Joel Wightman (Honda) 42 10. Keiron Hall (Suzuki) 42
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Round 8 Results: 1. Dean Ferris (Yamaha) 64 2. Luke Clout (KTM) 63 3. Dylan Long (Yamaha) 61 4. Mitch Evans (KTM) 56 5. Brett Metcalfe (Honda) 55 6. Rhys Carter (Kawasaki) 52 7. Caleb Ward (Husqvarna) 49 8. Corey James (Suzuki) 45 9. Lachlan Davis (Honda) 49 10. Joel Wightman (Honda) 40
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MX2 TANTI AND WILLS TAKE ROUND WINS IN PIRELLI MX2 Complete Parts Kawasaki Racing’s Aaron Tanti and DPH Husqvarna’s Dylan Wills made the most of an unpredictable weekend of racing in the Pirelli MX2 class to both claim round victories at the Ranch MX circuit. For round seven, early 2018 championship leader Tanti used consistency to take him to the top of the box with a 3-2 result card, with a one-point win over moto two winner Hamish Harwood (Davey Motorsports KTM) and series leader Wilson Todd (Serco Yamaha). In Saturday’s opening race, Todd started on a high note with a dominant 7.6-second win over Wills. Tanti finished third following a big last-lap crash by Egan Mastin (KTM Motocross Racing Team), which in turn elevated Jayden Rykers (Raceline Pirelli KTM) and Harwood into the top five. The second moto saw Harwood take control early on to eventually win the race, but was kept honest throughout by Tanti and Jay Wilson (Yamalube Yamaha Racing). Wills clawed his way to fourth place, ahead of Todd.
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For round eight, Wills broke through for his first round victory of the championship with a 2-1 result, beating Todd’s 1-2 result on countback. Tanti rounded out a positive weekend with hard-fought third overall. The first of the two back-to-back sprint races saw Todd quickly take control and stretch out a relatively commanding 5.2-second lead over Wills, who snuck by Harwood in the closing corners to snatch second. Tanti and Wilson followed close behind to round out the top five. In the second seven-lap race Wills was quick off the gate to establish himself as the leader and was never headed. Todd rode a controlled race to second, ahead of Tanti and Wilson. Wilson’s Yamalube Yamaha Racing teammate Richie Evans claimed a weekend-high fifth place.
Round 7 Results: 1 Aaron Tanti (Kawasaki) 62 2 Hamish Harwood (KTM) 61 3 Wilson Todd (Yamaha) 61 4 Dylan Wills (Husqvarna) 60 5 Jay Wilson (Yamaha) 53 6 Jayden Rykers (KTM) 50 7 Cody Dyce (Yamaha) 47 8 Richie Evans (Yamaha) 44 9 Kale Makeham (Honda) 43 10 Jy Roberts (KTM) 41
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Round 8 Results: 1 Dylan Wills (Husqvarna) 67 2 Wilson Todd (Yamaha) 67 3 Aaron Tanti (Kawasaki) 58 4 Jay Wilson (Yamaha) 54 5 Hamish Harwood (KTM) 54 6 Cody Dyce (Yamaha) 48 7 Richie Evans (Yamaha) 47 8 Kale Makeham (Honda) 46 9 Jayden Rykers (KTM) 45 10 Jy Roberts (KTM) 44
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MXD MALKIEWICZ AND DUKES STRIKE BACK IN MOTUL MXD WBR Bulk Nutrients Yamaha’s Bailey Malkiewicz and Husqvarna racer Riley Dukes both kept their Motul MXD championship hopes alive with round victories at Ranch MX. For round seven, Malkiewicz chalked up back-to-back wins to strike a commanding 22-point victory over Dukes and Honda pilot Rhys Budd and take over the championship red plate in the process. In the opening race Malkiewicz passed Jye Dickson (KTM) for the lead on the third lap and tore away to a 7.1-second lead. Budd crossed the line third ahead of Riley Dukes (Husqvarna) and Kiwi Maximus Purvis (JCR Altherm Yamaha). The second race saw Malkiewicz come from fifth place to take the lead from a fast-starting Riley Ward (Husqvarna). He eventually won by 1.5 seconds from Hugh McKay (WBR Bulk Nutrients Yamaha), with Dukes third, Budd fourth and Brodie Ellis (Yamaha) fifth.
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R8
Round eight points consisted of back-to-back six-lap sprint races and Dukes’ consistent 2-2 results saw him take the round overall from KTM rider Jye Dickson and Jayce Cosford (Yamaha). In the opening moto Cosford surprised everyone with a wire-to-wire victory, despite a desperate last-lap charge from Dukes. Dickson crossed the line in third, ahead of Ellis and Purvis. The second race saw Malkiewicz claim his third win from the weekend’s four motos, enjoying a 3.1-second margin over the round victor Dukes and Dickson in third. McKay and Ellis rounded out the top five.
Round 7 Results: 1 Bailey Malkiewicz (Yamaha) 70 2 Riley Dukes (Husqvarna) 58 3 Rhys Budd (Honda) 58 4 Hugh Mackay (Yamaha) 57 5 Jye Dickson (KTM) 56 6 Brodie Ellis (Yamaha) 50 7 Maximus Purvis (Yamaha) 48 8 Dylan Wood (Kawasaki) 44 9 Riley Ward (Husqvarna) 41 10 Liam Walsh (KTM) 40
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Round 8 Results: 1 Riley Dukes (Husqvarna) 64 2 Jye Dickson (KTM) 60 3 Jayce Cosford (Yamaha) 60 4 Bailey Malkiewicz (Yamaha) 58 5 Brodie Ellis (Yamaha) 54 6 Hugh Mackay (Yamaha) 53 7 Maximus Purvis (Yamaha) 50 8 Rhys Budd (Honda) 47 9 Dylan Wood (Kawasaki) 40 10 John Bova (KTM) 39
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DEAN FERRIS #1
2X Reigning champion
CATCH THE ACTION FROM ALL 10 ROUNDS LIVE OR ON DEMAND MXNATIONALS.COM.AU OR NRGTV.COM.au for more info
VIEW MORE >> ROUND 9 - GLADSTONE With the championship winding down and only a hand full of races left, riders will need to make the most of every race.
VIEW MORE >> ROUND 10 - COOLUM What can we say about the final round that most of you probably don’t already know! The Coolum Pines Circuit is only minutes away from the beach front and is a popular holiday destination for riders and fans alike. You could literally find your self walking down the beach brushing shoulders with our top level riders.
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LUKE CLOUT Young gun Luke Clout breaks Ferris’ dominant winning streak at Ranch MX for Round 7 & 8. With only missing out on the Round 8 overall by 1 point, Clout stays hungry heading into Round 9 at Gladstone
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AIDAN MELTZER
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AIDAN MELTZER
CDR YAMAHA MONSTER ENERGY TEAM
How long have you been a race team mechanic: 8 Years What are the best results you have had working for a race team: 2 x MX National Championships 2016 / 2017 Who has been your most memorable rider to work with: Dean Ferris Who have you spanned for over the years: Brock Winston, Kayne Lamont, Jay Marmont, Jacob Wright, Dan Reardon and Dean Ferris. What has been your favorite motorcycle to work on: Yamaha YZ450F. What tools are a must have for you on the start line/mechanics area: 8mm and 10mm T-Bar. What is the last thing you say to a rider before they go out to race: Holeshot, Clean Laps What is the most common thing you write on the pit board: Lap Times What is your favourite tool: T-Bars
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JESS FOREMAN
COMPLETE PARTS KAWASAKI TEAM
How long have you been a race team mechanic: 8 Years What are the best results you have had working for a race team: Winning 2 x Motocross and 2 x Supercross Championships and Representing Australia at the 2014 Motocross Of Nations Who has been your most memorable rider to work with: Matt Moss Who have you spanned for over the years: Steven Clarke, Egan Mastin, Daniel Mccoy, Scotty Columb, Lawson Bopping, Matt Moss, Kale Makeham, Caleb Ward, Kyle Peters, Aaron Tanti, Rhys Carter and Dylan Wills What has been your favorite motorcycle to work on: 2018 Kx450F What tools are a must have for you on the start line/mechanics area: T-Bars, spanners, water, rags, white board marker, backup white board marker and backup backup white board marker What is the last thing you say to a rider before they go out to race: It’s a long race be patient and good luck! What is the most common thing you write on the pit board: Breathe most riders hold there breathe when they race and lap times 63
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Please make no attempt to imitate the illustrated riding scenes, always wear protective clothing, and observe the applicable provisions of the road traffic regulations! The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.
Photo: R. Schedl
TIME TO TAKE
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Horsham Takes On The World. Often each week the biggest story in Motocross can be boiled down to what happened at the MX Nationals, this issue however the excitement of the senior Nationals will have to take a back seat as Australia and more specifically the Horsham Motorcycle Club gears up to take on the 2018 FIM Junior World Motocross Championships, the first of its kind in the nation.
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The Wimmera, a region known for its back breakingly hard workers and a hard yakka anything is doable mentality has really laid it all on the line as the eyes of the world will be watching in just a months time. The club itself, no stranger to national events, having run 17 Australian Championship events in 16 years, across the MX Nationals, Junior Nationals, Women’s, Quads and Sidecar Nationals alike, however this will be a whole new kettle of fish. Throwing back to my personal first memory of the circuit goes all the way back to 2001, returning from a round of racing with my family at the Gilman circuit in South Australia. My father Kevin Williams had heard talk of a club interested in stepping things up and being on the national calendar. So we headed for the Wimmera and only a few minuets from the township of Horsham we arrived at what then would be an unrecognizable circuit. With this visit came a handshake agreement that would see the then newly formed Maxxis Motocross championships attend the circuit for its first Australian National in 2002, this also saw another big step for the club with a local Council grant being awarded to the venue initiating the start to the world class venue we now recognize.
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“The Horsham District Motorcycle Club was formed in March 1918, yes that’s correct 100 years of racing”
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Little to my knowledge until just recently this was by no means the start of racing in the region, to actually find the first races run in the region one would have to go back and astonishingly long time, farther then even I thought possible. This year while club and committee members dug up records for the historic event it was discovered in an article written by a historian on water supply in the Wimmera giving evidence to a truly historic event. The Horsham District Motorcycle Club was formed in March 1918 to take advantage of a dry Green Lake, yes that’s correct 100 years of racing. This was not even known to the club until just recently with the earliest club reported event going back some 91 years and what a way to celebrate a century of racing than to have the world come down under for the first time ever. This truly is a first time event to the nation outside the 1992 World Des Nations in Manjimup W.A and Two 500cc World Championship Grand Prix rounds ran in Broadford in 2000 and 2001 it is the first Word Championship to be decided in Australia, each year MA send a representative team usually of 2 riders per class are sent to represent the nation in an event that has seen champions such as Cairoli, Herlings, Roczen kick start their careers and go onto being the worlds best. This year as host nation there is an option for up to 15 of Australia’s top riders go up against the world all with the same goal to go home as a World Champion.
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In 2018 we will truly have a first for motocross and I believe there is something else that deserves special mention. For the first time ever in Australian motocross we will have a female athlete representing team Aus. Charlie Cannon will strap on the boots ad take to the line as the first female rep and lets be real‌. She can ride. All talk around this girl coming in shows true pace guts and determination to get the job done so keep an eye out as she battles to become the first Australian female motocross world champ. Australia as a nation has also seen international success at the FIM Junior World Motocross champions, firstly with Jay Wilson who has proved since then an incredible ability on the bike anywhere in the world. Of course Wilson is now competing in the premier 250 class battling for the win each and every weekend. More recently we have seen Jett Lawrence take a world title and now finds himself competing professionally in Europe alongside well known brother Hunter who though has not won a title, showed his pace at this event stepping into a supported ride also in Europe. Of course then we move to 2012 and Caleb Grothues can also call himself among the elite with a worlds under his belt.
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All of these names have been carved into history as a world champion and there really is no bigger title to take, it is a testament to years of dedication even from such a young age the dedication to this event isn’t just shown by the riders athletes and family but also by the thousands of man hours that has already gone into preparing such a large event throughout the past three years. To say the HMCC has a never say die attitude couldn’t be truer, when many other said it couldn’t be done, they broadened their shoulders and took on what was said to be impossible, they should be truly commended for what is going to be an amazing time in Horsham, offcourse such a huge event requires many people to run and anyone wanting to be a part of history in motocross for the nation should read page www.horsham-mcc.com as there are still positions available for volunteers to become part of a once in a lifetime experience. Get your tickets and strap in as the Wimmera prepares to take on the world. Story by: Aiden Williams
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Please make no attempt to imitate the illustrated riding scenes, always wear protective clothing and observe the applicable provisions of the road traffic regulations! The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.
Photo: R. Schedl
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JAYCE COSFORD Privateer Yamaha rider Jayce Cosford turned heads at Ranch MX for Round 7 & 8 of the MX Nationals. From sitting outside of the Top 20, to getting his first ever moto victory, emotions were high for Cosford and his family.
Photo: Foremost Media
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2019 KX450
MODEL REVIEW The 2019 Kawasaki KX450 is an all new model for 2019 (important note; Kawasaki dropped the F from the end of the model name!) with a lot of hype surrounding its release. By Joe Stevens.
I was lucky enough to grab a demo bike from Kawasaki and spend a full day out at Ridepark Vic putting this new model through its paces, ready to give you, the Inside dirt readers, an idea of what this bike is all about. By the time you read this the 2019 KX450 will be on the sales floor of your local dealerships and will have had a decent amount of media coverage informing you all of the technical changes to the model. My aim with this testing review, is to give you a little more of an in depth analysis of how those changes work on track and what you can expect from the bike the first time you ride it. As soon as I fired up the electric start button (new for the 2019 model) and cruised through the pits to check my controls were in a comfortable position, I knew right away Kawasaki had spent A LOT of time invested into the development of this machine. Having spent all of 2018 on a current model KX450f, I can tell you this bike has very little in common with its predecessor.
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ENGINE “The bottom end “hit” from the previous model has been replaced with smooth and usable power” Starting off with the motor makes sense because from the first crack of the throttle on track, you can feel the difference in the 2019 KX450’s power base. New cams along with larger intake and exhaust valves are among some of the changes Kawasaki implemented into this new motor for a much more versatile and usable power range. The bikes throttle response is very impressive and this is matched by the connected feel I had from the throttle to the rear wheel. There was no lag to speak of between turning the throttle and the rear wheel driving from a turn or up a jump face. This connected feeling from my controls to the rear wheel drive had me feeling at home right away. The next noticeable feature is the over rev in the midrange and top end of each gear. The bottom end “hit” from the previous model has been replaced with smooth and usable power that leads nicely into a strong mid to top end power that continues to pull and gives you some wiggle room with over rev should you need something extra for an upcoming section or obstacle.
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Kawasaki provides three engine couplers
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standard
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different ignition mapping:
STANDARD AGGRESSIVE SMOOTHER Throughout the day I tried all three couplers and settled on the black ignition setting with smoother power delivery, simply for the fact I was having so much fun riding the new model that I really wanted to get aggressive and the black coupler allowed me to get on the gas hard in the long tacky ruts at Ridepark vic and not try to stand me up or rip my arms off. All in all the three ignition settings Kawasaki provide will cover just about all consumers demands for motor feel and ignition settings and as the track conditions change each day I encourage you to try the different couplers because the difference really is noticeable.
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HYDRAULIC CLUTCH “There isn’t an ON/OFF feel that some hydraulic clutches have, and I can only say good things in regards to the feel the hydraulic clutch had controlling the KX450 without fading during a moto.” The 2019 KX450 comes standard with a Nissin hydraulic clutch. This is a big deal because Kawasaki is the first Japanese manufacturer to provide consumers with a hydraulic clutch in a bikes standard form. The clutch leads on for me from the motor as a stand out feature of this new bike. I’m going to be straight up and say I’m a big fan of cable clutches.
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To me it’s difficult to replicate the comfort and control you can feel through a cable clutch in a hydraulic version. However, the Nissin model does a great job of balancing the best features of a cable clutch and turning them into a hydraulic. It really does not feel anything like a Brembo for the sake of comparison. There is a small amount of free play in the lever itself, which allows riders like me to rest their index finger on the lever without running the risk of frying a clutch. There isn’t an ON/OFF feel that some hydraulic clutches have, and I can only say good things in regards to the feel the hydraulic clutch had controlling the KX450 without fading during a moto.
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FRAME & CHASSIS “The bike would follow my directions from down low in the chassis and stay stable enough through the front end to allow me to cut almost anywhere” I had heard some concerns before riding the new bike that it had increased in weight from last year’s model and in comparison to some other manufacturers models in it’s class. This can mainly be attributed to losing the kick starter in favour of a battery and electric start feature. But once on track the bike feels light, nimble and extremely easy to manoeuvre. As I mentioned above, this is due to the bikes power delivery being so precise and the connection a rider has from the throttle to the rear wheel.
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The 2018 KX450f was a rear wheel turning bike (just take a look at Eli Tomac ride a Supercross bowl turn and you’ll know what I am talking about). What was evident to me right away with the new bike is how comfortable I felt committing to long ruts up the front of the bike and leaning in early. The feel from the footpegs to the seat and the rider position to the controls allows you to be easily on top of the bike (as opposed to sitting in the bike like the 2018 felt) and still have good room from your torso to the controls. I am 6ft with long arms but did not feel cramped on the bars in their stock position. Sure running my preferred bar bend would have helped but I had no issue with the stock bars or rider position from the chassis and controls out on track. The bike feels thin at the footpegs and between your knees, I was very impressed with how easy the bike was to “cut down� from certain sections if I wanted to miss the entry to a rut or flat track for example. The bike would follow my directions from down low in the chassis and stay stable enough through the front end to allow me to cut almost anywhere I wanted to go at speed entering turns. This feeling is a huge step forward to Kawasaki shedding the KX450 predecessors reputation of being a larger feeling bike that was hard to turn. The 2019 in my opinion can go head to head with any model in its class for how easy a rider can turn and change direction. The frames ability to absorb square edge bumps is still a huge strong point from the previous Kawasaki models along with straight line stability at high speed.
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SUSPENSION “Kawasaki has added some internal fork changes straight from their race team R&D that you won’t find anywhere else as standard.” SPRING FORKS ARE BACK! Yes for the first time since 2013 the KX450 comes equipped standard with 49mm Showa spring forks. Kawasaki have really stepped up their suspension game in 2019 and although these model forks are the same as what you will find on the Honda and Suzuki 2019 450’s, Kawasaki has added some internal changes straight from their race team R&D that you won’t find anywhere else as standard.
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The 49mm Showa spring fork does everything it is supposed to do and balanced well with the rear shock right out of the crate. As a heavier rider (close to 100kg with gear on) with a few clicks harder on the compression the forks stood up to every jump face, landing and sharp braking bump I could find. Surprisingly I don’t have much more to say about the forks here because they felt great and as the 2019 is such a revamped model from its predecessor the forks felt a very balanced and integral part of the new set up. This is a good thing because that’s exactly how you want a bike to feel in regards to suspension in a standard model, working together with the chassis and new motor features to complete a very solid package that is the 2019 KX450.
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2019 KX450
IN SUMMARY For Kawasaki riders that update to the 2019, you will really notice a massive improvement in all aspects of this model and a new comfort level when pushing those lap times or cruising around on the weekends. For new riders to the KX450 in 2019, be ready for a very solid package that has the ability to contend for the top position in its class in 2019.
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C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S A A R O N 250W A M A SUPERCROSS CHA MPION
T H E F I R S T. T H E F O R E V E R .
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FIRST LOOK
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IGNITE YOUR PASSION For over 50 years, THOR has been providing riders with products that are built to perform at the highest level. On the toughest tracks, under the most extreme conditions, and under the most intense pressure, our racewear, helmets and hard goods have proven time and again that they are up to the task. As we continue to raise the bar for others to follow, we never waiver in our relentless drive to build products that don’t just meet your expectations, they exceed them.
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MARVIN MUSQUIN | PRIME PRO INFECTION
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PERFORMANCE PERSONIFIED Every stitch of PRIME PRO racewear was designed with intent and purpose. Utilizing premium materials and detailed craftsmanshi p, PRIME PRO is our most advanced racewear to date. Built around the notion that unrestricted mobility, minimal weight and athletic fit all allow the rider to work more efficiently with the motorcycle, PRIME PRO is designed to reduce interference between man and machine. From concept to creation, PRIME PRO was developed with insight and testing from our elite riders to deliver next level performance.
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Ultra lightweight pre-curved chassis design Inner compression short Abrasian tolerant Poly/Spandex blend Premium grade full grain leather inner knee panels DuPontTM stretch KevlarÂŽ backed inner knee panels Engineered small expansion stretch panels on waist Strategically placed vented mesh panels Laser cut holes for ventilation Inner waist silicone band Interior hi p pocket (easily removable) Ratchet style waist closure
Hybrid fit with set-in style tailored sleeves Taped collar and cuffs Minimal seams for maximum comfort Fully ventilated arms and back panel Moisture wicking material keeps you dry Tail silicone print helps keep jersey tucked in Flat-stitched seams minimize irritation
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JARRYD MCNEIL | PRIME PRO FIGHTER
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CLEMENT DESALLE | PULSE SAVAGE BIG KAT
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TESTED, TRIED AND TRUE Built tough to last you moto after moto, the PULSE line of racewear stands up to the elements in style. PULSE racewear provides all day comfort with a performance fit jersey and pre-curved pant chassis that assumes the active rider position.
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PULSE SAVAGE | BIG KAT
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Pre-curved Rapid-FlexTM knee for maximum comfort Adjustable hi p side cinches (Adult sizes only) Ratchet style closure Double and tri ple stitching for durablility Abrasion tolerant materials Full grain leather knee panels Side expansion panels Athletic mesh liner Interior hi p pocket
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MITCHELL OLDENBURG | PULSE AIR ACID
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ELECTRIC BLUE/BLACK
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ELECTRIC BLUE/BLACK
Fully perforated panels for maximum air flow Set in style sleeves for versitile fit Moisture wicking material keeps you dry Four-way stretch panels in cuffs and collar No-fade sublimated graphics Heat transfer neck label
| PULSE_AIR
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THOR TWENTY_NINETEEN
PULSE AIR JERSEY
PULSE AIR PANT -
Fully vented mesh panels for maximum air flow Pre-curved Rapid-FlexTM knee for maximum comfort Adjustable hi p side cinches (Adult sizes only) Ratchet style closure Double and tri ple stitching for durablility Abrasion tolerant materials Full grain leather knee panels Side expansion panels Athletic mesh liner Interior hi p pocket
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SECTOR
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NOAH KEPPLE | SECTOR CAMO BLUE
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JULIEN BEAUMER | SECTOR SHEER BLACK/ACID
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Raglan style sleeves for optimal mobility Moisture wicking material keeps you dry Stretch panels in cuffs and collar No-fade sublimated graphics Heat transfer neck label Drop tail design helps keep jersey tucked in
| SECTOR_
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SECTOR AIR PANT -
Pre-curved shape for maximum comfort Double and tri ple stitching for durablility Abrasion tolerant materials Buckle closure Purpose built TPR features Athletic mesh liner
SECTOR SHEER | BLACK/ACID
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2018 AORC
RD6 DUNGOG RACE REPORT A sun-soaked day saw the field back for another time carded enduro today for Round Six of the Yamaha Australian OffRoad Championship (AORC) as Daniel Milner made the Dungog terrain his own. Aboard his KTM 500 EXC-F Milner was a class above as the fastest rider on the track as he took out E3 honours. In E2 it was Daniel Sanders making it six from six aboard his Husqvarna, but today definitely wasn’t smooth sailing for Sanders, but he showed his class to recompose himself after bike issues and take the win. Luke Styke got back on the winner’s step in E1 after the Yamaha rider suffered his first loss of the season on Saturday, proving to fast for the field.
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E3 Milner mentioned yesterday that he wanted to put a tough month behind him and boy did the KTM rider do that, Milner was a man on a mission from the first test of the day. The tracks were getting rougher as the day progressed but that didn’t slow Milner down as he stopped the clock at 51:01.310. Lachlan Stanford backed up his second place on Saturday with another solid performance today after finishing in a time of 53:11.058. In his first round on his new KTM Scott Keegan is looking at home very quickly as he grabbed a pair of third place finishes, after ending Sunday with a time of 53:41.357. Milner was thrilled with the test provided by Dungog Motorcycle Club, “The Cross test here this weekend was up there with one of my favourite test we have come across in AORC, the layout was great and had nice lines. Today was a bit slower this morning but we got through that and tried to limit our mistakes today as the tracks deuterated as the day went on. It was great to put the last month behind me after Hattah, I wanted to push hard and get the win, I had put everything into today and we got the win,” finished Milner. Round 6 AORC E3 Provisional Results 1. Daniel Milner (KTM Enduro Factory Racing Team) 51:01.310 2. Lachlan Stanford (Husqvarna Enduro Factory Racing Team) 53:11.058 3. Scott Keegan 53:41.357 4. Broc Grabham 53:41.461 5. Kane Hall 54:17.525
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E2 Sanders was once again the man to beat in the E2 class, but today wasn’t without its struggles after a technical fault halfway through the day threatened to end Sanders day early. After needing to put his mechanical hat on during the trail, Sanders managed to put the wires together and get his Husqvarna back on track. After this Sanders was a man on a mission and nothing was getting in his way of claiming back the time he had lost due to his mechanical issue, and did he ever, taking the win with a time of 52:43.042. Mr consistent Josh Green would finish today’s racing in second position to back up his second on Saturday. The Yamaha rider will take a lot of momentum out of this weekend after ending today in 52:57.406. The podium was rounded out by KTM’s Lyndon Snodgrass who pushed through the enduro to end with a time of 53:15.452. Sanders enjoyed the first enduro of the season,” The first enduro of the AORC series, it was nice to see an old school enduro with some technical aspects. The tests were good I enjoyed that they were tough, and it separated the pack. Today was a tough day for me when I was battling away with Milner up the front but on the second lap of the trail I had a fuse go, and I had to go back to my apprentice days to get the bike going again. I was lucky enough to make up the time I lost in the remaining test and grab the win,” said Sanders. Round 6 AORC E2 Provisional Results 1. Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna Enduro Factory Racing Team) 52:43.042 2. Josh Green (Actve8 Yamalube Yamaha Racing Team) 52:57.406 3. Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM Enduro Factory Racing Team) 53:15.452 4. Wil Ruprecht (Active8 Yamalube Yamaha Racing Team) 54:04.930 5. Stefan Granquist 54:09.894
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E1 Luke Styke jumped straight back in the winner’s circle after taking the E1 win today after his first loss of the season yesterday. Styke looked to be enjoying the conditions as they became tougher throughout the day, but the Yamaha rider made it look easy stopping the clock at 53:20.324. After his breakthrough win yesterday Fraser Higlett would have to settle for second as the Husqvarna rider finished todays enduro with a time of 53:37.975. Frenchman Jeremy Carpentier made his way onto the final step of the podium today, as he pushed his Yamaha to the limits over the day completing the track in 54:14.983. Round 6 AORC E1 Provisional Results 1. Luke Styke (Active8 Yamalube Yamaha Racing Team) 53:20.324 2. Fraser Higlett (Husqvarna Enduro Factory Racing Team) 53:37.975 3. Jeremy Carpentier (MX Store Ballards Off-Road Team) 54:14.983 4. Jack Simpson 54:15.008 5. Brad Hardaker 56:21.233
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I N S I D E
THE TEAMS
CDR YAMAHA MONSTER ENERGY TEAM #1 - Dean Ferris #7 - Dylan Long
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SERCO YAMAHA #2 - Wilson Todd #199 - Nathan Crawford
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YAMALUBE YAMAHA RACING #6 - Jay Wilson #86 - Richie Evans
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WBR YAMAHA #46 - Hugh McKay #47 - Bailey Malkiewicz
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PENRITE CRF HONDA RACING #9 - Kale Makeham #57 - Jackson Richardson #96 - Kyle Webster
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COMPLETE PARTS KAWASAKI RACING #6 - Rhys Carter #18 - Aaron Tanti
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KTM RACING TEAM #1 - Egan Mastin #4 - Luke Clout #5 - Kirk Gibbs
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RACELINE KTM #3 - Jayden Rykers #43 - Mitch Evans
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DPH MOTORSPORT HUSQVARNA #5 - Dylan Wills #118 - Callum Norton
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KSF ECSTAR SUZUKI RACING #J05 - Jesse Madden #149 - Isaac Ferguson
#144 - Kieron Hall #414 - Jesse Dobson VIEW PROFILE
SB MOTORSPORTS #10 - Josh Brewster #94 - Kayne Lamont
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