Australasian Dirt Bike Magazine Issue 521

THE 2023 DAKAR Rally will be in full swing by the time this issue of ADB hit's the streets and with a few critical rule changes for this year, it could be anyone's game. Of course, we're tuning in to cheer on our Aussie riders and according to ADB's resident legend and former Dakar campaigner, Ben Grabham, former winner Toby Price and emerging rally star Daniel Sanders have every chance of being up front. Here's Grabbo's spin on Dakar 2023. “Coming into the start of the race there didn't appear to be any of the top riders carrying any significant injuries, although Chucky and Toby are still recovering from injuries from months ago. “There are some massive rule changes for this year and I don't know all of them but what stands…

SPANISH MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURER Rieju revealed a number of new models at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan including a four-stroke adventure model. The Aventura Legend appears to be a fully equipped adventure machine with an entry-level 500cc parallel twin cylinder engine. With 18/21-inch wheels the Aventura Legend would have dirtbike capabilities and with a 30-litre fuel capacity it has the potential to cover distance. This could be a very appealing motorcycle if or when it makes it onto Australian soil.…

SHERCO AUSTRALIA HAS announced their racing plans for 2023 with an emphasis on hard enduro. Jonte Reynders remains with the Motul Pirelli Sherco Team and will contest the Australian Off-Road Championship, however, the Tasmanian champ is switching from the 300SE two-stroke to the 300SEF four-stroke and will race in the competitive E2 class. Meanwhile, Anthony Solar and Chris Perry will contest the Australian Hard Enduro Championship where Solar and Parry placed first and second respectively in 2022. Tim Coleman will remain with Sherco but is yet to confirm his racing plans.…

HOW'S THIS FOR what could be a sign of things to come here in Australia. Riders planning on riding in Utah, USA, are now required to complete an, online course requirement for all operators aged 18 or over. It specifies that the course must contain “education concerning the importance of gates and fences used in agriculture and how to properly close a gate; and education concerning respectful, sustainable, and on-trail off-highway vehicle operation, and respect for communities affected by off-highway vehicle operation.” This is intended to educate riders on how not to annoy local residents, as well as how to tread lightly and stay on designated trails. Requirements for unlicensed operators under 18 are unchanged, with a $35 online skills course or an in-person course and exam. A rider under…

LAST ISSUE, ADB ED Mitch Lees speculated in his editorial as to what team German motocross and supercross rider Ken Roczen would end up on in 2023. Well just a month before the first round of the 2023 AMA Supercross Championship, Roczen announced he will ride for H.E.P Motorsports Suzuki “I am beyond excited to reconnect with Suzuki for the third time in my career. We've had a lot of success in the past and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together in our future” said Roczen.…

BACKED BY THE FIM, the E-Xplorer World Cup could come to Australia in 2024. It just partnered with Aussie distributor EBMX for the 2023 season, who run a race team in the series with Aussie FMX icon Robbie Maddison, and can supply parts and mods around the world for electric two-wheelers. The FIM E-Xplorer World Cup is a brand new international electric all-terrain motorcycle series. Twelve teams of two riders, one female and one male, race together through city centres and epic natural locations.…