Australasian Dirt Bike Magazine Issue 502

THE RACING MODELS ARE DUMPING THEIR WP SUSPENSION FOR THE KYB KIT UNLIKE PREVIOUS YEARS, you won’t have to wait until September or October to get your hands on the next generation of dirtbikes. For reasons that can’t really be explained by the local distributors, MY22 models are arriving as early as July, with most European brands’ ranges arriving in full by late-August. This means that, in less than three months, you will have the opportunity to swing a leg over the first generation of machines to emerge after the COVID-19 lockdowns. While it’s exciting to get our hands on next year’s models earlier than usual, the latest bikes aren’t as exciting as we were hoping. For the most part, the KTMs and Husqvarnas are getting revised engine and suspension settings and,…

SMART MOVE JUST AS WE come to grips with the fact that the year is half-cooked, the MY22 Husky motocrossers have broken cover. The catch phrase for the new models, Ride Smarter, is fitting given the bikes feature subtle refinements rather than ground breaking new designs. The nine-bike range of two-stroke and four-stroke motocrossers is promising improved durability on all full-sized models, with a Brembo hydraulically-actuated clutch for what Husqvarna says is “near maintenance-free operation”, while the FC250 and FC350 have new friction bearings on the counter-balancer shaft. The Huskies naturally sport a new look, without the gray lower sideplates. The bikes are scheduled to be available in Australia from July. BRAKTEC SWITCH THE MY22 ENDURO range is out of the bag and the list of refinements is short. All models have revised damping…

BETA HAS MADE significant changes to the MY22 XTrainer range to make them even more user friendly. It already had a low seat, a dry weight of just 98kg, 2T oil injection, soft-compound tyres and an externally adjustable power valve, but the Italian factory has moved to increase the smoothness of the 300 with a new cylinder, crank and powervalve. That engine now features a bigger bore and shorter stroke, with a new piston, power valve and cylinder head to suit the new design. Both the 250 and 300 have also received improvements to the clutch to suit the abuse of hard enduro terrain, with diaphragm springs making the clutch action lighter, more progressive and more controllable, significantly reducing rider fatigue. Both engagement and disengagement have been improved, while the clutch is…

MUCH LIKE THEIR white and blue cousins, the MY22 KTM motocross range is all about a new look as opposed to radical change. The full-size MX range includes the 450SX-F, 350SX-F and 250SX-F four-stokes alongside the 250SX, 150SX and 125SX smokers. Updates are scarce but the new livery and blue seat (no, it’s not the same as the Husky one) against the orange frame is bound to get Kato lovers frothing. As always, KTM will be on top of the grommets’ wish list, with the 85SX, 65SX and 50SX all sporting the new look. The sexy SX range is scheduled to be available from July.…

AFTER RECORD SALES in 2020/21 made KTM’s a rare commodity, the R&D department have opted to keep changes to a minimum. For MY22 the EXC range gets two key upgrades that increase the contrast with the “softer” tune of Pierer Mobility’s recently added GASGAS range. All models get updated WP suspension settings aimed at offering a firmer and more planted feel. The second key upgrade is the addition of Maxxis MaxxEnduro tyres. According to KTM’s testers, the tyres showed improved durability and puncture resistance. We look forward to testing that claim. The updated EXC line-up will land at authorized KTM dealers in Australia and NZ from July. AT A GLANCE: • Firmer WP shock and fork • Improved oil circulation in the suspension • New Maxxis MaxxEnduro tyres • New 13:52 gearing for the 250EXC TPI to…

HONDA JUST ALWAYS seems to do it right and when the covers were taken off next year’s CRF450R in the US, hearts started racing. The CRF450R gets an updated ECU promising more drive while the suspension valving has been revised for better holdup and improved balance. Honda is spruiking three main focus areas in the revamp: power, handling and consistency. The updates aren’t ground-breaking but what will get Honda fans frothing is the CRF450RWE (Works Edition) that has been revealed by Honda America. This weapon features upgraded suspension, upgraded ECU, Yoshimura titanium exhaust, Hinson clutch basket, a red rocker cover and a bunch of other cool bits and pieces. Those lucky Yanks get all the good stuff. Too bad Ken Roczen couldn’t hold his end up.…