[News]

Throwdown No.91 – Plethora of 2013 Ponies Released

12 years ago

What’s this “Throwdown”? It’s a digital home for rumour, fact and innuendo, delivered on a weekly basis. Covering a broad spectrum of the off-road world’s news, the Throwdown will touch on everything from racing to trailriding; from industry tidbits to issues facing the sport. It’s about delivering you timely information all in one place so you don’t have to scour the internet looking for it.


MX/SX

The 2013 CRF450R

The 2013 Hondas broke cover this week and the CRF450R is completely rebuilt from the ground up. The twin-spar aluminum frame was redesigned to fit KYB’s Pneumatic Spring Forks. The engine is revised to help increase torque in the low-to-mid range, and the bike now features a twin-exhaust system. For full details, look at the online rundown. As for Honda’s quarter-litre machine, the CRF250R, it receives minimal updates but does get changes to the powerplant and suspension.

The special edition Honda CRF250L

Here’s a shot from this year’s Tokyo Motor Show showing off a modified Honda CRF250L – the all-new Honda that was announced late last year. It’s been modified with high performance Mugen engine components and received custom bodywork as well as a few trick aftermarket bits. There are currently no specs available for the special edition model but we did track down a video of the CR-R from the Tokyo show.

Transmoto’s Ollie Sharp testing out KTM’s new 2013 range

KTM had the international launch of their 2013 models in Italy two weeks ago, with the major updates focused on their SX-F models. Most notably were the new fuel-injected 450SX-F and the revised 250SX-F, which gets an all-new engine and updated injection system. Transmoto’s Ollie Sharp went along for the ride and brought back this cool footage from scenic Tuscany.

The proposed indoor motocross track down at Port Kembla

Ever wanted to travel five minutes from work and hit the motocross track at any time of the day? That’s exactly what AIM-X proposes to do down in Port Kembla. They want to run two motocross tracks with a fully equipped sprinkler system inside a warehouse on the harbour. Having the track enclosed means it’ll never be affected by weather and always kept at its best. It’s still in the early stages of development. For more details head to http://www.aim-x.com.au.

Red Bull KTM’s Jeffrey Herlings dominated both races in the Dutch Motocross Championship and took away the MX2 title. In the second moto he actually broke his gear shifter and was forced to finish the race in fourth place. He currently sits first in the MX2 class in the World Motocross Championship, 20 points in front of British rival, Tommy Searle.

Enduro

With the Tatts Finke Desert Race only a week away, riders and drivers alike are busily preparing to tackle one of the most difficult and fast-paced desert races in Australia. The HSE Motorex KTM team of Toby Price, Matt Fish and Brad Williscroft has been out pre-running the course for the last few months. But they aren’t the only competitors who have the number one spot in their sight. There’s Active8 Yamaha Yamalube Racing’s Jarrod Bewley, who finished second last year in his very first Finke, and don’t forget Alice Spring’s local, Ryan Branford and the Smith brothers, Jake and Todd, who’ve consistently been running up front over the past few years. Then there are up-and-comers like 26-year-old Sunshine Coast rider, Caleb Auricht. But with reigning winner, Ben Grabham, out with injury after crashing into a roo at the Condo 750, you’ve got to think Toby Price is the favourite heading into this year’s event. After all, he’s been consistently on top in the Australian Off-Road Champion this season. But as with any desert race, the unexpected can and will happen (Toby had a mechanical last year), so don’t rule anyone out just yet.

Two all-new 450 RR Cross Country models will make their way to Australia in six weeks.

Beta have announced a mid-year 2012 450 RR Cross Country model that has been developed specifically for motocross and off-road racing. The new machine gets revisions to the frame, the 48mm Marzocchi fork, Sachs Factory shock that allows 7mm more rear wheel travel, an electric start and kickstart removal kit and a simplified electrical system. It’ll retail for $11,490 but won’t be ADR approved. “I’ve got a couple of the Cross Country models ready to be shipped from Italy and they should be arriving in Australia in six weeks,” said Australian Beta importer, Gary Grealy. “They won’t be available in dealers for some time, but if anyone wants to order one right away I can get it shipped with the two I’m bringing over.” Head to the Beta Australia website for more details.

Triumph held an adventure ride launch for their all-new Tiger Explorer 1200, which is aimed squarely at the BMW R1200GS. With a 1215cc triple, it has a maximum fuel range of 400km, adjustable seat height, comfortable ergos, excellent torque and a 24-month unlimited kilometre warranty. Have a look at the full ride report from Peter Whitaker.

Spaniard Tony Bou took victory in Oz

The Australian leg of the FIM Trial World Championship took place at Mount Tarrengower in Australia over the weekend and it was Spaniard Toni Bou who took victory. Unfortunately, the Australian and New Zealand riders couldn’t compete with the front-runners, with the best result coming from NZ’s Jake Whitaker with a fifth on Day 2 in the Open International class. For more details and a video recap of the round, click here.

Three-time Dakar Champion, Marc Coma, has joined KTM USA’s rally team to race in the Baja 500, which takes place in Mexico from June 3 to 5. Coma battled it out in the Baja Nevada 1000 in 2006, but it will be his first 500. “I’ve always wanted to compete in this rally and after so many seasons riding I’m spurred on by the desire to do new things,” said an enthused Coma. He’ll be teamed up with WORCS champion Kurt Caselli, Mike Brown and Mexico’s Ivan Ramirez.

FMX

Double Backflip king, Cam Sinclair, is back to pulling off his signature move – only successfully completed by a handful of riders in the world – for the Nitro Circus Live tour that’s currently traveling around Australia. Already visiting Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, the tour will stop in at Adelaide Entertainment Centre this weekend, and then head to Perth the following week for the final instalment of the tour. For more information check the Nitro website.

The opening round of the Underground FMX Championship, held at Mackay over the weekend, turned into a great success after fears of bad weather forced the event to postpone one day. In a surprise upset, it was rookie Brenton Drager who took victory ahead of Gyles Stainton and professional FMXer, Rhys Hillier. Take a look at the video highlights from the event.

Industry

The latest issue of the free online magazine, Motocross Illustrated, is out now. In it you’ll find talk on the problems at the GP of Mexico, an interview with reigning AMA Motocross Lites champion, Dean Wilson, and a Transmoto feature on old school motocross in Oz. Click here to take a look.

The tyre-slaying, ball-tearing, tranny-trashing, clutch-kicking, gasoline-chugging Gymkhana GRID is back. This time taking place in Europe, there’ll be four qualifying rounds and a final that’ll see the winners battle it out with Mr Gymkhana himself (Block). We know from previous experience, like his Hollywood Megamercial, that Block loves going all out with his videos and it’s no different in the European Gymkhana GRID intro vid.


Want to win Serco Yamaha’s Kirk Gibbs or Luke Styke’s front number plate? All you have to do is head to Serco’s Facebook page and tell em whose plate you want to win (although we’d throw in a one liner about why you want that particular plate). But be quick, they’re picking a winner tomorrow.

Reed looking happy in his new stock car

TwoTwo Motorsports’ Chad Reed had his stock car debut at Hickory Motor Speedway over the weekend, competing in a car out of veteran Late Model Stock Car racer, Jamie Yelton’s shop. Unfortunately, his first appearance on the track didn’t go to plan after a driver spun out in front of him and he crashed.

Speaking of Reed, it was his wife Ellie’s birthday today. Happy birthday MrsTwoTwo.

Yamaha has a $500 cashback deal on the YZ250F and YZ450F for the month of June. There’s also a 5.99% low finance rate on all models.

Husqvarna have put together rental packages for the 99th edition of the International Six Day Enduro with a range of four- and two-stroke machines available. You’ve got the option of just renting the bike or opt for the service package, too. For more details email Zupin Motorsports on info@mshag.com.

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